Magazine
May 2023
Pachuvum Athbudha Vilakkum (Malayalam)
Rajeev Balakrishnan reviews Pachuvum Athbudha Vilakkum (Malayalam) film for Safe SeniorsPachuvum Athbuthavilakkum is a heartwarming and wonderful film. .A fantastic debut film, written, edited and directed by Akhil Sathyan who proves he is a chip of the old block Sathyan Anthikad had given us several memorable films. The film is...
Khakee – The Bihar Chapter
This is one of the best OTT series currently streaming on Netflix. The movie is based on a true story in the life of Amit Lodha, an IPS officer , who penned is experience in a book titled Bihar Diaries. The book sketches the gang wars in Bihar and It takes...
December 2024
Cyber frauds are at a all time high. Protect yourself.
Ms. Lakshmi Sundarraj, was a near victim to online fraud. She was expecting some important documents over courier. And almost as a co incidence, she received a call saying that some documents could not be delivered to her, as her address was in correct. She did not suspect anything ,...
Movie Review – Lucky Baskhar (Netflix)
For those of us who remember the Harshad Mehta scam and the market crash that followed, Lucky Bhaskar serves up a nostalgic throwback, but with its own spicy twists. The story of Bhaskar—a modest cashier turned Assistant General Manager at Magada Bank—takes you on a whirlwind of greed, schemes, and...
Anucool – Easy to wear clothing
We are happy to present Anucool – a brand that offers easy-to-wear apparel for elders and persons with disabilities.Many of the elders we reached out to had expressed a need for such a solution. Individuals recovering from a stroke, incontinence issues, Parkinson’s tremors, frozen shoulders, persons in the post-operative recovery...
New Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat is set to launch in January 2025
The New Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Sleeper train will redefine overnight travel between India’s capital and Jammu and Kashmir. This advanced train promises faster, more comfortable journeys, benefiting both tourists and business travellers.The train will cover over 800 km in less than 13 hours. Departing from New Delhi at 7 PM...
Meiyazhagan Movie Review
Ms. Nalini reviews a much talked about movie – Meiyazhagan. Which is now on OTT.Not a super hero, but a relatable human. Not a Mr Perfect, but man with his follies and foibles. Arvind Swamy, the protagonist of the movie is depicted in this mould. Meiyazhagan takes us through the journey of...
REFLECTIONS OF A RETIREE – by Ms. Sashikala
“Sweet Sixty”. So read the green satin sash, painstakingly written in bold silver which adorned me on my sixtieth birthday at a grand surprise party organized by my family. Crown on head, I sashayed a la beauty queen, an honor I would never have deserved in my youth, given that...
My Time
Is there something called as My Time and your time? Isn’t time a universal factor and as the saying goes, “Time and Tide wait for no Man”. Yes, that’s the hitch with time, one can never own it and use it as and when required. With this being the case,...
Good news – Senior Citizens visiting Tirumala
Good news for senior citizens visiting Tirupati Balaji Good news for senior citizens who have crossed the age of 65 years. Free darshan of Sri Venkateswara @ Tirumala for senior citizens. Two slots were fixed. One at 10 a.m. and the other at 3 p.m. You need to produce proof...
My father – a tribute to Late T.S. Srinivasan by his son – eminent artist T.S. Narayanaswamy
It was 1958 or 59. That theatre was terribly crowded. A long serpentine queue ran for getting the tickets. He had to come to buy tickets. Suddenly he plucked a stick from a nearby tree and started regulating the crowd and then silently walked up to the counter, and got...
Richard Williams behind the success Of Serena Williams and Venus Williams
In 1980, a man named Richard turned on his television and saw a female player from Romania receiving a check for $40,000 after winning a tennis tournament. The whole scene was enough to shock Richard. This was more than his annual salary.After turning off the television, he sat down and...
When was I born? dual birthdays… practice
Vasudevan Chellappan recollectes in his own humorous way, the practice of dual birthdays. A practice that sent a child to school early… and its aftermath in the later years… enjoy.Many of our generation are lucky to have two birthdays. One is official and the other actual (biological?). The usual story...
Ainmanes of Coorg
Reena and Sunil Somayya bring you some interesting details on the houses of Coorg - the Ainmanes.When you talk of Coorg (Kodagu), the first thing that comes to your mind is the coffee plantations and the lush greenery and natural beauty. Mesmerising charm of nature – verdant rainforest, colourful flora,...
Unique – Centre for Ageing, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
Mr. R.T. Namasivayam, a very active member of many senior forums and associations , a senior citizen himself, writes about his visit to the National Centre for Ageing, Guindy, Tamilnadu, India and gives information about the services availableI visited the National Centre for Ageing in May 2024. Helpage India accompanied...
Lapataa Ladies – Netflix
Lapataa ladies (Netflix) is brilliant cinema. The story about accidental bride switch in rural India is embedded with grand screenplay and dialogue, real acting, excellent camera, delightful music and visionary direction. The jibes at patriarchy and unawareness are simple and effective without being didactic. See it to experience that dying...
The reunion – Sankar Higher Secondary School
The reunion…. Sankar Higher Secondary School, Sankari West, Tamilnadu, India. Murali Chellappan takes us through his recent school reunion….Our WhatsApp group “classmates” has over 30 students from the SSLC batch of 1979. We had two “sections” as we called those days – A & B. We are in touch, some active, some not so active. But when Rajeshwari,...
The Lunch is On
The Poem is spot on!!LUNCHES WITH FRIENDS! "Lunches with our good old friendsthough just once in many daysWhere we all eatjust about everythingand everyone pays..... The conversation flows brightly ...... from maid servants to spouseWe love discussing our children and airing out a grouse😇 And politicians are torn to piecesSome current events tooAnd then come...
A house on a hill and a soldier
It came to him again. It always did when the soldier was close to the hills and he saw the distant snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Sometimes the snow glistened in the bright sunlight and sometimes the hills were shrouded in cloud and mist. The rising sun washed the hills in streaks...
Mysur Pak – interesting tale of its origin
Kakasura Madappa was an official cook at Amba Vilas , the official residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the King in 1935 once felt an urge to eat sweets. Those days the meals in the palace were always extravagant. Madappa had only three things – gram flour, ...
Check out Sukoon.love – the new elder platform. Conversations and the connect
Sukoon.Love is more than just an online platform; it’s a lifeline for elders in an increasingly digital world. It serves as a comfortable space where elders can forge genuine connections and engage in heartfelt conversations. Here, they can open their hearts and minds to someone who truly listens and cares,...
Planning a Visit to Australia: A Comprehensive Guide to Visa Requirements and Application Process in 2024
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the allure of Australia? From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture, there's something for everyone in this breathtaking country. If you're considering a trip Down Under, navigating the visa process is essential for a seamless experience. Let's delve deeper into what you...
May 2023
Dahaad – streaming on Prime
Rajiv Balakrishnan reviews Dahaad – streaming on Prime Dahaad streaming on Prime is a good watch. Starring Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Verma, it outlines the story of a serial killer Anand who targets lonely single women, with promise of a marriage and then kills them using cyanide. Based on the...
2018 (Malayalam)
2018 (Malayalam) : Movie review by Rajiv BalakrishnanThis is a film that reaffirms your faith in humanity and perhaps the fact that we may be divided by faith or belief and yet when we put them aside, we collectively triumph. Based on true life incidents, 2018: Everyone is a Hero...
The interview…
The interview… Joke shared by Kripa Sankar A man gently knocked the interview room door. "May I come in Sir?" One of the panel members said "Come in" The man tried to speak. But he was asked to sit first. So he sat in a chair facing the panel members. One of...
Safire theatre and Madras……
Ravishetty is 70. He lives with his family in New York. He grew up in Madras (Now Chennai) for the first 35 years of his life. He recalls his growing up days in Chennai. Here is an interesting article on Safire Theatre that he shares with us. “ To me, somethings ...
Endless…. By Jennifer Mathew
Those endless summer days Playing in the sand Or even on the tar Who gave a damn… The joy of running around Not getting found At lunch time or to bathe The world was a blissful place Making new friends at times Or leaning ties behind To forge them back later on Short memory can be profound The summer heat felt cool As...
Mrs.Chaterjee Vs. Norway reviewed by Rajeev Balakrishnan
Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway is a film that was worth watching in the theatre. A true story that has Rani Mukherjee playing a mother who has her two children taken away from her by the State of Norway. How she fights against the injustice and the triumphs against all odds...
Meet T S Narayanaswamy – Businessman and artist.
Known to his friends as TSN. A highly accomplished professional . A Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant by profession, he is the founder of Unicard Services - pioneer in direct marketing of financial products and services , telecom products and internet services and associates of most of the leading Banks...
Rangarajan shares nice ,sentimental and beautiful lines by Robert Drake…
Sometimes, I feel I want to go back in time... Not to change things, but to feel a couple of things twice.. Sometimes, I wish I was a Baby for a while... Not to be walked in the pram but to see my Mother's smile Sometimes, I wish I could go back to school... Not to become a...
Old friends and good old times…
Usha Kumar recalls the 50th reunion of batch of ’73 of Convent of Good Shepherd, Chennai The group consisted of a great grandmother, many grandmothers and mothers. The numbers had crossed the magical 50 and the organizers were thrilled, but finally we had to settle for 44. Although there were three...
Radio and TV were our social media… connected us….
Mr. Chellappa Vasudevan recalls his growing up years, the fun and how radio and TV bonded not only the family, but also the neighbours. Good old days…. We had a small but elegant Murphy radio. You would have seen a cute baby with an index finger on her chubby cheek. In...
Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones – by Yadav Murti Sankaran is a very interesting book with a very insightful foreword from Historian Sriram. Written in simple language, Yadav records his personal and professional experiences frankly, that are sure to be a guide to future generations. Most importantly, he has given us each a question...
The Nobel Prize & the Floor-Maid !
Story of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. And what they owed the floor maid who made a difference to their lives. Shared by Ms. Kamala Selvam A Doctor, touring Tewksbury Institute, accidentally collided with an elderly floor maid. To cover the awkward moment he asked, "How long have you worked here?" ...
Romanchanam
Rajeev Balakrishnan reviews the movie for Safe Seniors. Romanchanam was a film that was an unexpected hit. Heard some rave reviews but just couldn’t watch it at the theatre for some reason. Happened to watch it in a private screening at my club. Starring very few known actors, it started off...
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Rajeev Balakrishnan reviews the movie for Safe Seniors. The movie is completely off beat and is very different from anything that I have seen.. Streaming on Netflix this is yet another reason why Malayalam films continue to be different and heartwarming from the variety dished out by any one from...
Unusual photos Of Andaman Islands – Mr. Suchitra Sagar
Andaman Island, Andaman Sea Small Streams form on the Beach after the high tide Recedes at Havelock island, Andaman Havelock Island, Andaman Sunset at Radha Beach Havelock Island – Andaman Islands High tide recedes to reveal puddles And streams at Havelock Island, Andaman Low tide at a Mangrove In the Andaman Islands
Gopi and financial planning
Mr. Gopi was celebrating his 75th birthday along with his son and daughter, son in law, daughter in law and his grandchildren. The celebration went well and that night one of his grandsons who was very close to his grandfather asked him a question that what made his life successful....
Dr. G
Ramanathan reviews Dr. G Dr. G Has Ayushman Khurana in yet another Steller role. As a medical student wanna be orthopedist who is stuck in gynecology among women, topped with his gender bias, he brings out the hues and colors of his misconceptions and the overcoming of them in a real...
Music & Me – Chellam Devadoss
It’s a story that began when I was a child. Like most of us, I was attracted to music even as a child. My first memories are of the rich mellifluous voice of PB Srinivas singing “Kaalangalil aval vasantham”. It laid such a profound impression on my tender mind that...
Some hilarious quotes to lighten your mood
When I die, I want to die like my grandfather who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in his car. - Will Rogers Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. - Dave Barry Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit;...
Vani Jayam – We will miss you
Ms. Janani Sampath, blogger and journalist shares some interesting information of her interview with Vani Jayaram “Just last week she was chosen for Padma Bhushan and now gone. Life is strange and cruel.” Adds Janani.The article :Vani Jayaram gets a well – deserved Padma Bhushan. Better late than never. In November...
Budget 2023: Big bonanza for senior citizens
The Finance Budget 2023 for the Government of India has the following important points for seniors.The senior citizen savings scheme can be upto Rs.30 Lakhs ( earlier Rs. 15 lakhs)The monthly income scheme ( post office) has been revised to Rs.9 lakhs in individual names ( earlier it was Rs.4.5...
Pazhaya sooru and neer agaram
Murali Chellappan shares his nostalgia I was reading an article of old and traditional food that’s making a comeback and how youth relish it. It made me very nostalgic . It took me to my growing up days. Simple days. No television or fast food. Family, siblings and lot of time...
Face is the index of Mind – Andre Agassi and Boris Becker
Story shared by Shri Dhurv SeighalYou may all remember former American tennis player Andre Agassi. I recently came across an interview with Andre Agassi. In it, Agassi tells a great story, sharing it with you.Germany's Boris Becker then defeated Agassi in three straight matches. The way Boris Becker served was...
Karevoyage’s – Senior centric travel plans. Customized and group tours.
At Karevoyage - Travelers are our universe. We like to impact people’s lives and creating experiences that are nostalgic.The idea of an exclusive holiday offering to seniors was the outcome of personal experience. When we went out on family holidays, we noticed that the needs of the group was more...
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Hari Rao – The racer
When Hari Rao went to London in 1961 to participate in motorcycle racing he was so enchanted with the country, the roads and bikes, that he decided to make it his home. And he did. He was participating in the Motorcycle racing at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. Dr.Shanthi ,...
Beautifully compiled names of all Shakespeare’s plays to create a little paragraph of a story, brilliant, clever and talented.
SHAKESPEAREAN SHAKESPEARE: Who were the bride and the bridegroom? Romeo and Juliet. When did he propose? Twelfth Night. What did he say? As you like it. From where was the ring obtained? The Merchant of Venice. Who were the chief guests? Antony and Cleopatra, Troilus and Cressida. Who were the bridegroom's friends? The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Who prepared the wedding breakfast? The Merry...
Gujarat’s signature winter delicacy – Undhiyu.
You know winter has arrived, when the aroma of Undhiyu fills the air in Gujarati homes. The onset of winter marks the harvest of legumes and beans and we have luxury of enjoying it in fresh and green form. That marks the preparation of much waited and acclaimed dish of...
Buddy System for Elders in Chennai
Myabode ( brand) has launched buddy system in Chennai for elders. This comes at a time when the service is most needed by elders and their primary care givers. My abode takes care of health care and non-health care needs of the elderly. Providing a safe environment to the elders...
Plants, my world – Vummudi Mohan
Hi ! Nice to e-meet you and share my hobby in plants especially Bonsai. They say horticultural therapy largely helps people overcome various issues including depression, anxiety, Osteoporosis , loneliness etc., It is true. My interest in gardening and plants has helped me stay cheerful. I trace my hobby or...
Gossip Getter
People who gossip in the public transport – Please try to talk faster. It’s painful going home without knowing the end of the story
Meet Ms. Neela Ramchandran
Flying, languages, instrument, dance, painting, sculpture…. An artist par excellence Her life experience spans many worlds. Born and raised in a rural environment. She was home-schooled in academics as well as music. She achieved a high level of proficiency in Saraswati Veena (A traditional Indian musical instrument). Her marriage took her...
Kid in you
Where is the kid Who lived within Who danced And played In the shining sun Where is the kid Who lived each day Full of joy No sorrows to share For everyday Was just a thrill Loved n lost No qualms within Awaken the kid In each breath you take Make each day, a...
Money matters…
It is better to be organized and prepared on financial matters. Information not documented or shared makes the living partner vulnerable.Subramaniam & Kala were the typical Mylapore ( Chennai) retired couple. Every December and January months spent in Kutcheri (concerts) hopping and eating tiffin/ lunch in various sabhas (concert halls)...
Mumbai to Goa by Vista Dome – Raghunath Ramaswamy
The Konkan Railway is an engineering marvel. A distance of 765 kilometers from Mumbai to Goa is to be covered in about 9 hours. The Travel takes you through 72 lovely tunnels. The architectural marvel is one of India’s greatest achievements and is mind boggling. Travelling by Vista Dome helps you...
Dr & Phd
Yesterday , I booked a private taxi for airport. When I arrived at my destination, the driver gave me his business card for future bookings. Dr. Ramanand Tripathy, PhD it read. Wow ! I was surprised and quizzed him, “why are you driving a taxi with such high qualification?” Pat...
Gita Mahima
I was in the audience of a spiritual gathering. One of the speakers said , I have been listening to Gita for the last 35 years and evolved my life style exactly as prescribed by Gita ! Tears welled up in my eyes Seeing me, the person next to me whispered...
Paachakam – by Sabita Radhakrishna (Roli Books)
Sabita Radhakrishna, author of the best-selling and award-winning Annapurni: Heritage Cuisine from Tamil Nadu (2015), now turns her expertize towards Kerala, the green jewel of South India. Step into God's own country with Paachakam, a beautifully-illustrated cookbook that offers authentic insights into Kerala's most popular recipes by drawing attention to...
Helpline No 14567 (National)
This Elder Line 14567 helpline for Senior Citizens set up by the Ministry of social justice in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence ( NISD). It is a toll-free number operational from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It provides free information, guidance, emotional support, field intervention in cases of...
Swivel Seats
Swivel seats helps people to get into and out of a car with ease. It becomes helpful to a certain category of users. Usually elders, persons with ortho issues, back problems, pregnant women, persons with disabilities etc., find it a huge task in getting into a vehicle or alighting from...
January 2023
Curse the Technology world
I was setting the voice recognition password of my mobile, A dog barked and ran away…. I am still looking for the dog to unlock my mobile…