Elderly Care

Addressing the basic health needs of the elderly in rural areas through the National Program for Healthcare of Elderly (NPHCE) and Karnataka Panchayat Raj Commissionerate (RDPR)

Health is one of the key issues for the elderly population, especially in rural areas where access to quality and affordable healthcare is a major challenge. while the National Program for Healthcare of Elderly (NPHCE) was launched by the government with a vision to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to senior citizens, the implementation of this far-reaching policy has a long way to go. The major challenge in planning interventions for the elderly is a lack of data that captures their diverse healthcare needs, as well as key socio-economic and demographic details. 

Kalike’s Grama Hiryara Kendra (GHK) recreational centers for elders in the villages, created space and opportunity for socio-emotional, physical activities, health care and services.

Our progress.

Since we started our work,

0+ Elders

have benefited from access to affordable health care and services

Empowering Senior Citizens Through Community Spaces

Kalike, in partnership with the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Commissionerate (RDPR), implementing the “Healthy Ageing Model for Senior Citizens in Rural Karnataka” across 300 Gram Panchayats. This program transforms rural libraries (Arivu Kendras) into vibrant hubs for elder care, fostering physical, mental, and social well-being through structured activities and health interventions.
The initiative establishes Grama Hiriyara Corners (GHCs) within Arivu Kendras—dedicated spaces where elders engage in interactive activities like sessions on health, socio-emotional connect, storytelling, reading, knowledge sessions by external experts, physical exercises and games for 2 hours, 3–4 days a week. These corners foster peer networks to combat loneliness and isolation. To sustain this effort, capacity-building programs conducted for Gram Panchayat Librarians, facilitating elder-friendly activities, supplemented by workshops on geriatric care, mental health, and community engagement. Health interventions include annual camps with the Health Department and awareness sessions covering nutrition, mobility, and accessing public health services, ensuring holistic well-being for rural seniors.