kaaranam-ketkadey

Dr V S Natarajan gets Padma Sri Award--congrats

2012-01-26T14:05:00.000+05:30

Dr VS Natarajan, a pioneer to promote geriatrics in India is known to many us in sss-global.

It a matter of pride for all of us that he is given this award. This message if from Sri KV Chary.

Let us congratulate Geriatrician Dr V S Natarajan who has been awarded Padma Shri.

We are all happy that our dear Dr V S Natarajan has been awarded Padma Sri

Dr.V.S.Natarajan, is the Chairman of the Senior Citizens Bureau since 2001.

INTRODUCTION

The Senior Citizens Bureau is a free guidance and information center for members of Society of all age groups which is run by Senior Citizens. The Bureau was founded under the original name of Citizens Advice Bureau in the year 1996 by the Probus Clubs at Chennai under the able leadership of General Aban Naidu, PVSM, AVSM, a world war veteran and social activist. Bureau renamed as a Senior Citizens Bureau was regisgtered under Societies Registration Act in the year 2002 and is headed by its Chairman Dr.V.S. Natarajan , M.D., FRCP, D.Sc(Hon), a renowned Geriatric Physician.

ACTIVITIES
FREE COUNSELING

Bureau provides free information and guidance through six departments such as Civic Affairs, Health Care, Law and order, Personal Administration, Finance and Education. Each of these is headed by a Secretary who is assisted by a panel of counselors possessing professional expertise and experience in the relevant field. So far 1200 letters had been received and satisfactorily dealt with.

HEALTH CARE PROGRAMES

Bureau has been conducting special medical camps for elders periodically. Over 25 Health Care Programmes covering the following areas of health have been held.
(i) Asthma and Hypertension (ii) Dental Health (iii) Hearing disability (iv) Geriatric Master Health Checkup (v) Bone Mass detection (vi) Rural Eye Camp (vii) Prostate detection (viii) Elder Care (ix) Well Woman (x) Geriatric Counseling (xi) Psycho Therapy (xiii) Insomnia (xiv) Obesity (xv) Hypertension (xvi) Healthy Bones & Healthy Arteries (xvii) Dementia (xviii) Skin & Falls camp.
K Venkatachari
PP Probus Club of Chennai
Flat No 4, satya Apts, New 31, Old 17, Madhava Perumal Koil Street Mylapore Chenna-4, 044 24981099

===============

Chandigarh Poll promises - brighter future for old people?

2012-01-21T09:53:00.001+05:30

Chandigarah 21st Jan Indian Express

Health insurance of upto Rs 2 lakh for the poor people, including
those with blue and yellow cards, old age pension for all above-65
years of age and subsidized atta-dal to poor families are some of the
promises, which the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal is likely to have in
its manifesto expected to be released on Sunday.

Sources said that the manifesto would promise removing the income
criteria for giving old age pension. Now any male above 65 years of
age and female above 60 years would be given Rs 600 per month as old
age pension.

Also, apart from the free health insurance, the other likely point in
the manifesto is that the amount given to the girls who get married
under the Shagun Scheme would be increased to Rs 31,000 from the
present Rs 15,000.

"The manifesto will also focus on social schemes like subsidized
atta-dal to poor families, free power to farmers, and highlight the
development projects initiated by the ruling alliance," said Sukhdev
Singh Dhindsa, the chairman of party's manifesto committee. He
admitted that some of these schemes were there in the party's
manifesto for 2007 elections.

The Atta-dal scheme, under which nearly 8.2 lakh families get wheat
flour and pulses at subsidised rates, helped the party gain a few
seats in the elections elections. The party is hoping that the scheme
may get them additional seats this time too.

Recently, the state government had expanded the scope of certain
social schemes by extending their reach to all the economically weaker
sections. This, the party insiders claim, has increased the political
base of the ruling combine.

Sources said that the party is also likely to push for agriculture,
trade and industry, self-sufficiency in power sector. The manifesto
would also promise free cycles to girls studying in Class IX and X
under the Mai Bhago Scheme.

Tags: poor families, Shiromani Akali Dal, Shagun Scheme
=========
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/health-insurance-for-poor-no-income-bar-for-oldage-pension-in-sad-manifesto/902121/0

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.I have started a third blog:
http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Senior Citizens of AP score a Victory

2012-01-19T12:27:00.001+05:30

I am giving below the story of a significant victory of Senior
Citizens in a case filed before SHRC AP. This is from Sri RN Mital
President of AISCCON. Read on ....
If you deem it fit please tweet about it or mention it in your
Facebook Wall, citing this blog post accessible to all Thanks.
Vyasamoorthy

===============
Dear friends

The Senior Citizens in Andhra Pradesh have won a significant victory
Here a paradoxical situation prevailed. As perhaps you know the
Arogyasri Health Care Trust provides health security to the entire
BPL population of AP and thus covers 82%
population [AP has its own definition of BPL].But unfortunately the
BPL inmates of Old Age Homes who are obviously the most entitled, are
deprived of it because they do not possess a proof of Identity and
also the white Ration Card.

If a BPL inmate falls sick, his family is asked to take him back.
Usually the families do not respnd. As neither the inmate nor the OAH
have the resources to afford medical treatment. the fate of the sick
can be imagined. The fate of the terminally ill or disabled is
miserable.Therefore, adequate health security for the inmates in OAH
homes is a must.

But in AP the Administration has laid down a condition regarding the
possession of white ration card for their own convenience as it is not
specified in the Trust Deed of Arogyasri. Therefore, imposing an
arbitrary condition and depriving a vulnerable segment of society of
the benefits of a welfare scheme, is a violation of their Human
rights; more so because being in the average age group of 75+ it is
not possible for them to run around to get a ration card issued.They
have neither the resources nor the physical ability to do so.

The other mandatory requirement is to submit a deletion certificate
from the original ration card endorsed by the local Revenue Officer.
It is generally impossible because their families are nor interested
in providing it as in most cases they are the abandoned souls or those
picked up from Hospitals, roads etc.

On account of these facts they are also denied the Old Age Pension and
the right to vote..

Having failed in their effort to persuade the Administration to take
remedial action in the matter,, the APSCCON [Andhra Pradesh Senior
Citizens' Confederation] finally filed a petition before the State
Human Rights Commission in 2010 and after two years of hearings and
adjournments the Commission has accepted our plea and has directed the
State Government in short to
1] to arrange visit of an administrative officer
periodically to issue the Ration Cards/Health Cards/ Identity Cards to
eligible inmates on the spot.
2] to issue Arogyasri Health Card on the basis of the
above and to arrange deletion of the names of inmates from the
original ration cards.
3] to ensure payment of Old Age Pension and enrollment
as voters using the above cards as proof of identity.
4] to set up CMCO referral centres in all District
Headquarters for all poor residents to avail benefits of the Arogyasri
scheme.

The State Government has been given 5 months to implement the order.

The petition filed by us before SHRC and their order dated January 9,
2012 are attached.
(This blog post does not have these two attachments. Those interested
may get it by email from author / me). We are trying to give it as
wide publicity as possible so that friends in other States can use
this case as an example, where necessary, to get similar rights of the
poor .senior citizens in Old Age Homes in their States recognised.

Best regards,
R.N.Mital
President,
All India Senior Citizens' Confederation [AISCCON]
8-2-333/14a, Rd.3,Banjara Hills, Huderabad - 34
Tel : 09052004913
website: www.aisccon.org

HelpAge Advantage Card

2012-01-13T14:32:00.000+05:30

HelpAge Advantage Card

Here is some great news for all of us - Senior Citizens. HelpAge is launching a big program called HelpAge Advantage Card. Any senior citizen (above 50 in their definition) can enroll himself or herself. Registration as of now is simple and free. Online form is available here.http://www.helpageadvantage.org/Enrol_now.aspx

HelpAge will eventually tie up with a good number of companies offering discounts, rebates and concessions on products & services of special interest to seniors citizens. Holders of Advantage cards can avail themselves of good discounts. Healthcare, Nursing Care, Hospital services, LOcal and outstation travel, Special goods, Fitness Aids, Legal help, etc are intended to be covered. This will be a mutually advantageous service.

This is what HelpAge has to say as of now
==

If your company markets products and services, here’s a market you cannot afford to miss: the ever growing senior citizen segment. The numbers are telling. Current estimates peg this number at 100 million plus and growing. By 2026, the number is expected to represent 12.4 percent of India’s population. Among these growing numbers, those nearing retirement or just retired should be of special interest to Companies engaged in healthcare, wellness, apparel, entertainment, travel and hospitality, among others. This is the silver segment that would look to these areas to fulfil long desired wants.

It is in this silver segment where marketing companies can discover
gold - through the tailor made AdvantAge Card, being introduced by India’s most respected senior citizen advocacy and welfare services provider, HelpAge India, a NGO with country wide presence.
The AdvantAge card will provide its subscribed members, aged 50 years and above with a range of services:

Attractive discounts offered by a chain of preferred partners covering wide variety of goods and services
Social networking through web based community
Helpline based assistance services in healthcare, safety and security

==
I shall keep you updated on this as this project unfolds. Just follow this blog.

Vyasamoorthy

United India wins TN insurance scheme

2012-01-13T04:42:00.001+05:30

TN Scheme ( CMEMIS Chief Minister's Elaborate Medical Insurance
Schembe) appears to be as good as Aarogyasri. Number of Persons
covered in a family, any special provisions for seniors in APL, total
number of persons / families covered, etc are some points worth
finding out. May be some Chennai member may help. I am also happy to
note that the trend of naming schemes after themselves by politicians
is slowly getting replaced by generic names -- earlier every State
scheme in TN was named after Kalaignar Karunanidhi. Vyasamoorthy
=============
United India wins TN insurance scheme
By R Srividhya Jan 11 2012 , Chennai
Tags: Insurance

Government-owned United India Insurance has won the contract to
deliver the Tamilnadu government-sponsored health insurance scheme in
the state that will add about Rs 750 crore to its premium income every
year.

Though the Maharashtra government's deal with National Insurance
Company a few days ago for health insurance carried an annual premium
of Rs 800 crore, it is expected to roll out only in phases, making
this the largest government-sponsored health insurance scheme in the
country.

The earlier scheme in Tamil Nadu floated by the previous DMK
government was executed by Star Health and Allied Insurance company,
which earned the company an annual premium of Rs 600 crore from the
government.

Following a change in government, the earlier scheme was scrapped, and
the new scheme invited bids only from public sector insurance
companies among which Chennai-headquartered United India Insurance
emerged successful.

The company already received the first quarterly premium installment
of Rs 183.64 crore from the chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday,
according to a statement from the state government.

Against the earlier scheme that provided coverage of up to Rs 1,00,000
for a year for a poor family of four members, the new scheme, named
'Chief Minister's Elaborate Medical Insurance Scheme' expands the
coverage to Rs 1,50,000 in cases of specific treatments and surgeries.
The scheme also provides insurance coverage for 1,016 treatments and
procedures, 113 follow-up procedures and 23 diagnostic procedures.

"Though the coverage is wider, we are confident of better claims
management and viable operations, as we have a lot of safety
mechanisms in place. The hospital network is also wider and includes
many government hospitals too," said G Srinivasan, chairman, United
India Insurance to Financial Chronicle.

Apart from the central government-sponsored Raashtriya Swastha Bhima
Yojana (RSBY), many states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have a
state government-sponsored health insurance scheme modelled on the
successful 'Rajiv Arogyasri' introduced by the deceased former chief
minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Though such schemes do not help the insurance companies much,
monetarily, they provide a reach to the most remote towns and
villages, which can eventually become targets for other products or
services.

rsrividhya@mydigitalfc.com
=============
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/insurance/united-india-wins-tn-insurance-scheme-913

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
I have started a third blog: http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Status of RSBY implementation

2012-01-12T22:19:00.000+05:30

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
12-January-2012 13:35 IST
Status of implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

The Cabinet today reviewed the implementation of the Rashtriya
Swasthya Bima Yojana. The Scheme was launched on 1st October, 2007 as
the health insurance scheme for families living below the poverty
line. It was operationalised on April, 2008.

The basic features of the scheme are as follows:

(i) Government of India contributes 75% of the annual premium. State
Governments contribute 25%. In case of North-East region and Jammu &
Kashmir, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10.

(ii) The beneficiary family pays Rs. 30 per annum per family as
registration/renewal fee. Administrative cost is borne by the State
Governments.

(iii) Beneficiaries are entitled to smart card based cashless health
insurance cover of Rs.30,000 per family per annum on a family floater
basis.

(iv) Coverage of all pre-existing diseases.

(v) Coverage of hospitalisation expenses, including maternity benefit.
(vi) Payment of transportation cost of Rs. 100/- per visit.

As on 31st December, 2011, about 2.57 crore smart cards are active and
more than 29.25 lakh persons have availed hospitalisation facilities
in 24 States/UTs.

The RSBY has also been extended to following occupational groups:

(i) Building and other Construction Workers

(ii) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA)
beneficiaries
(iii) Street Vendors
(iv) Beedi Workers
v) Domestic Workers

As is evident from the above, the scheme has been extended to a few
segments of unorganised workers. In future, it is likely to be
expanded to other segments of such workers.

*****

OLD PEOPLE BEHAVIOR

2012-01-12T09:26:00.000+05:30

Following article spotted b our friend VRV RAghavendran makes useful reading. It shows how senior citizens volunteer and give back to society what society gave them. Benefits of volunteering, sources to locate opportunities, removalof mis-conception about old people behaviour are all dealt with. Productive ageing is implicitely advocated. Read on ..

=====

http://brainerddispatch.com/lifestyle/2012-01-11/old-people-behavior

'Old people behavior'

Posted: January 11, 2012 - 4:20pm

By By DEB CRANNY

My kids accuse me of it. I don't get it, but that's part of the problem. Not getting things done as quickly as I used to and not caring that I haven't. Thinking little things are funnier than they really are. Forgetting what I was doing, where I was going and why. Thinking doing one thing well is better than multi-tasking. Starting to think about my pillow as early as 7 p.m. Dressing my age. Texting the wrong words. Not wanting to buy things on the internet. Not checking my email often enough. I'm not sure why these things are concerning them, but when they observe it, they do look at each other, grin, and say "old people behavior."

I think that's one reason I love the job I'm in. If I express any concerns to any of my clients about this, they just say "Oh, honey, don't worry. You're young yet! You have nothing to worry about. It gets worse." Comforting.

I don't make New Year's resolutions, and therefore I don't break them. However, this year I'm going try to really appreciate my age — embrace "old people behavior" and enjoy it! One of my favorite writings by Erma Bombeck titled "If I Had My Life To Live Over" encourages us to the things we always thought we shouldn't, like eating popcorn in the 'good' living room. She says to slow down and appreciate things a lot more, and to laugh at life instead of TV. The answers to my kids, seeing the humor in things sometimes takes some of the worry away. There is no reason to do more than one thing at a time, and going to bed early is very healthy! I say, they are lucky I'm texting at all, because I really prefer to talk to them, but I'm agreeing to deal with text and email in order to compromise. If I ordered all their presents on the internet, I'd never enjoy the Christmas music in the stores or run into friends to chat with while I'm shopping. I'm ready to say, I don't see what's wrong with "old people behavior!"

Here's some more evidence for my cause. You'll likely find them around every corner: Older people who volunteer and make a difference in our community each day. Maybe it's through local churches, community organizations, neighborhoods, senior centers or health care organizations. Wherever these unsung heroes are working their magic, they are needed as local budgets evaporate and community needs escalate.

Helping others defines life for many of our retired seniors. Here are some interesting statistics.
• More than half of seniors volunteer their time through unpaid community service.
• Twenty percent of senior volunteers surveyed started volunteering when they reached the traditional age of retirement of 65 or older.
• Twenty percent of seniors who volunteer say that their community service is the most important thing they do.
• Seniors who volunteer give an average of 15 hours a month in unpaid service.
• Seven in 10 seniors who volunteer indicate they plan on volunteering forever. This percentage is slightly higher for senior volunteers who suffer from chronic health problems.
Examples of senior volunteer are everywhere, if you look closely. There's Ernest whose hospice volunteering helped fill a void after his wife died. And Pauline, who says volunteering helps her manage fibromyalgia neck and back pain. There's the lady at the front desk of the senior center, making sure people get to the right activities, and all those folks making the doughnuts that are sold to help the senior center financially. The person at the front desk at the hospital, so kindly directing us to the right spots and the gentleman helping people get to their cars safely are invaluable. The local nursing homes have energetic seniors calling bingo, entertaining with music, and spending time visiting one on one.

As much as they give to others, what a difference we have observed in seniors' health, attitude and outlook among those who choose to stay active as they age. In fact, managing chronic conditions and maintaining health are important motivations. Three-fourths of senior volunteers surveyed who have chronic conditions say that staying active through volunteering helps them manage these conditions.

The benefits really do run deep. Senior volunteering is a venue for developing important social connections, said Erwin Tan, director of Senior Corps, a national organization that links more than 400,000 Americans 55 and older to service opportunities.

"In addition, it's a great way for seniors to learn new things, whether a skill or just something about an issue in which they have an interest."
Tan, who serves as the expert U.S. source for the Salute to Senior Service program, said he hears constantly from the seniors in his programs that volunteering gives them a purpose in life. "They say that it's the reason they get up in the morning," he said. According to Tan, volunteering is a great way to expand horizons for seniors and help them feel as if they are still a valuable part of the community.

The research tells the many ways that volunteerism helps. The following are benefits those 65 and older who volunteer have reported.
1. Strengthened mission – 99 percent want to make a difference.
2. Improved physical health – 98 percent stay active and feel better physically.
3. Stronger emotional foundation – 98 percent feel better emotionally
4. Renewed spiritual purpose – 98 percent gain a sense of purpose.
5. Shared wisdom – 90 percent want to share their talents, skills and experience.
6. Refreshed perspective and mental acuity – 84 percent want to occupy their free time.
7. Effective pain remedy – 75 percent with chronic conditions say volunteering helps them manage these conditions.
8. Invigorated social networks – 74 percent are able to overcome feeling isolated.
9. Better mental outlook – 70 percent are able to overcome feeling depressed.
10. Long-lasting legacies – 53 percent say that they learned the importance of volunteering from their parents' community service and 84 percent say they have encouraged their children to give back to their communities.

Now that's "Old People Behavior! " Thanks so much to all those seniors in our community who are active and giving back and gaining benefits for themselves. Now there's my New Year's Resolution! Bring it on! I will be honored and know that really, I'm not quite live up to the definition of "old people behavior." I need to act more like the seniors in our community!

[There are so many opportunities to volunteer in our community. A few contacts include Mike Koechler at RSVP, DeAnn Barry at Lakes Area Senior Activity Center, Liz Csanda at Good Samaritan-Bethany, Deb Anderson at St. Joseph Medical Center, or check the Volunteer Section of the Brainerd Dispatch that runs the first Sunday of the month]

DEB CRANNY is the executive director at Home Instead Senior Care in Brainerd.
============

Jeevanadhara stores to sell drugs at cheaper rates in Andhra Pradesh

2012-01-11T19:31:00.001+05:30

This is a happy day for AP. Now generic drugs will be available in Osmania Hospital shop. The plan is to open such shops in each district. The seminar conducted yesterday was addressed by very senior officials in Osmania Hospital, Drugs Control dept, Minister for Health, CEO APMS&IDC and others. Very promising and positive statements were made. If there is a commitment this can become a great success like 104 or Aarogyasri schemes.

Please spread the news and awareness about generic drugs among your friends.

Vyasamoorthy

=========================

HYDERABAD: To provide quality drugs at a low price for the poor, the AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMS&IDC) of the health department has decided to open 'Jeevandhra pharmacy stores' selling generic drugs at major government hospitals in the city. To begin with, a pharmacy would be opened at the Osmania General Hospital (OGH) on January 10 where about 340 varieties of drugs will made available for the people. Similar stores will be opened at Gandhi Hospital, Nims and Niloufer Hospital in the following weeks. These pharmacies would be run by NGOs like AP Senior Citizen's Confederation and Red Cross. The pharmacy at OGH would be run by the AP Senior Citizens' Confederation.

APMS&IDC, on a pilot basis, had started some stores by roping in NGOs and non-profit organisations at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam and teaching hospitals in Vijayawada and Kakinda. These stores have been selling drugs worth nearly Rs four crore every month. Buoyed with the response, the medical corporation has now decided to open similar pharmacies in the city.

"We are going to take up a massive campaign on the use of generic drugs, which are equally good in quality and cheap when compared to branded drugs. For instance, an antacid like Pantaprozole's branded tablet market retail price in the open market starts from Rs 60 for 10 tablets, whereas it costs only Rs 11 at Jeevandhra generic drugs," APMS&IDC general manager Ravi Udaya Bhaskar told TOI.

The corporation has been facilitating the NGOs in procuring 340 essential drugs (generic) through clearing and forwarding agencies The Jeevandhra pharmacies would sell the drugs by taking only 10% over the production cost. As a result, people will get huge discount at Jeevandhra.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Jeevandhra-stores-to-sell-drugs-at-cheaper-rates/articleshow/11417548.cms

PPF MIS KVP MPKBY etc - Important clarification

2012-01-11T15:13:00.000+05:30

Post Office Savings Scheme interest rates not floating - Finance Ministry

The government clarified that interest rate for small savings schemes will be declared on 1st April every year and will remain valid till the maturity of the scheme. However, in case of Public Provident Fund, which is a 15-year scheme, interest rates would not remain fixed for the entire period

New Delhi: The government on Wednesday said interest rates on post office savings schemes, except the PPF, will remain fixed throughout the term of the scheme, reports PTI. It clarified that interest rate for such small savings will be declared on 1st April every year and will remain valid till the maturity of the scheme. However, in case of Public Provident Fund (PPF), which is a 15-year scheme, interest rates would not remain fixed for the entire period. The annual interest accruals in the PPF account will depend upon the rate for that particular year, the finance ministry said. "The rate of interest on small savings schemes will be aligned every year with rates of government securities of similar maturity ... the rates are fixed and not floating so far as individual investments except PPF are concerned," it said, while responding to media reports that interest rates on all small savings schemes are floating.

With effect from 1 December 2011, the government has increased interest rates on PPF to 8.6% from 8% now, and also raised ceiling on annual contributions to the fund to Rs1 lakh from Rs70,000. Interest rates on savings account in post offices also rose to 4% from 3.5%. Similarly, interest rates on deposits of other maturities too were raised from December.

"The rate prevailing at the time of investments will remain fixed and unchanged till the maturity of the investment. Any revisions in interest rates in subsequent years will only be applicable to the investments made in the relevant period," it said.

The sale of 'Kisan Vikas Patras' (KVP) has also been discontinued from 30 November 2011. There was an apprehension about KVP, which was kind of a bearer instrument, that it was used for money laundering.

In addition, the maturity period of monthly investment schemes (MIS) and national savings certificates has been reduced from six years to five years. MIS earns an interest of 8.2% but accounts opened on/after 1 December 2011 would not be entitled for bonus. Besides, loans taken from PPFs would attract an interest of 2% per annum from 1 December 2011. The government has done away with commission paid to the agents for opening PPF accounts and Senior Citizens Savings Schemes, while the agents' commission for Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana (MPKBY) has been fixed at 4%. Besides, agency commission for all other schemes has been halved to 0.5%.

With bank deposits giving over 9% return, people are now preferring parking funds in banks and hence there has been a net outflow from the small savings schemes, which are administered by the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).

============

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul

2012-01-03T08:36:00.002+05:30

Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul. A Book of Miracles. 101 True Stories of Healing, Faith, Devine Intervention and Answered Prayers. By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Raksha Bharadia. Westland, 2011 pp 383+

Genre and Series: This title is the latest among the series of Chicken Soup, first one published in 1993 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. It is, as can be guessed, a book in Inspirational Genre. Earlier titles in the series intended for Indian Market include: Chicken Soup for the Indian Bride, Chicken Soup for Indian Doctors, Chicken Soup for the Golden Soul, Chicken Soup for the Indian Teenage girl, Chicken Soup for Indian Women, Chicken Soup for Indian Mothers, Chicken Soup for the Indian Romantic Girl, Indian Spiritual Soul, CS for Indian Fathers, CS for Indian Single's Soul etc.

Authors and Contributors: Apart from original authors Canfield & Hansen, this specific title has been authored / compiled by Raksha Bharadia. She is also the author of India CS titles shown in bold letters above. Stories have been collected from known and unknown writers. There are bloggers, columnists, famous writers / journalists, IAS officers, Engineers, School and College Students and Teachers. -- in a way, common people.

There are 101 short stories all narrated superbly from personal experience. List of contributors gives details of 68 authors, indicating that some have given more than one story. This can be confirmed by a quick look at the Table of Contents too. Generally authors list is arranged under surname but here I find the order to be natural: Something odd. Perhaps because of the background of Bharadia having worked in Femina, Gurlz and the like, most of the contributors (83%) are women. One positive thing about the list is that almost all of them have Email!

Grouping of Stories and Story Titles:

Sections	No. stories
Signs from above	9
The Healing Power of a Prayer	6
Love from Beyond	11
HIS/HER Messenger	8
HIS Saving Grace	7
Angels amongst us	9
Answered Prayers	9
Everyday Miracles	12
Devine Appointment	7
The Magic of Faith	7
Our Guardian Angel	8
The Call from Within	8

Looking at the grouping of the stories one can get an idea of subjects covered. The book need not be read from cover to cover. Picking up what appeals to your mind to read first is made easy through thoughtful and meaningful grouping. All stories are short, say about two pages. Not only that all titles of stories are also short; Ma is the shortest title. Longest is Coincidence is God's way of staying Anonymous.

Stories per-se: Though it is Non-Fiction in categorization, many stories covered border on Fiction, but unbelievably true. Most talk about commonplace occurrences such as: a pet being ill, some loved one recovering from illness, problem of transporting a heavy metal "safe" across a long distance, saving people before and after accidents, Kali Ma appearing in person, turning points in one's life coming after long waiting and prayers etc. I liked "Ma" and "The Rickshawala". Anyone interested getting inspiration of any sort from books will try this book.

=================

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.
I have started a third blog: http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Care giver Training Mumbai (BSA)

2012-01-02T19:12:00.001+05:30

Caring for the elderly, a career option for unemployed women....Menaka Rao

Till three months ago, Chand Begum Shaikh, 29, had never held a
thermometer. Today, Shaikh can not only check temperature but has also
learned to resuscitate people not breathing.
In the following months, the Class 7 dropout who has never held a job
will earn a living taking care of senior citizens.
"Till now I would only see doctors examine patients, today I can also
check blood sugar. It is very exciting," said Shaikh, a divorcee who
lives with her father and has to fend for her three children.
Shaikh is among 20 women from Dharavi being trained to take care of
the city's elderly in various aspects of nursing by Shield Foundation,
a non-government organisation.
"Having worked with the elderly for many years, I realised they need
good caregivers especially in situations where they live alone because
their children are abroad or just too busy," said Swati Ingole,
founder, Shield Foundation. "We are training a unemployed women who
are willing to take care of the elderly."
Ingole claims that this is the first such initiative in the city.
"The nurses hired from various agencies are not trained. I am sure
these women will be placed," said Ingole. The course -Respite
Caregivers Training Course -includes sessions every weekday between
October 2011 and January this year.
"For the first time, I heard so much about diseases and about our
body. Dr Daksha Shah (who teaches basic health) taught us how to take
care of ourselves and others," said Shakila Rafi Shaikh, 26, who has
four children and is a Class 9 dropout.
The course includes training on basic health, mental health,
communication building, and supportive therapy with lessons on yoga,
acupuncture and practical training in hospitals. "It's very difficult
to keep getting maids to take care of me. This new initiative will
help people like us," said Naju Padhsa, 75, who suffers from
arthritis.
The course also covers aspects like dealing with people in a bank or a
post office, calling a doctor and checking temperature.
URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/PUBLICATIONS/HT/HM/2012/01/02/ArticleHtmls/Caring-for-the-elderly-a-career-option-for-02012012004004.shtml?Mode=1
==============
Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
I have started a third blog: http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Seasonal Email ID harvesting

2012-01-01T19:32:00.000+05:30

How many email addresses did you harvest this festive season?

During Dec-Jan every year thousands of people exchange Seasonal
greetings for Xmas and New Year. Most naive individuals (especially
those who have taken to the net recently) send greetings to friends
leaving email addresses open for anyone to harvest.

For instance our friend Sri Kodavanty Subrahmaniam does not realize
that when he replies to post from a member in the group, the reply is
sent to all members of the group. He has replied every New Year
Greetings from Group Members thus increasing NYG messages by adding
his own twenty plus in just a day to EVERY ONE OF 650 members of
sss-global group!

There are simple programs to collect addresses from email messages,
remove duplicates, verify if message can be sent (if addressee is
reachable), whether there are domain name based errors etc. Using
these techniques a good spammer friendly database can be created
easily. Then the fun begins.

Just you are bombarded with hundreds of SMS messages of all types in
your cell phone, your Email Inbox may be inundated with
inappropriate, indecent invitations to many things such as:

"come and sleep with me; I am very hard to please" shouts a teenage girl
"Buy Viagra and experience heaven" says another
"become a millionaire overnight" dupes yet another
"bribe God by forwarding the message" fools another email

Limitless are ingenious ways in which you can be spammed.

If you ask me why I have not sent any NYG message to our members, I
would like to reply with a poker face:
"I was busy building an email database of senior citizens"

Incidentally a message is a spam if 1) it is distributed to a very
large number of people AND 2) it is sent unsolicited and is not
expected.

==========
Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/
I have started a third blog: http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Re: [sss-global] TAMIL NADU TO BUILD SIXTY FOUR SHELTERS FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS

2012-01-01T09:14:00.001+05:30

Here is a message from VRV Rao given below

Laudable move by the TN State Government. Next only to Chandigarh, TN is becoming senior friendly in its activities / policies. Do you think that about 20 lakhs per such shelter is enough? Granting that land will be free (govt land) how big / small a building may be constructed in 20 lakhs? (to house children and senior citizens? I am asking this question from the point of view of NGOs / Individuals planning to set up OAH.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-Nadu-to-build-64-shelters-for-the-elderly/articleshow/11311849.cms

Tamil Nadu to build 64 shelters for the elderly

NN | Dec 31, 2011, 05.42AM IST
CHENNAI: Chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday announced that 64 integrated complexes will be established at a cost of Rs 12.18 crore to accommodate senior citizens who do not have any social support.

The integrated houses, which will be constructed in partnership with non-governmental organisations and big private companies, will also lodge destitute children and children affected by the HIV.

The complex will also have a separate area for differentlyabled senior citizens. The chief minister has directed the setting up of such complexes in 32 districts in 2011-12, an official release here said.

Fundamental Duties and Senior Citizens

2011-12-29T12:59:00.001+05:30

Fundamental Duties and Senior Citizens

The Constitution of India is by far the most important document spelling out what we Indians shall or shall not do as a nation as a whole. As a nation comprises of people, provisions in the constitution say what citizens should and should not do in very broad terms. Common man, when he hears the phrase Constitution of India, immediately thinks of Fundamental Rights guaranteed to him but rarely ever thinks of Fundamental duties binding him. Rights and responsibilities are two sides of a coin and one can not exist without the other.

As I have been working the area of welfare of Senior Citizens for the past decade or so (post retirement activity), I shall discuss fundamental duties of all citizens from older persons' point of view. The first duty asks us to respect the National Flag and National Anthem. When the National Anthem is sung, some people, even senior citizens, walk away or busy themselves with trivial things like talking on mobile. They are supposed to set an example to youngsters but do just the opposite. Event organizers should ensure strict compliance of this duty, especially as this is enforceable by law. This is the simplest of all the duties specified in our constitution.

The second duty viz "to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle" is fittest to be enforced upon senior citizens. They are closely connected with the last generation that sacrificed a lot to get us independence and freedom. If present day seniors do not understand or appreciate this, how can we expect youngsters who are far removed in time to understand?

"To defend the country when called upon to do so" is another fundamental duty. Senior citizens may not be of much help in a physical sense. However, fighting an enemy requires brain power and experience as well. Whatever contribution one can offer including encouraging youngsters to be enthusiastic and patriotic is well within the capabilities.

"To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women" is the fourth duty. Having seen life and strife, seniors are best suitable to renounce bigotry, petty feelings and narrow mindedness. Besides shedding feelings of partiality based on religion, caste, language, region of origin etc, older people should dissuade youngsters from being narrow.

"To safeguard public property and abjure violence" is the next one. We find strikes and bundhs everyday, where a common accompaniment is the loss of public property like buses and buildings. Elders can do their fundamental duty by bringing culprits to book, offer to be witnesses etc. In initial stages suitable advice to younger adults to calm down and see sense, might work. Keeping aloof thinking "this is not my concern" is wrong.

"To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual" is the final diktat. Here comes the ideas of life long learning, University Third Age, Distance education, productive ageing etc. No age is too old to learn. No age is too old to contribute to society. If elders can be active through out and contribute their mite to society by way of voluntary service, work, suggestions, advice etc our country will certainly progress much faster.

*****

The above article written by me was sent to the organisers in connection with the award of UNV Karmaveer Puraskar - Karmaveer Chakra award given in November 2011 to me.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/
I have started a third blog: http://seniorcitizensdiscounts.blogspot.com/

Maintenance of Parents - Sec 125 of CrPC

2011-12-26T13:51:00.001+05:30

Judgments under Sec 125 of CrPC
==========================
Judgments – Section 125 CrPC – Maintenance of Parents
Section 125 (1) (d) of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is a provision
in Indian Law whereby a Magistrate can order children to make a
payment of monthly allowance as maintenance to their Parents (father
or mother).
Relevant extracts from a few Judgments of Supreme Court and various
High Courts of India are enumerated below, wherein Courts have
pronounced following major decisions :• Father or mother must be
unable to maintain himself or herself• Fulfilment of parental
obligation is not a pre-condition to claim maintenance• Daughter is
liable to pay maintenance to parents• Adoptive mother can claim
maintenance• Step-mother can claim maintenance• Application for
maintenance to be filed where the son / daughter lives

The amount is limited Rs 500 per month maximum.

I can give details of salient features of such judgments to anyone interested.

Extract from an article - sent by Vyasamoorthy
======================================

146 senior citizens killed in Maharashtra in three years

2011-12-24T09:30:00.000+05:30

146 senior citizens killed in Maharashtra in three yearsPratishtha
Ingale, TNN | Dec 23, 2011, 01.02AM IST

NAGPUR: Home minister RR Patil on Thursday informed that 146 senior
citizens were killed in the state during 2009 to 2011. Of these four
cases happened in Mumbai in September this year alone. He provided
these figures while replying to a query by Arun Gujarathi, Usha Darade
and others in legislative council on Thursday.
In the last six months, eight senior citizens were killed and an
amount of Rs 8.86 lakh was stolen from them but Rs 8.24 lakh of it was
recovered after investigation. The minister said, "the accused in 91
cases were arrested. It is observed that close relatives and in some
cases servants were the culprits in most cases. The most common
intention behind the murders was disputes on property or loans,
differences within family, and under influence of liquor."
According to him, every police station had compiled a separate
register of senior citizens residing in its jurisdiction. The details
of servants working for the senior citizens were also collected. A
toll free helpline was started for the safety of senior citizens. The
helpline number for Mumbai was 103 and people from rest of Maharashtra
could dial 1029. In response to the call made to these numbers,
immediate help would be provided. Also, a special Tanta-Mukta police
station was started in Aurangabad, Patil said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/146-senior-citizens-killed-in-Maharashtra-in-three-years/articleshow/11212026.cms

========

2011-12-22T19:50:00.001+05:30

Book Review - Aisccon Guide on Elder Care Homes

Prof PV Ramamurti and Dr P Vyasamoorthy: AISCCON Guide on Elder Care
Homes. Published by All India Senior Citizens Confederation, Mumbai.
November 2011. Pages (A5) 86.

This book is two parts. The first part, the Guide on Elder Care Homes
is based on papers submitted by members of AISCCON National Committee
on Elder Care Homes. This part is mainly targeted towards managers and
owners of Elder Care Homes. Minimum Standards for services, facilities
and infrastructure are stipulated for a) free homes run on charity
basis and b) Pay & Stay type intended for middle and upper middle
class elderly persons. Thereafter, provision of healthcare facilities,
Food and Nutritional aspects, and Activities / Entertainment are
covered in three later chapters.

Apart from general aspects of managing Elders homes, there is a
separate chapter on Financial management. As a logical next step,
details relating to Monitoring and Inspection of Old Age Homes are
given next. Rounding off this group are two articles one on: A summary
of Research Studies on Old Age Homes in India and a brief note of the
scenario in UK USA and Canada.

Appendices, forming the second part, are a collection of important and
useful extracts from various governmental sources that serve as
reference. Architects, planners and real estate persons interested in
providing shelter to senior citizens will benefit from Guidelines on
Space standards for the elderly, Universal design tips and barrier
free access guidelines. The AP State Rules relating to old age homes
– (still in draft stage as of Nov 2011)- under Maintenance and Welfare
of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007 would be useful as a model /
template for other states. These rules will indeed be directly useful
to owners / managers of old age homes.

There are a few a few page formatting errors in second part of the
book. Absence of info on copyright, availability, and details of
AISCCON - the publisher as such are points to be noted if a second
edition is taken up. The book is very useful to all connected with
setting up and running old age homes. Even residents of old age homes
may benefit by learning what they should look for in searching /
selecting old age homes.

Prof P.V.Ramamurti, PhD(Ageing), FNA, Honorary Director(Emeritus),
Center for Research on Ageing, Dept. of Psychology, S V University,
super annuated as Dean of school of social behavior sciences, in 1996.
He was a Fulbright fellow (1983), Andrus Gerontology Center, L A USA.
His Intl and National awards include Sandoz Intl award, Age Care
award, AGI lifetime achievement award, Pranavananda Research
Award(lifetime), Basu Medal ( API), SCB award for excellence, ISCA
Platinum jubilee award . He is a scholar and teacher of international
repute.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, co-author, has about ten years of post retirement
experience as a social gerontologist and social activist. He is a
prolific writer. He is a recipient of AP State govt award in 2007 for
his services to senior citizens and a winner of UNV Karmaveer Puraskar
Award in 2011.
==================================================
Available at Rs 30 plus postage, from: AISCCON, Jyestha Nagrik Bhavan,
Plot No 7-C Behind Gaondevi Mandir, Sector 12, Nerul(West), Navi
Mumbai 400706 (Phone: 022-27701228)

Free Medical and Legal Consultation for Senior Citizens - Hyderabad

2011-12-20T18:49:00.001+05:30

Free Medical and Legal Consultation for Senior Citizens

The Association of Senior Citizens, Lions Bhavan, Paradise Circle,behind HDFC Bank have inaugurated a Special Service to Senior Citizens irrespective they are members or not, since 13 Dec 2011.This is open for all senior Citizens free of cost..On the inauguration day 26 members availed the facility. The consultations had to be extended by another hour due to heavy demand as a special gesture by the Doctors.Dr. Mukesh conducted the medical check up, his assistant Doctor carried out Blood Sugar Test and Blood Presure test.

This facility is on every second Tuesday of the month between 3 and 4 pm at Lions Bhavan 2 nd floor. Dr. D Sree Mukesh M D (Gen).D Dia of Vivekananda Hospital Begumpet will visit the premises and check up the medical health of patients and prescribe drugs all free of cost. Blood Pressure and Blood sugar level is also checked up. A token sum of Rs 20 is collected for consumables for blood test.Vivekananda Hospital has kindly agreed to give a discount of 20 percent to members of this association for specialists consultations.The discount is also applicable for diagnostic tests . The in patients are also eligible for the discounts on their bill except on the consumables.

Another facility to be started from 27 Dec 2011 is free legal advice by a practicing High Court Advocate Mr Manoj He will render legal advice for all senior citizens irrespective of members or not. He shall also deal with Alternate Therapy.This facility is also free for all Senior Citizens

This programme will continue every month. In January 2012 it will be on 10 th and 24 Jan 2011 respectively

These facilities may please be availed by all Senior Citizens and be given wide publicity.

As the period of one hour is a short period number of patients will be around 15 to 20 to be given facility. It is requested to get their names registered in advance. The registration start a week in advance.

Khanapur Krishna Rao B.Sc.,B.E. IDSE (retd)

Secretary, The Association of Senior Citizens, Hyderabad

Tele 9392431974 Landline 040-27752546

==============

A Note on SSS-Global Meeting on 4th December 2011

2011-12-05T06:14:00.002+05:30

A Note on SSS-Global Meeting on 4^th December 2011

Registration

Last year it was decided to hold sss-global annual meeting on the first Sunday of December every year.

Accordingly some 45 members met at Sweekar Hall to celebrate the annual day of the SSS global on 4t December 2011. The face to face interaction was wonderful. The registration started at 10 am followed by light breakfast. During the registration participants were given a copy of latest issue of Tarnaka News, Harmony magazine and DVD on Isha Kriya – all free of cost. The program started at 11am sharp.

Speeches

Mrs Kamakshi, the Master of Ceremonies, greeted and welcomed all the guests. An invocation song on Lord Narayana was melodiously rendered by Ms Shanti Shivram. It augured well .

Dr P Vyasamoorthy thereafter welcomed the members and gave a brief report on the SSS Global. How it was the brainchild Mr Sivraram and very well supported by others like Justice Rangarajan, Mr VK Narasiman, Rajendra Rao, IVLN Chary and others. Today it is 5^th among some 700 such groups meant for senior citizens. He went on to describe how several people are regular contributors on various topics of interest for the seniors. Benefits to members were described. Justice Rangarajan also added his views about the group and how quality information can be shared.

Mr RN Mital also congratulated the efforts of the founder members and threw light on the problems facing the seniors and invited an open discussion about how the implementation of the laws and welfare schemes for elders should be taken up. Dr Vasunder Reddy too gave his positive views about SSS and how regardless of the time of the day he reads the mail and the articles.

Felicitation

The icing on the cake was the announcement of the award given to Dr P Vyasamoorthy.

ICONGO, VSO and Silver Innings Foundation have jointly initiated an award for Exceptional work for Senior citizens. This is their first year. Dr P Vyasamoorthy was selected for the Award called Karmaveer Puraskar UNV Karmaveer Chakra. This was presented in Delhi on 27^th November 2011. Members of SSS-Global are very proud of this award and facilitated him by a Shawl at the hands of Sri RN Mital.

Narration of Anecdotes

After all the business hour, we moved over to something light and entertaining. T o encourage greater participation from the audience a game was conducted . The members were required to come and narrate a humorous or an embarrassing moment in their lives. Mr Mital. Dr Vyasamoorthy and Dr Vasunder Reddy were the judges. It had a n overwhelming response. Each incident was more hilarious than the other. Justice Rangarajan, Ms Mohini Moghe and Ms Sobha Perindevi were adjudged as best of the top three narrators and were given prizes. There wasn’t any who didn’t enjoy this part.

Fun and Entertainment

Kamaskshi organised a novel game of locating people with maximum number of buttons on their shirt, Most colorful flowers worn by a lady, maximum denominations of money with a person, One with a checked hanky and so on. So prizes were just distributed., like Santa Claus with his bag of goodies. People enjoyed it thoroughly. This was followed by a round of Tombola. All in all more than 22 prizes were distributed and was well appreciated. Thereafter, talented seniors sang, recited poems. Mr Bagade, Dr VBGK Moorthy, Dr Sashikala, Smt Chandrakala, Mr Sivaram sang melodious numbers and engaged the audience. M r Cheenu spoke and expressed his happiness of belonging to this group.

Olla Podrida

The vishakapatnam unit of SSS sent an SMS wishing us a great meet. Mrs Cheenu and Krishna Rao took photos. Through the efforts of Sri Sivaram, Karur Vysya Bank donated a sum of Rs 1500 and this was highly appreciated. Dr Vyasamoorthy expressed his gratitude for honoring him and thanked all participants for attending the meeting with a special mention of Ms Jayanti, Ms Kamakshi and Mr Sivaram for tirelessly working and making this event a great success. Ms Jayanthi Menon gave the vote of thanks. The program ended with a sumptuous Lunch.

===

2011-12-03T17:40:00.000+05:30

Why is the Jan Aushadhi Scheme an utter failure?

How it all began?

Union minister Sri Ram Vilas Paswan launched Jan Aushadhi Scheme in April 2008 with great fanfare. The objective was to make generic drugs available to poor at substantially lower prices than branded drugs which are almost unaffordable. Shops were opened in big hospital complexes, supply of drugs arranged from big manufacturers. The intention was to set up one Jan Aushadhi shop in each district head quarters. The table given below compares prices of branded drugs and generic ones of a few typical drugs:

Where are we now?

So far, 113 Jan Aushadhi Stores have been opened in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi & UT of Chandigarh. Sri Srikant Kumar Jena, Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers laments: “Since opening up of Jan Aushadhi Stores mainly depends upon the health policies followed by State Government, besides the support and cooperation they extend to open such stores, in the identification of agencies to manage such stores, allotment of space etc., it is difficult to prescribe any timeline for launching stores in the remaining States.”. The official website for Janaushadhi scheme http://janaushadhi.gov.in gives prices of some 320 essential medicines in generic form available in these shops. In reality, almost all shops set up so far, display empty shelves. In NIMS, Hyderabad the Jan Aushadhi shop always says No Stock, while a next door chemist has a roaring daily turn over of more than 4 lakhs!

Problems and issues:

All kinds of problems have cropped up: Shops have no stocks as already indicated. Doctors refuse to prescribe generics though they have been directed to do so, especially in the case of govt hospitals. IMA has advised that doctors need to prescribe generics only if so requested by patients or write out equivalents as a substitute. Hand in glove with manufacturers, doctors take their commission / cut and leave poor patients to be exploited, by prescribing only branded products. Competitors in trade threaten generic only shops to close down through unfair means.

Supply chain from manufacturer to retailers is mismanaged; moreover the suppliers hitherto have only been large scale public sector companies who are so big that the requirements of a few Generic shops is peanuts for them and are not interested in doing business coming through Jan Aushadhi chain. Now Govt has started looking into Middle level players too. Most importantly there is no awareness among public and doctors – Most doctors do not know what / how to prescribe generics! Many Doctors also harbor wrong belief that low priced medicines are useless, forgetting that the drugs are produced by reputed manufacturers in the same factory adopting same methods and controls applicable both for branded ones as well for generic ones!. Another reason is that Health is in concurrent list – so many State governments have to co-operate for any scheme to be successful.

Andhra Pradesh holds out hope!

In the case of Andhra Pradesh, AP Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) is keenly interested in making availability of generics a reality. They plan to set up more than 175 generic shops under the brand “Jeevanadhara” through out the state. Reputed NGOs like Red Cross, Andhra Pradesh Senior Citizens Confederation (APSCCON) have been approached to implement the scheme. Govt would provide space, support for procuring drugs, publicity for shops opened under this plan. As there appears to be some political will to make it a success, there is every hope that Jeevanadhara would succeed. Let us wait and see.

================

IRDA - No exit age for health insurance

2011-12-02T21:08:00.001+05:30

Please read the part in block letters. Is this just an advice or a mandate? Is this a victory for us?

==============================================
Insurance for Senior CitizensDecember 02, 2011 The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the regulator in the insurance sector had constituted a Senior Citizens Committee in 2007. Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the IRDA had instructed insurers in April, 2007 to allow entry in health insurance policy at least till 65 years of age. In August 2008, IRDA mandated establishment of a separate channel to address health insurance related grievances of senior citizens. Further, vide instructions issued in March, 2009, IRDA instructed that apart from the entry age of 65 years, the denial of health insurance to senior citizens on any grounds should be in writing with reasons furnished and recorded and the premium charged to senior citizens should be fair, justified and transparent and duly disclosed upfront. As the most recent initiative, Insurers to ensure that there is no exit age in the policy which ensures IRDA, while approving health insurance products, advises all general ithat no one is denied health insurance merely on grounds of age.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to an Unstarred Question in Lok Sabha today.
DSM/ Hb (Release ID :78114)

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78114

=======Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Have you signed up for sss-global 4th December meeting? Sweekaar Upkaar 4/12/2011 10.00 am

Senior citizens taking classes at the University of Arkansas won't have to pay tuition

2011-12-01T12:58:00.001+05:30

Senior citizens taking classes at the University of Arkansas won't
have to pay tuitionTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS First Posted: November 30,
2011 - 5:11 amLast Updated: November 30, 2011 - 5:11 amFAYETTEVILLE,
Ark. — The University of Arkansas is giving a major break to people 60
years and older who want to go to college.

Officials announced Tuesday that residents in that age group can
enroll in credit courses at the school tuition free on a
space-available basis.
Crawford says some older students seek classes to complete a degree,
while others take courses that interest them.
Officials say college courses engage older learners in challenging and
intellectually stimulating programs.
Julie Crawford is the coordinator of senior citizen admissions for the
University of Arkansas. Crawford says some older students seek classes
to complete a degree, while others take courses that interest them.
Those wanting to return to the classroom must apply to the university
to ensure admission before the Jan. 13 registration period.
====Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Have you signed up for sss-global 4th December meeting? Sweekaar
Upkaar 4/12/2011 10.00 am

Seven Dirty Tricks to Tease Auto Drivers

2011-11-30T21:05:00.000+05:30

Seven Dirty Tricks to Tease an Auto Driver

Everyone knows that auto drivers are notorious. Not just in Hyderabad but anywhere in India. They misbehave in most unexpected ways, charge higher than the meter, never agree to go where you want and at times refuse to ply short distances. Here are some tips to wreak vengeance. You can practice these tricks and gain immense satisfaction of being one up above these smart guys.

1. When you really do not require an auto, stop an empty auto and ask him if he would come to Timbuktu or any name of a locality that does not exist. When he asks "where is that?" ask him to find out for himself and leave quietly. You may also mention some really far off place that will tempt to say yes; when he says Chalo, you simply say you have changed your mind and you do not want to go there.

2. When an auto driver quotes his exorbitant charges, simply tell him that you will only pay treble that amount. He will be perplexed for a few minutes and then you may tell him that you will pay that much only after three days. Then you say you want the auto on after three days. When he starts scolding you, you can also say: "You are a hypotenuse of a right angle triangle"; before he wonders what it means, just leave the place.

3. You hire an auto for a destination that is much further away from your real destination but on the way. Most probably he would agree without any murmur. When your destination comes, ask him to stop at some building for a minute. Get out, go inside the building (pretend), come back and say: "the person whom I was going to meet has come to this building itself". Then excuse yourself and dismiss the auto paying only whatever is due correctly.

4. You can do the above pretending to be talking to your friend on the mobile a few minutes before the actual destination and play the same trick. ("Say something like: I am reaching you in a few minutes.. Oh you are right now here ?.. Oh!! in … this XYZ building..?).

5. Just as the driver keeps hinting for extra money before reaching the destination, you also keep saying that the meter is faulty, he is manipulating the meter, He is taking longer route etc. This will prevent him from asking for more while you get down.

6. When you do not need any auto, simply stand nearby an auto stand and make a note of all Registration numbers of Autos. If somebody asks, you simply say it is your hobby.

7. Sometimes you may be able to identify and spot a constantly erring auto driver. In such instances, if a friend is with you, simply point your finger at the driver and pretend as you are passing some (bad) remarks about him. He may grow suspicious but can not do anything in retaliation.

Awareness Workshop on Reverse Mortgage

2011-11-30T19:23:00.002+05:30

HelpAge conducts Awareness program on Reverse Mortgage Loans (RML)

There was an awareness workshop conducted by HelpAge Hyderabad in Belson Taj on 30^th November 2011. Sri Ch Parameshawar Reddy, President of APSCCON; Dr Rao Chelikani Hon President of FAPSCO; Sri S Dass Regional Head, HelpAge, Hyderabad; Sri Harwinder Bakshi, Director HelpAge Delhi; Sri Rajmohan Managing Director NHB were on the dais.

Sri Prabhu from NHB gave a PowerPoint presentation on basics of RML and RMLeA, overview, eligibility, purpose, differences between RML and RMLeA, likely (typical) sums that can be expected as monthly loan for different age groups etc were explained. Many doubts were clarified with this presentation alone. Limitations of RML and how they have been removed in RMLeA were made clear.

Sri Parameshwar Reddy mentioned that the initial charges by way of Service charge, processing fee registration charges etc amounted a big sum and ways to reduce this burden must be explored. Sri Rao Chelikani said the mindset of seniors must change: most people would rather suffer financially rather than ask their children to redeem the house property by clearing any loan taken by them. He also spoke about the system prevalent in European countries where a notary brings the owner of the house (senior citizen) and the buyer together without an intermediary like a bank. The owner and buyer enter into an agreement – buyer gives a loan in monthly installments and agrees to take possession of the property after the demise of the owner. Such an agreement is registered by the notary who verifies all the documents and a permanent record is kept. As the intermediary is absent, both buyer and seller benefit. Sri Harvinder Bakshi limited himself to talking about advocacy efforts of HelpAge especially in the areas like NPOP, Financial schemes for elders, MWPSCA etc. There were many doubts and suggestions from the audience, fielded effectively by the chief guest Sri Rajmohan from NHB He clarified the role of NHB and said that they have no direct control over administrative matters of banks offering RML products. He agreed to a suggestion that as banks are by far apathetic and insensitive to elders' requirements, more Housing Finance Institutions may be encouraged to enter the arena. He also received a list of suggestions sent by the president of AISCCON for probable positive action. It was comforting to learn that NHB conducts sensitization programs for banks also. As RMLeA monthly pay outs in fact annuity payments, Income Tax on it can not be avoided as of now. IF NHB succeeds in removing this major hurdle, everyone would opt for RMLeA only.

I liked the program for its uptodate content, clarifications offered and of course for the tasty high-tea.

Even in the Elders Mela conducted recently in Hyderabad, stalls offering RMLeA were misleading visitors saying that no income Tax will be levied on monthly pay outs! Under such circumstances, seminars like these are most useful and essential. Some important phone numbers are: Sri Lakshiminarayana 9885833236; Arunodayakunar 9849411141; NHB Helpline 1800 115 432 ; Harmony HelLine: 1800 100 1111; hYderabad RML Helpline: 94412 84866.

Sri C Satyanarayana, Counselor handling RLM HelpDesk in HelpAge Hyderabad proposed a vote of Thanks.

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Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog: http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

Rajasthan Committee to implement MWPSCA

2011-11-30T09:14:00.000+05:30

Panel formed for welfare of elderly

TNN Oct 21, 2010, 05.10am IST

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government on Wednesday constituted a state
coordination committee for effective execution of the Act that guards
parents' rights against their ungrateful children. Earlier this year,
the government had framed rules under the Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, that contains stringent
provisions to tackle instances of neglect of aging parents and senior
citizens.

The state-level committee now constituted will advise the state
government on proper execution of the Act's provisions and will be
responsible for implementation of the decisions taken by the
government for welfare of parents and senior citizens. The committee
is to be headed by an officer of the rank of additional chief
secretary and will have the commissioner or the director of the social
justice and empowerment department as its member secretary.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/jaipur/28214069_1_parents-and-senior-citizens-maintenance-tribunals-age-homes

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Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.My blog:
http://vyasa-kaaranam-ketkadey.blogspot.com/

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