The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations for the Welfare of the Elderly

The word “retirement” evokes the image of white-haired people taking it easy sitting on the porch and whiling away leisurely hours. But times have changed, now people stay active and healthy for years together. They love to work and hence feel the urge to invest in mind and body which will help them keep motivated and great. Many retirees finally have the time to devote their time to causes or work which they had wanted to do when they were younger but never had the time to do.

Now there are many charities and non-profit organizations which are in dire need for help. So, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for retirees to invest in, with time and effort.

Top NGO Opportunities for Retirees

 If you are looking for fulfilling ways to spend your retirement years, here are some great ideas for you to explore as far as voluntary services are concerned. Read on to find out about these opportunities.

·      Opportunities for retired military personnel and civilian retirees- If you are wishing to lend a hand and show your gratitude to veterans or active servicemen and women. You can do so, by helping to increase the quality of life for military personnel and their families. 

·       Volunteering for children-Many children's hospitals depend on volunteers for some activities such as reading stories, tutoring patients, monitoring playrooms and helping out families with whatever they require for a child. Volunteering opportunities for Ngo’s which involve children require a background check and also a commitment to work for a certain number of hours per week over a certain period of time say three, six or 12 months. Volunteering with children can be really beneficial as well as fulfilling.

·        Disaster relief volunteering- Natural disasters can bring great distress and destruction for people who gets afflicted by them. While, in some cases disaster relief volunteers are required to maintain certain certifications such as CPR or few other lifesaving skills, volunteers are also required to handle supplies, donations and administrative tasks, as well to offer comfort and assistance to the survivors of the crisis.

·       Volunteering for animal shelter- Local animal shelters are always in need of volunteers to look after animals, organize various fundraising events, perform some administrative tasks, or assist people to rescue pets in the wake of disasters like floods, fires and other natural disasters. Retirees can also act as a foster parent for rescued animals until a permanent placement can be found for a homeless cat or dog.

So, you see there are so many ideas to explore if you really want to give volunteering a shot! Have you tried volunteering for any NGO group, if you have, do let us know in the comments section!

Laws Protecting Rights and Interests of Senior Citizens in India

Aging is an inevitable part of life and no one can escape it. During this time, the person experiences massive changes not only in how he or she looks but also how they feel. Aging brings with it a lot of new challenges that are a result of retirement, weakening of body and growing vulnerability to medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to provide adequate support and protection the precious and massive part of our population: the senior citizens. 

The number of senior citizens in India and the elderly population is constantly growing. According to a 2016 report by the Ministry for Statistics and Programme Implementation, India has 103.9 million elderly, which constitutes about 8.5 percent of the total population of the country. As per the reports, the population has grown at a rapid rate of 3.5 percent per year. The trend will apparently continue and by 2050 the 20 percent of the population of India will consist of people above the age of 60.

The population trend is clearly indicating at the challenges that lie ahead of the country. Caring and providing support to this huge section of the society is of utmost urgency and the Government of India is constantly taking steps to tackle this social issue. At the same time, there are a few provisions in the Constitution of India that protects the rights of senior citizens of India.

 Constitutional Provisions for Senior Citizens in India

1.    Article 41: Under the purview of Article 41, the state protects the right of employment, education and public assistance for not only elderlies but also cases of unemployment, sickness, and disability. The Article states that it is the right of every citizen of India to work, to educate and to seek public assistance within the capacity of the state. 

2.  Article 46: This constitutional provision has been stated as Part IV under the Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP), a constitutional guideline to the State. This article gives the state the full authority to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections including the elderly and protect them from social injustice. The government is responsible to implement social schemes and empower various weak sections of Indian Society. However, as stated in Article 37, DPSP are cannot be administered by any court of law. 

      Legal Rights of Senior Citizens in India

     Providing care and maintenance to aged parents is not only a moral obligation but also a legal duty. Major communities and religions of India have recognized this responsibility through various personal laws. They protect and promote the welfare of the elderlies, Hindus, Muslim, Christian and Parsi laws have clearly stated that the parents are entitled to claim maintenance from their children, be it a son or a daughter.

Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 is one of the first personal written law in India that makes maintenance of parents a lawful duty. Earlier, the obligation was restricted to sons only, however, it is not the right of a daughter to take care of her parents in case of disablement of parents to maintain themselves due to financial circumstances. This law is extended to both natural and adoptive parents. Meanwhile, step-children are not bound by the law to provide any such maintenance to their parents with their own children.

Muslim Law makes it obligatory for both son and daughter to provide maintenance for their aged and poor parents. However, there is no such mention of obligation for maintenance for the adopted children mainly due to the absence of the concept of adoption in the community. Additionally, Shia Law gives the same stature to the grandparents as to the parents. Therefore, a child has a responsibility to provide for his grandparents too.

While there are no personal laws for Christians and Parsis, enables parents belonging to these communities that consist of significantly big part of the Indian population, to seek assistance from Code of Criminal Procedure in order to make such claims.

Legal Rights of Senior Citizens in India: Code of Criminal Procedure

Until 1973, there was no such provision under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Under Section 125, the Code of Criminal Procedure, made it a legal obligation for sons and daughters (even married daughters) belonging to any community of India, to provide maintenance for parents who prove that they are unable to out of their financial circumstances and capacity.

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

This is the most recent legislation implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the fifty-eight year of independence to promote and protect the welfare rights of aged parents and senior citizens in India. This Act is a step towards the empowerment of old Indians. It aims to provide the parents above 60 support to claim monthly maintenance from their children, heirs or children residing abroad. It also aims at protecting the elderly’s life and property. This Act has a broad scope that extends the senior citizens of India except for Jammu and Kashmir and envisions to set up old age homes in every district and provide basic necessities to the elderly. According to the law, the maintenance must cover food, clothing, place of residence, and medical assistance if required. If the children fail to aid the parents, the seniors can seek help from senior citizen Tribunal created under this Act. At the same time, it aims to promote the welfare of senior citizens which includes the provision of food, healthcare, recreational centers, and other basic amenities.

Government Schemes for Senior Citizens

The Government of India has taken a few initiatives to safeguard the basic rights of the senior citizen in India.

National Policy for Older Persons was initiated in the year 1999 to work towards the strengthening and empowerment of the elder section of Indian society. It enables the State Government to take measures to improve the quality of life of the senior citizens in India by providing them with necessities, concessions, and relief. Additionally, it provides the older generation with protection against abuse, injustice, and exploitation. Also, it ensures that equal opportunities are made available to them. Furthermore, it ensures to provide support for financial security, health care, shelter care, and research and training for the development of the elderly of society.  

National Social Assistance Programme is a Centrally sponsored scheme by the Government of India that provides aid to the widows, persons with disability and elderly, in the form of social pension. This scheme was launched in the year 1995 and it is comprised of three components that include National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).

Besides, a few other schemes like Annapurna Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provide assistance and required support to the senior citizens in India.

Senior Citizens Saving Scheme: This is one of the most popular government schemes for senior citizens of India that can be availed by anyone above 60 at the interest of 8.6% per annum. This scheme provides the highest post-tax returns when compared to other fixed income products.

Senior Citizens Benefits in India Under Tax Law

In addition to above mentioned benefits, senior citizens in India are entitled to some benefits and concession under laws related to income tax. Under Section 88-B, 88-D, and 88-DDB, senior citizens and super senior citizens are given a concession in income tax. Income up to 3 lakhs for seniors and 5 lakhs for super senior citizens is not taxable. For senior citizens, income from 3-5 lakhs is liable at 5% tax rate. This rate is relatively lower than tax rates for the general public. More tax laws provide them advantages to avail tax deduction up to Rs. 30,000 on health insurance premium and up to 60,000 for a person suffering from serious illness.

Other Rights of Senior Citizens in India

Some other provisions for senior citizens in India include travel benefits wherein the government-owned modes of transportation system whether its railways, airways, or roadways, provide tickets at concessional rates and special assistance during travel. There are some health benefits extended to senior citizens by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Every hospital and health clinic are to create separate queues for elderlies. Furthermore, the government has recommended giving priority to ration card holders at the fair price ships. Senior citizens can also take advantage of the new policy that allows them the issuance of a passport on post-police verification if they attach a copy of the passport of the child (above 18) residing abroad. These schemes and provisions have been created to address the problems of the elderly and to tackle the challenges that come with aging.

11 Important Tips You Should Know About Seniors Travel and Senior Tours

Traveling is always fun and especially for senior travelers who want to make the best of their leisure time. With time on their hands, they want to do all those things that they weren’t able to do when they were working. But you can enjoy traveling when you plan your trip properly. Organized planning is the stepping stone to a successful tour. Senior citizens, in particular, should be mindful of the upcoming risks they might encounter on the trip and plan in advance to minimize the occurrences of such risks. That’s the only way you can enjoy the trip by throwing caution to the wind! After all traveling and incessant worrying do not really go together. That’s why we have put together a list of traveling do’s and don’ts to make traveling a memorable affair! Follow these vacation tips for seniors and enjoy a perfectly put-together trip. 

Travel Tips for Seniors – Tips that Actually Help you in planning in Advance

Have you zeroed on the destination and booked hotels and everything? But apparently, that’s not all we really have to plan everything right down to the nitty-gritty to ensure all goes well with the trip. Here are a few important tips for elderly people, to aid you in your journey. 

• Get a check-up done – Your health may be in great shape but you still may need to check with your doctor whether you are fit for travel. Since you will be traveling to a new place and your regular diet and habits will go for a toss, you will have to find out whether your health will be up for the sudden changes in your daily routine.

• ·         Remember to bring your medications – Always carry your essentials along with you, especially medications which you need to take daily. Stock a little extra so that you do not run out of supplies. This is one of the most important tips which they must adhere to.

• Travel insurance is a must for seniors – Planning ahead and getting your travel insurance on point is essentiality which you simply cannot ignore. It prepares you for any untoward mishaps in the offing.

• Traveling in a group – While solo traveling sounds enticing to many people, traveling in a group is relatively safer because if you face any trouble in your journey, there will be people who will certainly come to your aid. Traveling in groups also helps you save money as you get to avail of discounts and other perks.

• Travel smart with all important documents in tow – Pack all your travel documents in advance such ID’s, tickets et al and keep them handy. Ensure a smooth trip and leave all your worries behind.

• Seek help when you require it – While traveling light should be on the radar, seek help from airport personnel and other people, when you are unable to carry your luggage alone. You can certainly request assistance from help desks and they will try their best to assist you with your problem.

• Plan out your diet – While most senior citizens love to enjoy a new place and embrace everything new right from the culture to the cuisine, they should address caution in determining the kind of food they have. They may go a little overboard and as a result, their health can suffer. It is always wise to eat light and nutritious meals and skip heavy and overly spicy meals which can make their travel plans go haywire. Eating smart and light should be the mantra of senior citizens.

• Stay active – While going on a leisure trip is certainly enjoyable however it is important to keep yourself energetic and fit by including different physical activities. This will you’re your blood circulation going and avoid problems such as deep-vein thrombosis.

• Stay hydrated – Travelling exerts you and so it is important to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water. Carry clean and hygienic water with you, wherever you go. It will keep dehydration and other health issues at bay.

• Take it easy – Plan an itinerary which does not overtire you out. While traveling to new places can be exciting and invigorating, it makes sense to concentrate on quality over quantity. Plan plenty of stops in the middle so you can rest and recuperate and pursue the journey with renewed vigor.

• Pack the right garments – Wherever you are traveling ensure that you check on the local weather and pack accordingly, pack in a few extra clothes a few sweaters or wrap-ups if the weather turns chilly or if you are traveling to cold regions do pack extra warm clothes to beat the chill.

Traveling always pack in a lot of exuberance and zest to mundane life. So, plan ahead with this perfect traveling guide for sexagenarian for the next big trip and make sure you bring on board healthy dozes of fun, vigor and a little bit of caution. The perfect recipe for a great trip! Follow these travel tips for budget travel to have an interesting, eventful and enjoyable trip.

How to Enjoy the Sunset Years of Your Life

You are retired now so it is a new life for you! In fact, it is both a blessing and a curse for you. It is a blessing because now you have ample time on your hands to pursue all that you have always wanted to do, but never had the time to pursue it, because you were so busy! But now you have the time but perhaps you miss your old working days and your frenetic pace of life. But then, you can make the years after retirement not only fruitful but also you engaging and interesting by taking up specific jobs for senior citizens. 

The Things to do after Retirement- Some Interesting Ideas

Okay, so you are retired and feel bored of life! But there are so many things you can try out to get the most of life. How can you do that? Try the following suggestions to rediscover life.

• Bond with your family and friends- You may never have the time when you were young to bond with your family and friends. Now is the time to meet up for lunches and dinners and spend some quality time together. 
• Pursue a new hobby- You never thought of pursuing hobbies while you were working, but now you can. If you thought of taking up painting try that, or you may always wanted to try ballroom dancing, well, now you can do that. Dancing is, in fact, a great way to exercise and have fun while doing it. You can try voluntary services too. This helps widen your horizon in a big way.
• Travel- Travel can be so much fun! New place, new people and a whole new experience to embrace. What you do not learn from books, you can learn by travelling. A change of place can do wonders to your mind and body. Try it, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated
•  A bookworm? Enjoy reading- Reading is so enriching, just spending time in a library in the company of books can give you all the refreshment you need. A mug of steaming coffee and a good book in hand, well for some people that is the definition of the ideal life.
•  How about cooking? – Many people never tried cooking much till they suddenly discovered it one day and looked at it with fresh new perspective. Learning to cook new dishes and just trying out fresh new dishes can do a world of good to your mind! You take pride in your new recipes and bask in the afterglow of all the praises, your friends and relatives shower upon you.

Well, there are ideas galore to explore! We would like to know how you are spending your retirement years. We would love to hear about some fresh new ideas as well. Till then enjoy life!