Kerala has the highest proportion of elderly people among India states. Here is a course designed to make the lives of elderly people better.
The one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Active Ageing and Wellness Rehabilitation is a new course launched by the Ettumanur centre of Sanskrit University, Kalady.
The new-generation programme is open for students who have a degree in Physiotherapy (BPT) or Naturopathy and Yogic Science (BNYS).
Course details
For the new course, the Sanskrit University has designed a curriculum which blends practices in Ayurveda, Physiotherapy and Spa. The course would be highly beneficial for Kerala which has a big potential for health tourism.
The one-year course has two semesters and includes training at therapy centres and project work. Management, hospitality and personality development training are also part of the course.
The total fees would be Rs 85,000. Students will receive a stipend, accommodation and food during the three-month internship period.
Admission will be based on the marks scored in BPT or BNYS along with the marks obtained in group discussion and interview.
There are 12 seats, of which three are reserved for students from outside Kerala. The age limit is 35 years. Applications could be submitted till June 5. The website is www.ssus.ac.in
For more details, call 94470 36008 (campus director)
Prospects
After completing the course, students can earn employment in India as well as abroad at care homes, retirement homes, nature cure centres, yoga centres, Ayurveda resorts and clinics. At these institutions, they can work as integrated spa therapist, spa manager, integrated care manager, wellness coach and wellness consultant.
According to the World Social Report for this year released by the United Nations, the global population of people aged above 60 years would cross 120 crore in 2025 and touch 200 crore by 2050. At least 80% of these elderly people would be living in the developed countries, the report adds.
The UN had declared the decade starting in 2020 as ‘Decade of healthy ageing’. The goal of this observance is to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of senior citizens along with their living conditions. This is expected to enable them contribute more to society. Subsequently, several countries have implemented various programmes in the health sector to make the lives of elderly people better.