Indian Gerontological Association is a non-profit organisation devoted to the well-being of senior citizens and research on ageing for the last 42 years. The Association came into existence in 1967 and was registered in 1968-69 (Reg.No. 212) under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act. It is also affiliated with the International Association of Gerontology.
The need for such an association was anticipated years back and we know how the world over including India, the population of elderly is showing an upward trend. Since this ever-increasing group of the population has its problems in different walks of life it becomes imperative for any balanced and stable society to be concerned about them. And much more importantly any progressive society would like to be enriched by the experience and expertise which only age and time can give. The basic aim of the association, therefore, is to plan and execute comprehensive strategies, to make the elderly live a meaningful life. Although the association has activities for the elderly in any section of the population, the direction of the efforts is mainly for the unorganized sector of society. To render services for health care, recreational activity, meaningful occupation, and attitudinal revision the Association is engaged in:
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1. Publication of a research journal- Indian Journal of Gerontology. Till now date, we have published 25 volumes.
2. We run a counseling center (RAHAT-Relief) for senior citizens.
3. Organize lectures and seminars to educate elderly people about the diseases, which are common in old age.
4. We also organise courses on the Preparation for Retirement.. The course contains eight modules which include:
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1. Basic information about old age.
2. Ageing, health, and physical disabilities.
3. Psychological aspect of ageing.
4. The economical aspect of ageing and financial management.
5. Sociological aspect of ageing.
6. Self-care practices.
7. Education and awareness building, 8.Issues in caregiving.
5. Organize camps for health check-ups of the elderly and also organize free eye operation camps.
6. We are running a Day Care Centre (UMANG) for elderly people of unorganised sector (economically backward class). We also give consultancy to those organisations that are working in this field.
7. We are engaged in research work related to ageing and the aged.
8. We have started a health program for the rural elderly. Once a week, homeopathic medicines are given door to door to the senior citizens.
9. NATIONAL POLICY ON AGEING
Email: gerontoindia@gmail.com
Visit our site: www.gerontologyindia.com
This Programme has four sections:
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1. Lectures on diseases, which are common in old age.
2. Organise lecture series to educate caregivers about Elder Care at home
3. To give training to para-health workers about door-to-door health service delivery to senior citizens of rural and unorganised sectors.
4. Research Programme :
This program has two main objectives:
• To pursue a broad-based multidisciplinary program of research designed to generate new knowledge on extending quality of life.
• To contribute to the development of policies and practices in the field, thereby making a direct contribution to extending quality life.
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• Spiritual beliefs & existential meaning in later life: The experience of older bereaved spouses.
• An anthropological investigation of Lay and professional meanings of quality of life.
• Ethnic inequalities in quality of life at older ages: subjective and objective components.
• Evaluating the impact of reminiscence on the quality of life of older people.
• Older widow (er) s: Bereavement & Gender effects on lifestyle & participation.
• Loneliness, Social Isolation, and living alone in later life.
• Empowerment & dis-empowerment: comparative study of urban and rural elderly women.
• Older women's lives and voices: participation and policy in India.
• Social development and ageing: Crisis or Opportunity.