HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY IN INDIA
- ISHA'S EXPERTISE AND INTERESTS

1966-70: As part of the Doctoral and Post-Doctoral programme at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and Veterans Hospital, Cleveland, USA, Dr Ashok Sahni had extensive course work and training in Gerontology, Geriatric Medical Services, and attended several workshops on Aging Processes.

1971-72: Dr Sahni initiated a comprehensive research project on Quality of Life of the Elderly with Dr Hans Selye, Mc Gill University, Montreal, Canada, and Dr David Rogers, Chief of
Mental Health Services, Cleveland Clinic.

1973-74: Dr Sahni designed a comprehensive programme on Nutrition and Health of the Elderly, City of Cleveland on behalf of the Senior Citizens Association, Greater Cleveland.

1974-76: Taught post-graduate courses in Gerontology at Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois.

1981: Served as Consultant to Sandoz Institute for Health and Socio-economic Studies in conducting a survey on Health and Quality of Life of the Elderly in India. This culminated in the book "Aging 2000: A Challenge for Society" (edited by Philip Selby and Mal Schechter) published by Sandoz Institute for Health and Socio-economic Studies, 1982.

1982: Dr Sahni served as Consultant to United Nations Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs; addressed the World Assembly on Aging, Vienna, Austria (August 1982).

1987: Organized a National Conference on "Health of High Risk Groups: Mothers, Children, and Elderly" at Madras. Approximately 300 professionals and administrators from all over India attended. Recommendations were given serious consideration by the Central Government in the formulation of the Eighth Five Year Plan.

1992: Organized a National Workshop on "Planning and Management of Old Age Homes" at Madras where representatives from all over India - Government, Charitable, and Missionary Institutions attended the Workshop.

1978-2005: Conducted large number of workshops on Retirement Planning, Adjustment, and Health (approximately 50) at National level for senior executives of public sector enterprises; and institutional level such as Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited; Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited; Electronics Corporation of India Limited; Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board; Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited; Bank of Saurashtra; Punjab and Sind Bank; Assam Oil, Digboi; National Thermal Power Corporation Units; Indian Oil Corporation, and many others.

1993: Prepared a Book on "Retirement Planning, Adjustment, and Health", published by ISHA. Book being revised and published in 2005.

From 1970 to todate, initially until 1976 in USA, and subsequently in India, Dr Sahni has worked with several business and industrial organizations in planning policies and programmes for effective retirement planning and post-retirement adjustment.

1994: Organized a national Seminar on "Updates in Mental Health Care: Assessment, Treatment, and Rehabilitation" from March 29 - April 2, 1994 at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore. This Seminar focussed specifically on Mental Health and Quality of Life of the Elderly.

1995-96: Conducted a major survey in Karnataka State on Health of the Elderly in Rural Karnataka

2001: Consultation to Pondicherry Government in Establishing Resort Homes of International Standards for 500 retired elite individuals.

-           Survey on geriatric morbidity and mortality in India

-           Setting up at Bangalore a Home for the Elderly Women and Men for training of doctors and nurses in geriatrics.

-           Conducted series of Workshops on Planning and Managing Old Age Homes.

-           Conducted a survey of oldage homes management in Bangalore.

2003: Published a book on Mental Health Care in India in which several chapters on mental health and quality of life of the Elderly in India were devoted.