Seniors deal with a variety of problems, including financial instability, neglect, abuse, and loneliness. They also have limited access to healthcare. There are 112 million senior persons in India who face many challenges on the physical, social, psychological, and economic fronts. We are prepared to put ourselves in their shoes and meet the financial requirements of the old, just as our senior citizens gave their all to keep us safe.
Seniors Fear Social Isolation and Insufficient Assistance
This dire situation was further illuminated by a recent nationwide study carried out by the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). It was determined that, in the previous year, roughly 5% of the nation's senior citizens had been subjected to maltreatment, encompassing both physical and psychological abuse.
What's Taking Place?
Currently, 100 million senior people live in India.
Many elderly rural residents are abandoned by their offspring who go to the city in search of better opportunities. When it comes to financial requirements in the later, more vulnerable years of their lives, who will they turn to? For a variety of circumstances, parents who worked tirelessly day and night to raise their kids frequently find themselves abandoned. According to a HelpAge India survey, the most common types of abuse were verbal abuse, disrespect, and neglect, whereas the most common causes were carer stress and a lack of adaptability.
However, some kids are also forced to move abroad in order to pursue employment, and they sometimes aren't allowed to bring their parents along.
The COVID-19 Conflict
Regrettably, the epidemic limited the number of older people in need that NGOs and charities could assist, which presented a difficulty for them. The lockout and lack of funding hindered them. They were unable to pay for their residents' meals. Together, a number of online donations for ngo, volunteers, and crowdsourcing websites provide improved living conditions, safe housing, and bill-paying assistance to the elderly.
Physicians have found that elderly people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions are most vulnerable to the coronavirus that causes homelessness. The elderly who fit into these groups may therefore take additional actions to set themselves apart. For this reason, ImpactGuru provides financial aid and COVID-19 alleviation to senior citizens.
How Do We Join Forces To Help?
Using crowdfunding platforms or making donations to organisations that support the elderly are good places to start. In India, a large number of crowdfunding platforms support the wellbeing of the country's aged poor. You can also think about joining a volunteer group in your neighbourhood to help our senior residents with personal care, prescriptions, groceries, and home-cooked meals. You might also help them make doctor's appointments and even go to the hospital with them.
Financial Assistance for Seniors via Crowdfunding
Not even a global epidemic could have been envisaged when it comes to retirement preparation. In India, millions of elderly people are in need of financial assistance since they do not know how to pay their utility, rent, or mortgage payments. Free from the stresses of work, retirement should be a time of calm and leisure. Regrettably, a lot of people in retirement worry about how they will pay for medical care, how they will pay for regular expenses, how they will handle unforeseen catastrophes, or, in this case, how they will pay for elder care. Many older people in need have raised money for the same through the use of online crowdfunding.
After learning how crowdfunding operates, see how Indians started elder care fundraisers that were successful on ImpactGuru. Pay attention to the success stories that attracted attention and helped the fundraisers reach their goal amounts.
1. The Charitable Trust of Jesus Christ
The Jesus Christ trust's constant updates made this ImpactGuru fundraising possible. A social cause was furthered by well-wishers who gave and widely shared their personal narrative. The money was utilised to save the older people's only old age home during the pandemic. They were able to raise the necessary monies to protect their home because of the regular articles and updates from the Jesus Christ Charitable Trust, which helped contributors build trust and promote the fundraiser!
2. Countless People Volunteered to Support a Former Military Personnel!
The person who merited the support of the country was Gyan Chandra, an ex-military man who dedicated his life to serving his country and ensuring the safety of his fellow citizens! For his urgent lung transplant, 1947 donors gave a total of Rs. 19,73,722 lakh. This could only happen because of the generosity of those who donated to make sure India's knight receives timely medical attention and heals swiftly.
Thousands of people bravely stepped out and gave freely to alleviate the suffering of our beloved senior citizens. Giving to ImpactGuru fundraisers can make a huge difference in someone's life. Donating to any cause that is dear to your heart is an option.
Act Now To Assist The Elderly
We've seen how social engagement can improve mental health and how a senior who is at high risk of suicide can be saved by a grocery delivery service. We are seeing an increase in requests for financial assistance as the coronavirus continues to wreak its havoc. In only a few minutes, you can register and launch an ImpactGuru campaign to give the elderly financial support. In times of crisis, every rupee matters.
Here are a few non-monetary ways you can support the elderly in India if you are unable to donate or volunteer for an NGO. Working as a volunteer with older adults is a great way to thank them for their years of service and brighten their day. The generational gap is lessened and everyone gains knowledge when two generations collaborate in service.
1. Visit an assisted living community.
To spend meaningful time with senior citizens in assisted living facilities who might not get many visitors, schedule a visit—or better yet, a number of visits—to the facility. Not sure how to proceed? Bring a movie, an elderly residence, a board game, or a care gift.
2. Help out with household or garden maintenance
Ask an elderly neighbour if they could use help with any physical tasks, like vacuuming or mowing the grass, or with any household jobs.
3. Assist the elderly with internet and computer use.
To assist seniors stay connected, teach them how to use social media, read the news, email friends and family, and guard against viruses and scams.
4. Offer to help with transportation and errands.
It is harder for elderly people to continue being independent and social when they can no longer drive. You could all go to wherever they need to go, like the doctor's office, grocery store, or hair salon.
Comments