Ripeness is all

- King Lear, Shakespeare
 
LIFE EXPECTANCY is steadily increasing, but cities are no longer safe nor friendly neighbors a certainty. Alternative housing for the aged is a practical lifestyle solution that developers are now ready to provide.
 
The fading joint family system in India and other innumerable factors have given rise to west-inspired phenomena of old age homes. Surprising cost of living and scanty return on savings have almost pushed these senior citizens on roads. Such an act has triggered the security net of the helpless, which has almost vanished in many states in India with Kerala topping the list.
 
Elders have started walking out of their own home in search of a journey that promises peace, joy and celebration of life with a group of people who share the same boat of life (the wrecked one). However not may rather none of them receive it.
A growing number of financially independent senior citizens now prefer to stay in retirement resorts instead of languishing in the quintessential old-age homes that they feel are “overcrowded” and “unsafe”.
 
Also Insecurity, loneliness and lack of companionship — some of life’s hard-to-swallow problems — become a daily reality for these elderly persons whose children either settle abroad, or in some other state, for better career opportunities.
The concept of retirement resorts or complexes is gradually emerging as the most viable option among the senior members of society who are financially independent. They want to live with dignity and, above all, want to be secure.
 
Townships and residential colonies exclusively for senior citizens are now coming up in the state where they can relocate and spend the sunset of their lives without bothering about paying electricity bills, cooking and getting prompt medical care.
 
It is this combination of physical and emotional satisfaction that today’s retirement homes strive to provide. From an era where old-age homes were synonymous with charitable institutions for the indigent and orphaned elderly, we moved some years ago to the far more refined paid homes, where amenities were good and services like on-site medical check-ups and transport arrangements were provided. Now, retirement homes are set to enter a third phase of evolution.
 
So I have found few good retirement township and old age homes for people who can afford them. Also you can find NGO’s and associations working for the cause of elderly.
 
No doubt the best place for elders is their own home, but here are some alternatives for those who are lonely and sad.
 
Old age homes:
 
Shree Manav Seva Sangh
Shri Manav Seva Sangh’s “CU Shah Senior Citizens Home “257,opp M.G.Market, Sion road, Sion West, Mumbai-400022.
Tel: 91-0222401 5561 / 2409 2266 / 2407 1553
 
 
Saran
Sector No.9, Near Father Agnel Polytech. Vashi, New Bombay
Tel: 91-022-2765 9455 / 2766 1849
 
Retirement townships:
 
Dignity Lifestyle
 
Dignity Lifestyle is a 25 acre project by Dignity Foundation for active and productive living for the senior Funny, isn’t it? You’ve worked hard all your life, hoping that someday you could put your feet up on a sunny porch and do nothing more than read a book.
 
Dignity Lifestyle looks at retirement from a whole new perspective. Not as the onset of old age where you settle comfortably into a rocking chair, but rather, the beginning of an ‘active’ new lifestyle where you can deploy your skills to serve society, and feel gainfully employed once again. You could, for instance, manage one of our village development projects, or assist in running the township.
 
It’s a sister concern of Dignity Foundation, an NGO working for the cause of senior citizens all over India.
  
Dignity Lifestyle Township
Neral- Matheran main Road,
Village Mangaon
P.O Neral District – Raigad Maharashtra
Tel: 91-02148 - 236635 / 236639
Tele Fax No: 91-02148-236600
Email: dignity@vsnl.com.
Website: http://www.dignitylifestyle.org/index.htm / http://www.dignityfoundation.com/
 
Classic Kudumbam
 
Nestled in the lush greenery of Sholinganallur, just 20 minutes from Adyar, is this idyllic, neighbourhood, where you could retire to an abode of absolute bliss.
 
A blend of warmth and security of your home with the love and attention of a companion is what Clasic Kudumbam is all about. So, give a new lease of life to your ’retirement’ with a classic homecoming.
 
This exclusive retirement community for independent living has been designed keeping in mind the needs of senior citizens and people who are on the verge of retirement to enjoy a life of tranquility and peace in a serene atmosphere.
You now have the option of living in an accustomed style, with your privacy intact yet with someone close by to take care of all your needs. The community has even got an emergency medical facility besides various other thoughtful features that are needed for an easy and comfortable life!
 
Classic Kudumbam is a specially designed retirement community in a green and pollution-free environment. It offers all the comforts of home and privacy, gives you the opportunity to mingle with like-minded people, pursue your interests & hobbies beside a lot more...
 
Classic Kudumbam
Classic Farms Road,
Off: Old Mahabalipuram
Sholinganallur, Chennai - 600119
Tel: +91 44 24502244 / 1127 / 2128
Tele Fax: +91 44 24502244
Mobile: +91 98400 15677 (Rajesh Shankar - Director Sales)
E-Mail: clasic@vsnl.com
Website: http://www.kudumbam.com/
 
Ashiana Utsav
 
Our mission facilitates at independent, secure and active those retirement life with comfort care and dignity.
 
Unit No. 4 & 5, 3 rd Floor
Plot No. D-2, Southern Park
Saket District Centre, Saket
New Delhi-110 017
Tel: (011) 42654265
Fax: (011) 42654200
 
Ashiana Bageecha Shopping Complex
Bhagat Singh Colony
Bhiwadi, Rajasthan
Tel: (01493) 230519, 230338
Fax: (01493) 23012
Email: sales@ashianautsav.com
Website: http://www.ashianautsav.com/utsav-web/index-0.htm
 
Athashri
 
Hassle-free, proactive living for senior citizens in the form of ‘Athashri’ – a revolutionary concept in the care of the elderly from the Paranjape Schemes!
Athashri began in 2001 as a housing project with a single-point focus – the senior citizen!
 
Right from choosing the sites, to designing layouts, to providing amenities, to the easy availability of medical care and attention, to the wide range of choices available for entertainment…
 
Every single aspect of life at Athashri has been designed around the unique requirements of the senior citizen! We have:
 
Pune, India
Tel: 020- 25440986/ 25462128
Email: paranjpe@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.pscl.in/index_1.html
 
LIC HFL Care Homes
 
LICHFL Care Homes Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of LIC Housing Finance Ltd., inaugurated its first Assisted Living Community Centre in March 2006. This retirement village, nestled in eco-friendly greenery is fully self-contained to take care of all the usual needs of the senior citizens. In its first phase the Bangalore Project houses 98 independent cottages spread across 10 acres of verdant garden.
 
With the overwhelming response for its pilot project at Bangalore, Senior Citizens’ Homes for community living holds a tremendous future. Therefore, LICHFL Care Homes plans new projects at Kochi, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, Haridwar, Delhi, etc. in the coming months.
 
2nd Floor, Bombay Life Building,
45/47, Veer Nariman Road,
Fort, Mumbai - 400 001
Tel: (91) (22) 2204 9799, 2204 9919, 2204 9682
Email: lichfl@bom2.vsnl.net.in
 
Riverdale Consortium
 
Riverdale Retirement Resorts
India’s first and finest senior living community at Cochin, Kerala is ready and available for occupancy.
 
Objectives: To organise the retired and make them independent, among the same age group. To find safety, security, food and freedom from loneliness for the aged - and provide health care as per the wishes of the individual.
 
Now is the best time to become a Riverdale Retirement Condominium owner and experience all the benefits of a life style you are so accustomed to all the social, recreational and cultural opportunities, and peace of mind.
 
Kandanad 682305
Cochin, Kerala, India
Tel: 91-484- 2792510
E-mail: mail@riverdaleresorts.com
Website: http://www.riverdaleresorts.com/index.htm
 
Golden Nest Senior Commune
 
Pune’s very first commune designed for senior citizens.
It’s where independence and dignity is not compromised. Golden Nest, It’s what you can proudly call home........
Golden Nest is a joint venture by Vascon Engineers Pvt. Ltd. and Manisha Constructions.
 
Golden Nest
SR NO 15, Kalyani Nagar
Pune 411014, INDIA
Contact: Facility Manager
Mobile: 09850652187
Tel: +91 (020) 40044876
Email: sales@goldennestindia.com
Website: www.goldennestindia.com
 
Vishranthi Dhama
 
Nestled cozily in a green and serene 5 acre space on the picturesque Kanakapura Highway (NH 209), just 29 kms away from Bangalore city centre, Vishranthi Dhama is a haven of peace and tranquility, replete with all material comforts which you would look for in the city.
 
When it comes to offering uniquely different accommodation and facilities, Vishranthi Dhama rises above the ordinary. A ‘home-style’ resort, as we call it, Vishranthi Dhama offers the finest benefits to cater to the needs of different types of customers.
“Modifying your sunset years with a gracious, peaceful, harmonious, divine, blissful and joyous lifestyle in our sole and whole aim for the Vishranthi Dhama.”
 
For senior citizens, life begins at Vishranthi Dhama. For those who would like to lead a solitary life, Vishranthi Dhama is their newest home. They can stay for the rest of their lives in the peaceful environs of the resort in their own furnished accommodation, with all ‘home-style’ amenities. Needless to say, they will get the best-personalised attention and each and every need of theirs will be catered to.
 
 
Vishranthi Dhama Resorts Pvt Ltd.
NH 209, Nettigere, Kanakapura Main Road, ( 29th Km)
Bangalore – 560 062.
Tel: 91-80-28433089 / 28433090 / 26635048 / 26547275/
98452 90672
Email : vishranthidhama@yahoo.com, anju1821@yahoo.com
Website: www.vishrathidhama.com
 
Other NGO’s and associations working for the cause of the elders:
 
Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT)
 
Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT) is a non government organisation (NGO) dedicated to eldercare. We firmly believe that elders should remain an integral part of their family. We work towards bringing joy, dignity, hope and health to their lives. We sensitize the community and the government to the problems that elders face and encourage public participation in our efforts to create various family-based support systems for elders of different socio economic groups.
 
Nightingales Home Health Services
337, 2nd Cross, 1st Block,
R T Nagar, Bangalore - 560032
Ph: 080 - 23548444, 23548555
Email: nhhs@bgl.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.nightingaleseldercare.com/html/aboutus.htm
 
HelpAge India
 
HelpAge India is secular, not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies’ Registration Act of 1860. We were set up in 1978, and since then have been raising resources to protect the rights of India’s elderly and provide relief to them through various interventions.
 
HelpAge India has 33 regional and branch offices located all over the country.
 
C-14 Qutab Institutional Area
New Delhi – 110016
Ph: 011 41688955-56
E-mail: HelpAge@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.helpageindia.org/aboutus.php
 
(ARDSI) Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India
 
ARDSI) Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India is the only national organisation whose activities are exclusively devoted to help the victims and their families. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a silent killer of brain and lives of world’s elderly people. It is the fourth leading cause of death among the older adults in the developed world. The symptoms can broadly include difficulties with language, significant short-term memory loss, time disorientation, difficulty in making decisions, showing signs of depression and aggression and lack of initiative and motivation.
 
ARDSI was formed by the Team led by Dr. Jacob Roy, a Pediatrician by profession, to improve the quality of live of the people with Dementia particularly to raise awareness of the diseases. It’s not for profit organisation presently having fourteen chapters in India. They are at New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Kolkatta, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kottayam.
 
The main activities of ARDSI are to:
Raise awareness
To develop services
To train family members and professionals
To undertake research
 
 
Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India
Guruvayur Road, P.B.No. 53 Kunnamkulam - 680 503,
Kerala,India
Email : alzheimr@md2.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.mykerala.net/alzheimer/index.html
 
Society for Serving Seniors (SSS)
 
Society for Serving Seniors (SSS) is a society set up in October 2006 to take up the cause of the Senior Citizens Community as a whole. We believe that seniors should take care of themselves as far as possible and lead an independent life with dignity and respect. They must take responsibility for themselves for the sake of their own happiness. Fully responsible seniors not only take complete care of them selves but also reach out, not only to their families in a non-interfering manner but also to the society at large. This they do so by giving back to society what society has given them all along.
 
SSS is a Society established for Empowering, Nurturing, Informing and Organizing Responsible Seniors. Empowerment may be achieved through a) advising on matters of financial security b) facilitating exchange of Information Knowledge or Experience c) help them organize as groups and uniting such groups into a pressure group d) providing opportunities for learning new things etc. There could be many more things added to this list. Old Age is second childhood or elders learn to play second innings. Here SSS steps in by offering a wide range of services, products or facilities tailored to various segments of the senior population.
 
30, Gruhalakshmi Colony,
Secunderabad 500015
Andhra Paredsh
Phone 27846631
Email: vyasamoorthy@gmail.com; sss-global-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Website: http://societyforservingseniors.satyamcsr.org/