Apna Saathi

Old age may have its limitations and challenges, but in spite of them, our latter years can be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling of our lives - Billy Graham, American evangelist.

In today’s fast-moving, competitive world, young people are caught up with their professional lives and have little time for the older people in the family. Some of them even move out of town or settle abroad, leaving behind the senior citizens to fend for themselves in their empty nest.

At one of the most challenging phases of their lives, the older generation is left with no social, emotional or physical support. They feel isolated, lonely and at times even forced to move into old age homes under compulsion.

To provide support to this older group Apna Saathi was started as part of Vikas Vishranti.

The older people have a lot of experience as well as time and are encouraged to interact with the children of Apna School, guiding and teaching them. Regular get together and social and religious gatherings are organised as part of this support group.

Due to various constraints, older people need regular support to lead their routine lives. This support group provides assistance in procuring things of daily use, bill payment, visiting doctor, shopping as well as attending social functions.

Apna Ghar

The Trust has rented a five room accommodation which has been developed as an activity centre. It has a library, computer training centre, craft training centre and all activities are organised here.

It has provision for emergency, temporary accommodation for senior citizens in need. In the next five years, the Trust plans to develop a full fledged old age home to take care of the growing number of older people in the community.