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Happy Elderhood

Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation Newsletter
Vol 1 Issue 3 April to June 2025

Information | Community Development | Skill Development

From the Founders Desk

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the many ways in which the Dr. V.S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults. Through our Act of Kindness initiative, we were able to respond to a simple but pressing need at the National Centre for Ageing, Guindy. A comfortable waiting space may seem small, but for older patients who often spend long hours waiting for consultations, it makes a world of difference. Another proud moment for the Foundation this year is the presentation of the Geriatric Seva Rathna Award 2025 to Dr. Yadati Sathyanarayana Raju. Honoring individuals like Dr. Raju, who have dedicated their careers to advancing elder care, reflects the values we hold dear—service, compassion, and excellence in Geriatric Medicine.

Our state-wide Elder Abuse Eradication campaign, now in its ninth year, continues to grow stronger. Seeing thousands of students from schools, colleges, and nursing institutions take the pledge to stand against elder abuse gives me hope for the future. When young minds are sensitized today, a kinder, more empathetic society awaits tomorrow.

Our educational outreach through the Silent Killers Webinar Series has also been very well received. Addressing often-overlooked health issues in seniors—this series is equipping elders and caregivers with knowledge and tools for better health management.

As always, none of this would be possible without the collective support of our donors, well-wishers, volunteers, and the medical community.

Thank you for standing with us.

Padma Shri Dr. V.S. Natarajan
Founder & Chairman
Dr. V.S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation.

Project Highlight

Our New Project : Night Companions for Elderly

Nights are often the hardest for older adults—lonely hours filled with anxiety, a higher risk of falls, or sudden health issues. Without timely support, even minor problems can quickly become emergencies.

Over time, the Foundation has heard repeated appeals from seniors, especially those living alone, asking for trusted companions who can stay with them through the night and be ready to act in case of emergencies.

In response to this need, Dr. V.S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation is launching Night-time Companions Training—creating a cadre of trained, non-medical companions who provide comfort, keep watch, and ensure timely help when it’s needed most.

Explore Our Projects

For more details contact +91 81220 02173 or
write to us at csr@drvsngeriatricfoundation.com .

Our Journey – From Vision to Community

When we started Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation, we set out with a clear mission. Right from the beginning, we knew that our role was not to directly provide services to the elderly. Instead, we wanted to enable others to do it—organizations, professionals, volunteers—anyone who shared our passion for elder care. In 2019, our first big challenge was simply finding an office. With no funds to rent, Dr. Prem Raj of the former Prem’s Eye Hospital in Saidapet stepped in and gave us space. For 18 months, that small office became the center of our work. We later moved to our current office in T. Nagar, a rented space that allowed us to grow.

Soon after, in October 2019, we launched Mudhumai Ennum Poongaatru, the only Tamil magazine for the elderly, in Coimbatore. It was our first large-scale outreach effort, and it continues to thrive. From T. Nagar, we also strengthened our communication. Within a year, the Poongaatru YouTube channel went live, becoming a platform for information, campaigns, and awareness programs. Slowly, our work began to be noticed. In the beginning, we reached out to others for support. Today, people and organizations approach us, eager to collaborate. Our vision now is simple but ambitious—to connect with every elder in Tamil Nadu. And this journey has only just begun.

Rajasekaran Manimaran
Co-founder & Managing Trustee
Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation

Weekly Webinar on Tuesdays

Silent Blood Pressure

This session shed light on how high blood pressure can quietly damage the body without showing symptoms. Dr. Abhirami demonstrated simple yoga postures and breathing techniques that help regulate blood pressure and promote heart health in seniors. The session highlighted the importance of regular practice for long-term well-being.

Silent Diabetes

Focused on early detection and lifestyle management, this session introduced yoga as a gentle and effective tool to manage blood sugar levels. Seniors were guided through movements that enhance insulin sensitivity and improve circulation. The session encouraged participants to combine yoga with mindful eating habits.

Silent Osteoporosis

With an emphasis on bone strength and fall prevention, this session featured yoga postures that promote balance, flexibility, and gentle weight-bearing—helping seniors strengthen their bones naturally and reduce the risk of fractures. Participants were guided through exercises designed to improve posture, enhance joint mobility, and increase core stability, all of which are essential for maintaining independence in daily activities.

Silent Anemia

Dr. Abhirami discussed how anemia often goes unnoticed in seniors. The yoga practice focused on poses that stimulate circulation, support oxygen flow, and boost energy levels, helping participants feel more vital and alert. The session emphasized the role of movement in restoring strength and confidence.

Silent Thyroid Disorders

This session addressed how thyroid imbalances often present subtly in seniors. Through calming yoga sequences and specific neck-focused asanas, Dr. Abhirami helped participants support thyroid function and manage fatigue and metabolism changes. The practice also encouraged relaxation to balance overall hormonal health.

Slow & Fast Heart Rate in Seniors

Centered on heart rhythm regulation, this session offered seniors a calming blend of yoga postures and deep breathing exercises designed to stabilize heart rate, reduce palpitations, and increase overall cardiovascular awareness. It reassured participants that gentle yoga can complement medical care.

Reflux & Silent Acidity

Targeting digestive health, this session featured yoga techniques to soothe the gut, reduce acid reflux, and improve posture. Participants practiced movements that enhance digestion and alleviate discomfort without medication. The session reinforced the connection between mindful breathing and digestive relief.

Project Updates

Act of Kindness – Comfort with Dignity

In March 2025, through our Act of Kindness initiative, we donated 40 new waiting hall chairs to the National Centre for Ageing, Guindy. For elderly patients who often spend hours waiting, this simple act brought comfort, dignity, and relief.
We remain committed not only to helping elders directly, but also to strengthening institutions that serve them daily.

Events and Campaigns

Geriatric Seva Rathna Award 2025

This year, the Geriatric Seva Rathna Award honors Dr. Y.S. Raju, Senior Professor and former Head of General Medicine, NIMS, Hyderabad. With over four decades of service in medicine, education, and Geriatrics, Dr. Raju has been a teacher, researcher, and advocate for elderly health. He has delivered landmark lectures, including the Dr. V.S. Natarajan Oration at AIIMS, and shaped India’s MD General Medicine curriculum. His lifelong contribution to improving elder care stands as an inspiration, making him a role model in the field of Geriatric Medicine.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2025

On June 16, 2025, thousands of students across Tamil Nadu reaffirmed their pledge to stand against elder abuse. Since 2017, our state-wide campaign has grown stronger each year with schools, colleges, and nursing institutions joining in. This year, students also wrote short essays on elder abuse eradication, reading aloud messages of empathy and respect before taking the pledge. By engaging youth, we believe we are sowing the seeds of a more sensitive and supportive society for tomorrow’s elders.

Mudhumayi: A Unique Yoga Book for Seniors

The Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation has published a special book on yoga for elders titled “Mudhumayai Ilamaiyakkum Yoga Payirchiga” authored by Dr. Abhirami. What makes this book unique is that it features real elders who took part in a yoga photoshoot session at Atlantis Health City, Chennai. The session was conducted by Dr. S. Abhirami Premnath, Naturopathy and Yoga Specialist, showcased the enthusiasm and strength of seniors. By including these moments, the book stands as a celebration of healthy and graceful aging.

Our Donors

Thank You to Our Donors ❤️

Every life we touch is possible because of your generosity. This year, your support helped bedridden elders get timely care, trained caregivers, and improved the daily lives of seniors in need.

We are deeply grateful for every contribution—big or small—and extend special thanks to our major donors, including Mr. Darayes Dalal, Ms. Sabitha Jamal, Mr. Thanikaimalai, Dr. P. Nagendran, Mr. Nathella Prabath Kumar, Mr. R.V. Duraisamy, and many more.

Together, you make dignity and hope a reality for countless elders.

Updates

Our Founder and Chairman attended the World Physiotherapy Day Event at Sri Ramachandra Institution of Education and Research, Chennai.

Our Founder and Co-Founder met Dr. Veeraiyyan and the team at Saveetha Group of Institutions for discussions on Elders Day Initiatives.

ABOUT US

Dr. V. S. Natarajan Geriatric Foundation (DVSNGF) is committed to providing vital socio-medical assistance to older adults and their caregivers. The Foundation creates hyperlocal ecosystems that ensure comprehensive and sustained elder support through Media, Community Development, and Academics & Skill Development. Carrying forward over 40 years of pioneering work by Padma Shri Awardee Dr. V. S. Natarajan, widely regarded as the Father of Geriatrics in India, the Foundation guided by the philosophy of Encourage. Support. Achieve to create a future where every senior lives with dignity, security, and joy.

Write to us at csr@drvsngeriatricfoundation.com

VISION

To build a society where every elder receives compassionate Geriatric care, free from barriers of caste, creed, religion, or socio-economic status—ensuring dignity, health, and happiness in their later years.

MISSION


To build an inclusive ecosystem of geriatric care that addresses the diverse needs of older adults.	To actively engage families, communities, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders in elder care.

To provide integrated medical, emotional, and community support for holistic well-being.	To ensure every elder experiences connection, compassionate care, meaningful dignity, and healthy ageing.