Agewell Foundation team of trained members are eager to listen to old people who are aloof
RP Singh, a 75-year-old retired teacher loves to talk but as his family members are busy in their routine life, he rarely gets an opportunity to speak his heart out. Rattled with his loneliness, Singh, who had heard about a helpline for elderly, finds his joy in sharing his stories with the counsellors.
He now calls on this newly launched 'Agewell Foundation' helpline every day and talks for hours. RP Singh, is not the only one to call on this helpline, the organisation receives as many as 350 to 400 calls every month from lonely senior citizens. "I need to talk and express myself. Due to the fast paced life and cut-throat careers, all the family members are busy. They do care and respect me but they don't have time to talk with me," said Singh.
Shantanu Singhal, another retired army officer from South Delhi has children and grandchildren but they have little to spend with him on regular basis. "While my children are busy with their work, my grandchildren are away for studies. So now I call on this helpline and share my day's happenings with the volunteers. These volunteers help me think on positive lines, which keeps me healthy," said Singhal.
The large scale interaction by volunteers of Agewell Foundation with thousands of old people across India confirms that old people find it very hard to cope with new socio-economic changes and adjust themselves in current fast paced lifestyle.
"Old people just need someone who can listen to them. Family members hardly interact with elders family due to their own hectic and demanding lifestyle. Feeling of isolation and alienation with a sense of social marginalisation is becoming a major problem for majority of the senior citizens," Himanshu Rath, Chairman of Agewell Foundation, said.
"We have a dedicated, experienced and trained team of friendly counsellors who are eager to listen to old people facing loneliness. With this helpline for seniors they can easily get in touch with an understanding companion, which will also act as a bridge between generations," said Rath.
The foundation says the feedback from the seniors has been overwhelming. "Several senior citizens are enjoying volunteer opportunities suitable to their past backgrounds, hobbies, interests and convenience. Under this initiative we are also planning to give them lessons on technology, which will help them to connect themselves with changing times," he said.
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