NEW DELHI: India will soon become a nation with highest population. Though still the youngest country in the world, its citizens are rapidly aging as well. Improved healthcare facilities in the Amritkaal of India’s Independence and increased life expectancy mean that every day roughly 15000 people retire in India.
With the number of senior citizens set to go up by a whopping 320 million in the coming decades, the country is preparing in right earnest to tackle a problem which has so far concerned only the developed nations – taking care of the elderly. In its G20 presidency, India is showing to the world that it is equally adept at taking special care of its aged population as it is of nurturing the young.
Infinity’s Jagriti Dham
In keeping with this, Kolkata’s Infinity Group has set up a state-of-the-art senior citizens’ home on the outskirts of the city, called Jagriti Dham. Speaking at its inauguration, Ravindra Chamaria, Chief Trustee of Jagriti Dham and Chairman & Managing Director, Infinity Group, said, “Jagriti Dham has been carefully conceived to fulfil a two-pronged aim; one that senior citizens be able to live a fully active life and make the most of their golden years and two, that their next of kin be worryfree and assured of their safety and well- being. With life expectancy touching 80 and steadily growing, Jagriti Dham is well poised to respond to a growing need of the hour. It is indeed an idea, whose time has come.”

Certified by the Indian Green Building Council, Jagriti Dham is the first senior living establishment in the eastern region and, the second in India to achieve a silver rating that champions assisted and independent living.
Multiple facilities
Besides a temple for residents, facilities at the campus include a yoga and meditation room, Ayurvedic spa and salon, community hall, library and games room, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor dining halls and an audio-visual room for comprehensive and active living. All the rooms are air-conditioned, have attached balconies and come with wi-fi and television, intercom as well as emergency buttons for assistance round the clock. The bathrooms have anti-skid flooring, grab bars, handles and shower cubicles. Nutritious and hot meals prepared in the kitchens, trained attendants on call and regular health check-ups all go a long way in aiding the wellbeing of residents.
Service providers
Jagriti Dham has entered into tie-ups with specialised service providers such as Emoha, a connected community of seniors, and Epoch Elder Care to take better care of any residents who might be suffering from ailments such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. A dedicated geriatric team that will specialize in offering holistic care is also on the cards.