Capt. Shaji Kumar

Tag: #Astute Outsourcing

  • Breaking Free: How to Reclaim Your Life from Social Media and Smartphone Addiction.

    Breaking Free: How to Reclaim Your Life from Social Media and Smartphone Addiction.

    In an era where the average person checks their phone 96 times per day, we’ve crossed a threshold from digital convenience to digital dependency. What started as tools to enhance our lives has become invisible chains that bind our attention, fragment our focus, and quietly erode our mental well-being.

    The Hidden Epidemic: Understanding Digital Addiction.

    What Social Media and Smartphone Addiction Really Looks Like Digital addiction isn’t just about spending “too much time” on your phone. It’s a complex behavioural pattern characterised by:

    – Compulsive checking even when you know there won’t be new notifications.

    – Phantom vibration syndrome – feeling your phone buzz when it hasn’t.

    – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) driving constant social media scrolling.

    – Withdrawal anxiety when separated from your device.

    – Sleep disruption from late-night scrolling or blue light exposure.

    – Decreased face-to-face social skills and preference for digital interaction.

    How many of the above points resonates with you?

    This addiction operates on the same dopamine reward pathways as gambling, creating a cycle where each notification, like, or comment triggers a small hit of pleasure that keeps us coming back for more. We post something and then keep coming back to check the status. We even have the notifications on and every ping distracts us to divert our attention.

    I grew up in an era when there were no Mobile Phones. Yet we survived and had better more meaningful relations with our friends & family. If we had to meet someone a physical visit was the only means or a voice call via telephone. All that has changed. Now all we do is use the “convenience” of the Smart Phone. Every Birthday wish, every anniversary greetings and any other activity was a meet and greet affair.

    How Digital Addiction Is Rewiring Our Brains.

    The Neuroscience Behind the Compulsion.

    Social media platforms and smartphones are engineered using principles from behavioral psychology to maximize engagement – a euphemism for addiction. Here’s what happens in your brain:

    1. Dopamine hijacking: Each notification triggers dopamine release, the same neurotransmitter involved in substance addiction.

    2. Attention residue: Task-switching between phone and real life leaves cognitive “residue” that impairs focus.

    3. Shortened attention spans: Constant stimulation rewires neural pathways, making sustained concentration increasingly difficult.

    4. Social comparison overdrive: Endless exposure to curated content triggers unhealthy social comparison and inadequacy feelings.

    The Immediate Impact on Daily Life.

    Productivity Destruction:

    – Average knowledge worker checks email every 6 minutes.

    – It takes 23 minutes to fully refocus after a digital interruption.

    – Multitasking with devices reduces work quality by up to 40%.

    Relationship Erosion:

    – “Phubbing” (phone snubbing) damages intimate relationships.

    – Decreased empathy from reduced face-to-face interaction.

    – Family dinners interrupted by devices become disconnected experiences.

    Mental Health Deterioration:

    – Increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness despite being more “connected”.

    – Sleep disorders from blue light and late-night scrolling.

    – Decision fatigue from information overload.

    The Long-Term Consequences: What We’re Really Risking.

    Cognitive and Neurological Effects.

    Attention Deficit Normalisation:

    Years of rapid context-switching train your brain to crave constant stimulation. This leads to:

    – Difficulty with deep reading and complex thinking.

    – Increased distractibility that persists even when devices are absent.

    – Reduced capacity for boredom – a crucial state for creativity and reflection.

    Memory Formation Disruption:

    – External digital memory reduces internal memory consolidation.

    – “Google effect” where we remember where to find information rather than the information itself.

    – Decreased autobiographical memory formation due to constant documentation vs. experiencing.

    Social and Emotional Development.

    Empathy Erosion:

    – Reduced face-to-face interaction impairs emotional intelligence development.

    – Decreased ability to read non-verbal cues and emotional nuance.

    – Increased tolerance for online cruelty and decreased real-world social skills.

    Identity Fragmentation:

    – Constant curation of online personas disconnects us from authentic self.

    – Validation-seeking becomes external rather than internal.

    – Comparison culture breeds chronic dissatisfaction.

    Physical Health Impacts.

    Postural and Motor Issues:

    – “Text neck” leading to chronic cervical spine problems.

    – Repetitive strain injuries from excessive typing and swiping.

    – Reduced fine motor skills in children who primarily interact through touchscreens.

    Sleep and Circadian Disruption:

    – Blue light exposure disrupts melatonin production.

    – Hyper-vigilance from constant connectivity disrupts parasympathetic nervous system.

    – Chronic sleep deprivation leading to immune system compromise.

    The Path Back to Sanity: A Comprehensive Recovery Plan

    Phase 1: Digital Detox and Awareness Building (Weeks 1-2)

    Immediate Actions:

    1. Conduct a digital audit.

    – Use screen time tracking apps to establish baseline usage.

    – Log emotional states before and after phone use for one week.

    – Identify your most problematic apps and times of day.

    2. Create physical barriers.

    – Remove phones from bedrooms – use analog alarm clocks.

    – Establish “phone parking” areas in your home.

    – Use app timers and website blockers during focused work.

    3. Replace digital habits with analog alternatives.

    – Physical books instead of e-readers.

    – Paper notebooks for thinking and planning.

    – Analog watches to reduce phone checking for time.

    Phase 2: Mindful Reintegration (Weeks 3-6)

    Structured Digital Diet:

    1. Implement the “Phone Fast” schedule-No phones for first 60 minutes after waking.

    – 2-hour digital sunset before bedtime.

    – One full day per week completely offline.

    2. Curate your digital environment.

    – Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison or negativity.

    – Use “dumb” versions of necessary apps (web versions vs. native apps).

    – Remove all apps that don’t serve a specific, intentional purpose.

    3. Practice “Mono-tasking“

    – One screen at a time maximum.

    – Complete focus on single activities for 25-minute intervals (Pomodoro Technique).

    – No background audio/video while working or eating.

    Phase 3: Building Analog Resilience (Weeks 7-12).

    Developing Non-Digital Coping Mechanisms:

    1. Cultivation practices.

    – Daily meditation or mindfulness practice (start with 5 minutes).

    – Regular exercise without music/podcasts – embrace movement meditation.

    – Engage in creative hobbies that require sustained attention (drawing, musical instruments, crafting).

    2. Social re-engagement

    – Schedule regular phone calls instead of texting.

    – Organize device-free social activities.

    – Join clubs or classes that require in-person participation.

    3. Intellectual restoration.

    – Read physical books for 30+ minutes daily.

    – Engage with long-form content (documentaries, academic papers, literature).

    – Practice writing by hand to slow thinking and improve retention.

    Advanced Strategies for Long-Term Success.

    Environmental Design.

    Create friction for digital consumption:

    – Keep phones in other rooms during work and meals.

    – Log out of social media accounts after each use.

    – Use grayscale phone settings to reduce visual appeal.

    Design ease for analog activities:

    – Keep books visible and accessible.

    – Have musical instruments or art supplies readily available.

    – Create comfortable spaces for conversation and reflection.

    Social Support Systems.

    Community accountability:

    – Join digital wellness groups or create accountability partnerships.

    – Communicate your goals with family and friends.

    – Reduced compulsive checking behaviors

    – Model healthy behavior for children and peers.

    Professional support when needed:

    – Consider therapy for severe addiction or underlying mental health issues.

    – Explore digital wellness coaching.

    – Participate in group therapy or support groups for technology addiction.

    Technology as Tool, Not Master.

    Intentional technology use:

    – Define specific purposes before picking up devices.

    – Set daily intention for technology use.

    – Regular “digital decluttering” sessions to remove unnecessary apps and accounts.

    What to Expect: The Recovery Timeline.

    Week 1-2: The Withdrawal Phase.

    – Increased anxiety and restlessness.

    – Boredom and feeling “disconnected”.

    – Phantom vibration syndrome.

    – This is normal and temporary.

    Week 3-6: Adaptation Period.

    – Improved sleep quality.

    – Increased attention span during reading.

    – Better presence during conversations.

    Month 2-3: Neuroplasticity Recovery.

    – Significantly improved focus and concentration.

    – Increased creativity and problem-solving ability.

    – Better emotional regulation.

    – Enhanced real-world social connections.

    Month 3+: The New Normal.

    – Technology becomes a tool rather than a compulsion

    – Increased life satisfaction and presence

    – Improved mental health metrics

    – Better physical health and posture

    The Future: Building a Healthier Digital Society.

    Individual Responsibility.

    Your personal journey toward digital wellness isn’t just about your own well-being – it’s about modeling healthy behavior for family, friends, and colleagues. Every person who chooses intentional technology use creates ripple effects in their community.

    Collective Action

    We need broader societal shifts:

    – Education about digital wellness in schools.

    – Workplace policies that respect attention and presence.

    – Technology design that prioritizes user well-being over engagement.

    – Cultural norms that value deep work and present-moment awareness.

    Remember: You Have More Power Than You Think.

    The technology companies have spent billions of dollars and employed teams of neuroscientists and behavioural psychologists to capture your attention. But you have something they don’t: conscious choice and the ability to change.

    Every moment you choose presence over distraction, deep work over shallow browsing, or real connection over digital validation, you’re rewiring your brain toward greater well-being and authentic living.

    The goal isn’t to become a digital hermit – it’s to use technology intentionally, as a tool that serves your highest purposes rather than a master that controls your attention and time.

    Start small. Be patient with yourself. And remember that reclaiming your attention is perhaps the most important act of self-care you can perform in the 21st century.

    Your authentic life is waiting on the other side of that screen. The question isn’t whether you can break free from digital addiction – it’s whether you’re ready to choose presence, depth, and real connection over the illusion of digital fulfilment. It is difficult, but not impossible.

  • SUCCESS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR – III

    The grass on the other side is always greener. Is it genuinely green or is it actually an illusion. I ventured out long time back, and can’t really say that it has turned green, even though like the salt and pepper hair that I have now, it does seem to be interspersed with some green. And mind you I have spent some 21 years tending to it. A lot of ex-employees who were at one point associated with me did jump into the sea of entrepreneurship. I am not aware of how they fared in their endeavor and whether for them it turned greener almost instantaneously. One thing is however very certain, those who feel that entrepreneurship is indeed a get-rich-quick scheme are headed for a disaster. I meet so many people who rattle out the road map, get funded, create valuation and bring out an IPO / get acquired and then walk away with tons and tons of money. A select few hit par dirt and which triggered this berserk stampede. That is why today we find that 90% of startups are failing. 

    Anyone who aspires to be an entrepreneur should have a innate desire to achieve success. And it has a long gestation time and the budding entrepreneur has to be prepared for the long waiting period during which the test would be severe and relentless. How does an Olympian win the Medal that he/she aspires for. There is no short cuts here.

    You need to have a vision, ascertain the “WHY” factor and start small. Let the light far off be burning even though dim from afar. If Birbal could find warmth from the candle burning miles away then surely you can keep the desire burning till you reach your goal. Mistakes, aplenty are inevitable. But with each mistake the resolve should keep getting stronger. Never give up in the face of adversity. The situation will change eventually. The fire in the belly should remain burning. Perseverance and willingness to work hard. If you choose to be an entrepreneur then you have to choose to sacrifice a lot of other things. 

    Your enterprise is your baby. Be proud of it. Never be dazzled with what is around you. A very senior person remarked to me recently about the location of my Office. It is my Office and I am proud of it. I am the “employer”, and if employees do not want to compromise and have their own locational preferences then it is their own restricted mindset and I cannot help it. Whoever heard of a well walking up to a thirsty person!! But then you can provide Value addition. 

    I have built a goodwill by practicing integrity and taking very good care of my Customers. And this has definitely resulted in a very positive retention of Customers with solid goodwill. The Customers should not stop believing in your Venture. Never take them for granted. You exist only because of them and it can never be the other way round. If our reputation and integrity exceeds expectation then Customers will be willing to be associated with you regardless of the cost. It will not matter if you are more expensive. 

    When you embarked on your entrepreneurial journey, was it a “risk” or a “gamble”. Just like success is never guaranteed, failure does not mean the end. Nothing is final. At one point, I went on to scale heights and in the very next year my business had plummeted. The slide could be stopped only recently and have again regained the upward momentum. Entrepreneurship has its flips and flops. Never be discouraged. If you do not give up, there is nothing that can stop you from succeeding…a true life story.      

  • Time…Part I.

    Yesterday, while in the middle of a training program, something about time came up and I thought it best to share some of my thoughts on TIME. How often in any given day do we hear this oft repeated lamenting remark, “I just don’t have the time”.

    I have personally practised this my entire life, where I rise quite early in the morning and in the matter of exceeding programmes, I have managed to accomplish as much in one morning hour as in two evening hours.

    We are all quite familiar with the phrase “Time is Money”, in fact Time is a great deal more than money. If you have time you can obtain money—usually. At the same time you may have all the wealth in the World, you cannot buy yourself a minute more time than what you have. The scientists & researchers have explained space, but no one has been able to explain time. It is the inexplicable raw material of everything. With it, all is possible; without it, nothing.

    Time is also an astonishing daily miracle. Every morning as soon as you wake up your time purse is filled with 24 hours magically, yours to spend as you deem fit. And everyone – the richest of rich and the poorest of poor gets exactly the same measure. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take it from you, it is un-stealable. And no one receives either more or less than you receive. Use it as you like – there is no punishment for right or wrong. It is not like the ones who “use” time better are rewarded by an extra hour or two. Waste your infinitely precious commodity as much as you will, you will still be rewarded with a fresh 24 hours tomorrow. No mysterious power is going to come bearing down and pass any judgement, “this man does not deserve time, and cut him off the meter”. You cannot waste your tomorrow, it is kept safe for you, you cannot even waste the next hour, you can only waste the Present hour.

    We never shall have any more time. We have, and we have always had, all the time there is. It is a profound and neglected truth.

  • ASTUTE CARE

    Astute Care is led by a team of professionals who have the single minded devotion to fulfil the Values that it professes.

    Results you can count on
    Our Professional cleaners will provide consistent results. They will keep your home sparkling and fresh all the time. You won’t have to worry if company drops by unexpectedly. Your home will always be pristine. You’ll be proud to have spur-of-the-moment visitors.
    Specialised Tools and EquipmentA professional provider will be aware of all of the major innovations and developments in the cleaning industry. They have invested their resource into finding the absolute best cleaning materials and equipment available on the market. They should have a wide range of supplies and specific tools and cleaning products for every job. They will know when and where to use each tool and will use these to deliver impeccable and high-quality cleaning results.
    Trained and Skilled StaffA professional cleaning company will have a pool of highly trained and skilled staff. The employees are professional and have attended many hours of training. They will have unique training to clean all commercial environments and will do be able to deliver cleaning results efficiently. All of their staff should also be security vetted and background checked so that you are confident that they are hiring only the best teams of people.
    Reduce your Environmental FootprintWhen it comes to environmental care, the cleaning industry has made great strides in recent years. A reputable cleaning company will be committed to ensuring that its products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They will have environmentally friendly solutions that are safe for both the environment and of course the people in contact with them.

    All Service Professional are trained and certified by ALTA. (Astute Learning & Training Academy) – a non-profit initiative for the Blue Collar Workforce by Astute Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd. supported by Chaque Jour Aashirwad Social Welfare Trust.

  • An humane approach to blue collar workforce management.

    Howsoever, troubling it may sound, jobs have always been differentiated on the colour of the collar. White, Grey, Blue – that’s the way it has always been.

    The “Blue” account for approximately 400 million jobs in India. Of these many are of contractual nature, where earnings are based on either the number of hours or days “worked”. Prominent among these are Drivers and “workers” engaged in Logistics, Delivery, etc.

    I was instrumental (always abhorred the term founded and never been able to come to terms with it), Astute Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd.  in 2013, as a Facility Management Company, which later transgressed into “Staffing” services with the strategic acquisition of Adamas HR Services Pvt. Ltd.. And in 2020, re-kindled the nascent business segment of Residential Services re-christened as Astute Care (erstwhile On Time – Live Easy™, which I had started toying around in late 2016).

    Seven years into Business, and going over numerous data especially in the post lockdown or pandemic scenario, I realised that my business is a contributor to the 400 million odd “blue collar” workforce. Even though the business model is not attributable to hours or days worked but based on actual employment with a employee-employer relation, it is still dependent heavily on the “Customer’s” end use requirement. Thankfully the Lockdown and subsequent social distancing norms and efforts to contain the spread of the “virus” has seen a spurt in demand for efficient and reliable workforce to handle deliveries and provide a sanitised environment both at work-place and in people’s homes as homes in this new normal scenario have become an extension of work place.

    Pouring over the newspaper reports, many of the 400 million were not as lucky as our employees, and the distressing tales of woe over how the “migrant” workers trudged back home, on foot in the absence of any other viable mode of transport being made available. This got us thinking and utilised the abundant time available to put the AOSPL think tank to work and come out with a solution to better manage the workforce. 

    My Team realised that there were a lot of issues which we could resolve by migrating to  technology. Digital, that seems to be the most prevalent byword going around post pandemic is what we based our future solutions on. Out came our drawing board – with plans to draw up a plan and solution where we could solve – digital on boarding, automated attendance management, payroll, leave, Insurance, skilling- a comprehensive model to have in place a effective workforce-management solution directed exclusively for the Blue Collar segment. Hence the idea of “SARAL JOBS” was mooted. There are lot of solutions for all types of Collars from on boarding to retirement, except the BLUE. So we decided on a multi-lingual vernacular based digital platform solution to cater exclusively for the much neglected Blue.

    Just imagine, if a Data Mapping solution for these 400 million was available in the Pre-Pandemic era we may have been spared to have been spectators of this horrid saga which each one of us “witnessed” from the confines of our homes, while a majority of these 400 million trudged back to their places of origin. 

    Most of the Blue Collar staff are deployed in an multi-location environment. We have staff deployed across the span of the Country and the “manual” process is rather cumbersome and difficult to comprehend for effective and timely solution. Say for example, if one of our delivery boys deployed at a warehouse wanted to apply for a eave, they presently follow a rather cumbersome process involving paper forms and getting stage even approvals, all of which is quite time consuming and considering the “work” pressure becomes quite an ordeal for the employee to manage. A solution like “SARAL-JOB” can automate and simplify all this and more – simplifying life – for the distributed workforce, leading to savings in cost and time. We at Astute have realised that the way forward is to invest in Technology for growth for the better of both the “Blue Collar” employee as well as the employer.

  • The advent of a new Morning…

    Even the longest and darkest of night, ends with morning light. We are nearing the end of the 3rd Lockdown. Maybe, just maybe, even if the announcement of the lockdown was abrupt and sudden in line with what we have come to accept as the innate style of our Prime Minister, it may have helped India avoid what could have been a large scale devastation, as seen elsewhere in the World. Still waiting, but the statistics till date does project quite an encouraging outcome. Anyway, lockdown or not it is time when manufacturing and other operations will be and undoubtedly should be permitted to restart in a phased manner. How much more can we remain locked up? This is an extremely critical and delicate operation that will involve clear guidelines, operating principles and a very vigilant approach to health and safety.

    Communication that is simple, easy to understand and practice becomes an essential tool in this phase. Unlike what we saw in these last 50 days, all stakeholders need to be explained the steps and procedure for operating productively while maintaining social distancing and essential practices. As also everyone in the Industry will be waiting in hope when the Finance Minister unwraps the Economic Stimulus announced by the Prime Minister in his 3rd address to the nation tonight. Astrology is always capable of predicting the future for anyone, whether it is a man, woman, country or the world itself, but astrologers can sometimes predict the future and events accurately and at times can even fail to predict it correctly. But I do firmly believe, as the Prime Minister reiterated, we can really turn the tide and change things – to make India great again. This is an opportunity for us to change things.

    When we see a hole in a piece of silk, we are hardly surprised. It may be a shame but given the susceptibility of this fabric to wear and tear, it is inevitable. When we see a hole in a piece of steel, we are amazed. What on earth caused this?  Our psychological armour is sturdy. For all our inner sensitivity, it takes a lot to dent our external confidence – and it has been proved many times over. We are made of quite sturdy stuff. The experience of this pandemic will yet again just prove the point. I am quite certain that collectively we would see a resurgent India galloping ahead.

  • WHAT NOW….?

    More than a month has passed since the Prime Minister announced a National Lockdown. What Now? Do we continue in this state of suspended animation and continue to dwell ensconced within our respective dwellings? It appears that the respective State Governments do not want to take a chance. A chance with what? It is time that the Government starts work on a broader plan so as to allow the life to go on. Fear of death by Covid-2019 virus would far outweigh the fear of death by starvation. In absence of any lifeline or monetary support each business is left to fend for itself. The roll call at some point will determine as to how many would be left standing.

    In the meeting with Chief Ministers on Monday, the Prime Minister had rightly pointed out that importance needed to be given to the economy as well. It’s high time to walk the talk. There is no way that there is going to be an end game anytime soon as far as this particular virus is concerned. So when is it going to be the right time? Whatever, the diktats that may be given there is bound to be a massive fallout if this lockdown restrictions is not lifted and things allowed to resume post 03 May 2019. Yes this is definitely a risk that no State Government can avoid. People have become wiser and as adults, all the sane ones would follow the NEW Normal. We will forget what the Old Normal was. There was a logic to the first and even the second lockdown…but to nurture the thought of a Third…will most definitely be catastrophic and maybe even more devastating than the deaths which will be caused by the Covid-2019 virus.

    This undoubtedly is a crisis situation. When you’re in the midst of a crisis, it can be hard to think past your short-term response. Lockdown is indeed that – a short-term response. But, the primary focus of leaders should be on the long term. After all, it is their job to lead people into the best possible future. But their diverse army of experts now marched out a phalanx of hypotheses to explain the consequences.

    The People have been made adequately aware of the grave consequences this particular virus is empowered to inflict. Trust the people to handle the situation from hereon. Provide them with support and guidance. Locking them up in homes is definitely not a solution anymore. When it was right it was right, but now it is overdoing it. The virus isn’t going to go anytime soon, that is for sure. We just need to adapt to the NEW Normal. As Bill Joy, the brilliant thinker and engineer reminded us, “great medicines have saved lives, but it’s the simpler things, like clean water, proper hygiene and a cleaner way of life that have saved the most lives”. We are quickly learning what is causing our immune systems to react. Social distancing works but it’s a temporary answer. Lack of testing will haunt us but it will be solved over a period of time. Ventilators and hospitals will be better equipped and in a better state of readiness. We will see patterns on how to treat, or vaccinate, or both. In the meantime, there are ways to beat the virus and return to versions of a normal life. Masks hold the promise of protection at a minimum, and eradication at best. Just as there is a lot about the virus we don’t understand, there’s a lot about how it spreads we don’t understand. It can peter out and come back. It can weaken over time.

    Work From Home may become a norm in times to come at least for some time, not as a forced one but as a way of life in the future. We can see the multiple benefits of such an arrangement. What can be done for the IT Industry, can be adapted to other verticals as well. But we just need to take this calculated risk. Some collateral damage is imminent, however comparatively it will be worth the chance. However, we can just wait and watch as the decision makers have to take that call..

  • Taking care of our senior citizens.

    What other developed Countries are already experiencing will sooner than later be applicable for India as well. As a nation we need to focus on capacity building at the grassroot level in order to use technology to successfully address the needs of our ageing population. Growing old is as natural a phenomenon as being born – a fact that we must all gracefully accept. However, it can become an issue in the absence of proper care, love and support from family. Thanks to the advancement of medical science, life expectancy is expected to increase further to 75+ over the next few decades.

    The government in 2017 had announced that it will come up with a new programme under which NGOs will take care of senior citizens, who are living alone, at their homes, besides bringing in a law to provide day care facility. There are about 100 million senior citizens in the country based on 2011 census. The current senior citizen population is expected to more than double to 300 million to constitute 20 per cent of the population in the next three decades. With a rapidly growing senior citizens, India is faced with the mammoth task of providing basic senior-friendly urban infrastructure.

    Organised Caregiver Communities

    These days most aged people are left alone at home, confined to solitude with minimal care and support, while their adult children are out at work. According to a study, 64 per cent of senior citizens living in an urban setup fall prey to loneliness and depression. The loss of physical independence along with mental and societal insecurities due to retirement or death of a partner can take a toll on the elderly as well.

    Caregiver communities: will offer independent living for senior citizens through senior-friendly infrastructure and trained personnel for elder care. The care-givers help with daily chores, medication and movement so as to make the seniors feel secured, empowered and cared for and can lead a stress-free life in a amicable social environment.

    Home Care

    Most senior citizens do not want to leave the comfort of their home even when faced with chronic ailments. Under such circumstances home-based care becomes crucial. There is a need to offer specially trained nursing and support assistance to the elderly at home. These professionals will be specially trained to handle various physical and mental ailments. They also assist in non-clinical care such as housekeeping, daily activity support, counselling and organising social group interactions.

    Use of Technology

    The Government has also started a program under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) launched in March 2017, where the government plans to reach out to beneficiaries in three years through NGO’s. The use of wearables and sensors for detection and recording of patient vitals, automated logging systems, real-time data updates, etc. are some ways in which technology is transforming the way we look at healthcare. Use of modern technology like for instance a health app can not only accurately record, analyse and update patient vitals such as blood pressure or heart rate but also relay any inconsistencies immediately.

    Caregiving has to rapidly evolve. The notion of professional homecare is growing in India with technology-based innovation. As a nation we need to focus on capacity building at the systemic level in order to use technology to successfully address the needs of our senior citizens as it is both our duty and responsibility.

    Astute Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd. under the aegis of Chaque Jour Aashirwad Social Welfare Trust plans to start its “Elder Care” program soon.