Book Review - Handbook for Elderly (A Ready Reference)

  Book Review - Handbook for Elderly (A Ready Reference)

Published by GUTS & Printed by HelpAge India. 2022, Hyderabad. pp96

This recent addition to the field of Reference books (Handbook) in Gerontology as applicable to India, with special emphasis on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is well brought out – neat and short publication with varying fonts to avoid boredom.

The book contains ten chapters dealing with topics like: Legal Services Authority of India; Elder Laws - especially MWPSCA and Rules of AP & TS; NPOP; NCSC; Awards, Economic Security of seniors – NSAP, IGNOPS, AP Pension, Aasara Pension, Reverse Mortgage, New GOI Pension Scheme etc

Health security of senior citizens is dealt with in detail – NPOP 2011, NPHCE, Ayush, State level health schemes in AP and Telangana.

In my view, the chapter on Digital Literacy for Seniors is the most useful one as it solves many (nearly 20) “How to” problems, with ample illustrations. How to use Google Maps, how to use PayTM etc Emergency Contacts listing in Chapter 10 is a handy reference item per-se. “About HelpAge” tells how they are deeply committed to Elders welfare.

This is a timely publication that will be welcomed by SCAs, Elderly population, NGOs, govt departments and others. It can as well be a supplement to the course material in Gerontology Certificate