The fact that we are living longer today, thanks to medical advances, means that there are larger numbers of retired seniors in our family and community. Without employment to keep them involved, and with the younger generations busy with the demands of their own careers and social lives, seniors often struggle with meaninglessness and loneliness.
The Aga Khan Social Welfare Board (AKSWB) creates regular opportunities for senior members of our Jamat to overcome boredom, inactiveness, loneliness and deal with their emotional and psychological needs.
The Board reaches out to the senior citizens of the Jamat through two interventions: the CARE Programme and the Learning Resource Centers.
CARE Programme (Care And Respect for Elders)
CARE organizes get-togethers and recreational and educational programmes for seniors, at least three times in a year: Navroz, Imamat Day, and Salgirah. These one-day programmes are organized in over 200 centers, and cover more than 10,000 senior citizens.
Ginan recital, antakshari, garba, mehendi application, light comedy dramas, sports activities, mimicry, singing of khushyali songs, puzzles, Master chef, and motivational sessions are some of the activities that can be found at CARE events, and healthy meals are provided. Seniors find in these programmes opportunities to make new friends, bond with old friends, feel a part of society, and overcome feelings of depression and isolation.
Prarambh Ek Nayi Zindagi Ka (The Start of a New Life) was a programme centered around tree plantation symbolizing the fact that, even at this stage, one can have a new beginning in life. Participants were asked to list three things which would make them feel ‘Super Senior’. They wrote things like: Be the best chef in the house, can read English Farman in Jamatkhana, can walk continuously for 30 minutes, etc.
CARE has been designed for this very special purpose, to make our seniors happy, show them that they are not alone, that they can choose lives filled with happiness, joy, laughter and well-being, and that the entire Jamat is there to take CARE of them.
Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Centers (LRC) area communal meeting space for senior members of the Jamat– where they come together to relieve boredom, loneliness, to learn about health care issues, and foster self-reliance. The learning centre provides cultural, educational, physical, entertainment and social activities, and organizes awareness sessions on current affairs and their impact on their daily life. They also have creative activities like craft, drawing, role-plays, and healthy cooking.
There are five Learning Resource Centers in India, in densely populated centers like: Aga Khan Baug; Palace View, Pune; Vapi, Yavatmal; and Secunderabad. Each LRC has a library of books, audio set up, and computers, with facilitators to teach seniors how to access the Internet and chat with their family members.
The centers have been set up with the support of Ismaili Social Development & Sports Foundation (ISDSF), chaired by Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
Through CARE, seniors learn about the latest technology and trends being followed in society, and their impact on the new generation. Seniors learn how to use smart phones, computers and the Internet. AKSWB, in collaboration with the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board, also organizes Iqra – a read aloud club for seniors with stories from our religious traditions.
What seniors are saying about LRC…
“I feel fantastic about LRC. I am 79 years old and time killing is a difficult task. My children are based in America. I like to come in LRC every day morning where I meet all my other retired friends, where we enjoy talking, reading, exchanging jokes etc. We feel happy and relaxed over here.”
–Mr. Shamsuddin Meghani, Aga Khan Baug LRC
“…Seniors whose children are settled abroad or who have lost their better half don’t feel lonely or depressed when they attend LRC because LRC members act like their family.
LRC has its own library, where we get to read newspapers. LRC committee members also organize picnics, lectures, outing and birthday celebration for its members. We are very fortunate to have this center where we seniors don’t feel left out.
Normally I would not speak in public but after attending LRC I have started speaking out in public, LRC has helped me socialize with people.”
– Mr. Riyaz Merchant, Pune LRC
“I have recently joined LRC eight months back after I had an accident wherein my knees were operated. At the same time my son and daughter-in-law had moved to U S A. I was totally depressed…
After joining LRC, I can say that my life has changed. I am regularly attending yoga class which has changed me drastically. Meeting with other members, exchanging views, participating in programs made me busy and happy and took me out of depression…I have now joined English Class in LRC, which will help me when I will go to America.”
–Mrs. Roshan Meghani, Aga Khan Baug LRC
“LRC is a GIFT given to Seniors by Princess Zahra. It has become a centre where we come together, meet each other, share our views, get knowledge.
I felt lonely and depressed when my both daughters got married, and husband goes to work. LRC fills this loneliness with happiness, because we are always busy with various programs... like sessions, celebrations, picnics, classes like mobiles class, where I learnt to operate Android Phone…I had also taken part in YOGA and Dance in the Khushyali Programme which is uploaded on YouTube. LRC made me Famous...!”
- Mrs. Malek Ramzanali Lakhani, Aga Khan Baug LRC
