Centre for Ageing
The Madras School of Social Work established the Centre for Ageing in the year 2020 to address the issues and challenges faced by the elders, to empower them and to enhance their well-being. The Centre for Ageing conducted a Stakeholders Discussion on 28th February 2020 at the Conference hall, MSSW. Twenty three stakeholders from prominent institutions – Ohio State University (USA), SCARF, ARUWE, Probus Club, Dignity Foundation, YWCA – Egmore, Special Citizen Forum, Federation of Senior Citizens’ associations of Tamil Nadu, Care Finder, Senior Citizen Bureau, TATA Trusts and ALIVE were invited to participate in the discussion, in order to lay down a solid foundation for the centre, to serve the aged population and provide them a dignified life.
Vision
To become a global centre of excellence for ageing to improve the quality of life of older persons by promoting an age friendly society through education, research, training, and advocacy, by connecting community resources in collaboration with both the public and private sector to meet the holistic needs of the Ageing Population.
Mission
- The Centre for Ageing will undertake research, training and build resources in collaboration with renowned academicians, interdisciplinary professionals, practitioners, and government officials to improve the quality of life for older adults in the community.
- Through advocacy and collaboration with the existing ageing network, the Centre for Ageing will help educate and connect the community resources to promote the well-being of the Elderly.
- The Centre for Ageing will strive to find innovative ways to engage with older adults in the community to support them and help them lead a contented life.
Functions of the Centre for Ageing
- Training and Certificate Courses on Elder Care
- Research in Ageing
- Promote innovative ways of engaging older adults in the community and Fostering Intergenerational bonding programmes
- Advocacy – Promote and coordinate advocacy efforts for new policies, laws, schemes and its changes that impact elderly, and creating awareness on Elder abuse and their rights
Co-Ordinator’s Desk
The phenomenon of population ageing is becoming a major concern all over the world. According to the 2011 census there were 104 million who were 60+ years. It has been projected to go up to 326 million by 2050.In Tamil Nadu, as per the statistics and the projection of population for the elderly, there has been a significant increase in the population of elderly from 75 lakhs in 2011, estimated to reach 1.5 crores by 2031.
This increase creates lots of issues and challenges to the elders’ well-being, to their family, society and the government, due to various reasons like breaking of joint family system, new technologies, unemployment, migration, globalisation and modern lifestyles. All these have weakened the family relationships leaving the ageing population in a difficult state. A large section of the society still stigmatize the elderly to be always sick, disabled, unproductive, and hence a burden to the family and society. However, it is the other way around. Elders possess rich experience, skills, knowledge, talents, wisdom, moral values and ethics. Hence, they should be looked up to as valuable treasures and must be treated with utmost care and respect, which is a moral responsibility of the family members and the society.
Thus, the Madras School of Social Work has established the “CENTRE FOR AGEING” to address the issues and challenges faced by the elders, to empower them and to enhance their well-being. By connecting community resources in collaboration with both the public and private sector, the centre will strive to promote an age friendly society through education, research, training, and advocacy to fulfill the holistic needs of the Ageing Population.
Mrs. P.K. Vathani
Asst. Professor and Coordinator – Centre for Ageing
Madras School of Social Work.
Contact Phone No. : +91-9444359682
Email ID: pkvathani@mssw.in
Asst. Professor and Coordinator – Centre for Ageing
Madras School of Social Work.
Contact Phone No. : +91-9444359682
Email ID: pkvathani@mssw.in
Activities
Framing of Tamil Nadu State Policy for Senior Citizens 2021
- Partnered in developing the State Policy for Senior Citizens of Tamil Nadu 2021 with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment – Directorate of Social Welfare, Tamil Nadu. MSSW is one of the core committee member along with Helpage India and J-PAL Organization.
Seminars/Workshops/Training Organized on Elder care:
- 2020-Sensitization programme on Inter-generational Bonding for School Children-9.3.2020 to 13.3.2020 Funded programme.
- 2020-Three day programme on Geriatric Care for Functionaries of Old Age Homes – Feb-11-13th, 2020 funded programme.
- 2019-Two day training on elder care for college students-31.9.2019 and 1.10.2019
Organised Webinars in collaboration with Heritage Foundation and NISD, Govt. of India:
- Webinar – 30th October, 2020 – Building Solidarity among the Generations – Families with Senior Citizens Household (in commemoration of International Elder’s day – 2020).
- Webinar – 31st October, 2020 – Enhancing the Spirits during Pandemic – Nursing Professionals and Other Care Giving Professionals and Families (in commemoration of International Elders day – 2020)
- Webinar – 4th February 2021 – Intergenerational Solidarity for Youth on Ageing and their Care, MWPSC ACT 2007, Community Care and Volunteering.
- Webinar – 18th February 2021 – Counselling Skills for Social Workers in Senior Citizens Home.
- Webinar – 25th February 2021 – Social Gerontology and Social Security Measures for the Aged
- Webinar – 4th March 2021 – Ageing and Care – Integrated Care for Older People, Role of Teaching Professionals in promoting Elder Care.
Research Study:
- “School Students’ Opinion about Older Adults” (Research under process)
Reports
No Reports Found
Contact Us
Mrs. P.K. Vathani
Asst. Professor and Coordinator – Centre for Ageing
Madras School of Social Work.
Contact Phone No. : +91-9444359682
Email ID: pkvathani@mssw.in
Asst. Professor and Coordinator – Centre for Ageing
Madras School of Social Work.
Contact Phone No. : +91-9444359682
Email ID: pkvathani@mssw.in
