They Took Care Of Us, Now Our Turn: Help India's Senior Citizens

Senior citizens face several issues such as loneliness, elder abuse, neglect, lack of income security and poor access to healthcare. India has 112 million elderly people facing multiple physical, social, psychological and economic obstacles. Just as our senior citizens worked overtime to keep us safe, we are now ready to stand on the frontlines for them, to provide for the financial needs of the elderly.

Also Read: International Day For Older Persons In India: 7 Best Old Age Homes In India

Elderly Fear Social Stigma and Lack Of Support

A recent national survey conducted by the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), shed further light on this grim state of affairs. It concluded that about 5% of people aged 60 and above in the country have experienced ill-treatment, including both physical and emotional abuse, over the past year.

What Is Happening? 

India is home to 100 million elderly people today. 

Many elderly people in rural areas are left alone when their children go to cities in quest of a better life. Who will they look up to for financial needs in the latter, more vulnerable days of their lives? The parents that toiled day and night to raise their children often end up being abandoned owing to various reasons. As per a study by HelpAge India, disrespect, neglect and verbal abuse were the leading forms of abuse while the lack of adjustment and caregiver stress were leading reasons for abuse.

On the other hand, some children also have to migrate overseas for work, often being unable to take their parents with them.

The COVID-19 Struggle

• Unfortunately, the pandemic posed a challenge for NGOs and charities that help the elderly by limiting the number of needy elderly to whom they could offer support. They were hampered by the lockdown and shortage of funds. They couldn't even afford to feed their residents. Various NGOs, volunteers, crowdfunding platforms came together to provide a better living, a secure home and programs to help the elderly pay bills.

• When it comes to the association between coronavirus and needy elderly, doctors have discovered that senior citizens with underlying health disorders or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk. As a result, the elderly who fall into such categories may take further steps to separate themselves. This is why ImpactGuru offers COVID-19-relief and financial assistance for the elderly.

How Can We Come Together To Help? 

One can start by donating to charities that help the elderly or making use of crowdfunding platforms. Many crowdfunding platforms in India work for the welfare of the needy elderly in India. You could also consider volunteering with a group of individuals from your community to give home-cooked meals, medications, groceries, personal care to our senior citizens, assist them to arrange doctor's appointments and even accompany them to hospitals.

For more information, read: When People Came Together To Do The Unimaginable - Stories You Haven't Heard Yet!

Financial Help For The Elderly Through Crowdfunding– 

When it came to retirement planning, nobody could have predicted a worldwide pandemic. Millions of senior citizens in India are now in need of financial aid and are unsure how to pay their mortgage, rent, or utility bills. Retirement should be a period of peace and relaxation, free of the strains of employment. Unfortunately, many in retirement worry about how to get financial help for medical treatment,  how to get monetary support for everyday necessities, unexpected emergencies or in this case– how to get assistance for elderly care. Online crowdfunding has helped several needy elderly raise funds for the same.

Also Read: How To Help India During Covid19 Surge On ImpactGuru

Now that you know how crowdfunding works, take a look at how Indians initiated successful fundraisers on ImpactGuru for the elderly, the stories that appealed to people and raised their goal amounts.

1. Jesus Christ Charitable Trust

Thanks to the Jesus Christ trust's continuous updates, this fundraising on ImpactGuru was a success. Well-wishers contributed to a social cause by giving and widely sharing their story. During the outbreak, the funds were used to rescue the elderly's only (old age) home. The Jesus Christ Charitable Trust's regular posts and updates helped contributors establish trust and promote the fundraising, allowing them to raise the funds needed to preserve their home!

2. Thousands Came forward To Help an Ex-military Soldier!

Gyan Chandra, an ex-military man who spent his whole life serving his country and keeping his compatriots safe, was the one who deserved the nation's support! A total of 1947 donors contributed a total of Rs. 19,73,722 lakh for his urgent lung transplant. This was only possible due to the support of donors who came forward to ensure that India’s knight gets his treatment on time and recovers quickly. 

Thousands of people came forward and generously donated to help our precious elderly overcome their hardships. Donating to fundraisers on ImpactGuru can have an amazing influence on someone's life. You have the option of donating to any cause that is important to you.

Take Action To Help The Elderly–

We've seen how human interaction can enhance mental health and how grocery delivery can save the life of a high-risk senior. As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, we're witnessing an uptick in requests for financial help. You can sign up and start an ImpactGuru fundraiser to provide financial help to the elderly in minutes. Every rupee counts during a crisis.

If you can’t donate or volunteer in an NGO, here are some non-financial ways to help the elderly of India. Volunteering with senior citizens is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for their years of service and to make their day a little brighter. When two generations work together in service, it helps to bridge the generational divide, and everyone can learn something–

1. Pay a visit to a senior living facility.

Plan a visit (or, better yet, a series of visits) to an assisted living home to spend quality time with the elderly in old age homes who may not receive many visitors. Don't know what to do? Bring a board game, a care gift, a movie, or an old-age home.

2. Assist with chores around the house or in the yard

Visit an older neighbour to see if they may use some assistance with physical work such as lawn mowing, vacuuming, or other household chores or projects.

3. Help the elderly on how to use computers and the internet.

Teach elders how to email friends and relatives, read the news, utilise social media, and prevent frauds and viruses to help them stay connected.

4. Offer assistance with errands and transportation.

When elders lose their ability to drive, it becomes more difficult for them to remain independent and sociable. You could all go to the grocery shop, the hair salon, the doctor's office, or somewhere else they need to go.

5. Take part in a service initiative that involves people of all ages.<