SARALA Centre

Until a few decades ago, elder care in India was largely supported by the joint family system. With changing socio-economic realities and the steady shift toward nuclear families, many elders today are left living on their own—often unprepared, demotivated, and socially isolated. Declining health, chronic illness, and limited access to care further reduce quality of life and increase psychological distress and vulnerability among older persons. Poor transport connectivity, income insecurity, limited access to quality healthcare, and social isolation significantly affect rural elders. As younger populations migrate to urban centres for livelihood opportunities, many older parents are left behind in villages. While most elders prefer to age in their own homes and communities, inadequate support systems make ageing in place increasingly difficult.

To address these challenges, the Nischinta Foundation initiated interactive day-care centres known as SARALA Centres in October 2019 at Chetla Timmaipally Gram Panchayat, Chegunta Mandal, Medak District, Telangana. The centres were designed to empower rural elders, enhance their quality of life, and provide a safe space for engagement through learning, sharing, and social interaction. The Key Activities at SARALA Centres are:

• Simple mobility and physical exercises
• Awareness sessions on health, nutrition, and essential life skills
• Recreational activities such as games and storytelling
• Memory-strengthening activities including puzzles, drawing, and painting
• Cultural and creative engagement through singing and dancing
• Provision of nutritious meals or snacks
• Periodic health check-ups

SARALA Centres were not feeding centres, but platforms that enable elders to remain active, connected, and confident through continuous engagement. The centre functioned successfully for one year; however, operations had to be paused due to funding constraints.