TWO DAY NATIONAL CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

About the College

St. Philomena’s College was established on October 9, 1946, with the benediction of His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Rene Feuga, the first Bishop of Mysore and His Highness Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, the Maharaja of Mysore. It was a feather on the cap for St. Philomena’s College in becoming the first Private Degree Science College in Mysore region. Now, 75 years later, traditional programmes co-exist with contemporary courses, proliferating the student strength and infrastructure. The college has Post-Graduate Studies and Research Centre offering thirteen programmes with erudite teachers of outstanding caliber, gearing it to become a university.

About ICSSR

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established in the year of 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country. ICSSR provides grants for projects, fellowships, international collaboration, organizing seminar/conference, capacity building, survey, publications etc. to promote research in social sciences in India. Documentation center of ICSSR – National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC) – provides library and information support services to researchers in social sciences.

About the MSW Department

St. Philomena’s College is the first one at University of Mysore level to introduce Social Work (1993) as one of the optional papers at undergraduate level. Later in 1999 the college elevated the course as a full-fledged Social Work degree course (BSW). MSW Department was established in the year 2008, and in 2019 it was elevated as Research Center from University of Mysore. As a Research center the Department is growing vertically and already 6 Students are Pursuing Ph.D Programme under the guidance of Dr. Noor Mubasheer C.A. The Department regularly organizes Seminar, Conferences and Research activities of contemporary relevance.

About the Conference

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, leading to significant challenges and opportunities in both healthcare and social security systems. As people live longer, there is an increasing need to ensure that they can do so with dignity, security, and adequate access to healthcare. Many countries are grappling with the sustainability of their social security systems, the rising costs of healthcare, and the need for integrated policies that address the holistic needs of the elderly. This conference aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions, share best practices, and develop strategies to ensure that the needs of the elderly are met effectively.

Objectives

1. To explore the current challenges and opportunities in providing healthcare and social security to the elderly.
2. To discuss innovative policies and practices that can enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of social security systems.
3. To examine the role of healthcare in ensuring the well-being of the elderly and how it can be integrated with social security.
4. To share global best practices and case studies on successful initiatives addressing the needs of the aging population.
5. To foster collaboration among stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for supporting the elderly.

Sub-themes

1. Sustainable Social Security Systems for the Elderly
   • Exploring financial models and policies to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of social security systems.
2. Integration of Healthcare and Social Security Services
   • Strategies for creating cohesive systems that address both the health and financial needs of the elderly.
3. Innovative Healthcare Solutions for Aging Populations
   • Discussing advancements in healthcare technology, telemedicine, and other innovations that can improve elderly care.
4. Global Case Studies and Best Practices
   • Learning from successful initiatives and policies implemented in different countries.
5. Addressing the Economic Impact of an Aging Population
   • Understanding the broader economic implications and planning for future sustainability.
6. Policy and Legislative Frameworks
   • Analyzing the role of policy and legislation in shaping effective social security and healthcare systems.
7. Role of Non-Governmental Organizations and the Private Sector
   • Examining how NGOs and private enterprises contribute to supporting the elderly.
8. Mental Health and Social Security
   • Addressing the mental health needs of the elderly and integrating support within social security systems.
9. Gender and Aging: Special Considerations
   • Discussing how gender impacts the experience of aging and access to social security and healthcare.
10. Future Directions: Preparing for an Aging Society
    • Looking ahead to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in supporting an aging population.

PARTICIPANTS:

168 participants registered to the seminar as students, paper presenters, academicians from various Educational Institutions of India. Participants were from International Research Scholar of Vietnam from Mangalore Univerity, Karnataka, Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh, Madras Christian College, Chennai, Social Work Institutions from various parts of Karnataka like Mangalore, Mudubidre, Mangalore, Hassan, Kodagu etc.

Organized by:

Department of PG Studies and Research in Social Work, St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru and Sponsored by The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Southern Regional Centre, Hyderabad.

On day one of the Seminar, registration of the participants was done. A team of Research Scholars and students comprising from the Department of Social Work were assigned the job. The registration started at 9:30 in the morning in UG Auditorium. The process continued for one hour and ended at 10:30 AM when the technical sessions were held.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Inauguration and Keynote Address

The seminar commenced with a prayer song by MSW students, followed by a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Noor Mubasheer C.A., PG Coordinator and Head of the Department of Social Work.The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was accompanied by readings from three holy books, signifying unity and inclusivity.

The event featured the release of a key publication: the book titled “Healthcare and Social Security: Addressing the Needs of the Elderly,” which includes the proceedings of the National Seminar.

Keynote Address: Prof. Parushurama K.G., Chairman, DOS in Social Work, University of Tumkur, delivered the keynote address on “Aging with Dignity: Social Work Practices for Comprehensive Elderly Support”. Highlighting the alarming growth of the elderly population globally, now at 1.6 billion with 80% residing in developing countries, he emphasized the challenges such as inadequate healthcare, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to nutritional food. He pointed out the increasing feminization and ruralisation of ageing populations, with 70% of elders residing in rural areas.

Prof. Parashurama further shared that the growth rate of the aged population is increasing by 3% annually, with the elderly often facing issues like chronic diseases, malnutrition, and abuse. He urged for better social security policies, improved healthcare systems, and elder-friendly urban designs, citing the example of London’s low-step buses for senior citizens.

Presidential Remark: Rev. Dr. Lourdu Prasad, Rector, St. Philomena’s College, emphasized the importance of respecting senior citizens and fostering community support for the elderly.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM: Session 1

Speaker: Dr. Anjali Arun

Topic: “Comprehensive Health Care for the Elderly: Ensuring Wellness and Dignity in Aging”

This session focused on the importance of elder-friendly healthcare systems, affordable housing, nutritional food, and physical well-being to ensure the dignity and wellness of the aging population.

2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Session 2 – Paper Presentation

Participants presented papers on various aspects of elderly healthcare, social security policies, and innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by senior citizens on Day 01 and Day 02.Presentation was held in two venues. In the first venue presentation was by Research Scholars and academetians, in this 11 papers were presented also there was an online presentation from a International Research Scholar of Mangalore University, Karnataka from Vietnam. Also in the second venue 10 presentations was done by the student scholars from across various states of India. Students of Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh, Madras Christian College, Tamil Nadu and also from various districts from Karnataka Shared their academic knowledge for a better holistic elderly care.

Day 2: January 23, 2025

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Session 1

Speaker: Prof. Suresh K.S.

Topic: “Advancing Elderly Advocacy through Law and Social Security Policies”      

This session highlighted the importance of legal frameworks and policies for protecting the rights of senior citizens. The speaker stressed the need for financial sustainability, inclusion, and comprehensive social security reforms.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM: Session 2

Speaker: Prof. G. Venkatesh Kumar

Topic: “Understanding the Psychological Needs of the Elderly: Pathways to Mental Wellness”

The session explored the psychological aspects of aging, including mental health challenges, social isolation, and strategies for promoting emotional well-being among the elderly.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Session 2 – Paper Presentation

Researchers and scholars presented the remaining papers and research findings on elder care, health challenges, and policy solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly and finished all paper presentation.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Valedictory Session

After a productive two-day long seminar, constituting a lot of knowledge sharing through paper presentations from different participants who had joined the seminar from all across states, a valedictory session was held UG College Auditorium at 3:30 pm.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory session where speakers, participants, and organizers reflected on the discussions and shared insights from the two-day event.The dignitaries present included, Rev. Dr. Lourdu Prasad, Rector, St. Philomena’s College, Dr. Ravi J.D. Saldanha, Principal, Rev. Fr. Gnanapragasam, Campus Administrator, and Rev. Fr. David Sagayaraj, Assistant to the Rector, faculties, Research Scholars and the students from various colleges were also presented in the seminar. Certificates of participation and presentation was distributed to all the participants. Emcee of the valedictory was done by Mr. Mathew, BSW faculty, seminar report was read by Mr. Robin K J, MSW faculty and vote of thanks was delivered by the seminar director Dr. Noor Munbasheer C A.

Conclusion:

The seminar successfully provided a platform to discuss innovative strategies and actionable solutions to address the needs of the elderly. It aimed to foster a collaborative approach among academic institutions, policymakers, NGOs, and the community.