India Post News Service

Nearly one out of every 4 US households provides care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older. The elderly population is the fastest growing segment in the US. The number of people over 65 years of age will grow to 53 million by 2020. By 2010 one in five Americans will be over the age of 65.Average life expectancy has increased 15 years.

We need assistance as we age. Enter Adult Day Care Centers like Yasmine in Northridge, San Fernando Valley that provides a well planned program of activities designed to promote energy, positive thinking and well being through social and health related services. A quality of life is offered in a place where older adults living at home can come and enjoy social activities, get a nourishing meal and participate in a caring , stimulating atmosphere.

The Yasmine Center operates for five hours during the day from 8-1.30 pm on weekdays in a safe, supportive, upbeat environment. Nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks accommodate special diets like vegetarian and non vegetarian. The Center motivates seniors to get out of the house and receive a much need boost to mind and body. A fun and social stimulation with peer support with enjoyable and educational activities.

A place where they can rest, relax, converse or listen to music, play a game, exercise or learn a craft. The Yasmine Centre caters to around 450 members who are financed by MediCal which provides the program for each individual including transportation from home to the center.

The majority are Iranians, but there is a growing number of Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Hispanic and Indians who are attending the centre. The Indians who number about 50 come on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I visit them on a day they are being gifted with a present for the New Year.

It is a cheerful , bunch of people I meet , snacking on oranges and bananas and welcoming me into their midst. Most are from North India, Gujarat and Bengal with a few South Indians. The conversation is lively as they are very eager to tell me of their experiences at the Centre. But first, what is the criteria for becoming a member? They have to be over 65 and be on a limited income.

They cannot be earning members or own property. Disabled people under 65 can apply. Dilruba Ali, an energized and beaming marketing manager of Yasmine Day Care Centre assures me that "all their needs are met. They feel welcome and respected. There is a social atmosphere, they are like children who get so excited on the days they attend" she says. "They are up and ready at 8.00am in their homes to get the bus that is sent to them.

We have so many programs that they look forward to attending." A typical day in the life of a senior starts with breakfast .Then they move to the Gym Room, a large hall packed with equipment for gentle exercise. Seniors can then avail themselves of blood pressure, eye checks, and there are nurses both CNA's and RN's who monitor medications, blood sugar, and other vital signs.

Massage therapists dentists, physical therapists, chiropractors are there for consultation. Dilruba then informs me that the rest of the morning is filled with activities. Games to stimulate the mind, music and dance programs on special days like Republic, Independence Day, Baisakhi, July 4, Halloween , Christmas are all celebrated.

On these days there is a special lunch and the members are entertained by Indian singers and dancers . "We always look for an opportunity to celebrate and make the members participate and make them happy. One day there may be a music appreciation class with a member singing and the others talking about the music, or composer, " she says "or they play Antakahshari, trade jokes and riddles or talk of their personal experiences as they come from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes we invite a speaker to talk on nutrition or health issues.

Recently we had a college professor from California State University, Northridge to talk about India. We also take them on day trips to the parks. Birthdays are fun days and we celebrate each member's special day." I ask the members near me if they like the food. There is a chorus of happy agreement. They can choose from Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanic, Filipino and Iranian foods.

The Indian meal consists of and appetizer like pakoras or papadams, 3 rotis, rice, vegetable, dal, and a sweet. A member can opt for a non vegetarian meal and look forward to kabobs or a meat dish. I am invited to sit next to Suren Dua who retired as an administrator in Govt office, when he was 54.' In India they retire you at a young age," he jokes wryly. "I love to come here.

I feel happy and young again." Pushpa Jawa from Delhi tells me,"I will never go back to India. I simply love to come and meet everyone. I like to talk to everyone and do exercise !" Madhuri from Pune tells me' I like the people here. They are so kind and helpful. I like to dance too. I attend yoga breathing classes, so good for my body." Some members are busy knitting. Quilting is also taught." I do not miss India at all," confides another lady."

All my children live here." Suren Dua interrupts,"Who wants to live there? I went there three years ago and I could not cope with the hassles, traffic, pollution, too many crowds. I like this systematic way of life here. In India there is no discipline."

Najmati Merchant, a Muslim from Pakistan who moved to India and has lived for decades in the USA, tells me that Yasmine Day Care is the biggest in the Valley.He had a Fulbright scholarship in UCLA and acquired a Phd, entered Public Health, taught in Iran and the American Univeristy in Beirut, and was professor in California State University, Northridge for 11 years.

His wife teaches kindergarten, and his three sons are professionals. One is a doctor, the other a Caltech computer engineer/researcher and the third a legal advisor to AAA. Monica Jobanputra is only 45 years old, a young, lovely woman, partime counselor, and tutor, with a slight British accent." I love these people." she says. "I enjoy coming here.

I was so alone with my disability, but here, there is companionship and I forget all my problems..They have taught me to be young again" If you are happy, you are healthy appears to be the anthem sung in this assembly of seniors. Friendship communication, and an energized lifestyle for 15 hours a week Among the Indian members is a German with a Cuban wife. 'I like to join this group" he says."

They are friendly and I have a lot of fun." What about transportation? Dilruba assures me that 12 buses operate all over the San Fernando Valley even going up to Thousand Oaks and at times Simi Valley. Access buses are also available and this shuttle comes at a discounted rate and even that is covered by Medical.

Dilruba Ali who has been working in the Centre for five years sums it up." Change is the most significant factor I see. A person comes in lonely, depressed, and very soon that person is lively, looks better, moves better, is positive, full of spirit , has made many friends, and has no idea what it is to be depressed. Not one person has dropped out of the program.

It is like youth regained. Paradise regained!" The unique Yasmine Senior Care niche is focused on providing quality maintenance and a care package . I come away from the Centre positive that the programs are designed to maintain and improve your loved one's level of functioning and independence.

There are 4000 adult day centers nationwide according to the National Adult Day Services Association(NADSA). These are privately owned facilities that provide services to seniors. This is a burgeoning cottage industry in adult health care in the USA.