Saturday, October 16, 2010

A Magazine for Free Down Load: The August issue of "Voice of Senior Citizens"

Here is the the copy of August issue of "The Voice of Senior Citizen", a bi-lingual (English & Telugu) monthly newspaper published from Hyderabad. The paper is "For, Of and By" senior citizens.

You can freely dowlad the August copy:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/57542960/The-Voice-of-Senior-Citizens---August-Issue

Towards A Society For All Ages

Dr. Rao V.B.J. Chelikani,

President, Federation of A.P. Senior Citizens Organisations (FAPSCO)

Why a society for all ages?

In traditional societies, all persons performing economic functions are transformed, over a period of time, into hierarchical social sections at inter-community level and genuine social welfare of all sections of the society, age-wise or gender-wise has not been accomplished, if their economic contribution is not perceived to be significant. Similarly, within the same clan or caste or class or family also some categories of members have been neglected, discriminated against and even victimized. In the human evolution, at an earlier phase, security, stability and harmony among different social groups, communities and societies as defended entities have been considered to be of highest importance. While maintaining these priorities, often, depending upon the cultural, political and economic context, some members of the society, such as, women, children, aged persons, handicapped, fatally sick, those affected by contagious diseases, foreigners or outsiders, persons with social or sexual deviations have been marginalized.

But now, in the 21^st century, we have reached such a stage in our social evolution with vast knowledge in physical and natural sciences, information and communication technologies and in humane and spiritual values that we need not sacrifice the human being i.e, the individual member of the society for the sake of the society. We are now thinking in terms of human security and social security as a means to it. All individuals, irrespective of their economic functions, muscle power, authority and outside identity are recognized as of equal worth. Each individual counts and his or her own empowerment, expression, development and finality cannot be abridged for the benefit of anybody else. Each individual must be able to give a meaning to his or her life and design one’s own destiny. We want right or adequate opportunities not only for physical welfare but also for emotional, affective and mental satisfactions. No dogma or ideology or social and cultural practices should take away this fundamental human freedom. The on-going demographic challenges also have added an urgent dimension to the issue. We need an open society, not a securitized one. In the past, it was the individuals of certain sections and categories that sacrificed themselves for the security of the societies and, now, we want the governments and the societies to strive for the welfare of each individual, whatever might be the age, gender, caste, religion or region. It is in this context that we are taking up the issue of the condition and the role of the older persons in the modern society.

II. What are the Policy Projections?

The concept of welfare state and most of the recent democratic constitutions in the developing countries have laid down provisions in favour of such an evolution of the society. It is with this realization that the best thinking available from governmental and non-governmental international organizations under the guidance of the U.N. System have been observing Days, Years and Decades of Women, Child and Senior Citizens, etc. Concerning the conditions of the elders in the society, right from a world conference in 1982 in Vienna to a conference in 2002 in Madrid, much reflection has taken place and recommendations are proposed as plans for action in order to usher in a society for all ages. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons in 1991 and the Proclamation on Ageing and the Global Targets on Ageing in 1992 adopted by the General Assembly have inspired the Government of India, in addition to its constitutional mandate ordained in the Directive Principles of state policy, so as to take a commitment in Parliament by passing the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) in 1999. The policy statement is, rather, a vision statement of lofty objectives rather than of concrete guidelines for action, though each department was indicated as to what could be done. As a follow up, however, a number of national level bodies are created and financial allocations are, consequently, being made at the Centre. Therein, the states are enjoined to take the necessary steps to implement the Policy as well as to adopt a draft Plan of Action for 2000-2005.

In Andhra Pradesh, even before 1999, there were, already, a number of voluntary associations of pensioners and of senior citizens working at the grass roots level, in many important towns and cities. As early as in 1998, efforts have been made in Hyderabad to form a state level common platform of various organizations in Andhra Pradesh, to work together, in close communication with international non-governmental organizations situated abroad. Among the issues that concern the elders, we can mention finance, shelter, health, food and leisure as the priorities.

Founding and maintaining of old age homes has been one of the very concrete activities since very long time. Efforts were made to bring together some of the organizers of the old age homes to put together their common experience so as to meet the upsurge in the demand for the homes for elders, paid and paid and supported by government or not. As a reflection of the demographic and sociological changes that are taking place in society in Andhra Pradesh, there emerges a demand for a new social organization in the place of the old homes for the destitute, sick and un-attended elders, on charitable basis. Already, there is awareness that the word ‘old age home’ does not correspond, anymore, to the reality and that several able-bodied and alert-minded senior citizens need alternative quality accommodation and services as retired persons. Nevertheless, there is persisting and, even, increasing demand for free or highly subsidized homes for the poor and the disabled persons both in urban and rural areas. This need is being met traditionally by religious organisations, charitable trusts, NGOs and by the central government funds routed through the state government. Some surveys and evaluation of the functioning of the OAH were carried out and a comprehensive directory of the elders homes in A.P. was published in 2002. There is now in the state, a federation of organizers of elders homes in A.P. (FEDEHAP) to represent their interests.

III. What is Happening?

Social transformation is a long and subtle process where bringing changes in the attitudes is far more complicated than creatinging physical assets. Further, one cannot bring happiness to one section or category of the society, for example, to elders, without comprehensive and integrated social development. It is necessary to add a note of caution that social activists should not fall into the trap of taking the elder cause in the spirit of a class struggle or a vested interest. Their efforts have to be integrated into the on-going process of inclusive growth. This advocacy mission lies with the associations of the senior citizens. More gerontological research is needed to back their action.

Since, 1999 onwards, on 1^st October, the World Elders Day (WED) is being observed by the common platform of NGOs in the capital city as well as in some districts. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially nominated the Commissioner, Disabled Welfare as State Nodal Officer for the implementation of NPOP in April, 2002. Since then, the WED is being observed jointly by the state government and the federation of senior citizens organizations. Across the districts, the senior citizens are being given identity cards with A.P. Government emblem, which are endorsed by a district level officer. The Federation has been encouraging the district collectors to observe the WED at the district head-quarters also. The Federation has been identifying a few eminent senior citizens, every year, to be honoured for their contribution to the society, at district, state and national levels, under the auspices of the Administration. And in February, 2003, the GOAP has formed a State Council for the elderly to coordinate inter-departmental and multi-sectoral activities with the Chief Secretary as the chairperson. Unfortunately, it has not been meeting regularly.

To the two objectives of the Federation: Society for Elders and Elders for Society, there came a third objective from the local HelpAge India’s campaign: Elders for Elders.

The costs of healthcare and medical treatment are increasing exponentially and the governmental efforts are largely insufficient and targeted only a limited sections and categories of the people. In view of this, the Federation has been, in cooperation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA), is negotiating with the non-life insurance companies to bring out policies that would suits the needs and the pockets of the senior citizens. The nature of market competition being what it is, policies and premium are becoming more and more accessible to more number of senior citizens. The problem of health care is particularly acute for the first and second generations, born after Independence, as there were no schemes or policies of health insurance available to a vast majority of them, at that time. The Arogya Sri insurance caters to the below poverty line section of the people and the same could be extended in future to cover other elders in other sections also, with matching contributory system. The alternative and supplementary systems of medical care and treatment are to be made more accessible for healthy ageing. Middle class elders are also severely affected by the rising costs of treatment.

For the BPL elders there is a pension scheme, there is public distribution system and there is Annapoorna scheme. In addition to the former Antyodaya scheme, now, there is the Food Security Act. For the above poverty line elders (ABL) there are direct tax concessions and higher interest rate for all. The recently introduced reverse mortgage scheme did not yet catch the imagination of the seniors who are reluctant to part with their hard earned house, even after their death. Many senior citizens need higher levels of economic literacy so as to safeguard and fructify their savings without risks. The Maintenance and Welfare of the Senior Citizens and Parents Act has provided some guidelines of legal action in case of neglect or abandonment by the children. Some measures are also envisaged for their safety and security.

Arrangements for housing for elders as a separate section have failed from the public sector. Indira Awas Yojana offers pattas of house sites instead of allotment of ready houses or flats by the Housing Boards. But, houses and flats in the multi-storied buildings by the private builders have been coming in handy for the middle class elders. We have not yet progressed in obtaining a shelter for less than five lakh rupees for the lower middle classes.

The organized senior citizens have also become active in the governance issues that are being debated in the state to bring a responsible, transparent and accountable administration. They have been carrying out Election Watch activities, championed the cause of the Citizens Charters and promoted the enactment and later on the implementation of Right to Information. They have drafted and proposed the rules and regulations to be adopted by the state government for the Maintenance & Welfare of the Senior Citizens and Parents Act, 2008. Similar draft proposals of rules and regulations are made to the Central enactments on Community Participation Law as well as to the Gram Nyayalayas. Within and without the political framework, the ‘grey power’ has ample channels to express itself.

Since 2007, an initiative taken by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, under its programme called Aasara, which is supported by HelpAge India, has permitted to develop a best practice, which could be replicated in all the municipalities and corporations in the state.

From the above, some assessment could be made so as to identify the trends for the future. The civil society, national and international, has become aware of the emerging phenomenon of the senior citizens much before the governments. Governmental policies and schemes have, more or less, ‘covered’ the senior citizens of the BPL category, though implementation is far from being satisfactory. Elders who worked in the organized sector do have some security. For rest of the population of elders who are about 70%, their social needs are changing so fast and are so varied that they cannot be met by the Administration. Senior citizens’ organizations and institutions as well as the public and private sector firms, including the insurance firms, have to interact for mutual benefit, with final arbitration lying with the governmental regulatory bodies. More innovative schemes are needed to re-integrate the elders into the families and into the mainstream society, while upholding their private space. All social infrastructure has to become elder-friendly.

----------------------------------------

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

If you want to become its subscriber,
Contact :
S. Bhooma Reddy,
Editor, VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS,
207, C-block, 3rd Floor, PBR Estate,
Padma Colony, Nallakunta, Hyderabad-44.
Ph. No: 040-27625209
Mail Id: silvercitizens@gmail.com

* This blog is run by CSR Technosoft, a Hyderabad based IT& ITES firm.
Contact: www.csrtechnosoft.blogspot.com

A Destitute Elder rescued to an Old Age Home

A destitute elder was identified by few young volunteers who informed the “Aasara senior citizens helpline” for assistance and rehabilitation. Mr. Venkatarao 78, senior citizen was found help-less on footpath at Ameerpet. Ms. Deepthi, Ms. Sridevi and their friends, who have been observing this senior citizen for the last few days tried helping him with some food and money for his survival. As this elder did not have any shelter, he was allowed to sleep in-front of a hotel during the nights (non business hours) only, the hotel management was also kind enough to give him food every-day.

Ms. Deepthi and her friends took the initiative in bringing this issue to the notice of HelpAge India. Helpline team rescued this senior citizen from Ameerpet and shifted him to Suraj Old Age Home, also accompanied by the volunteers who wanted to make sure that he is in safe hands.

HelpAge India wants to thank and appreciate all those who helped this elder for his survival: the hotel management, nearby medical shop and particularly the young volunteers, who have put all their efforts to go that extra mile and initiated this rehabilitation process. Finally we want to convey our sincere thanks to Suraj Old Age Home for accommodating this elderly person. This could be just another day for all of us, but for the elder, THIS IS THE DAY…!!!

BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD

(By DR.HAIM G. GINOTT)

Three steps to survival:

To prepare ourselves in times of peace to deal with times of stress, we should acknowledge the following truths:

1. We accept the fact that children will make us angry.

2. We are entitled to our anger with out guilt or shame.

3. Except for one safe guard we are entitled to express what we feel.

We can express our angry feelings provided we do not attack the children’s personality or character. These assumptions should be implemented in concrete procedures for dealing with anger.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

Jewish Saying

If you want to be remembered by your children build a hut.

If you want to be remembered by your Grand children, build a stone house.

If you want to be remembered by your Great Grand children, build a walled city.

If you want to be remembered by all future Generations, write a Book.

(Compiled By: Capt[Retd] C H. V.S. Prakasa Rao)

AGING SCENARIO IN INDIA

Longevity, derived from scientific advancement and progress in the fields of medicine and healthcare, has been a great achievement of 20^th century. The average life span during this 100 years has doubled to 64 years from at the beginning of the century. As a result, the elderly form the fastest growing segment of the population all over the world. Unfortunately, this achievement, in spite of the progress in various fields, has resulted in an overall deterioration in the quality of their life.

1.82 million old people in India [8% of the total population of India is above60]. 324 million Indians will be above 60 by 2050.

2. 90%of the elderly in India work in the unorganized sector.

3. 75% of the elderly in India are living in rural areas.

4. 73 % of the elderly in India are illiterate.

5. 55 % of the elderly women are widows.

6. 40 % of the elderly in India are living below poverty line.

Old age brings with many social, economic and health problems. Of these, health is the most important one as directly impinges on their quality of life. In a country like India, the substantial size of population, with a slow pace of economic growth, worsens the situation. For an effective health care structure, the government needs to earmark at least over 6 % of Gross Domestic Product [GDP] but we have been consistently allocating much lesser. Thus, there is huge gap between the need and what is actually given.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

Aasara – A ray of hope for elders

AASARA is a joint initiative of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and Help Age India, which has taken the responsibility of functioning as nodal agency to run in coordination with the other supportive groups. The program was launched on 30^th Aug, 2007. In this process, Aasara has created a platform for various welfare activities, discussions on various issues related to senior citizens that helped the senior citizens to come together as a collective force to mark their presence in the society.

So far Aasara is able to bring the number of senior citizens associations in Hyderabad to 129 from 15. All these associations affiliated to federations, such as Andhra Pradesh Senior Citizens Confederation (APSCCON) and Federation of Andhra Pradesh, Senior Citizens Council (FAPSCO), both the federations registered and active in the Andhra Pradesh and have very good network at district level.

The organization has focused more on grass root level work, creating awareness on the ID cards (so far issued 45,800), forming and organizing the groups of elder’s associations, conducting medical camps, identifying volunteers, organizing trainings/Orientation sessions to General and Professional volunteers. The organization has also given a lot of focus on the Day Care Centers in the city, as per the suggestion from the AASARA committee and requests from Senior Citizens Associations, We have established 75 day care centres for senior citizens.

In this regard, the organization has done a lot of ground work to find the place and right people to manage the Day care centers. It has also identified several other partners, NGOs, Institutions and agencies who are working for the cause and care of elders and committed to serve for elders, who could be a possible help in the Aasara process and have associated whenever and wherever it is necessary and given due recognition for their support.

One of the major focuses of Aasara helpline is the rehabilitation of the destitute elders. From the time of helpline inception, this has been the major focus and redressed the grievances and particularly shelter assistance process coordinated well and successfully networked with the Old Age homes in the city for transit process of destitute elders and also for permanent rehabilitation.

The organization is sure that it has created a strong platform for the senior citizens, but still needs to be strengthened at grass roots and the elders’ CBOs and has to build stronger network of senior citizens community.

(By Mrinal Lankapalli)

Project Co-ordinator,

Aasara – Senior Citizen’s Helpline-1253,

GHMC, Hyderabad

***

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observed

By ASSOCIATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS OF HYD

Hyderabad: The world elders abuse awareness day was observed on 15^th June at Lions Bhavan, Secunderabad, by Association of Senior Citizens of Hyderabad. .Prof.V. Visweswariah, President of the association and Secretary General of APSCCON, presided over the meeting. Addressing the meeting, he observed that the word “abused” stands for treating badly, speaking insultingly or exploiting one's weakness or ability. The abuse may be physical, mental or emotional. The day is observed for creating awareness among elders and the in society at large. According to a survey 30% of the families, in the country, abuse elders in one or the other way. He quoted a recent study, which revealed that women senior citizens do not have access to reasonable health care and are mute sufferers. It is truer of single old women such as widows and divorcees, who are often abused and ill treated for the sake of their assets and their property

Sri.R.N.Mittal, chairman of the association, said elder abuse takes place not only in families but unfortunately also in old age homes, nursing homes and sometimes even by the community. The unfortunate part of this situation is that is grossly under reported. More than 80% of the cases of abuse are hidden under a shroud of secrecy to protect family prestige. Senior citizens, especially those living alone, become soft targets for criminal events. They also become victims of fraudulent dealings and physical and emotional abuse within the household by their own family members.

During his speech, PVG Krishna Murthy explained that most developed countries have written guidelines for caring for the age and preventing elder abuse and have good social schemes and run a network of homes for senior citizens.

Sri.Nageswar Rao expressed his anguish that we did not have even a national policy for senior citizens till 1999. “The plan of action has been prepared by the Central government. The State governments have been asked to have their own plan and implement it. The plan is quite good and well documented but the budget allocation remains the prime problem as there is no political will to implement the same. The government thinks that senior citizens should unite and demand the implementation of the plan” said Mr. Rao.

Speaking in the meeting Sri Pothamsetty, secretary of association, said “APSCCON has been representing the State government to extend AAROGYASRI to APL category, payment of old age pension of Rs. 400 to BPL category senior citizens instead of Rs. 200 now paid and 50% concession for senior citizens in State Road Transport Corporation. But, unfortunately, our demands are ignored. It is the same situation in most of the states. Therefore, it was decided to observe Protest Day on August 16, 2010, against the indifference of Central and State governments in solving the problems of senior citizens”. Sri.Pothamsetty pleaded for participation in large numbers on Protest Day. Sri.C.S. Gopalakrishna proposed a vote of thanks.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

Joint Action Committee meeting held in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Senior Citizens National Protest Day is set to be observed on 16th August, 2010 throughout India. In this connection, a meeting was held on June 24, 2010 at the confederation office, Secunderabad, to discuss about the preparations for the Protest Day.

The meeting was attended by Vuppula Gopala Rao, chairman of FAPSCO, Sri Somasekhara Rao, Bharath Pensioners Samaj, Sri Rajesh from Aasara Help Age India, RN Mittal, chairman of APSCCON, Prof. V. Visweswariah, general secretary, Dr. Vyasa Murthy and other prominent persons.

It was resolved in the meeting that the national protest day must be observed and made grand success on August 16, 2010. It is also decided that two memorandums must be prepared for State and Central governments respectively. It is also decided that a delegation of large number of senior citizens will submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Another meeting will be held during the first week of July to finalize programmes with all the senior citizens associations and other organizations.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

Silent Disease of Elderly

The saying “Old age cometh not alone” is as true as always it brings with it many changes in body and skeleton. An elderly person suffers a fall and fracture without any prior symptoms of osteoporosis the most common bone disease. Osteoporosis (porous bones) is defined as a progressive thinning of bone and loss of bone mineral. Osteoporosis can be present in aged person from many years without any symptoms that would prompt to seek medical advice. Hence it is called a silent disease as a result of silent bone loss.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem and there are over 120 million osteoporotic patients in the world today. Scientific data indicate that bone mass is lower at the younger age in women in India than Western countries. Osteoporotic fractures typically involve the wrist, spine or hip.

Once the infant is born, bone continues its growth and the peak bone is attained around the age of 30. The peak bone mass is measured as bone mineral density (BMD) by bone densitometers. Osteoporosis is inevitable but, it can be postponed by attaining higher bone mineral density at young age. Calcium is the major mineral present in bone. Higher calcium intakes and exercise in young age increases the bone mineral density.

Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis due to low bone mass, multiple pregnancies, low calcium intakes and early onset of menopause. In women, estrogen (female hormone) is known to promote bone growth. Its deficiency, during post menopause, they lose bone mass more rapidly hence, the risk of osteoporotic fractures are higher then in men. Further increased risk of osteoporotic fractures occur equally in men and women aged 70 and above.

Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disorder to some extent. Proper dietary and exercise habits in elderly help maintain bone integrity and reduce bone loss with ageing. Elderly must consume one glass of milk and calcium supplement of about 500 mg of Ca/day to meet the calcium requirements of the body.

The osteoporotic patient should limit alcohol and caffeine (one cup of coffee) and restrict salt intake in order to limit the calcium losses. Female patients of osteoporosis should aim for a total calcium intake from diet and supplements up to 100 mg/d in 3 divided doses.

Foods rich in calcium Nutrient content / 100g of edible portion

1. Ragi 344 mg

2. Green leafy vegetables 500 – 800 mg

3. Gingelly seeds 1450 mg

Cumin seeds 1080 mg

4. Cheese, Khowa, skimmed powder

and whole milk powder 790 – 1370 mg

5. Fish & dry fish 843 mg

By Dr. C. Vijaya Kumar Reddy, M.sc., Ph.d,,

Rtd. Bio-Chemist

National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR)

Hyderabad.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.

Demografic change and senior volunteers in Germany

Prof. Dr. Christiane Dienel

Nexus Institut for cooperation management and interdisziplinary research, Berlin

"More and more citizens suffer from too much useless time" This statement by the German old age expert Klaus Dörner describes a situation where retirement very often is not enjoyed, but endured. In the 1950's and 1960 in Germany, post-professional life was only a very short period of time - retirement age was 65 and the average life expectancy 67 years. Also, responsibilities in the home and family filled the lives of women, constantly. The question of sense and meaning for the Third Age was therefore not posed, and certainly the elderly did not demand for a new policy to give an answer to that.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the usual model for a sufficiently meaningful age was the "active senior" whose activity consisted mainly of sociability - Senior Coffee, dance and tea, at best - and in the consumption of recreational services. Productivity was found mainly in handicrafts and household work. Meanwhile, a paradigm shift has taken place in Germany, leading elders towards self-help, empowerment, active citizenship and participation in the interest of the elderly. A representative survey of 2009 showed that 42% of the elderly see “productive activity and success” as a main source of happiness, even 51% of pensioners and retirees. For many elders, activities as volunteers satisfy this demand. Many start this kind of activity only after their 50 th birthday, because before that age, they have been occupied by work and family care.

So far, in Germany, existing regulations on early retirement have, unfortunately, promoted the premature departure of older workers from the labor market, instead of the necessary gradual sliding out from the work in favour of other priorities. In the future, the German economy will no longer be able to dispense with the productive potential of the elderly. On average, only 1.4 children are born per woman, the average life expectancy is 77.2 years for boys and 82.4 year for girls. The German society is, therefore, ageing quickly. It will be an important political task to combine paid labor and civil society involvement of the elderly. We should not draw, a too-strict qualitative difference between the two, in terms of tariffs, prohibitions and regulations. A new culture of volunteerism of senior citizens is to be encouraged not only by distributing badges of honor, but also by creating specific enabling conditions. This includes insurance coverage for volunteers, but also a system of allowances for voluntary work, which already exists for voluntary sports trainers in Germany and could be extended to other activities. Senior citizens can go and look for new tasks. From the traditional fields of action of voluntary work like social services, sports, emergency services, fire fighting, cultural activities and entering into local offices, the scope can also be extended to join in work and business, schools and urban development, junior mentoring programs, international activities and health and self-help promotion.

The changing needs of older volunteers have to be considered: first, they have altruistic motives and commitment to society to express, seek fulfilment of life purpose, but also, their legitimate need for social status and social recognition by offering attractive new roles. Do they still have to show their business card as a retired person ? Additional income opportunities are also an issue. The new senior citizens are, often, very well qualified, being online and networked; they are open to change. Already, some government projects attempt to build on this new potential, the example being a programme on "Intergenerational Volunteerism”. The demographic modifications of the German society will not be reflected and rated by installing enough elevators and wheelchair ramps, but rather by making a meaningful life accessible for the elderly, whether they, be more and less qualified, more and less healthy, or have more or less knowledge of the German language. This is one of the most important tasks for the German society in demographic change.

(This blog is the online version of "VOICE OF SENIOR CITIZENS", a monthly newspaper, a bilingual (Telugu & English), published from Hyderabad.