Help the Elders Enjoy Their Years of Growing Old

Care, love and happiness are all that our elders expect of us. The elders did their share in taking care of us and now it's time to help them lead a better life. Be it elders at home or unknown ones waiting for some love, time; making donations and showing concern should always be given due importance.

Getting old is defined as the accumulation of changes in a creature or object over time. In human beings the aging process refers to physical, emotional, and social changes that happen as we get older. Of these, some factors will grow over time, at the same time as others will decline.

What happens when you grow old?

As the body grows old, its’ immunity to infections and diseases goes down. The risks of osteoporosis (lessening of calcium in the bones) and organ related diseases are higher because of the body's weakness to renew cells. A good balanced, wholesome diet, moderate exercise as well as a positive outlook can go a long way in keeping both the body and mind in good shape. Psychological wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing and this important fact needs to be kept in mind at all times.

Considering this holistic aspect of healthy aging, social service organizations such as NGOs have evolved age care initiatives that engage both the body and mind. These are particularly targeted at those who are about to retire or have already retired and as a result are prone to leading sedentary lives. Large NGO organizations set up activity centres where these elders can meet and interact with their peers. This is particularly important to ensure for retirees who suddenly are faced with the prospect of having to go without the company of their work colleagues and therefore feel isolated and lonely. It is important to realize for caregivers that this feeling of loneliness can ultimately be the cause of a feeling of neglect which is often blamed on family members by some elders.

As a person ages, the need for familiar atmospheres as well as a place to call their own turns out to be very important; these activity centres provide companionship as well a sense of ownership of the physical place.

There are various NGOS in India which focus particularly on helping the elderly. The activities organized here provide the opportunity for inter generation contact as well as regular monitoring of health and welfare of the old. It is very much possible to remain physically and socially active in old age with these self-help groups. They help reduce the risk of developing health conditions, such as dementia. Mental and physical stimulation benefits them to lead a better life.

Donations to such organizations can help various elders in need. The biggest advantage with donations under section 80G of the IT Act is the tax free benefits one gets from it. All the money that you donate directly reaches the social work organizations with no deductions. Being tax free, this money definitely helps them make these organizations maximize the effect of their work for the elderly helping them to live their lives better. This in turn provides the elderly with mental strength, ultimately adding years to their lives. This in itself will leave each donor with the satisfaction of having done good and made a meaningful difference in the lives of the needy elderly.

So, what’s stopping you? Make a donation today, get the tax-exemption and make the life of an elderly worthwhile.

Author writes donations under section 80G. For more info about non profit organisation visit - https://www.helpageindia.org/donate.html