Inspiring Seniors Foundation (ISF) enriches the lives of seniors cultivating an environment where they feel empowered and invigorated, and defying traditional limitations associated with aging. The foundation firmly believes that every senior deserves a life filled with purpose, joy, and deep connections. ISF envisions harnessing the energy, experience, and enthusiasm of seniors to create a thriving community of engaged individuals who give back to society and support one another.
As life expectancy soars to 85-90 years, ISF seeks to empower seniors with personalized strategies for living fulfilling lives. The organization aspires to enable seniors to share their wealth of knowledge with those who need it most. With 10% of India’s population over the age of 60 and half of it under 25, ISF aims to bridge the wisdom of the elderly with the aspirations of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. ISF represents the first step toward creating a resource platform that nurtures an inter-generational bond, fostering unity and inspiring stories.
ISF’s comprehensive programs, both online and offline, encompass a diverse range of senior-centric topics. These include health, education, social recreation, financial literacy, technology integration, legal rights, and advocacy.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Malti Jaswal, Founder of ISF, elaborates on the organization’s initiatives to improve seniors’ lives. She shares details on the participation rates in their programs, the geographical areas they serve, and the positive responses from the elderly involved. Here are the main insights from her inspiring discussion.
Q: What initiatives has your organization implemented to improve the lives of seniors?
A: Inspiring Seniors Foundation is a newly established NGO with a clear mission: to leverage the knowledge and experience of educated retirees aged 60 and above to address their own challenges of loneliness and a sense of purposelessness, while also contributing meaningfully to society. With a life expectancy that could extend 20 to 30 years beyond retirement, seniors hold an untapped reservoir of wisdom that can enrich both their lives and the community.
Our organization is committed to developing intergenerational projects such as the Inspiring Tutors Program and the Mentors Program. These initiatives enable seniors to teach core subjects like English, science, and math to underprivileged children or provide guidance to young adults entering the workforce, preparing for competitive exams, or seeking professional qualifications. Through these roles, seniors not only share their expertise but also build connections, fostering a sense of purpose.
In addition to these educational initiatives, we emphasize the importance of healthy aging. Given the substantial senior population, practical approaches to maintaining health are essential. While everyone knows the benefits of walking and a balanced diet, we focus on the day-to-day practices that keep physical, mental, and cognitive health in optimal condition. Our aim is to help seniors stay in peak form and enjoy an enriched, active lifestyle.
Our programs also include social recreational activities because lifelong learning is vital for keeping cognitive skills sharp. Moreover, we recognize the importance of fun and enjoyment, integrating playful activities into our offerings. These programs work together to create a comprehensive approach, ensuring that seniors remain engaged, healthy, and fulfilled in all aspects of their lives.
Q: How many senior citizens are currently participating in the program?
A: Our NGO is still in its early stages, yet we have already engaged over 700 senior citizens. This number is steadily growing as we expand our geographic reach and strengthen our outreach efforts.
Q: Where is your organization operating? Do you focus on any specific geographic areas?
A: No, we are a pan-India organization, offering both offline and online programs. Through our online initiatives, we connect with participants from across the country, including Kerala, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Punjab. We also have strong engagement from Mumbai and numerous other regions, making our reach truly nationwide.
Q: How have elderly participants responded to being included in your programs?
A: Once these elderly individuals become tutors, they experience great joy in seeing the progress of the children they teach. In fact, they eagerly anticipate these classes more than the children do. Some have even shared that when classes are cancelled, they feel as though something essential is missing from their lives. The opportunity to learn new things brings them immense happiness.
Take, for instance, a 75-year-old gentleman teaching math. He once wondered how he could teach without a blackboard, but by mastering tools like Google Meet and a digital whiteboard, he now conducts his lessons confidently. He is thrilled to have learned how to use this online platform and feels a renewed sense of excitement. This initiative blends giving back to society with personal growth and a sense of purpose. The results speak for themselves. In the first semester after launching the program, the students’ performance improved significantly. This serves as clear proof that the children are benefiting while our senior tutors are enjoying more fulfilling lives.
