Long Island, NY: The National Indo-American Association for Senior Citizens Inc., (NIAASC) organized its 28th annual conference on Seniors on May 21, 2016 at the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center in Elmont, New York. The conference, held in collaboration with Kerala Center, Shanti Niketan, and New York Psychiatry and Cognitive Care, was attended by dozens of members of the organization from across the nation.
The theme for the day-long conference was “Future of Aging in a Changing World” with three components that were discussed in smaller groups. Overview of the subject was presented by Dr. Nalini Juthani, Distinguished Life Member of American Psychiatry Association. Sub-topics included: Macro Factors Affecting Indian Seniors; Financial impact of Living Longer; and Social Life and Connection.
Sponsored by two not-for-profit entities – India Home and India Association of Long Island, along with eighteen individuals, the interactive participation of the attendees highlighted various important factors affecting seniors and their families.
The conference was opened by Thimbu Thalappillil, president of the Kerala Center, who welcomed the participants and detailed various programs and services provided by the Center. Rajeshwar Prasad, president of NIAASC, dwelt with the various subjects that have been covered in its previous 27 conferences since its inception in 1998. He emphasized that NIAASC has successfully worked in collaboration with various entities for conducting these full-day conferences.
The discussions on Macro Factors, especially dealing with legal issues, were coordinated by Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, a pediatrician and former President of Suffolk County Pediatric Society. Bhavani also was responsible for program coordination of all three groups. A spokesperson from Russo Law firm, Eric J Einhart talked to the group about Elder Law. Drawing up wills, Power of attorney, Living trusts, Medicare, Medicaid, Home health care, Nursing home care, eligibility requirements for the above. Through a power point presentation, audience were educated on advances in Healthcare technology, gene therapy and health care in the near future.
Discussions on Financial Impact, focusing on financial issues, were led by HSBC Ruben Altamirano, and Putnam Investments, David Casey, who gave the attendees information on retirement funds, diversification, and money management, how to bridge the gap, as retirees now, thanks to better healthcare are living longer. e.g. if someone worked from 20 years to 60 years and retired, and then proceeded to live from 60 years to 100 years, managing portfolios or investments needed to be handled appropriately. Kathleen A. Foster, Project Director with the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, led the discussions on the need for fitness, recreation, being in touch with one’s relatives and community, Adult Ed programs, free programs, volunteerism, getting around, and staying optimistic.
New York State Senator, Tod Kaminsky, in his address, spoke about his commitment to issues of seniors, while underscoring the importance of services for seniors in the state and their benefits to seniors and their families.
Prasad who with the help of many NIAASC Board members and others had developed the 10-page program brochure and Spring 2016 newsletter informed that the document has been posted on the NIAASC web site. The brochure covered the first Retirement Complex, SHANTINIKETAN, in Tavares, Florida – a piece written by its founder, Iggy Ignatius. NIAASC honored an ongoing senior program – GOLDEN PARADISE – SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE in Nassau County and its founder and vice president of operations, Sridhar Shannugam, accepted the plaque.
The conference was coordinated by Sampurna Jain, Avinash Suri, Asha Samant and Satya Malhotra. The program ended with the General Body meeting where in the five retiring Board members were approved to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board also approved Dr. Asha Samant as NIAASC Secretary. Vote of Thanks was proposed by Satpal Malhotra, NIAASC treasurer, who had submitted its annual financial report to the members.