On his definition of a Senior Citizen``Most people consider a person a senior citizen when he/she is 60 years old. But we at KOSCA have redefined this term. If life expectancy in our country is 65 years, how can one be considered a senior at 60? We feel that any person, who by virtue of his knowledge and experience can advise others, is a senior citizen. We consider even a person of 50 years to be a senior citizen. Being a senior citizen does not mean that one should only expect help from society. It is time for us to return society's obligation by being useful.''On the activities of KOSCA``The KOSCA, which was started in 1988, has 350 members today. We have various activities but the underlying philosophy is to collectively share our resources and knowledge for the betterment of society. For example, we have five resource centres from where members can avail of equipment that is often required temporarily. like oxygen cylinders, walkers, bedpan.``Then we have also recently adopted a slum, Kalewadi basti, where we look after the needs of its senior citizens. We identified 70 such people and installed a homeopathic dispensary. We also help procure pensions from the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Kendra for people who have no income and no one to care for them.''On the schemes introduced by KOSCA``Six months back, we introduced the `Adopt a Senior Citizen' programme. Many seniors are housebound for a variety of reasons. Our members take on the responsibility of providing company to such persons. Members have to devote at least half an hour a week to visit them, read to them, run errands for them. About 60 such people are being served this way''.``Two years ago, we started a 24-hour service for people who were restricted to their home. This was the result of the meetings we hold where elders come to us with their queries and we discuss solutions. Unlike the `Adopt' programme, this is for people who are alone and may require hospitalisation. We have 15 such people being attended to''.``Apart from this, we are constantly searching for ways to improve the quality of our members' lives. We conducted a survey and have only recently computerised the basic data required for geriatric study. We interviewed 450 people aged 75 years and above on factors that promote healthy living. We now have a programme that can help people in this aspect. People from 35 to 50 years can be advised on how to plan for graceful living and the emotional preparation it requires''.``No one really plans for old age, and for the 50- to 65-year-olds, we can show how one can reduce the damage already done. People who are 65 and above depend on the family for almost everything. We call in experts in the field of health, finance to advise on how one can become independent''.``What the elderly really need is emotional support and a feeling that they are wanted by society. The reason why old-age homes are unsuccessful is because the old feel abandoned. The problems are many, but if one believes that one should be independent and plan for it, there can be a wonderful life after ageing.''
