Role of Community Based Programmes for Active Ageing:Elders Self Help Group in Kerala

Ageing is an inevitable process in human life. It is primarily considered as a physiological phenomenon but an individual’s economic, psychological and social areas can affect by the ageing process. Old age population has been growing at an unprecedented rate all over the world. It is true that people live longer because of improved nutrition, sanitation, medical advances, health care, education and economic well-being. In this context there is a felt need to develop new strategies to ensure the welfare and need of old age population. Community based programmes which are easily accessible to elderly can lend a hand for the welfare and long term care of the elderly. Elders Self Help Group (ESHG) is a community based organization of older people above 60 years aimed at improving living conditions for elderly. The need for different type of community based programmes designed exclusively for the welfare of elderly has been indicated by the findings of the present research. The Elders Self Help Group can facilitate the active ageing among the elderly and the pillars of active ageing such as participation, health and security can be strengthened.