ASCOP aims at bringing together the elderly

Seven senior citizens’ organisations came together to form the
Association of Senior Citizen’s ASCOP that completed 19 years on July 5.

What are the major problems faced by the elderly in Pune?
Loneliness and insecurity is a major issue. Many of them live alone. Very old people face problems even with simple tasks like paying bills and getting medicines.

Many senior citizens’ organisations are catering to these needs of the aged. We have to help ourselves. Therefore, we focus more on being useful to society rather than being demanding or brooding over difficulties.

The elders from lower economic class are yet to connect with us and we will be making efforts to reach out to them as they have a different set of problems.

How has the association helped senior citizens in all these years?
ASCOP mainly aims at bringing senior citizens together and guiding them towards better health and entertainment. We started with seven senior citizens’ organisations.

Later, we formed 130 organisations in various parts of the city. We have been guiding them about holding programmes for helping and entertaining elders.

Being in groups not only makes them feel better, but also helps them in finding solutions to their problems.

We are also connected to organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Longevity Centre (ILC) and have been organising discussions and seminars on various issues related to senior citizens.

What efforts do you make towards solving problems related to ageing?
We have conducted some surveys and research, which may help find answers to the problems faced by the elderly. For example, we did a survey on how many senior citizens in Kothrud area live alone, so that we have a data of such elders and we can see how to cater to their needs.

Similar studies will be taken up for other issues in collaboration with Bharati Vidyapeeth and University of Pune. We also have publications like the magazine

Prajyot, which speaks about problems faced by the elderly. We have also published booklets about health care for senior citizens.
What is next on the agenda of ASCOP? We are pushing for recreation centres for senior citizens in the city.

Many elders face depression and anxiety because they are not able to relax and occupy their mind. We are also trying to invite youth organisations or groups to interact with the elderly to initiate positive dialogue for better understanding between two generations.

ASCOP will press for national and state policy on elders. We also want the state transport to provide concessions to citizens above 60 years. Presently, the limit is 65 years of age.