Unleash The Potential of senior citizens

                                   Senior citizens can play incredibly important role in the modern times. They have immense experience and deep insight towards realities of life. However, is it possible for them to intervene and intermingle with youngsters who are adept and expert of the new age tools? How relevant and practical are the doctors, chartered accountants and engineers who passed out in late fifties or sixties? Certainly there is a huge gap because of a rapid increase in technology and change in methods. What is the way out then? Is there any way to keep them updated about the recent happenings and seek benefit from their knowledge and expertise?

                    Unfortunately, the potential of aged people has been ignored in our country. Most of them are killing the time in unproductive activities like watching television. With the vast experience and knowledge of ins and outs of every field, they can offer quick solutions for intricate problems. However, they need to be given enough attention. Active senior citizens are productive cells of the society. They can contribute a lot to the overall development of the country.

                    Researches reveal that hardly 10% senior citizens have financial security and more than 60% struggle for economic stability. It clearly indicates that income generation programs are badly needed in the Indian society. While it is possible to do it in the rural areas where people have traditional skills that can be leveraged for generating money. The same is a challenge in the urban areas. Part-time jobs and vocational training can be used for utilizing their skills and expertise.

• Offering welfare sometimes hurt them emotionally. We deny their abilities of serving for the society. Empowering them with new skills and vocational training bring self confidence and self-esteem.
• In the traditional Indian system, they were having immense powers. Senior members used to enjoy leadership positions in the social structure. However, post industrial revolution there was degradation in the value of elderly people. Positive changes are required to be made in the socio-economic sector so that the experience and knowledge can be utilized effectively. Their involvement should be increased in voluntary organizations and NGOs.
• Contribution of old age people in the society can be increased greatly by bridging the communication gap. Gen-next has misunderstandings and misconceptions about them. Youth feels that they are adamant, tough to handle and difficult to adjust with. Similarly, elderly people feel that the young generation is irresponsible and casual in approach. A positive outlook would help both in understanding each other in a better way. Elderly people are the underexplored resources. They can be a great contribution to the country if handled well. So, it’s high time youngsters to realize how important senior citizens experience is, and it’s also, time for senior citizens to act smartly and put time into use rather than watching TV and enjoying sports. Senior citizens can change the whole atmosphere surrounding us, so time for some action from senior citizens we want our elders to conduct workshops in offices, parks home and preach and teach us in right direction!!