Agecare Services

Agecare Services are a composite response to senior citizens across urban areas through customised services. The services included directly address common problems of the elderly and ensure fitness and wellness of those availing the services.

The key factors contributing to problems of the elderly are longevity of age due to increased life expectancy, diminishing purchase power, self-inflicted isolation in search of peer group, crumbling of traditional family/community support structures & migration of children due to economic opportunity.

The urban-rural population ratio in India is around 30:70. Response to problems of elderly requires formulating appropriate and customized responses to “caring for the needs of the elderly”. At the same time it is obvious that a deep understanding of the common problems that effect the elderly helps in formulating effective projects.

The Agecare Services Hubs have been established across the country, in 22 locations where HelpAge India has its state offices. In addition to these, 30 Fitness and Wellness Centres self-managed by the senior citizens’ associations have also been established in many states.

The natural process of ageing in all individuals results in a host of degenerative mental and physical problems. The quality of fitness and wellness in elderly is reflected in an individual’s ability to continue to lead an independent life with dignity and carry out Activities of Daily Living, unassisted to the extent possible. The composite services in the ASH are aimed at achieving ADL as a basic goal and simultaneously promote active ageing, fit and well. Fitness of a person is his/her ability to function efficiently and effectively without injure, to enjoy leisure, to be health, to resist disease and to cope with emergency situations.

To monitor progress and achievements cost-effectively across 20 states is a challenge mainly due to cultural diversity and local situations.  This has been addressed through the introduction of monthly State Newsletters, which provide regular feedback and information.

The existing Old Age Homes in 15 metros and towns have been surveyed and compiled into directories (Homes for Aged Directory Series). Directories are already available on Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Vishakapatnam & Vijaywada.  The need for training for Old Age Home caregivers was also identified during these surveys (see under Homes for Aged).