 |
| |
| SENIOR CITIZENS |
| What is Geriatrics ? |
| Geriatrics is class="auditreport_text1"a branch of medicine that is concerned with the clinical, preventive, medical and social aspects of illness in the elderly. |
| Does Sweekaar provide any kind of support for the senior citizens ? |
| Yes, Sweekaar is providing counselling services to the senior citizens and complete rehabilitation – either physical or mental through our services units like PMRC, Psychology, Artificial Limb Centre etc. And also provides residential facilities for the elderly in its Home for the Aged Institute in Kompally, Medchal Road, Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh. |
| I lead a lonely and depressed life. Can Sweekaar help me in this regard ? |
| Sweekaar is instrumental in rehabilitation-physical, spiritual or social. We regularly conduct meditation and yoga sessions giving ample opportunities for the elders to interact with each other to share their feelings etc. Our social workers will regularly keep in touch with such persons for counseling, advice etc. |
| I am a retired school teacher. Can I work for Sweekaar as I want to be involved in community service ? |
| We appreciate your service motivation and you are welcome. Service to disabled is Service to God. |
| What medical situations does a Mediclaim policy cover ? |
| Mediclaim policies settle hospital bills that incur as a result of ailments or accidental injuries suffered by the policy holders during the policy period. |
| Are there any welfare schemes for the disabled elderly in India ? |
| Yes, the State Government had created a separate department to look after the welfare of the disabled in the year 1988 and for the senior citizens in the year 2003 to look into the welfare of the PWDs and senior citizens separately. |
| What is the age limit for people who wish to take out a medical policy ? |
| As per policy rules, the age limit for children is 3 months to 5 years if either of their parents is covered simultaneously. For others it is between 5 to 80 years. |
| What is the amount of tax benefit ? |
| On policy premiums up till Rs.10, 000/- are exempted from tax under Section 80 D of the Income Tax Act as on March 31, 2007. |
| What health policies are available for people from low-income groups ? |
| People from low-income groups can avail the benefits of the Jan Arogya Bima Policy. |
| What systems of medicine are covered under Mediclaim policies ? |
| Presently, only the Allopath, Ayurvedic and Unanipathy systems of medicine are covered by Mediclaim policies. |
| Does a Mediclaim policy cover illnesses, diseases or accidents that occur in other states of India or abroad ? |
| A Mediclaim Policy is valid for health problems that happen anywhere in the world provided that treatment is received in India. |
| Does the quantity of food that an elderly person eats matter ? |
| The quality, not the quantity matters. The requirements of essential nutrients vary with age, sex, level of physical activity and the height & weight of the individual. Even a sparse diet can be nutritious. For example 100 gms of wheat contains nearly 12 gms of protein, while the same quantity of rice has only 6.4 gms of protein. Similarly 100 gms of Ragi contains 344 mg of Calcium, while the same quantity of Rice has only 9 mg of Calcium. |
| What are the most important minerals needed for good health for an elderly person ? |
Along with other minerals, Calcium is very essential to maintain good health for an average elderly person. So Calcium intake should be not less than 400 mg per day. Foods rich in calcium are Ragi, Green leafy vegetables, milk, fenugreek leaves, drumstick leaves and sea food.
Iron deficiency leads to Anaemia. So the diet of the elderly should contain sufficient amount of iron. Greens are rich in iron, cheaper than other vegetables and available easily most of the time. Elders should include some variety of greens in their diet everyday.
Other foods rich in Iron are: Wheat flour, Ragi, Jaggery, Dates and Liver.The recommended daily allowance is 30 mg. per day. |
| What are the Vitamins needed by the human body ? |
| For a healthy growth of the human body Vitamins A, D, E, K, C (ascorbic acid) and Vit B Complex (Thiamin -B1, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine-B6, Biotin, Folate, Cobalamins- B12) are needed. |
| How important is it for the elderly to drink plenty of water ? |
| The elderly do not recognise the need to maintain the volume of water excreted. The fluid intake shall be atleast 1.5 – 2 litres per day in a normal elderly person. |
| Should an elderly person exercise ? |
| Yes. Exercise as suitable with reference to age will definitely help for a better health. |
| What is the advice for the retired person ? |
At the outset, retirement is applicable to service but not to life. After retirement the person himself shall create busy plans not to be ideal. He has to associate with his family members and friends very closely for a better attachment, besides doing some special service etc.
• First of all you should feel relaxed, not sad or worried. You can reflect on your past but not dwell on it.
• Smiles and laughter will win more friends than stories of despair.
• Stop rushing through life and savour every moment.
• Plan your daily programme.
• Social activity and second careers filled with optimism will enrich your retired life.
• Retirement does not mean trying to kill time but using it to the best of your interests.
• Don't remain idle.
• Shun loneliness.
• Stick to a health regimen with proper exercise and diet. |
| What is the scope of Self Employment Schemes ? |
| These schemes provide financial assistance to retired defence personnel for starting self-employment ventures and there may not be such schemes for other elderly people. |
| How can I apply for assistance under the Scheme ? |
| An Ex - Serviceman has to apply for this scheme through Zilla Sainik Boards and Rajya Sainik Boards to Nationalized Banks and State Financial Corporations. |
| What are the schemes being offered to Senior Citizens regarding investment and insurance ? |
SeniorIndian.com has given below some links to learn about a few schemes offered to Senior Citizens.
• LIC Policy NavPrabhat - A Special Plan for Senior Citizens.
• Senior Citizens' Unit Plan (SCUP) from Unit Trust of India.
• Postal Recurring Deposit Scheme for elderly persons.
• Most nationalised banks offer higher interest rates on fixed deposits for Senior Citizens. |
| |
| Back |
