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VOL. 12, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Empowering the elderly: The role of elder self-help groups in enhancing community engagement in rural India
Authors
Gopal Patel, Dr. Pushpa Dewangan, Dr. Balbhadra Prasad Dewangan
Abstract
India is undergoing a major demographic shift marked by a rapidly
increasing elderly population, expected to reach 319 million by 2050. This
change brings numerous challenges, especially in rural regions, such as social
isolation, worsening physical and mental health, and inadequate access to
essential services. In response, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have
become instrumental in supporting older adults through community-centered
initiatives. This paper focuses on the impact of Elder Self-Help Groups (ESHGs)
established by VOSARD (Voluntary Organisation for Social Action and Rural
Development), an NGO working in Kerala’s Idukki district. Through a case study
method, the research explores how ESHGs empower the elderly by fostering mutual
aid, emotional well-being, financial stability, and active community
involvement. The study reveals that the creation of 136 ESHGs, involving over
1,800 elderly individuals, led to notable progress in leadership skills,
financial education, health awareness, legal rights, and economic stability.
VOSARD’s comprehensive efforts—including caregiver training, healthcare
services, income generation, and legal education—offer a well-rounded model for
successful aging. The study concludes that VOSARD’s approach provides a
scalable example of community-driven elder care, highlighting how participatory
methods and local involvement can significantly enhance the dignity, autonomy,
and well-being of older people in rural India.
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Pages:121-124
How to cite this article:
Gopal Patel, Dr. Pushpa Dewangan, Dr. Balbhadra Prasad Dewangan "Empowering the elderly: The role of elder self-help groups in enhancing community engagement in rural India". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 121-124
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