RESURGENCE
Old age
The twilight of life
This journey may be simple or difficult solely based on our choices in life
A healthy and energetic lifestyle will help us tackle all hurdles in life
To make this idea a reality, acquiring knowledge is imperative
Elderly people face a lot problems in society
Especially because of the change in trend of the family system from joint to nuclear
As a result, the elderly are getting neglected
It is difficult for the government to run a large scale programme for the welfare of entire elderly population.
A situation like this calls for a big project  for the upliftment and welfare of the elderly in our society
This scenario reveals the importance of elder self help groups
Helpage India commenced this programme in 2004, post the Tsunami calamity
These groups conducted many programmes for the welfare of the elderly
and ensured their economic and social security
Elder's self help groups are formed by Helpage India
for people above 55 years of age
Both women and men can be part of these groups
Vypin
The beautiful island off the coast of Kochi that struggles to maintain its innocence.
The proactive attitude and efficient working of the various elderly self help groups here is praiseworthy
We started our group in 2010-11
At that time I did not wish to start or be a part of any such group
I wasn't very interested in Kudumbashree, and  thought this was also going to be similar
But after joining and attending its different programmes
I understood that it would have been a loss if I hadn't joined
Loans can be availed from the funds that are collected from the group after a duration of 3 months
Grading is done for the groups after 6 months.
Groups with good grades can avail up to Rs.10000 for the self-employment program
Group members can avail this money as a loan and start their own small businesses.
I have 3 daughters.Their wedding expenses have left me with liabilities and debts
My husband is in ill health
I make all ends meet thanks to this catering group activity
She is living with the money we obtain from  the catering activity and occasional MGNREGS work.
Another problem faced by the elderly is health care
Helpage India also looks after the healthcare needs of group members
Group members can avail the services of the doctors twice a month
Helpage India provides physiotherapy services in rural areas through various self help groups
Various classes and camps are also being held for the members of the groups
Taking classes on diseases that affect the elderly and on how to treat bed ridden patients
inspire the elderly to take care of themselves and the people suffering in their neighbourhoods
Also HelpAge India provides booklets which explain the various exercises that are ideal for the elderly
The second stage of groups are federations
10 groups constitute 1 federation
The working is almost similar to that of the groups
Secretary, President and the Treasurer are  in charge of the federation
Federations of a region coordinate with groups and oversees their activities
The lonely, poor and sick elderly are visited and given help under the federation's programs
We have a federation made up of 10 groups
Every 3rd Thursday around 5 of us from each group share our difficulties and problems and collect around Rs.10 per month, per person
HelpAge India gave us Rs.1500 to start a bank account
After that, they gave us Rs.23500 to start productive activity in the group
We started giving loans to members with 1% interest
It has now grown to a level such that we are giving Rs.15000 per member
More than the happiness in giving them money we find happiness when we get to know this money is a help for a cause
For example, if the roof has fallen due to rain then the money will be required for its repairs
We collect a letter from them regarding the request
The reasons stated in these letters are really touching
If the fishing nets have been destroyed or rickshaws damaged, in these cases, we loan upto Rs.15000
The elderly self help groups have been well received by the family members
Recently a member of our group died
We were able to provide Rs.4000 from the death benevolent fund and also Rs.6000 from her savings in the group, to the family
So a total of Rs.10000 was given to her family which was a huge help for them
The elderly need to meet and share their experiences.
That is their main requirement, without which they tend to lead a solitary life
Even though there will be children and grandchildren at home, the elderly may face loneliness due to the loss of companion
When they join groups, it helps in eliminating the feeling of solitude .
and share their stories and experiences. This gives them a sense of camaraderie.
We sell these fireworks at a stall near our home
When we go to the group, we talk about our happiness and sorrows. We feel happy after going to the group meetings
This program is the best possible solution to include all the elderly
Helpage India has started these programs in Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam and Wayanad
Under Kerala Government's Kudumbasree programme, 2 districts have been selected for carrying out this activity, with the technical support of HelpAge India
This program initiated by the Kerala government gives great hope for the welfare of the elderly, and HelpAge India is happy to be associated with this scheme
In future, this program will act as a succour for the elderly
The formation of the group has solidified the bonding among the members
There are separate groups for elderly women and men
We are very thankful to ESSS and Helpage India for organizing the groups
This initiative has resulted in more people asking to join the groups
Lot of elderly women waste their time at home
So we made a group
We go there and talk about our stories
We spend about 1 to 1.5 hours there talking about different issues
The psychological change in our members has yielded a greater benefit than their economic growth
This is the true success of the elderly self help groups, thanks to the support of HelpAge India and ESSS
In god's own country, the number of elderly with valuable experience is increasing steadily
Today, in life's busy alleyways, many are noted, and many are not
Life's turbulent flow in this new age often fails to understand or empathise with the troubles of the past
What needs to be discovered are promising new avenues
Self help groups for the elderly have become a testament to this
To acheive together
and to lend a helping hand to cast loneliness aside
Let us realize this radiant, Resurgence !
