7th October 2024: In response to the growing concern of elder loneliness amidst India’s rapid urbanization, Charista Foundation, in association with SENI India (by TZMO), organized the National Symposium on Elder Psychological Wellbeing (NSEPW) 2024. Held at the Bangalore International Centre on the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP), the symposium united experts, thought leaders and change-makers to address the mental health challenges faced by the country’s aging population. The event featured Padmashri Dr. Syed M. H. Kirmani, a World Cup-winning cricketer, who delivered the keynote address, offering personal insights on the importance of elder care and wellbeing.
As more young Indians migrate to cities, elders are left behind, often battling loneliness. Studies equate the health impact of loneliness to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. India, home to over 104 million people aged 60 and above (9.4% of the population), will see this number nearly double by 2050. The symposium highlighted these pressing concerns, emphasizing the need for empathy-led solutions and robust government policies to ensure psychological well-being for elders.
Padmashri Dr. Syed M. H. Kirmani, World Cup-winning cricketer, shared a deeply personal reflection on elder well-being in his keynote address – “You may be self-made, but not without the selfless support and love from your parents. As someone who has achieved much in my youth, I understand how crucial it is to build a strong support system for old age. Your parents rightfully deserve their place in your life. It is your responsibility to show gratitude and ensure their aging is comfortable. We should unite and create policies to provide mental, emotional, and social support for our elders. Loneliness should not be the legacy we leave them with. Congratulations and gratitude to the Charista Foundation for spearheading this cause, it is a great service to humanity.”
Anil Kumar P., Managing Trustee of Charisma Foundation, called for a movement toward policy reform: “As we spearhead this initiative, we are unearthing a Pandora’s box. We need committed and socially conscious individuals and organizations to join us in this journey, influencing the much-needed reform. Thousands of hands must join together to help us design a better future for ourselves and create an influence for a dedicated ‘Ministry for Seniors’. It’s time to address the issue and implement solutions to create a better India for our aging community.”
Mrs. Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson of Kirloskar Systems Private Limited, emphasized the importance of empathy in elder care, saying: “Empathy is not just a word; it is the foundation upon which we must build the future of elder care. We often forget that the elderly are not just numbers or statistics in reports, but individuals with stories, emotions, and needs. It’s not just about developing policies; it’s about creating environments where seniors feel seen, valued, and heard. Through family support systems, corporate responsibility programs, and government policies, empathy must drive the conversation. With events like NSEPW 2024, we are fostering the dialogue that will shape a compassionate and caring society. Together, we can create a future where aging is embraced with dignity and respect.”
Dr. Saketh M., Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Consciousness Studies, NIMHANS, spoke on the challenges faced by elderly people: “Nearly half of all dementia cases are preventable. Leading a physically, mentally, and socially active lifestyle is crucial in preventing and delaying the onset of dementia. The human brain is plastic, continuing to learn and adapt to new experiences, and cognitive reserve—our brain’s innate ability to withstand age-related neuropathological changes—can be strengthened through practices like meditation and pranayama. Our research at NIMHANS highlights the profound impact of meditation in enhancing cognition and overall well-being On a lighter note, co-founding trustee Shilpi Das offered her perspective: “If I’m going to live for long, I might live without the tag of a senior citizen for another decade, but who knows how life will treat me? What I do know is that I don’t want to cry, crib, complain, blame, or become grumpy. If I want to achieve this, I must make life choices today to pursue that state of bliss that no one can steal. But I also wonder—will there be an external support system to help me through? Because today, there is no social empathy.”
The event also brought together experts, policymakers, and domain thought leaders to discuss progressive policies and empathy-led solutions for tackling elder loneliness and mental health concerns. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Radha S. Murthy, President – of Dementia Alliance India, Managing Trustee – of Nightingales Centre for Ageing, Col. Achal Sridharan, Managing Director – CovaiCare Retirement Homes, Prof. Ajit Mani – of Public Policy Analyst, Dr. Manjula Raman – Pedagogist, Mr. Balachander Gandhekar – Filmmaker & Writer, Ms. Sujatha Balakrishan, Founder, Theatre for Change amongst many other stalwarts.
By engaging experts across industries, NSEPW 2024 sparked meaningful conversations around the future of elder care and mental health, highlighting the urgent need for societal empathy and policy reform.
