Agewell Foundation is committed to reassure,assist and be there for older people always in all ways.

Current Projects | Proposed Initiatives | Agewell Helpline for Older Persons in Delhi | Help line for Older Persons
Help lines for Older Persons | Aadhar- Nationwide Voluntary Action Network | Future Plans | Issues | The Agewell Advantage Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre | Representations | The Identified Priority Zones | Agewell-National Employment Exchange for Older Persons | Agewell -Share a Smile with the Elders | Agewell-Family Membership Scheme | The growing uncertainties | Membership/ Sponsorship contribution | Agewell-Help lines for Older Persons in Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat)

Current Projects

• Agewell Helpline for Older Persons in Delhi

• Aadhar – Nationwide Voluntary Action Network

• Agewell Centre for Research & Advocacy for Needs & Rights of older persons

• Agewell Helpline for Older Persons in Ahmedabad

• Agewell Employment Exchange for older persons

• “Share a Smile with Your Elders” –School Contact Program

• Agewell Family Membership Scheme

Proposed Initiatives

• Linkage Between Adolescents And Older Persons

• Old Age Trauma Center

• Old Age And Disability – An Outreach Initiative

• Interaction Center For Older Persons

• Older Persons As Social Communicators

• Older Persons And HIV/AIDS

• Old Age Management – Training Programmes

• Care Giver - Training Modules

• Older Persons In Prison And Asylums – An Assessment.

Agewell Helpline for Older Persons in Delhi

Today in smaller units, elders are felt to be in the way. Taking up time and place and hard earned resources. The past is forgotten. Gratitude is nowhere in the picture. Duty is being upstaged by pressures that are genuine and reasons that are excuses.

Agewell aims to disabuse the popular mindset that regards old age with a sense of pity for their helplessness. Replacing it with an attitude of confidence, fostering respect for them and encouraging fortitude in them. And bringing a little certainty, even fun into their lives.

With this purpose in mind, Agewell-Helpline has been set up for the older persons. A network of thousands of volunteers are already at work in given areas. They are constantly alert to attend to matters of medical or emotional nature, affairs to do with security as well as legal and financial advice. They are spread across the city so that no cry for help goes unanswered. Giving elders a sense that there is someone they can turn to at all times, on whom they are not a burden.

Help line for Older Persons

• To listen

• To counsel

• To organise assistance for older persons

Helplines for Older Persons

So far over 160000* older persons have availed assistance for

• Legal/Medical/Financial problems

• Pension/Fund/Insurance Problems

• Social Problems

• Relationship with relatives

• Residential problems etc

Aadhar- Nationwide Voluntary Action Network
A base for empowerment of older persons

In 1999, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India had commissioned Agewell Foundation to set up Aadhar as Secretariat of National Council for Older Persons. Aadhar is responsible for looking after the grievances of older persons and assist them in finding solutions. It has set up a nation wide Zila Aadhar Network covering every district of the country with thousands of committed and concerned volunteers. The voluntary network is assisted in its efforts by the local administration under the guidance of District Collector and the Superintendent of Police in each district. Millions of older persons all over the country now have access to Zila Aadhar Members/Associates for redressal of their grievances, which are now being resolved in a systematic manner.

Mandate

• Look after the grievances of older persons across the country, represent them in finding solutions to their problems and provide for them

• Providing assistance to National Council for Older Persons

• Setting up a Nation wide Voluntary Action Network.

• Interaction with public spirited individuals, organizations and NGOs.

• Interacting with concerned authorities on behalf of Ministry and older persons.

Zila Aadhar Network (A Nationwide voluntary action network)

• One of India’s largest active voluntary groups – 6335 Zila Aadhar members/Associates currently cover 540 districts

• Members provided with Distance Training

• Volunteers work under our guidance at no cost to us (often spending their own money while providing for older persons)

• Zila Aadhar members also submit monthly reports on their activities (at their own cost)

Zila Aadhar Members’ Profile

• Social activists/ Volunteers;

• Retired bureaucrats i e. IAS Officers, Judges etc.;

• Doctors;

• Lawyers;

• Lecturers/Professors;

• Retired defence personnel

Aadhar activities

• Appointment of individuals and NGOs as Zila Aadhar Members/ Associates

• Dispatching of training kits, memoranda to members

• Monitoring of activities of members

• Compilation of monthly reports submitted by members, analysis, and guidance

• Motivation and direction to members

• Providing periodic training and information

• Redressal of grievances forwarded by members

• Guidelines for assisting older persons

Grievance Redressal

Sources of Grievencances

• Letters forwarded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

• Grievances handled through Zila Aadhar network

• Representations received directly

• Representations forwarded by Zila Aadhar Members/Associates

Over 4.7 million older people have been assisted through the network consisting of over 6335 dedicated volunteers spread across the country covering 540 districts of India.

Self-Help Group

To empower older people locally the voluntary action network has initiated a nationwide project to put together older people locally. They are encouraged to work together and be there for each other as a self-help group.

4924 Self-Help Groups consisting of 352011 older persons have been established so far.

Self-Help Group Activities

• Organise Self-Help Groups amongst older persons through Zila Aadhar Network

• Motivate Zila Aadhar Members/Associates for Self-Help Group activities

• Identification and placement of older persons in self-help assignments

Zila Aadhar Members- 6335 in 540 districts

Representations Received by Zila Aadhar Members/Associates

Future Plans

• Every Indian citizen above the age of 60 should know that help is at hand

• Inputs to policy makers & plan implementers

• Cover all 593 districts

• Target 15000 Zila Aadhar Members

• Organize equal representation in urban and rural areas

• As work expands, professionally qualified/ trained manpower (MSW/ even socially committed MBAs) would be required to manage complex tasks

• Systems for monitoring achievement and ensuring transparency

• Would require manpower skilled in system development and administration

• Hardware and software support would enable efficient utilization of resources

Organize training programmes for effective counselling

• Development of training modules

• Conducting training programmes as per norms

• Regular updating of training modules based on feedback

Publish regular newsletter to serve as

• Motivational tool for members

• Case studies for sharing of experiences

• Engender family feelings and support groups amongst members

Use the internet in future through development of website

• Communication, On line training, Bulletin board

• Development of common interest communities, Archive for sharing of learning and experiences, Scope would be international

Customize Voluntary Action Network

• Utilize network to offer customize assistance to retired old persons (and their spouses) from various PSUs,Banks and other large organizations for a specified annual fee.

Self-sustaining Initiative

• Wherein funds to manage Aadhar would be

• Collected as customization fee.

Issues

• Awareness generation amongst older persons needs to be done on a sustained basis

• Local administration at district level is still not fully aligned with concept of Aadhar

• Terminal cases require time and effort – high degree of motivation required to ensure resolution

• Funds need to be made available on time

The Agewell Advantage

• Professional management

• Action oriented

• Committed to delivery

• Accountability

• Transparency

• Well networked with opinion leaders, policy makers, business community, strategy planners & media

Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre (For Needs & Rights of Older Persons)

India is fast witnessing a marked change in the needs & requirements of its senior citizens. The centre is committed to bringing in a dynamic change for the elderly in terms of social participation & integration, economic security, macro societal change and development, healthy ageing, enhancing the physical and mental quality of life and ushering in care systems in diverse cultural, socio-economic and environmental situations.

The research agenda includes studies in policy related areas of ageing where the findings may have practical and realistic application. Agewell undertakes advocacy on issues of concern for welfare of elderly with the government, National and International agencies, elected representatives e.g. members of Panchayat, Members of Parliament, political parties, business, industry and other structures of power & media at all levels.

The Centre is currently undertaking

• Nationwide in depth study of needs & rights of older persons from their own perspective

• Advocacy on issues of concern for welfare of elderly

• Attempt to bridge intergenerational gap

• Evolve and implement methodologies for better living conditions of older persons

• Data & Analysis of issues faced by Older Persons since the year 1999

The Centre’s strength allows it to undertake

• Income, Wealth & Consumption data collection

• Poverty: Adequacy of Economic Resources in Old Age

• Life Cycle Model of Economic Well-Being

• Old Age Generational & Gender Differences relating to Economic Status

• Economic Policy Analysis: Developing Criteria for Evaluating Old Age Policy Assessment

• Technical co-operation is being sought to develop a research agenda on such needs and rights

Representations

In the process of serving the old, Agewell Foundation represents the data in reference to the Financial Problems of Older Persons & their Solutions provided, with relation to:

• Legal & Medical

• Financial assistance/ Old Age pension / Provident Funds / Investments / Insurance•Social Problems / Loneliness /Relationship Issues

• Residential / Old Age Home or Rehabilitation

• Voluntary / NGO Services & Projects

Representations - from Zila AM / Ass.
Received & Attended

Approached the Election Commission of India to

• Ensure a separate line for the elderly at the polling stations to facilitate easier access for exercising their voting rights

• Include a separate column in the polling station report for recording the total number of franchising by Old People (60+) at the polling station.

Both the persuasions were notified and duly implemented by the Election Commission for all polling requirements, nationally.

The Identified Priority Zones

• Interpersonal needs

• Security

• Fast changing financial scenario

• Extreme loneliness

• Extraordinary medical anxieties

• Initiations are underway to enhance elders' physical, mental, and interpersonal abilities and to expand opportunities for achieving personal goals in life and finally, continuous contribution to society.

• This research is to identify behaviours and social interactions that influence health and quality of life.

• Results of these studies can enhance symptom management, conserve function, and improve caregiving.

Agewell-National Employment Exchange for Older Persons

Old age notwithstanding there are goals to achieve. Agewell strongly subscribes to that view and sees a tremendous opportunity in gainful re-employment. Many elders desire it because they would rather not idle away their old age. Some aspire to it because they believe they are still entirely productive citizens, for others it is a means of survival. They may have sons not yet settled, daughter not yet married, school or college going children who still have to be supported. Ironically there are many jobs that could well use their skills and expertise, and of course their years of experience. Agewell attempts to bring the opportunity seekers and providers together.

Over 26000 older persons have registered in

• Administrative/Secretarial work

• General correspondence

• Consultancy/ Counselling

• Research/Training etc

Over 3400 older people have already been placed so far

Agewell -Share a Smile with the Elders (A School Contact Programme)

Whether in the joint family or nuclear, the elders are having a rough time. If parents are dependent and living with young couples invariably there is resentment against them. They are looked down upon, attitude even grandchildren tend to emulate subconsciously from their parents. It is as though it is an unwanted burden to be borne that makes elders feel small and unwelcome. On the other hand wherever joint families have divided into nuclear units, neither kids nor parents have the time or the space to cope with the morale or the physical well being of the slowed down, elderly people who are then treated as though they have outlived their use. Clearly there are shades and shades of the problem. And sadly enough, it has permeated into educated as well as not so enlightened homes in different degrees.


Who then should be our focus? Agewell believes that children could make the difference. If children are prompted to share a smile with the elders and spend a few moments together, the tide may start to turn. It is these moments, which will always be remembered, particularly by the elders. Children could set an example to their parents by their behaviour and eventually bring them closer not just to the elders of their family but to the elders of society in general.

Agewell Foundation has embarked upon an ambitious social contact programme of reaching out to over half a million-school students in Delhi in a bid to set off a feeling of acceptance and affection for the elders.

Agewell-Family Membership Scheme
Registering old people who live alone

Life today is faster than ever, giving us little respite from its burry and divided aims. Caught in a vice, chasing goals and juggling responsibilities we are often unable to do justice to all our duties. Among them is the acknowledgement of a simple but lifelong debt we owe our parents and our elders. People who shaped our future and moulded us into the men and women we are. Spending all those years making our dreams their plans, putting our happiness before their own. Now when these very people need us we seem to have left them behind. Due to one compulsion or the other we may have unwittingly drifted away from them. Leaving them only with a sense of emptiness and despair.

Agewell registers old people who live alone for a lifetime membership fee of Rs.5000 for an individual or couple, and welcomes them into its fold of warmth and caring. Having tied up with leading doctors, hospital services, security agencies, trained counsellors, legal and financial wizards, HRD and personnel managers, and trained attendants, Agewell offers exclusive services at a nominal price. As per a predetermined rate card, bills are raised on monthly basis to be paid by the sponsor or the user of the service, whichever is more convenient.

For the members, a trained counselor pays routine visits every week. He will be only a phone call away and may be called upon at any time to act as an escort, do their running around or simply cheer them up. The same counselor will be assigned to the same elder to extend a feeling of warmth & trust between the two.

The growing uncertainties

Loneliness, even rejection
counselors / companions assure the Agewell members that there is someone, who would be with them whenever they wish for thrill of talking to someone who cares to listen. Of being with someone who will read out to them from newspapers, books, letter, etc. The luxury of dictating their letters and thoughts or having someone fill out their applications. Take them for walks or social/cultural/religious functions or to the movies.

Medical anxieties and fear of abandonment
When medical emergency strikes, counselors / companions come forward to support or help of any kind. Even for regular check-ups, consultations or fetching medicines Agewell members could entirely depend on Agewell counsellors.

Security concerns, a growing paranoia
Agewell members are cared for and protected at all times by the people they trust. Relying upon them they can do anything they wish without caring for their security.

Legal assistance and financial advice
With the help of Agewell Advisory Committees companions / counselors help them out in submitting important documents to concerned offices or attending to certain legal aspects which require honest, objective advice. Counselors also benefit members by providing financial and legal guidance at the doorstep.

Gainful engagement, a sense of usefulness
Agewell Foundation provides opportunities to interact with like-minded people to its members so that they can possibly seek out a slot for themselves and take new responsibilities or assignments.

General support and assistance
Agewell’s companions / counselors help members in day to day’s works, such as paying bills on time, shopping for necessities and so on, which help lighten their load.

Membership/ Sponsorship contribution

Agewell is a family of concerned individuals. Anyone who is above the age of 58 years could become a member of Agewell family (irrespective of the age of their spouse) as a couple or an individual.

The membership of Agewell family could be sponsored by anyone or self by making a contribution of Rs. 5,000 (Rupees Five thousand only) to Agewell Foundation. The Agewell family members will be visited (free of cost) by the companions / counselors periodically i.e. once in 15 days or earlier as a family member and assist the members in whichever way possible. The members would be expected to contribute @ Rs. 30/- per hour towards the time spent by companions with them for all visits other than free periodical visits. The counselors/ companions will be assisting with their best possible efforts. However, the result thereof under any circumstances cannot be held against Agewell Foundation.

In case of any expense during the course of providing assistance, the members will have to pay all such expenses in advance as per actuals.

Agewell-Helplines for Older Persons in Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat)

Helplines have been set up in Ahmedabad & Bhuj respectively for older persons, particularly for displaced, distressed and disturbed. These Helplines aim to counsel older persons, to help them re-build themselves, to rekindle the self-confidence, to assist them in identifying & availing best possible offerings as per their needs from various sources; to organise counseling & community participation activities and to organise help, treatment & assistance.