Ageing is a common and universal phenomenon. Generally it refers to the phase of life when physical and mental abilities diminish due to accruing age. Such changes, while irreversible, are very gradual, unless compounded by chronic and incurable mental and/or physical conditions. People all over the world are living longer. But longevity is no guarantee of good health and an easy or comfortable life as an elderly or senior citizen. The primary caregiver, who is usually a family member, is most likely unprepared for the task of looking after an older relative and will certainly find it difficult to cope if this is combined with child rearing. Mortality or dying and death are issues closely related to ageing. ‘Good’ vs. ‘bad’ deaths largely depend on how dying and bereavement can be better managed than they may be now. People need to think about how they will age, when, where and with whom they will adjust and live for initiatives like Age well to be effective. A willingness to learn, share, accommodate and cooperate in the planning and management of later life choices are more important than the finances that one sets aside for the purpose. Age Well Foundation Bangladesh is a registered community service, private voluntary, social business organization comprising a group of like minded individuals whose aim is to promote the well being of ageing people in Bangladesh. It can be described as a taking social responsibility for the ageing in the country and sharing in knowledge and good practices of the region. Age Well is a member of the
National Committee on Ageing in Bangladesh and
Forum for the Rights of the Elderly in Bangladesh. Vision
A key indicator of well being (or a qualitative life) is happiness. Age Well believes in tangible or measurable happiness starting with relief from fear, pain and grief. An individual’s need for good health is a basic right. No one can function without it. The Foundation believes that people should
adopt better and positive attitudes toward ageing;
take ownership or charge of their health and life (not react to circumstances);
themselves remain as active as long as possible;
embrace ageing as a natural and necessary phase of life;
support the aged in positive and practical ways;
accept the end of life without fear and with acceptance and grace; and
treat aged and dying people with love, understanding and respect . It believes that good practices or habits not only prolong active life but also increase the likelihood of dying well. Mission
The objectives of Age Well are to
1. create and manage finance and resources for ageing people to that they live in
and with dignity and comfort;
2. improve the quality of personal care, both by the family and professional carers;
3. promote their rights, the foremost being their dignity and freedom to choose;
and
4. support the care-giving community working with ageing citizens. The Foundation is committed to working with everyone concerned with wellbeing and ageing. Strategy
Age Well will participate and intervene with relevant agencies including the government in policy making and service provision for the ageing, including legal protection, financial security and health insurance for care during the later part of life. Individual, business and public concerns are invited to come forward with such support to work in partnership with Age Well and realize their personal and/or corporate social responsibility (CSR). A good start would be to implement or make better use of pension, insurance and retirement schemes which are well designed, well regulated, transparent, and secure. Age Well will make use of existing suitable (but underutilized) facilities and resources to manage its outreach care programs and residential care centers in urban areas and at district level. Activities
Age Well intends to provide these services:
Lifeline: An outreach program to provide companionship, comfort, communicate, spread awareness and collect information of better care and maintenance for isolated senior citizens. It will document in the print and electronic media the role and contribution of senior citizens in Bangladesh through interactions with researchers, case workers and students. Assisted Living Arrangements (ALA): Especially manned and equipped boarding/residential support and care in premises owned by ageing people or concerned individuals or groups. The advantage or strength of ALA is individuals’ access to safe and dependable home care and continued participation in personal, community and special activities designed for ageing citizens in mind. Health Resort: Center for Well being or spas in natural and peaceful setting for maintenance of fitness and recovery from illness and offer respite for the caregivers of the aged. These should in the long run define the Foundation and become the main hub of its research and interventions and major source of income and investment. Join Us
Age Well Foundation is focused on the ‘how’ of doing things. It offers willing individuals a chance to choose from a checklist of programs that addresses their needs, allows them to get involved with each other and live as a group or community. From Age Well
learn about and prepare for ageing, dying and death in the company of like minded friends;
avail of services, including holistic and palliative care for the incurably ill ; and
bring about the positive changes regarding behavior toward and treatment of ageing people in our society. To become a member, attend meetings and participate in Age Well activities, please call or contact the office and fill out the application form with relevant details. Contact us to find out how you can get involved.
