[ A Nest by the Ganges ] Senior Living Retirement Homes, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Abstract

The process of ageing is a universal and unchangeable part of existence. It is a multifaceted process that includes physical, psychological, and social changes. The term “old age'' refers to a stage of life marked by diminished physical capacity, deteriorating mental ability, the progressive abandonment of role-playing in socioeconomic activities, and a transition to a state of economic dependency. The aged population has been rapidly rising in the recent century, resulting in increased demand for senior living. Seniors prefer to stay in their homes and towns where they have lived for many years rather than moving into senior housing. The taboo connected to the notion of senior living communities, which are frequently referred to as “old age homes,” is a major hindrance for senior living in India. The perception of elder life has shifted in recent years. A sizable portion of these seniors live alone in order to enjoy their retirement. The notion of luxury independent senior home is very new in India, and just a handful such housings have been built. These autonomous and active senior living living initiatives now being given in India have been enthusiastically received by a segment of the target population; nevertheless, much more ground must be covered before this idea can be adopted generally. Senior living is a project proposed by the Social Justice Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh which is being transferred to the city of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand by the name of NEST BY THE GANGES, RISHIKESH. The project aims to bring together the elderly people from places, which have been left alone to live and are willing to stay together with shared services and care. The project aims at providing best empathetic and sympathetic spaces which support the elderly to live together and attain physical and mental peace. These spaces should help them follow their hobbies, share their experiences among each other, interact and most specifically self-realization. The project aims to provide the best environment for the dwellers with best facilities and services using the latest trends and technologies. These 5- star services can only be availed by those who pay for them. The proposed project’s objective is to take care of the elderly who despite being well off do not have anyone to take care of them. This is said to be the first of its kind project of the state and will be established as an experiment to be replicated if successful. The project is an attempt to give a Quality of Life outside their homes, away from the family with all the features of an aesthetically pleasing environment in the old age homes with a mix of self-actualization, mental peace, attention, care, empathy, support, assistance and home likely environment. The proposed site is 57,580 sq. m. or 14.22 acres in area and is located in the Jonk area of Rishikesh. The main site is 54,414 sq. m. with additional 3166 sq. m. to be developed as ghat.The site of the project lies in close proximity to Janki Setu, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhavan, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, etc. The proposed project is to create homes - 300 units and additional 50 individuals from EWS free of cost. The homes are for the people who have economic stability but lack in happiness or just want to live peacefully at a high end old age home with needed assistance and best facilities, interactive spaces, medical services, recreational spaces, parks.