Mumbai: Activity clubs and communities senior citizens can explore this summer

Letrsquos 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 wersquod probably see long quiet shots and slow tea sips interspersed with distant gazes out of the window till the credits rolled Itrsquos time we give this grim sight mdash which is not unusual in many homes mdash a makeover Whether yoursquore 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 youHappy fleetSahabhaav a residentialcumdaycare facility believes senior citizens are on a permanent holiday Staying true to the theme the space hosts regular karaoke afternoons dance movement classes and puzzlesolving sessions An upcoming summer camp curated specially for grandparents and grandchildren will host Zumba storytelling art and craft and theatre gamesTime8 am to 8 pm daycare timingsAT Centres across Andheri East Andheri West and GhatkoparLog on to sahabhaavcomCall 9699696997Close to homeA session at a housing society in Vashi PIC COURTESYHAPPY2AGE on InstagramIf your living room is too mundane and stepping out seems like an ordeal we suggest giving Happy2Agersquos 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 workshopsAT Available across Mumbai and suburbsLog on to happy2agecomCall 7588699649Unlimited mastiA moment from a meeting in Vashi PIC COURTESYDIGNITY FOUNDATIONSing your heart out meditate or paint but donrsquot forget to make friends along the way Eight Chai Masti Centres sprinkled across the city will make for the perfect community bonding hub if yoursquore a social butterfly looking to unwind in likeminded company The club regularly hosts indoor and outdoor visits to keep you on the moveAT Centres in Tardeo Dadar Powai Vashi Thane Chembur Mahim Mira Road and MulundLog on to dignityfoundationcomCall 02261381100 Mumbai head officeLearn from homeA participant poses with bunny finger caps during a craft session PIC COURTESYVARISTA ON INSTAGRAMItrsquos never too late to learn how to shake a leg edit a video or hold the paintbrush Go Happy Club an onlineoffline initiative might be the perfect choice for individuals who love the comfort of their home The online Zoom sessions are expertled and specially paced out to cater to older learnersLog on to gohappyclubinJust your typeDiscuss your oldtime favourite movies tunes at daytime activity centre Varistarsquos relaxed discussions For those looking to add movement in their routine the space also hosts yoga linedancing and indoor sport sessionsAT B2 Nita Apartments Juhu Tara Road near Santacruz Police Station Santacruz WestLog on to varistaorgCall 9664028237Twomuch funSenior citizens birdwatch PIC COURTESYADHATA TRUST ON INSTAGRAMSenior citizens can be busy bees too Adhata Trustrsquos 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 regularlyTIME Revealed on enquiryAT Centres in Mahim Matunga Bandra Sion Nerul Palava Seawoods AndheriLog on to adhatatrustorgCall 9326816529Give it backChildren learn from a senior in Andheri PIC COURTESYMONA ROHERAIf yoursquore a retired professional with a knack for sharing knowledge signup for this unique initiative that conducts makeshift afterschool 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 itrsquos a winwin if you ask usAT Centres across Mumbai and its suburbs Log on to angelxpressorgCall 9920347057Activity mattersA puzzle session PIC COURTESYECHOING HEALTHY AGEINGCitybased organisation Echoing Healthy Ageing in collaboration with psychologists formulates customised cognitionboosting activities like painting and art books and hobby kits Individuals can choose from athome onetoone sessions online sessions or group workshops for a change of sceneryAT Breach Candy Malad Borivli offline workshops across Mumbai onetoone sessionsLog on to echoinghealthyageingcomCall 9867832665In it togetherIf you or a loved one has a neurological movement disorder reach out to The Parkinsonrsquos and Movement Disorder Societysupport 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 parkinsonssocietyindiacom for timings and queriesHoliday checklistSugandhi Baliga geriatric care expert shares a handy guide to ensure that itrsquos a happy summer vacation for everyone Read and rememberFor 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 differenceFor families Families can play a big role in making sure that seniors donrsquot 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 theyrsquore 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 stageatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params