Senior Citizens Associations (SCAs) can be defined as a community-based group of senior citizens working together to improve the condition of older people and the community they live in. Senior Citizens Associations are an enormous resource group which can immensely benefit society.
HelpAge India recognizes the potential of the Senior Citizens and is involving them in various activities. A number of seminars have been organized by HelpAge in conjunction with Senior Citizens Associations across the country on the National Policy on Older Persons and Maintenance & Welfare of the Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, for better advocacy of the rights and entitlements of senior citizens. As a result of the seminars, the Government in various states have initiated action for speedy formulation / implementation of State Policies on Older Persons and implementations of Maintenance & Welfare of the Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. HelpAge India is also organizing health camps in different parts of the country in association with Senior Citizens Associations. It is in the process of preparing a data of Senior Citizens Associations in the country with the objective of uniting them to mainstream the ageing issues.
There are several models of Senior Citizens Associations:
SCAs in Cambodia (Battambang and Banteay Meanchey), China (Shaanxi, Sichuan and Hunan), India (Rajasthan), Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, have been organized around community development and health activities.
SCAs in Bangladesh (Cox's Bazar), India (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), Indonesia (Banda Aceh) and Sri Lanka have been organized in such a way that community-led post-emergency reconstruction activities can be implemented.
In China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, there are officially promoted SCAs that can rapidly increase their capacity for self-management and implementation of community development activities.
SCAs are effective mechanisms through which older people can prepare for and respond to disasters within their communities. Senor Citizens through their experience and familiarity with their communities, are well placed to identify the needs and vulnerabilities of their families and neighbors, including the most vulnerable older people, as part of disaster preparedness planning.
Participation in SCAs has contributed to increased confidence amongst older people, particularly older women. Involving older people in the planning processes, will result in the inclusion of older people in emergency responses, thus mainstreaming ageing in disaster risk reduction plans and activities.
In India, SCAs are doing remarkable work, not only for the benefit of the older persons themselves but also for the society at large. Senior Citizens Forum, Bhopal, has successfully organized organ and body donation camps and is instrumental in establishing in setting up Organ Banks so that the donated organs become available to the needy in proper condition and without delay. Senior Citizens Forum in Faridabad in Haryana, contributed their efforts significantly in getting the first ISO 9001 Police Station in the state established.
The National Policy on Older Persons 1999 (point 78) states that the 60+ phase of life, is a huge untapped resource and facilities will be made available so that this potential is realized and individuals are enabled to make the appropriate choices. Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (Issue 8) also emphasizes the importance of using the potential of Senior Citizens Associations.
