The Institute for Productive and Empowered Old Age (IPEOA) established on 22 January 2004, would function as a repository of knowledge about ageing in Maharashtra and in India, will recommend policy initiatives to the Government, conduct research about the impact of ageing within the human population in the State and will enable capacity building through training programmes and workshops.

 

YASHADA has signed a MoU with prominent NGOs such as Dignity Foundation, CASP to collaborate in this effort. It has setup an Advisory Board, of eminent persons form different fields such as the Medical, Psychiatric, Psychological, Sociological, Social Work, Cultural Anthropology, Public Health, Economist, Statistician, Public Administrator, Field Level Activists (NGOs working in the field of Ageing).

 

Aims and Objectives

 

The aims and objectives of this institute are

• To act as the repository of all knowledge on Ageing in India

a) Ageing processes

b) Age-related diseases and nutrition

c) Special problems and needs of the aged in India.

• Based on this knowledge to recommend to the state and the central government, policy initiatives and directions.

• Prepare projection and forecasts of the dimensions of population ageing on all such issues that are likely to influence policies and programmes of various ministries and departments.

• Promote activities such as seminars and workshops that will advance the understanding and better appreciation of the dimension of Ageing.

• Commission research studies immediate relevance short term requirements of the government.

 

Training

 

Well being of older persons has been mandated in the Constitution of India. Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy has directed that the state shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right of public assistance in cases of old age. The right to equality has been guaranteed by the constitution as a fundamental right. Governmental and non-governmental institution are expected to play an active role in carving out areas of operation and action in the direction of a human age integrated society. Therefore training would be one of the major activities of the institute.

 

• Training of Government officials in basic fundamentals of Social Gerontology.

• Training of professionals / people working in and or interested in Gerontology.

 

Research

 

The importance of a good database on older persons in essential. Research activities on ageing have to be initiated. For this purpose an inter-disciplinary coordinating body on research will be set up by the institute.

• Action Research

It is now considered that people who are 60+ have choices and opportunities to lead a productive, active, creative and satisfying life. An important thrust therefore should be on active and productive involvement of older persons in research and other activities on issues that are relevant to them. Therefore a series of action research will be undertaken by the institute where the elderly people would be involved in the research project. Areas of action research could include health and nutrition employment, education, community development, emotional care and support etc.

• Demographic Research

In absolute numbers, 135 million are aged 50+ in India. Studies on the ageing population growth sector-wise will be essential. If we want to initiate social action, we need to have a knowledge base that can dictate such action. There are many dimensions of demographics that will impact upon the state's health and economy and its people. Demographic research activities will be an integral part of the institute.

• Outsourcing Research on Geriatrics

Relevant areas of research will be outsourced to medical and Para-medical personnel and institutions, universities, NGOs dealing with elderly health care and nutrition, hospices etc.

• Policy Research

Separate bodies would be set up within the institute that will mobilize senior citizens, articulate their interest, promote and undertake programmes and activities for their will being all with a view advice the Government on all matters relating to the elderly. In order to ensure this, form time to time, the help of experts in Public Administration shall be taken. Assistance will be given for development of sensitization programmes on ageing for legislative, Judicial and executive wings at different levels.

 

Research Projects

 

• Local Studies on Ageing in Urban & Rural Population will be undertaken,

• Community Health Care for Older Persons in Urban Areas (Pune),

• Community Health Care for Older Persons in Rural Areas (Mawal/Mulshi),

• Old Homes in Maharashtra,

• Grey Cell Bank, and

• Policy Formulation for Elderly in the State.

 

Other Activities

 

• Interaction with NGOs

Interaction with a number of NGOs and encouraging them to take up the cause in identified sector within the Ageing field will be promoted by the institute. There will be continuous dialogue and communication with NGOs on ageing issues and on services to be provided. Networking, exchange of information and interactions among NGOs will be facilitated. Superannuated professionals will be assisted so that their professional knowledge can be utilized.

• Seminars and Conferences

Promote seminars and discussion workshops that will advance the understanding and better appreciation of the dimensions of ageing as they affect the state, its economy, the health of the ageing population, institutions such as family and finally at the personal level of ability of coping with ageing problems.

• Design Training Modules for Courses on Social Gerontology

Creating training modules for Courses on Social Gerontology For Government bodies, NGOs involved in the care and support of the Elderly and organizations and institutions interested in working in the area.

• Devise Curriculum Content

Devise curriculum content for courses in Universities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Assistance will be provided for development of curriculum and course material. Schools of Social Work an University Departments will be encouraged to take up the study of gerontology. Assistance wi II be provided to develop out reach programmes for interacting with older persons on a regular basis, participate in the running of senior citizen centers and develop activities in them. Exchange of training personnel will be facilitated.

• Creating Awareness

Disseminate information and communicate with the public and interested groups through a publication that will cover all topics of relevant interest to the elderly like: - help-line, senior citizens associations, legal aid, government policies, health services etc.

• Partnerships

Establish formal partnership with institute / bodies of national and international repute whose research work and experience will facilitate the institute's growth in accumulating knowledge on ageing; whose expertise can be used for training / teaching purposes. Create an annual roster of key professionals who will be deputed to countries abroad for acquiring knowledge in ageing subjects for purpose of teaching and training.