Speakers

Abstract:

In today’s fast-paced world, older adults often face challenges of loneliness, neglect, and diminished self-worth, which contrast sharply with the idealized view of ageing as a time of leisure and wisdom. This presentation explores the critical concept of mattering—the perception of being valued and making meaningful contributions—and its profound impact on the mental and social well-being of the elderly.The examination focuses on how feelings of insignificance contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among seniors. Highlighted is the “epidemic of loneliness,” with nearly 48% of older adults experiencing feelings of isolation, exacerbated by factors like health decline, cognitive impairments, and societal ageism.Key strategies to enhance mattering among elders are presented:

• Fostering Intergenerational Connections: Implementing programs that encourage interaction between younger and older generations to share experiences, knowledge, and skills, thereby bridging the generational divide.
• Leveraging Technology for Social Engagement: Promoting digital literacy among seniors to help maintain relationships and participate in online communities, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Advocating for Age-Inclusive Policies: Addressing systemic ageism by promoting policies that recognize and value the contributions of older adults, ensuring treatment with dignity and respect.
• Enhancing Mental Health Support: Encouraging mental health services to create supportive environments where elders feel comfortable expressing needs and are actively involved in care decisions.

Aligned with HelpAge India’s nation-wide campaign, Generations Together, the presentation sheds light on the importance of mattering in improving the quality of life for older adults. Embracing these strategies can combat loneliness, enhance mental health, and reaffirm the invaluable role of elders in society. Elevating the value of elders through the promotion of mattering is essential for building a compassionate and inclusive society. Recognizing the unique contributions of older adults enriches communities and ensures that individuals feel valued at every stage of life. This presentation calls for collective action to create environments where every elder knows a truly significant place is held in the community.

Current Positions:

• Director & Registrar, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions
• Director, SDS Academy of Behavioural Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Education:

• PhD in Management, School of Management Studies, CUSAT, Cochin, Kerala
• MBA, Department of Management Studies, University of Bangalore, Karnataka
• M.Com, Department of Commerce, University of Kerala

Professional Qualifications:

• Certified in Global Ageing Research, Oxford Institute of Ageing, University of Oxford, UK (2008)
• Certified Programmer in Research Methodology, Rajagiri Institute of Social Sciences, Cochin (2005)
• Certified Programmer on Competency Mapping, Human Potential Development Centre, Calcutta (2004)

Awards and Prizes:

• Pfizer Award for Social Isolation in Old-Old Among Pacific-Rim Countries (2010)
• Best Project Proposal Award, Seoul National University, Korea (2009)
• Selected for Ageing Research at Oxford, UK (2008)
• Only Indian selected for World Demographic Congress presentation, Switzerland (2007)
• M.S. Swaminathan Award for Rural Health (2006)
• Selected by CII India for Indo-China delegation on education (2006)
• Kerala University Third Rank, M.Com (2001)
• Kerala University First Rank, Pre-Degree (1994)

Fellowships:

• Fellow, World Demographic Association, Switzerland (2007)
• M.S. Swaminathan Fellowship, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (2006)

Publications:

• HR Lexicon, Educreation Publications, New Delhi
• Research Report Writing – Craft it Well, Bharathi Publications, New Delhi
• Several peer-reviewed journal articles

Other Roles:

• Vice-President, CANSERVE Society (Cancer support charity in Kerala)