Our Activities

The ‘International Day of Older Persons’ was celebrated on the 27th of October, 2018. The programme was held at Hall B, Convention Centre, NIMHANS from 10.30 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. His Lordship, Hon’ble Shri Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice, High Court of Karnataka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest for the programme. Other dignitaries present at the programme were Dr.Jaimala, Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development, Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Kannada & Culture, Govt. of Karnataka, Hon’ble Shri Justice A. S. Bopanna, Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Executive Chairman, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Shri Justice L. Narayanaswami, Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Hon’ble Shri Justice D. H. Waghela, Chariman Karnataka State Human Rights Commission and Former Chief Justice, High Court of Karnataka, Shri, S. V. Ranganath, Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka, Hon’ble Shri Justice Ashok B. Hinchigeri, Former Judge, High Court of Karnataka and Chairman, Advisory Board, Implementation of NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme 2016, Prof. B.N. Gangadhar, Director, NIMHANS, Smt. Uma M.G., Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and Dr. P. T. Sivakumar, Professor of Psychiatry, NIMHANS.

A sensitization programme for senior citizens, members of Mahalakshmi Senior Citizens Welfare Forum, Mahalakshmi Layout, Bangalore was conducted on the 4th of December, 2018, The programme was organized by Age Friendly Karnataka, as a part of ‘Implementation of National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to Senior Citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka’in collaboration with the Fortis Hospital, Rajajinagar, Bangalore.. 40 senior citizens participated in the programme. Sensitization regarding various schemes, policies and welfare benefits for senior citizens was conducted by the social worker.

School sensitization programme was conducted in St. Philomena’s Memorial High School, Bangalore. 258 students of Class VII, VIII and XI were sensitized about the ‘Age Friendly Karnataka’ programme- the vision and objectives. Students were sensitized about health problems related to elderly and the importance of healthy ageing. Topics such as problems of ageing, physiological, psychological, emotional, social and financial problems of ageing, strategies of healthy ageing, tips for healthy ageing and various welfare schemes available for elderly. The students were interactive and provided their inputs and many students were willing to volunteer for the programme.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, sensitization program for senior citizens was conducted in Cubbon Park, on 12th December, 2018. 10 senior citizens were given awareness on Age Friendly Karnataka, legal services clinic, geriatric clinic,various welfare schemes available for elderly and a small focus group discussion on issues of elderly was conducted.

The meeting with board members of Ashvasan Foundation was held with an agenda to conduct awareness programmes in 5 branches of Ashvasan Foundation. 10 members participated in a meeting. The team spokeabout the‘Age Friendly Karnataka’ programme and its activities around the city. Participants were encouraging towards the programme and many showed willingness to volunteer for the programme.

Team Age Friendly Karnataka, Department of Speech, Pathology and Audiology and Department of Epidemiology, NIMHANS in association with Digital Nerve Centre, Kolar jointly organized a sensitization programme for ASHA Workers and DINC staff on 11th December, 2018 at Primary Health Centre, Dalasanoor, Srinivaspura and Digital Nerve Centre, Kolar.

An introduction to the programme ‘Age Friendly Karnataka’ it’s vision and programmes being conducted were discussed. The members of the Speech and Hearing Department sensitised the participants issues related to speech and hearing issues among elderly.

Team Age Friendly Karnataka and NIMHANS jointly conducted a health camp at AshrayaSeva Trust (Kanakpura Road & Rajajinagar) on 20th and 21st December, 2018. Doctors from Geriatric Clinic, NIMHANS, provided consultation services at the old age home. Screening for various physical and psychiatric illness was conducted for over 80 senior citizens.

Elders Helpline, both rural and urban helpline was being visited by the team Age Friendly Karnataka on 29th December, 2018. The functioning of Elders Helpline (Urban), Nightingales Medical Trust and Elders Helpline (Rural), Superintendent Office was understood in detail.

A visit and survey ofold age home Bethesda Homefor the Aged in Bannerghattawas conducted on 3rd of January, 2019 as a part of the ‘Implementation of National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to Senior Citizens) Scheme 2016 in Karnataka’ programme. The survey was conducted to identify the basic functioning of an old age home, assess the problems faced by the inmates and care givers, sensitize about the Age Friendly Karnataka and its programmes and identification of awareness about availability of governmental schemes, examine the medical facilities being provided by the service organization, understand the source of funds, extra-curricular activities, social and religious activities conducted by an organization.

School sensitization programme was conducted at SVS High School, Laggere on 5th of January, 2019. The main aim of the programme was to sensitize students about the issues related to elderly. A presentation on welfare schemes for the elderly, healthy ageing and other common mental illness in elderly was done by team Age Friendly Karnataka. 104 students of class VII, VIII and XI participated in the programme.

Need assessment and awareness programme was conducted at Antharaganga Old Age Home on 7th of January, 2019.15 senior citizens were sensitized about Age Friendly Karnataka, geriatric clinic and legal services clinic and their services.

Age Friendly Karnataka team in association with Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) organized a sensitization programme to ASHA Workers and community members of Tasker Town, Shivajinagar on 10th of January, 2019. 50 participants were sensitized about‘Age Friendly Karnataka’ programme, various welfare schemes, mental health issues related to elderly.

Visit to Sri Ramana Maharishi Old Age Home was made on 14th of January, 2019 by Age Friendly Karnataka team. 60 senior citizens were sensitized on the Age Friendly Karnataka, health issues of elderly, legal services to senior citizens, geriatric clinic, and welfare schemes for senior citizens.

A visit and group activity was conducted at Sri Chaithanya Old Age Home, JP Nagar on 17th of January, 2019. ‘Age Friendly Karnataka’ programme social workers and geriatric fellowship students conducted a group activity to the senior citizens at the home and also sensitized on Age Friendly Karnataka and various health issues on elderly. 15 inmates of the home were involved in a group activity and need assessment regarding issues related to elderly was conducted.

Lions Club in association with Age Friendly Karnataka, Geriatric and Psychiatric Departments, NIMHANS, Dept of Public Health, Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Lions Blood Bank jointly organized a health camp and blood donation camp on 20th of January, 2019 at SamudayaBhavan, Subramanyanagar, Rajajinagar. 390 beneficiaries had availed health check-up. The councillor of Rajajinagar ward visited the camp. 40 senior citizens were sensitized about Age Friendly Karnataka Programme.

As a part of Implementation of NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizen) Scheme, 2016. Visit and a recreational activity was conducted at Basavagangothri Old Age Home,Kumbalgud, Mysore Road, Bangalore. 4 senior citizens sensitized about various welfare schemes and health issues and a recreational activity was conducted by team Age Friendly Karnataka.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to Senior Citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, sensitization programme in Shri Vidya Vikas English High School was conducted by Age Friendly Karnataka team. 46 students of class VII, VIII and XI were sensitized on Age Friendly Karnataka programme - its vision, goals, programmes, a presentation on healthy ageing was conducted and a skit on physical, psychological and social issues faced by elderly was also performed. The students actively participated in the programme by relating the concepts to the real life circumstances and provided inputs and enquired about the procedure to volunteer for the Age Friendly Karnataka programme.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, legalawareness programme on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007was being conducted for senior citizens of Vidyaranyapura Senior Citizen Forum, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore between 6.00p.m to 8.30p.m

The programme was being attend by the president of the forum Mr. K.P.Appachu, Deputy President Dr.Kotar,Secretary Mr.Shankar Rao, Joint secretary Mr.Ashwathnarayana, Woman Deputy President Mrs.SathyavathiBadrinath, Advocate Mr.Veerabhadrappa attended as a resource person for the programme.

The programme began by prayer followed by a welcome speech by the secretary of Vidyaranyapura Senior Citizen Forum Mr.Shankar Rao. The speech on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and ‘Will’was being given by advocate of Legal Service Clinic Mr.Veerabhadrappa.The senior citizens actively participated by sharing their personal experiences and queried about the issues faced by them.

The Advocate also shared his personal experiences of cases of senior citizens, and HSR Layout Forum, and All India Senior Citizen Federation. The president of the forum also spoke about his travelling experiences to identify the welfare schemes available in various countries. He also spoke about the roles and responsibilities of Police in safeguarding the interests of Senior Citizens.

The social worker spoke about Age Friendly Karnataka initiative and activities and programmes conducted so far. The information materials of health, geriatric clinic and Maintenance Act were being distributed by the social worker.

The programme ended by felicitation of an Advocate and a Social Worker, followed by Vote of Thanks.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, a meeting with various departments for the welfare of senior citizens was held on 28th of January, 2019 atDC Office, Ramnagara District between 03.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

The programme was attended by Smt. Uma M.G, PDJ & Chairperson, DLSA, Ramnagar, Capt. Dr. K. Rajendra, Deputy Commissioner, Revenue Dept, B. Ramesh, Superintendent of Police,Dr.Prashanth. R, Assistant Commissioner of Police,Dileep. D,Deputy Director of Department of Woman and Child Development, B. S. Honnaswamy, Member Secretary, DLSA, Ramnagar, N. R. Umesh, Deputy Secretary, Hemavathi N, DDWO, Dept for the Differently Abled and Senior Citizen, Mr. Krishnamurthy, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue Department, NarayanaSwamy, Police Department, Suresh. B. M, RTO Officer, Transport Department, M. Mahesh, Divisional Controller, KSRTC, Dr. Syed Fazahillal, NCD Clinic, Ramnagar District, Vijayanarasimha. J, District Surgeon, Health Dept, Venkatachaliah, Project Coordiator, Senior Citizen Helpline,Dr. P.T. Sivakumar, Professor of Psychiatry & Nodal Officer, NALSA, and Dr.Sojan Anthony, Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS.

The discussion on various issues of senior citizens were being discussed with various departments for the welfare of the senior citizens of Ramangar District. The brief discussion on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was being discussed, Old Age Pensions, Old Age Homes, transport facilities for senior citizens, health facilities for senior citizens and data was collected on Old Age Homes. Discussion on training programme for ASHA Workers, Health Workers, MRW& VRW was planned.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Video Conference on Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was held on 29th of January, 2019 at VikasaSoudha between 04.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m

The programme was attended by the Deputy Director of Department for the Empowerment of the Differently Abled and Senior Citizens Shri. JayavibhavaSwamy, Mrs.Rathna, Joint Director, Mrs.Radha Murthy, Head of Nightangles Medical Trust, Mr.Chidanand, Joint Director, Dr. P.T. Sivakumar, Professor of Psychiatry & Nodal Officer, NALSA, Dr.Girish N Rao, HOD, Dept of Epidemiology, NIMHANS &Dr.Sojan Anthony, Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS.

The discussion on the MWPSC Act, 2007, Elders Helpline, Review Meeting on welfare schemes of senior citizens, the best case study tribunals, publicity campaigns, and establishment of separate geriatric wards in every district hospitals, action to initiate to start the old age homes in sub-divisions was being conducted.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, a meeting with various departments for the welfare of senior citizens was held on 28th of January, 2019 at DC Office, Ramnagara District between 03.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

The programme was attended by Shri.B. S. Honnaswamy, Member Secretary, District Legal Service Authority, Ramnagar, NarayanaSwamy, Police Inspector and Nodal Officer, Dr.Amaranath, District Health Officer, Dr.Prasanna Kumar, District Surveillance Officer, Hemavathi N, District Disabled Welfare Officer, Department for the Differently Abled and Senior Citizen,Mr.SiddeGowda, President, Senior Citizens Helpline, Dr.Sojan Anthony, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS & Project Coordinator, Mrs.Jayalaxmi.

The participants for the programme included, twenty five ASHA Facilitators, twenty one Village Level Rehabilitation Workers,Four Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers, District Coordinators, and Counsellors.

The programme began by introductory speech on Ageing by Dr.Sojan Anthony, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, followed by a presentation on “Healthy Ageing” by Mrs.Jayalaxmi, Project Coordinator, Implementation of NALSA (Legal Services to Senior Citizen) Scheme, 2016. The topics discussed were problems of ageing, strategies and behaviours to develop healthy ageing. Presentation on Age Friendly Karnataka, its vision, mission, activities and programmes were being discussed and various welfare schemes available senior citizens in Karnataka was being presented by Social Worker, NALSA.

Shri. B. S. Honnaswamy, Member Secretary, DLSA spoke about the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and senior advisory board. NarayanaSwamy, Police Inspector and Nodal Officer, suggested that there is a committee in police station, and the ground level workers should identify the needs and problems of senior citizens and inform the same to the committee.Hemavathi. N, District Disabled Welfare Officer, told ASHA Workers to identify the non-registered Old age homes.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka,Sensitization programme on Age Friendly Karnataka in collaboration with Dignity Foundation was beingconducted atSuvarnamukhiSamskritiBhavan,Vaderahalli,Kanakpurabetween 10.30a.m to 2.30p.m.

The Chief Guests for the programme were Dr.Nagaraj, Chairman, SuvarnamukhiSamskritiDhama, and Special GuestDr.SheiluSreenivasan, Founder President, Dignity Foundation, Guest of Honour Dr. B.V. Kathyayani, Principal, College of Nursing, NIMHANS.

One hundred and sixty senior citizens participated in the programme. The programme began by an opening ceremony- Lighting the Lamp, followed by a folk song by senior citizens of Dignity Foundation.The talk on Ageing was given by Dr.SheiluSreenivasan, Founder President, followed by a spiritualtalk byDr.Nagaraj, Chairman, SuvarnamukhiDhama. Dr. B.V. Kathyayani, Principal, College of Nursing, NIMHANS, spoke about Age Friendly Karnataka, its programmes and certificate courses. The feedback format about proposed certificate course for Health & Wellbeing of Senior Citizens were being distributed to all the senior citizens who had attended the programme.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Sensitization Programme on Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was organized on 28th February, 2019 at 4th Floor, Govindaswamy Centre, NIMHANS, Bengaluru between 09.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. This Programme was supported by National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Shri Hanchate Sanjeevkumar, Hon’ble Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Service Authority graced the occasion as a chief guest. The guest of honour for the programme were Prof C R Chandrashekar, Founder, Samadhana Centre & Former Senior Professor of Psychiatry, NIMHANS and Mr. Annamalai, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Division, Bengaluru South. Other dignitaries present at the programme were Dr Satish Chandra Girimaji, Dean, Behavioural Sciences, Dr A Thirumoorthy, Professor & Head, Dept. of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS and Dr. P T Sivakumar, Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geriatric Clinic & Services, NIMHANS & Nodal officer / Convener for NALSA (Legal services to Senior Citizens) Scheme, 2016 in Karnataka.

Three hundred and ten participants including, Students from School of Law, Christ University, St. Josephs College, Bangalore University, IFIM Law School (DLSA), BMS College of Law (DLSA), New Horizon College, Kasthurinagar, Paralegal volunteers, Village level Rehabilitation Workers, Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers, representatives from Old Age Homes, Senior Citizen Forums, Police Officials, faculties and senior citizens participated in the programme.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Sensitization Programme on Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was organized on 11th March, 2019 at Netravati Auditorium, Zilla Panchayat Premises, Urvastore, Mangaluru between 09.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. This Programme was supported by National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Hanchate Sanjeevkumar, Hon’ble Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Service Authority & Member Advisory Board, Age Friendly Karnataka. Shri J Arun Chakravarthy, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Western Range, Mangaluru & Member, Advisory Board, Age Friendly Karnataka graced the occasion as a chief guest.

The programme was presided by Shri Kadloor Satyanarayanacharya, Principal District & Sessions Judge & Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru. One Hundred and Eighty Three participants including Member secretaries from each District Legal Services Authority, Police Officials, Representatives from Old Age Homes and Helplines, Para Legal Volunteers, Advocates, District Health Officers, District Disabled Welfare Officers, ASHA Mentors and facilitators, Social Work students, faculties and Representatives from Senior Citizens Forums attended the programme.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Sensitization Programme on Promoting Effective Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, had been organized by National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), Karnataka State Resource Centre for Senior Citizens and supported by National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India on 18th March 2019 between 09.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at Zilla Panchayat Premises, Belagavi.

The programme was inaugurated by R J Satish Singh, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Belagavi and stated “Old Age Homes should not be encouraged and should be closed. We should take care of our parents/senior citizens at our own home”.

Shri Hanchate Sanjeevkumar, Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority graced the occasion as a Chief Guest and opined “KSLSA will coordinate state level programmes by collaborating with NIMHANS and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) will conduct District level programmes. The Law students and Social Work students should take initiative to sensitize about the act in Taluk level especially rural areas”.

The Programme was presided by Dr. Rajendra K V, CEO, Zilla Panchayat, Belagavi and said in his Presidential Address “Senior Citizens should be respected by everyone. Helpless situations like health conditions of senior citizens (eg. Stroke) should be considered first”.

One Hundred and Eighty Six (186) participants including Member Secretaries from each District Legal Services Authority (Bagalkot, Chitradurga, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Karwar Districts), Representatives from Old Age Homes and Helplines, Para Legal Volunteers, Advocates, District Health Officers, District Disabled Welfare Officers, ASHA Mentors and facilitators, Social Work students, Law students, faculties and Representatives from Senior Citizens Forums attended the programme.

The guests of honour for the programme were Dr. Girish N Rao, Professor and Head, Centre for Public Health, NIMHANS, Dr. P T Sivakumar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Geriatric Clinic & Services, NIMHANS & Convener, Nodal officer, Age Friendly Karnataka and Dr. Ashok Antony D’souza, Professor and Chairman, PG Department of Social Work, Belagavi.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Sensitization Programme on Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was organized on 05th April 2019 at Tasker town urban health center 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. The programme participation 93 Ashas and health workers.including hospital staff who attended the programme.

Social worker sensitization about the programme for NALSA and healthy aging.

As a part of implementing the National Legal Service Authority (Legal Services to senior citizens), Scheme 2016 in Karnataka, Sensitization Programme on Implementation of Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was organized on 08th April 2019 at Divya Jyothi Old Age Home, Srinivaspura, at Kolar, visit 10.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. in the old age home total of 25 elder persons there, run by state govt fund and this NGO established in 1997,and Narsimappa chairman of the NGO, and total 7 members staff there one supervisor, one social worker,1 nursing staff, 1 cook, one cook helper, one watchman.

25 elder person, only 7 members receiving a pension, they facing any health problems they went near 9km away from one Taluk health hospital available, some elder persons facing a hearing and physical problems, and social worker sensitization about NALSA 2016 programme