Academics and Research – Gerontology & Geriatrics
Source – Mr. P. Vyasamoorthy
International Training Programme on
Social Gerontology & Geriatrics
Organised by
Heritage Foundation
and
19-30 January 2004
Hyderabad
Venue: National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped
Manovikasnagar P.O. Secunderabad 500009
Heritage Hospital
8-3-833/252 Kamalapuri II Phase
Hyderabad 500073 India
www.heritagehealthcareindia.com
Email: heritage@hd2.vsnl.net.in
Tel: 91 40 23379999 Fax: 91 40 2337 9207
Introduction
The growing ageing population places on the society several socioeconomic, cultural and health challenges. Facing these challenges requires the commitment of the state, society and the elderly themselves. Professionalism is required to serve the Indian elderly who live in rural areas or urban and metro cities as their needs differ in variety.
Asia would account for the largest share of world elderly population with China and India leading the race. While India is maintaining a steady growth of population, the share of her elderly population is growing disproportionately. Today the country accounts for about 80 million elderly and it is expected to grow to 325 million by 2050.
There were many important events world over in 2002 – The Second World Assembly on Ageing and the World NGOs Forum were convened in Madrid Spain leading significant actions being taken to improve the quality of lives of elderly.
Old age is the public health success story of the 20th century. Increasing numbers of people born throughout the world will survive the childhood disease and disabilities that ravaged their predecessors. They can look forward to life expectancies that no one dreamed about centuries ago.
ILO, Ageing in Asia
The Government of India has constituted a national council on Older Persons, appointed a NGO Aadhar to coordinate the activities of the secretariat, has budget allocation for grant-in-aid schemes for establishing and managing old age homes, day care centres and mobile ambulance to deliver healthcare at door steps. Several senior citizens organisations including nation wide pensioner’s associations have sprouted to advocate better living conditions and quality of life to older persons. These proactive decisions truly represent true concern of the society as a whole.
Heritage Foundation at Hyderabad is organising a two-week course on Social Gerontolgy and Geriatrics from January 19 to 30 2004 at Hyderabad to impart professional training to those interested in serving the elderly.
Objectives
The multi-disciplinary training programme designed by an International Expert Group, aims at providing a broad and up-to-date understanding of the complex and far-reaching consequences of mass longevity. The objective of this programme is to stimulate discussion and understanding of the relationship between health and longevity from a life-course perspective. This is done in the context of the highly complex and multi-faceted nature of growing old in society. Special emphasis is put on the totality of the human being including health, social and economic aspects. The programme is aimed at health professionals (from the various disciples, social workers and trainers in the field of ageing holding or being proposed for leadership positions in the field of ageing. The proposed course will outline these emerging issues and help the students plan preparing the country to face this formidable task.
Participation
Medical doctors, Social Workers, Nurses, Psychologists, Managers and Trustees of old age homes and day care centres, Physical and Speech Therapists, Government officials, Volunteers, officers and members of seniors associations and senior citizens clubs, pensioner’s associations and other interested in ageing issues.
Fees
Rs.4000/- per participant covering sharing accommodation, food and refreshments from 18th to 30th night, course materials and conference folders. Travel and other expenses to be incurred by the candidate.
Refund not permitted. Booking on first cum first serve basis.
Venue:
The International Institute on Ageing (INIA) United Nations – Malta
The International Institute on Ageing (INIA) United Nations – Malta , was established in 1988 as a result of UN/ECOSOC Resolution 1987/41 and following an agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Malta. The Institute is largely supported by the Government of Malta. INIA works in close partnership with United Nations Population Fund from whom it receives support for the implementation of its activities.
Since its establishment, INIA has striven to live up to its UN mandate by training key personnel through its short-term and long-term courses as well as acting as a practical bridge between and among developed and developing countries. INIA organises annually four core courses that focus on Social Gerontology, Economic and Financial Aspects of Ageing, Geriatrics and Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing as well as a nine-month Diploma Course and a Master’s Degree Course in Gerontology and Geriatrics held at the University of Malta .
Since 1995, INIA conducts in-site training programmes in various countries that are tailored to the specific needs of the particular country. Thus far, INIA has conducted several such programmes and trained over 1000 participants in 15 countries. The training programmes address poverty and exclusion which remain major threats to the well-being of older persons throughout the world.
The Institute has entered into a number of collaborative agreements with various organisations in order to enable countries to build their capacity to meet the challenges of their rapidly increasing elderly population. It has also set up a Collaborating Network of 59 countries as a result of which members can access and disseminate information in the field of ageing.
Heritage Hospital
Heritage Hospital was established in 1994 to cater to the needs of sick elderly and to help families cope with caregiving needs. Heritage today offers a variety of services and programmes that include, publication of Senior Heritage Selections magazine, conferences, workshops and training programmes, events that promotes and strengthens intergenerational amity, Fashion Shows by elderly to kept them physically and mentally active. Heritage is established a Centre for Lifetime Learning by offering a variety of learning programmes that include computer literacy. Dial A Driver programme, Food on Wheels and Housekeeping services are some innovative programmes offered to elderly in Hyderabad , Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi .