A New Dawn For Elders: NSEPW 2024 Shines Light On Mental Wellbeing

* Experts, Celebrities, and Change-Makers Come Together to Address Elder Psychological Wellbeing

As cities grow and societies shift, and young India migrates, elders face an invisible crisis - loneliness. Held on the occasion of the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons [UNIDOP], the National Symposium on Elder Psychological Wellbeing 2024 (#nsepw24) provided a beacon of hope as it unites experts, thought leaders, and change-makers at Bangalore International Centre. The one-day symposium, hosted by Charista Foundation and SENI India (by TZMO), aimed to tackle the mental health challenges and social isolation experienced by the nation’s seniors.

With urbanization and lifestyle changes rapidly accelerating, loneliness has become a major concern, especially among older adults. Studies show that loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. In India, as per the 2021 census, over 104 million people are aged 60 and above (around 9.4% of the population), with this number expected to rise significantly (we are staring at 19.6% of the population) by 2050. The symposium shed light on these issues, exploring ideas, policies, and empathy-driven solutions, along with the need for effective government policy to address the psychological wellbeing of elders.

Padmashri Dr. Syed M. H. Kirmani, World Cup-winning cricketer, shared a deep personal reflection on elder well-being in his keynote address - “You may be self-made, but not without the selfless support and love from your parents. As someone who has achieved much in my youth, I understand how crucial it is to build a strong support system for old age.Your parents rightfully deserve their place in your life. It is your responsibility to show gratitude and ensure their aging is comfortable. We should unite and create policies to provide mental, emotional, and social support for our elders. Loneliness should not be the legacy we leave them with. Congratulations and gratitude to Charista Foundation for spearheading this cause, it is a great service to humanity.”

Mrs. Geetanjali Kirloskar, Chairperson of Kirloskar Systems Private Limited, emphasized the importance of empathy in elder care, saying: “Empathy is not just a word; it is the foundation upon which we must build the future of elder care. We often forget that the elderly are not just numbers or statistics in reports, but individuals with stories, emotions, and needs. It’s not just about developing policies; it’s about creating environments where seniors feel seen, valued, and heard. Through family support systems, corporate responsibility programs, and government policies, empathy must drive the conversation.

With events like NSEPW 2024, we are fostering the dialogue that will shape a compassionate and caring society. Together, we can create a future where aging is embraced with dignity and respect.”

Dr. Saketh M., Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Consciousness Studies, NIMHANS, spoke on the positive effects of meditation

Anil Kumar P., Managing Trustee of Charista Foundation, called for a movement toward policy reform: "As we spearhead this initiative, we are unearthing a Pandora’s box. We need committed and socially conscious individuals and organizations to join us in this journey, influencing the much-needed reform. Thousands of hands must join together to help us design a better future for ourselves and create an influence for a dedicated ‘Ministry for Seniors’. It’s time to address the issue and implement solutions to create a better India for our aging community.”

On a lighter note, co-founding trustee Shilpi Das offered her personal perspective: “If I’m going to live for long, I might live without the tag of a senior citizen for another decade, but who knows how life will treat me? What I do know is that I don’t want to cry, crib, complain, blame, or become grumpy. If I want to achieve this, I must make life choices today to pursue that state of bliss that no one can steal. But I also wonder—will there be an external support system to help me through? Because today, there is no social empathy.”

The event also brought together experts, policymakers, and domain thought leaders to discuss progressive policies and empathy-led solutions for tackling elder loneliness and mental health concerns. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Radha S. Murthy, President – Dementia Alliance India, Managing Trustee – Nightingales Centre for Ageing, Col. Achal Sridharan, Managing Director – CovaiCare Retirement Homes, Prof. Ajit Mani – Public Policy Analyst, Dr. Manjula Raman – Pedagogist, Mr. Balachander Gandhekar – Filmmaker & Writer, Ms. Sujatha Balakrishan, Founder, Theatre for Change amongst many other stalwarts.

By engaging experts across industries, NSEPW 2024 sparked meaningful conversations around the future of elder care and mental health, highlighting the urgent need for societal empathy and policy reform.