Long summer vacations can often spell boredom for senior citizens in the family. These safe, engaging communities and clubs will keep you in grand company this holiday season
Senior citizens play a game of Scrabble. PIC COURTESY/SAHABHAAV
Let’s be honest, the popular Home Alone series had us in splits only because it was a young cheeky kid with a spring in his step navigating the unusual circumstances. Swap him out for a senior citizen, and we’d probably see long quiet shots and slow tea sips, interspersed with distant gazes out of the window till the credits rolled. It’s time we give this grim sight — which is not unusual in many homes — a makeover. Whether you’re a senior living with children who are frequently away from home, or living solo in the city, take your pick from these communities waiting for a new friend in you.
Happy fleet
Sahabhaav, a residential-cum-daycare facility believes senior citizens are on a permanent holiday. Staying true to the theme, the space hosts regular karaoke afternoons, dance movement classes and puzzle-solving sessions. An upcoming summer camp curated specially for grandparents and grandchildren will host Zumba, storytelling, art and craft and theatre games.
Time 8 am to 8 pm (daycare timings)
AT Centres across Andheri East, Andheri West and Ghatkopar
Log on to: sahabhaav.com
Call: 9699696997
Close to home
A session at a housing society in Vashi. PIC COURTESY/HAPPY2AGE on Instagram
If your living room is too mundane, and stepping out seems like an ordeal, we suggest giving Happy2Age’s travelling workshops a chance. The group will bring cooking, painting, quiz and yoga sessions to your housing society. Basic requirements include permissions from the society committee and a safe and clean place to conduct the workshops.
AT Available across Mumbai and suburbs
Log on to: happy2age.com
Call: 7588699649
Unlimited masti
A moment from a meeting in Vashi. PIC COURTESY/DIGNITY FOUNDATION
Sing your heart out, meditate, or paint, but don’t forget to make friends along the way. Eight Chai Masti Centres sprinkled across the city will make for the perfect community bonding hub if you’re a social butterfly looking to unwind in like-minded company. The club regularly hosts indoor and outdoor visits to keep you on the move.
AT Centres in Tardeo, Dadar, Powai, Vashi, Thane, Chembur, Mahim, Mira Road and Mulund.
Log on to: dignityfoundation.com
Call: 02261381100 (Mumbai head office)
Learn from home
A participant poses with bunny finger caps during a craft session. PIC COURTESY/VARISTA ON INSTAGRAM
It’s never too late to learn how to shake a leg, edit a video, or hold the paintbrush. Go Happy Club, an online-offline initiative, might be the perfect choice for individuals who love the comfort of their home. The online Zoom sessions are expert-led and specially paced out to cater to older learners.
Log on to: gohappyclub.in
Just your type
Discuss your old-time favourite movies tunes at daytime activity centre Varista’s relaxed discussions. For those looking to add movement in their routine, the space also hosts yoga, line-dancing and indoor sport sessions.
AT B-2, Nita Apartments, Juhu Tara Road, near Santacruz Police Station, Santacruz West.
Log on to: varista.org
Call: 9664028237
Two-much fun
Senior citizens birdwatch. PIC COURTESY/ADHATA TRUST ON INSTAGRAM
Senior citizens can be busy bees too. Adhata Trust’s holistic wellbeing centres in and near Mumbai open their doors for two hours in the day for those above 60 years old to catch up with the community. If conversations are not your forte, the centres also host yoga, Sudoku, Antakshari and storytelling sessions regularly.
TIME Revealed on enquiry
AT Centres in Mahim, Matunga, Bandra, Sion, Nerul, Palava, Seawoods, Andheri.
Log on to: adhatatrust.org
Call: 9326816529
Give it back
Children learn from a senior in Andheri. PIC COURTESY/MONA ROHERA
If you’re a retired professional with a knack for sharing knowledge, sign-up for this unique initiative that conducts makeshift after-school sessions for less privileged children across Mumbai. An evening spent teaching the ABCs, or the basics of science can go a long way for the underserved students. Held in outdoor spaces like parks and gardens, it’s a win-win, if you ask us.
AT Centres across Mumbai and its suburbs
Log on to: angelxpress.org
Call: 9920347057
Activity matters
A puzzle session. PIC COURTESY/ECHOING HEALTHY AGEING
City-based organisation Echoing Healthy Ageing, in collaboration with psychologists, formulates customised cognition-boosting activities like painting and art books and hobby kits. Individuals can choose from at-home one-to-one sessions, online sessions or group workshops for a change of scenery.
AT Breach Candy, Malad, Borivli (offline workshops); across Mumbai (one-to-one sessions)
Log on to: echoinghealthyageing.com
Call: 9867832665
In it together
If you or a loved one has a neurological movement disorder, reach out to The Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Society-support groups that are spread across nearly 15 centres. They meet weekly to offer focused assistance, social engagement and emotional support
AT Centres across Mumbai. Log on to: parkinsonssocietyindia.com (for timings and queries)
Holiday checklist
Sugandhi Baliga, geriatric care expert, shares a handy guide to ensure that it’s a happy summer vacation for everyone. Read and remember
For seniors: As summer holidays begin, you can keep isolation at bay by staying socially active through simple, meaningful activities. Join local community groups, Call: friends or family on WhatsApp, try out light hobbies like reading or gardening, or even step out for a daily walk. These seemingly simple activities can make a big difference.
For families: Families can play a big role in making sure that seniors don’t feel isolated, whether at home or during holidays. Including them in daily conversations, planning trips, or asking for their advice makes them feel valued and connected. Regular phone or video Call: s, sharing photos, or simply checking in can help them feel remembered and involved, even if they’re physiCall: y apart. Most importantly, treat them with patience, love, and respect to ensure they feel like an important part of the family at every stage.
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