MUMBAI: According to Population Census 2011 there are nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years or above) in India; 53 million females and 51 million males. A report released by the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India suggests that the number of elderly persons is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026.
Both the share and size of elderly population is increasing over time. From 5.6% in 1961 the proportion has increased to 8.6% in 2011. For males, it was marginally lower at 8.2%, while for females it was 9.0%. In the age – group of 60 – 64 years, 76% persons were married while 22% were widowed. Remaining 2% were either never married or divorced.
When a person retires he misses his dignity and no longer has an active social circle and many of them end up living in social isolation. They realize that everyone is busy with their own lives and no one has time or inclination to talk to them.
This loneliness leads to depression which in turns leads to many health and emotional problem. Rizwan Adatia Foundation for Social and Cultural Development (RAFSCD) is a subsidiary organ of Rizwan Adatia Foundation (RAF).
RAFSCD is a not for profit initiative working diligently to raise the Quality of Life of the Senior Citizens, by providing ample of recreational activities. The organisation’s most successful activities are Pasandgi Melo, Samuh Lagna, Sr Citizen Match Making and building community halls have catered to the needs of the elderly by reaching out to a cross-section of beneficiaries in an equitable manner.
One of the leading project of RAFSCD is Sr Citizen Match making. Aim and objective of Sr. Citizen match making is to mitigate loneliness by providing an opportunity where they can choose their life partner and live a happy life.
RAFSCD is envisaging to reach out to as many as Sr. Citizen across India. So far, we have conducted Sr. Citizen match making at Chandigarh, Telangana, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Our upcoming events will be held at Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana and Assam. So far, 16 couples have been successful married and living a happy life.
Rizwan, Founding Trustee of RAFSCD says, “We will reach out to as many Sr. Citizens we can”.
This is just a beginning; RAFSCD is swiftly, invariably and diligently reaching out to all the Sr Citizens of our country.
Rizwan Adatia Foundation for Social and Cultural Development (RAFSCD)
The Rizwan Adatia Foundation actively supports interventions that deliver defined quality of life to the poorest and the most deprived. RAF’s core mandate is to provide funding and services that address issues related to health, education, governance and economic disparities.
The Foundation builds partnerships to offer resources, expertise and vision by working with impactful organizations around Africa and Asia. The RAF identifies factors that influence development and works in synergy with influencers such as civil society, private sector, individuals and local government agencies.
Besides philanthropy, the Foundation approaches impactful investments that can create improvement and growth for the beneficiary communities.
Incorporated in the year 2015, the Foundation was formed by Rizwan Adatia – founder of the COGEF Group that spans across 11 countries. Born in Porbandar, Gujarat, Adatia spent his childhood in India and now resides in Mozambique. He believes that his humble beginnings inspired him to support causes and push for social development across the globe.
