PUNE: On the occasion of World Senior Citizen’s Day, Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust led by Mrs. Neerja Birla, organized mental health therapeutic workshops conducted by psychologist Pooja Lodhi and Sangeeta Patel for senior citizens in Pune and Mumbai. These workshops were held at ‘Vriddha Mitra,’ led by Dr. Benazir Patil in Pune, and ‘The Narayan Chandra Trust,’ headed by Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Director Vijay Sarate in Mumbai. The workshops, which integrated art and dance movement therapy, saw participation from 1,000 senior citizens across both cities.
Before Mpower’s intervention, an analysis revealed that 70% of senior citizens viewed seeking mental health support as a sign of weakness, and 80% associated mental health issues with superstitions. In India, mental health is often seen as an age-related problem, with limited efforts to seek support or help, and the stigma surrounding mental health support is particularly strong in this age group. Many senior citizens face conditions such as depression, anxiety, and anger issues—challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life.
Over the past two years, Mpower has worked closely with senior citizens aged 58 to 75 at Vriddha Mitra and The Narayan Chandra Trust, focusing on raising awareness about mental health and offering support through positive mind and body conversations. This sustained engagement has led to a noticeable shift in perceptions. Post-workshop analysis shows that over 50% of participants now express a willingness to seek mental health support, and there has been a 20% decrease in those linking mental health issues to superstitions.
Speaking on the occasion Parveen Shaikh Vice President of Operations Mpower said “The mental health of our senior citizens is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of their overall well-being. At Mpower, we’ve seen first-hand how addressing mental health concerns can transform lives, breaking down the stigma and empowering our elders to seek the support they deserve. By integrating mental health care with traditional wellness approaches, we are not just enhancing their quality of life, but also reaffirming their invaluable role in our society.”
Adding further Shruti Padhye, Senior psychologist and manages Mpower Cell, mentioned “With age, our senior citizens face multiple insecurities, from changes in their independence post-retirement to increased reliance on their children. Many activities they once did independently are now curtailed, leading to a sense of loss. In India, old age is often viewed with bias, further enabling discrimination based on age, which deeply impacts the mental health of individuals over 60. Many experience episodes of depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability. It is crucial to seek expert help to navigate these challenges, rather than dismissing them as age-related mood swings or stubbornness.”
