MUMBAI: According to the 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 Help Age India suggests that the number of elderly persons is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026.
It has been noticed in many families that members from young-age group have settled in abroad for a long time and their parents remain alone at the home town in most of the cases which creates depression and loneliness for elders.
Many old age home’s work towards recreational activities to enable senior citizens to lead a quality lifestyle. The Sr citizens are encouraged to participate in various creative pursuits and interesting activities e.g. yoga classes, spiritual sessions, picnics and food festivals for the health and entertainment of senior citizens.
Rizwan Adatia, Founder Chairman, Rizwan Adatia Foundation for Social and Cultural Development (RAFSCD) said, “this is a not-for-profit initiative working diligently to raise the Quality of Life of the Senior Citizens, by providing ample of recreational activities. This is just a beginning; RAFSCD is swiftly, invariably and diligently reaching out to all the Sr. Citizens of our country.”
He added, “this tour will provide an opportunity to capture a moment in their lives and enjoy the company of 44 people from the similar age group. Arrangements were made by RAFSCD to provide passports, luggage bags, clothes and 4 volunteers were provided to the 5 differently-abled couples. Apart from medical care, wheelchairs will be provided to make them feel independent and mobile while on the cruise. Overall, a friendly atmosphere is created so that each member of this tour can do one thing in common which is to smile and enjoy them. Senior citizens will visit Singapore and Malaysia during their eight days trip starting from 10th to 17th September.”
