Long life learning

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) will launch an online diploma course in gerontology, the study of the aged, reported Daily News and Analysis (DNA) on January 20, 2009. "The number of (the) elderly in India doubles every six years. Hence the objective of this course is to train front line professionals for their care,” explained Nasreen Rustom­fram, convenor of the TISS Centre for Life Long Learning to DNA. The course, which will begin in June 2009, will train NGO (non-governmental organization) professionals and volunteers, medical caregivers, pharmaceutical and pathology professionals and students in working with the elderly.

"Students will be trained in the emotional and physical care of the elderly and in advising them on financial matters like insurance schemes,” said Rustomfram. Eligibility criterion for the one-year course is a bachelor’s degree in any field. With one professor for every 15 students, teaching will be conducted through chat rooms and blogs. Students who earn the diploma from TISS can opt for jobs in the social development sector which means "they can work in old age homes, NGOs and hospitals,” Rustomfram told DNA.

In June 2008 TISS launched a contact program in gerontology at its Deonar campus in Bombay. "The reach of a classroom program is limited. Hence through the online module, we plan to train at least 150 students across the country,” was Rustomfram’s projection.