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Evergreen Carnival 2022 | Senior Citizen's Day

This World Senior Citizens Day, we organized a grand online event for our members, full of special events and giveaways.🏵️🎊 Members participated in games, dance, Seniors Got Talent, and many more fun-filled sessions! Sharing with you a glimpse of how the 3-Day Evergreen Carnival went. To be a part of the community DOWNLOAD the app - https://bit.ly/3uIqR73 For more details or help - +91 7290900808 **All the videos published have been duly recorded with consent. We are not claiming/representing any facts under our influence but only experiences recorded from our happy customers after using Evergreen Club.

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Evergreen Carnival 2022 | Senior Citizen's Day

This World Senior Citizens Day, we organized a grand online event for our members, full of special events and giveaways.🏵️🎊 Members participated in games, dance, Seniors Got Talent, and many more fun-filled sessions! Sharing with you a glimpse of how the 3-Day Evergreen Carnival went. To be a part of the community DOWNLOAD the app - https://bit.ly/3uIqR73 For more details or help - +91 7290900808 **All the videos published have been duly recorded with consent. We are not claiming/representing any facts under our influence but only experiences recorded from our happy customers after using Evergreen Club.SHOW LESS

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BFF Challenge | Friendship's Day 2022 | Evergreen Club

Yeh Online dosti hum nahi todenge....😜 On this Friendship's Day, Evergreen Club presents to you close friendships that happened over our platform.💚 They are an apt example of how friendships can happen even if you live thousands of km away, at any age, at a park, or on an online platform. Watch the BFFs Omprakash Lalwani with Darbari Khanuja and Kusum Chugh with Jyotsana Bhatt celebrating friendship on Evergreen Club. Kuddos to their friendship! 🥳

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Just Like Mom- 5 Gudi Padwa Must-Haves

Gudi Padwa, is almost here, bringing with it a nostalgia — memories, sights and smells associated deeply with home, love and celebration. Hasn’t this day always been celebrated with much pomp and gusto to mark the creation of the universe, the beginning of the New Year and the onset of spring and harvest season? According to legend, adding to the significance of Gudi Padwa is the fact that this day also marks the coronation of Lord Rama on his triumphant return from vanvasa (exile). Do you remember how the matriarch of the household — Aaji (grandmother) or Aai (mother) — really came into her own to celebrate this day? So, dress up in your traditional finery, cue the dhol and set up with these five essential Gudi Padwa elements you need to celebrate it just like mom did:

1. The Gudi

Crafting the gudi lovingly — Aai’s first job. A symbol of the festival and an ensign that brings luck and happiness for the entire year — a suitable bamboo shaft is adorned with a silken scarf, which is wrapped with neem leaves, flowers, and mango leaves, and finally topped off with a pot or kalash and proudly displayed from the terrace, window, or balcony of the house. One of the most enduring childhood memories is to help mom prepare the gudi and the kadulimba cha prasad during Gudi Padwa.

2. The Rangoli

You can’t have an Indian, and particularly a Maharashtrian festival without a dash of colour. Remember how your mother traced out a gorgeous and intricate rangoli to mark the festival and of course, adorning the main entrance of the household with garlands.

3. The Puranpoli

Homemade food is always the best, and Aai’s puranpoli — what wouldn’t you give to have a taste of that again! It doesn’t get much richer and more delicious than this famous flatbread. That perfect blend of chana daal (split chickpeas), sweet jaggery, and savoury spices all generously bathed in pure ghee. The mouth waters just thinking about it.

4. The Shrikhand

Saying that Shrikhand is India’s sweet yogurt is like saying the Shaniwar Wada used to be someone’s residence. It’s so much more than that. The softness and lightness of the yogurt, the sweet overtones, and that hint of saffron –a most delightful dessert to grace the Gudi Padwa menu — especially when you could get to taste it off Aai’s fingers!!

5. The Aam Panna

The start of spring — the beginning of mango season — nothing could cool you down quite like a tall sip of lip-smacking aam panna. Mint leaves, mango pulp, a hint of sugar and spice, and Maa’s loving hand to mix it into a stimulating and refreshing beverage like no other. Each and every entry on this list sparks a glowing moment of reminiscence. Relive those happy childhood times where family values, traditions,

and celebrations brought the entire household together.

Learn amazing Gudi Padwa dishes by attending online hobby courses for older adults organized by Evergreen Club

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Girls Trip — It’s High Time You Plan This

When just the thought of ‘a girl’s trip’ triggers happiness hormones, imagine the joy of an actual holiday with your best girls! If you haven’t experienced it yet or have only been thinking about it, now is the time to gift yourself that holiday — away from the hum-drum of routine and the endless 24X7 chores 365 days a year.

Everyone needs a break, more so, from the guilt of leaving the family behind and spending on yourself. You have done enough; kept your nose to the grindstone in trying to give precedence to others’ needs before your own, toiled ceaselessly without complaining — ok, maybe you have complained a bit and have had those little breaks and evenings out with friends once in a while — but what you really need is longer carefree time-off with your girlfriends, doing just what you please. So, why friends and not family?

Your interests match: Lazily shopping in the streets of an exotic locale, hopping in and out of shops without really buying anything, sitting in a restaurant, having a drink and getting into another, relaxing without an agenda.

You always have common topics to talk about: When women sit together, they can chat their hearts out and have an active audience with each other. Attentive to one another, women can make great conversation partners without being judged for ‘talking too much.

You can avail the expert session by attending online classes for older adults for better travel management.

You are all Spa junkies at heart: Do you know many women who wouldn’t like to pamper themselves every once in a while?

Tips to plan your holiday:

1. Put safety first

Look for destinations that are known to be safe for ladies. Best places for girls’ trips include Singapore, Hongkong, Japan, Finland, and a few more; closer home — Shimla, Sikkim, Gokarna, Lhasa, Dharamshala, the list is endless. Look for packages that cater specifically to ladies’ tours, and your safety concerns will automatically be taken care of.

2. Put a budgeting embargo on yourself

Fix an upper limit and then don’t stress too much about budgeting. Generally, travel agencies get the benefit of bulk bookings from hotels and airlines; as a result of which they can afford to pass on a little of the advantage to the customers. In any case, you probably don’t do this every now and then so, go all out and indulge.

3. Travel light

Be prepared to cart your own luggage around. Make sure that you travel light and that your travel bags are on good-quality wheels. Laundromats are everywhere these days; a quick wash and you can repeat all your clothes as often as you want.

4. Prepare well

You would know best what your requirements are — if you need to organize your pills then go ahead and purchase a travel pill box, or if you are diabetic get organized with an insulin kit; you might even want to buy yourself a pair of travel socks or travel pillows if you always like to be cozy. Don’t fret about the minor details, you will sail through them once you are with your friends. Remember, a happy person is a delight to have around and an ‘all women’s holiday’ is a great way to take a break, enjoy and return happier.

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Insurance After 60 — Why Is It a Good Thing?

It’s often an assumption, as we head towards our golden years, that life insurance policies from our previous years will cover the rest of our lives. But there is always an unforeseen situation knocking at our door. Now, a question paves its way into your mind: “Why to get insurance after 60?” Irrespective of our age it is important to understand how insurance for senior citizens may help:

It could be the tiniest things like getting a health check-up;

Or it could provide a safety net to allay our fears of being robbed while we’re away on vacation.

Let me walk you through an array of situations and things that no one told you about insurance!

1. What if your children are financially dependent on you?

Owing to late marriages or just different life choices, our kids might be still dependent on us to cover educational costs? Do our daily expenses post 60 have the capacity to cover this? Maybe that little premium we would pay for the insurance would come in handy when times get tough.

2. Hassle-free medical benefits with health insurance for senior citizens

Old age often comes with a lot of health concerns. Imagine if you or your spouse require a hospital visit every fortnight. Health insurance here, becomes your knight in shining armour, saving you from the hassle of worrying too much about finances and getting the best medical support.

3. Have you thought of travel insurance?

As our golden years approach, we have the time and we make plans to travel. Why spoil the ecstasy of globe-trotting with the trickling anxiety about losing our luggage; maybe losing our wallet, or losing something precious? These “maybes” take the form of “what ifs” and this anxiety keeps us away from peace. Don’t you think the beautiful lines that have aged fine, deserve better? So, let travel insurance take care of your worries.

4. Home Worries

We were so sure that there wouldn’t be any leakage this time, and then one fine day we actually saw the water leaking through our roof, forming cracks, damaging our home. Can we take care of these unforeseen house expenses? Don’t you think home insurance is a must to help cover these situations? After all, we want our homes and all the memories to be as blemish-free as possible.

5. Wouldn’t you want to be independent?

Our children will definitely take care of us when the need arises, no doubt. But, won’t it be better in these times of inflation and rising costs, to free them and ourselves of this worry completely? It is important to live with a sense of security — the feeling that our future health needs will be taken care of no matter what. That’s the magic of insurance post 60. It lets us live our golden years with a sense of security, despite the uncertainty of the future — acting as a safety net for our loved ones and us — allowing us to live and enjoy this inn called life peacefully.

To get such important information as above register with Evergreen Club which is one of the best social networking apps for older adults and conducts sessions and events specially designed for older adults.

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5 Most Common Regrets People Have in Their 50s

“Quinquagenarian”. That’s a rather weighty word used to describe people in their 50s. We were born in the era of the flower power, Beatles, and the time when our young nation was undergoing the pain of transition — from an agricultural to an industrial economy. Being brought up in the times, when TV was Doordarshan, Bollywood was Rajesh Khanna, and Gavaskar dominated cricket. Gundappa Vishwanath’s legendary test victories blasted over transistors and lining up outside PCO booths to make long-distance calls; all seem a far cry from the digital world we live in today.

We are well settled, having built our dream house, sending our children off to universities to follow their careers, and waiting to reap a well-earned respite from our decades of hard work. So now, past 50, do we have regrets? And are they any different from people who are a decade older or younger than us?

Let’s look at some of the biggest regrets in life that are unique to us Quinquagenarians!

1. Not spending more time with the kids

There was no time, and we were working too hard, and wish we had spent more quality time with our children. We often wish we hadn’t taken our children’s childhood for granted. On some occasions, put fun first and practicality second. Played, travelled and chilled with them just a little more are some of the common regrets we may have in life.

2. Not taking more time off to stay in touch with friends

Losing touch with friends because of busy schedules and family responsibilities is another biggie. Caught up in our lives, we sometimes found it difficult, and over the years, let some golden friendships slip by. Not giving some friendships and loved ones the time and effort that they deserved, is one of the greatest regrets in life.

3. Not being more health-conscious

Over the years, we have learnt that being strong emotionally and physically gives us the freedom to do just that little more in life. Not gymming, walking/jogging, meditating, joining that yoga class sooner, or why we adopted healthier eating habits late, all add to that biggest regrets-in-life list.

4. Not being our authentic self

“I wish I had lived my life the way I wanted to and not how others wanted me to.” How often have you caught yourself thinking this one? Well, don’t worry. It’s another common regret echoed by many. I wish I had been ‘more myself,’ more adventurous, more of a risk-taker, less of a people pleaser, less stuck in old patterns and habits, the list is endless.

The courage to live a life true to ourselves and not as others expected us to is often a regret to many, but one that can still be addressed.

5. Being unnecessarily worried and not happier

“I would have spent less time worrying about things that finally never happened. And, those that did were larger in my head than in reality.” These are sentiments rated as ‘the most popular’ regrets that people carried forward. We know now that worrying doesn’t solve many problems. However, in our youth, fear of the unexpected and fear of change just added to the anxiety.

Happiness is a choice — one of the surprisingly common regrets that we realized a little later. A conscious decision to put worry aside, be content, to laugh at life’s little absurdities, to take things in our stride and just be happy.

We have probably seen the most drastic changes occur in our lives. India specifically, transitioned into an emerging superpower has witnessed the country gain dominance in international fields such as technology and engineering. Our contemporaries achieved significant success in the corporate domain worldwide, and the country in itself became a force to reckon with. Having adapted so well to the brave new world we live in today, it is evident that we still possess the firepower to overcome the root cause of any of our biggest regrets.

Let’s not loom over the regrets of the past. Though we might still have the courage to rectify some, we need to let go of the others with dignity. We still have a lot to offer to the society, future generations, and most importantly to ourselves.

Taking our life too seriously rarely leads us to the ideal kind of happiness. Let’s strive to find it in our hearts to have a sense of humour about even the biggest challenges that have confronted us. It’s all in the past.

Today we have as many opportunities to be happy as we ever will. So, keeping in mind Reinhold Niebuhr’s famous lines, for a happy, fulfilling regret-free life ahead, let’s take that step forward.

It’s never too late to enjoy your life you begin with a new start you can start to take care of yourself, eat healthily, or join online hobby courses for older adults, and many more.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.”

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Happy Mother’s Day — With A Heart Full of Love

Who is that one person in the world who loves you unconditionally, is there for you always and only wishes the best for you? She gives birth to you, she nurtures you, she educates you, she cares for you. Mom, maa or mother, she is the one who loves you unconditionally!

We often forget to express our feelings for her, therefore, a special day dedicated to her comes as a blessing. Just like she always knew how to put a smile on our faces, there is so much you can do to express your gratitude and love towards her:

1. Take her on a short holiday

Give her a surprise, book yourselves on a weekend getaway if you live in the same town. She will absolutely love it. Remember the time when she planned a holiday when you needed it the most? It’s time you make her feel great. You could also gift her an ‘all girls’ trip to an exotic locale, or buy her tickets to come to visit you if you live abroad. These gestures prove to her that you care for her happiness despite you not physically present there. The choices are abundant- online bookings for — Holiday Packages, short trips, light-hearted adventures and more.

2. Take her shopping

You may assume that she might not be interested in good old retail therapy, but that’s not true! Take your loving mom for an experience of a lifetime by making her buy her favourite things. Well, not necessarily clothes, shoes, cosmetics or purses; it could be something that she needs in order to maintain her health. Take the effort and do what it takes to make her feel special on this day, just as she did for you on numerous occasions.

3. Gift her a health checkup

She may look healthy or be on her routine medication; that definitely is not indicative of her physical comfort or current health. A routine checkup is imperative for every single individual, more so for your ageing parents. Accompany her, get her to complete it, no matter how much she might protest, just like she made sure you got all your shots.

4. Spa therapy for her soul

Who wouldn’t like a day full of relaxation and composure? Gift your maa a spa package where she is pampered from head-to-toe, enjoying the luxurious, beauty massages. In fact, join her in this spa journey, she would enjoy some company along with amazing beauty therapies.

Your mother was always observant of your needs. Now it’s your turn to give her something that resonates with her, makes her feel good, and takes care of her. Here are some products she would like to have handy.

A player with her favorite songs pre-recorded

A comfortable hip-cycle

A neck and back massager

It’s time for you to be #SameasMaa with care, affection, and love.

You can also help your mother to be a part of a community club that conducts online classes for older adults so that your mother can learn new languages, skills, and crafts.

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Promising Investments for Your Retirement Money

One of the stepping stones to a peaceful post-retirement life is investing your retirement money in stable and efficient options. This allows you to sustain the lifestyle you had while working. Before choosing your plan, it is vital to keep in mind factors like your initial capital and monthly living expenses. There are many options available in the market and picking one that suits you best can be tiresome. To learn more about safe ways to build your ideal investment portfolio, keep reading!

Prerequisites for investing after retirement:

Review your profile and identify the associated risks. Try to keep your profile as balanced as possible and be well-informed about the consequences.

Calculate how much you will need to pay for your bills and other monthly expenses. Plan your investments so that these expenses do not deplete your initial amount.

Better safe than sorry, have a clear understanding of the investments you are making. Analyse the risk and returns of each investment before committing to it.

Divide your investments, don’t pour all your funds into one type of investment, and avoid losing more than you can afford.

Have a reasonable amount of emergency funds that can act as a safety net in the case of a medical emergency or a bad investment.

So, you’ve gone through all the prerequisites, checked all the right boxes, and are now looking at a vast ocean of investment opportunities. Here are some of the most recommended investment plans for retirees that allow you to avoid tax liability and have a steady source of monthly income.

1. Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS):

As the name suggests, this scheme is only for citizens above the age of 60. It is one of the most popular choices among retirees as it provides an assured way to protect your initial capital. It offers the highest post taxable returns compared to other fixed-income taxable products, allows premature withdrawal, and is eligible for tax benefits.

With an upper investment limit of 15 lakhs, the freedom to open multiple accounts, a five-year tenure with an extension of three years, and a current interest rate of 8.6% per annum, SCSS is a post-retirement investment opportunity you don’t want to miss out on.

2. Fixed Deposits (FD) For Seniors:

One of the safest forms of investments as it is free from market variables and provides a fixed monthly or quarterly return based on your preference. Banks generally offer higher interest rates on FDs for senior citizens, that range anywhere between 5 to 9%.

The tenure period ranges from 12 months to 60 months; FD also offers higher liquidity and enables you to withdraw money whenever you require. Everything considered, an FD is a stable option and you should include it in your investment portfolio.

3. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme:

This unique investment opportunity for seniors offers considerable returns at an interest rate of 7.6% as per rates announced in Q2 2019. The maximum deposit allowed is 4.5 lakhs for single ownership and not more than nine lakhs for joint accounts.

Like Fixed Deposits, POMIS offers monthly returns that are not affected by market fluctuations and are taxable. Unlike a Fixed Deposit, POMIS has a fixed maturity period of 5 years. The best part? The monthly interest is directly credited to your savings account, so you can add it to your arsenal of investments.

4. Mutual funds:

“Mutual funds Sahi hai.” we’ve heard this statement one too many times. To retirees who are economically stable enough to invest in higher-risk alternatives, mutual funds are an exciting option. Investing in mutual funds can provide high returns but they are also highly volatile and are subject to market risks.

Identify the right risk profile for your current situation and allocate your funds accordingly. Retirees are urged to steer clear of thematic and funds including mid or small caps.

5. Debt funds:

A debt fund is a type of mutual fund but doesn’t have as much risk involved because they focus on fixed-income investments. They can provide returns as high as 15% of your investment per annum, are flexible, and provide liquidity, but charges may apply, and money cannot be withdrawn immediately. Nevertheless, long-term debt funds offer high returns based on market performance.

After retirement, the money you have worked tirelessly to save should work on its own to provide for your monthly expenses. Retirees are advised to construct an efficient investment portfolio that distributes their funds to several options by weighing the risk involved and meets their monthly financial requirements.

Make your savings work for you while you sit back and get a kick out of your retirement.

To avail more important information and attend the helpful sessions for seniors you can install Evergreen Club which is one of the best social networking apps for older adults.

Respond

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Happy Family | Group 4 | Drama Club | Evergreen Club

Watch our dramebaaz perform a skit on 'Happy Family'. They surely make Evergreen Club a happy family! **All the videos published have been duly recorded with consent. We are not claiming/representing any facts that are under our influence but only experiences recorded from our happy customers after using Evergreen Club. **The music used is only for entertainment purposes for the Evergreen Club members as a part of their drama act.

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World Emoji Day | Senior Enacts As Emojis | Evergreen Club

💩😂😎🤦‍♂️👌😡😜😱 and what not do we use in our daily lives. Emojis are louder than words and subtly add comfort to formal conversations over text. On this World Emoji Day, the members of Evergreen Club share their love for emojis by acting like one. Yes, you heard it right! We had asked our #EvergreenClub community to share their most-used and favourite #Emojis. Here's our dramebaaz members showing off emoji emotions! Cuteness overloaded! 🥰 Drama Company- Manju Jain Suneil Raghini R Wazacz

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Celebrate Smarter — Start New Traditions

Age alters perspectives, maybe subtly, but undeniably. Festivals that were just fun in childhood become more meaningful in the middle years, and we cherish their significance even more as we age. But, how can we change the way of celebrating a Festival? — And, why should we? — You may ask. But we must change; sometimes to keep up with the changing times; at other times, to be mindful of one’s health; or, to be in sync with our kids, and maybe even grandkids. This needn’t necessarily take away the solemnity of the occasion or dilute the faith or fun.

“Bring the Twist” to the celebration

Festivals are occasions to decorate homes, dress in traditional finery, and bond with our loved ones over day-long fasts, cooking delicacies, and then feasting together. Since the families are no longer ‘joint’, bring in the fun and the numbers — why not take the lead and include neighbors/friends to celebrate together?

You could invite friends of your kids or grandkids for the celebrations.

Like-minded seniors could bring their families together to lighten the slogging in the kitchen while building camaraderie.

Assign tasks, and delegate duties to the younger members and their friends.

Have demos of making your signature dishes or decorating traditionally. Involve the boys — no gender bias! They got to slog and get their hands dirty in order to enjoy the goodies later! Your child/in-law will thank you for the free help in the kitchen.

In these times of the “forever time-crunch,” festivals could be perfect occasions to connect with the next generation(s) and to pass on bits of traditions to those who understand and appreciate their value.

“Be the Trendsetter”

Decorations, traditional attire, and practices can be revived and even made trendy! Be ready to become a fashion designer or better still, a fashion icon, if you can whip out old photos of a young “You” in those clothes to inspire the retro vibe!!

“Add your Flavour” to the happiness potluck

Visiting your son or daughter, in another city or country? Make celebrations an opportunity to get to know their friends, and the new culture, and give them a glimpse into your own. Young or old, there is nothing like exotic food, anecdotes, and tales of another time and place, to tickle taste buds and curiosity, to add to a fun-filled celebration.

“Be the Change” for a better world

Celebration brings you happiness and joy. For a more joyous experience play live games for older adults at the Evergreen Club app.

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Travel Insurance –Why Do You Really Need It?

Seniors today are a lot more open to exploration and adventure than those of generations past. Improvements in infrastructure, cheap flight tickets, and of course the internet have encouraged seniors to spread their wings and travel, domestically and abroad.

So, is travel insurance worth it? If you are going on a short trip, don’t have any health issues whatsoever, and are short on cash, then you could take the risk of avoiding it. But for the most part, it is a sensible idea to stay covered and have a peaceful trip. It is, after all, a small price to pay to ensure that your well-being and belongings are both taken care of as you embark on your adventure.

Other than traveling if you have other hobbies, you can register for online hobby courses for older adults at the Evergreen Club app.

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Should Seniors Invest In Mutual Funds?

“Mutual funds are subject to market risk. Please read the offer document carefully before investing”. We all have heard this line, which makes us feel mutual funds are a risky business. But is that the case? Or is it a great platform for investment? Is it beneficial for senior citizens? Let us help you understand the mutual fund business.

Managing day-to-day expenses, the most crucial element of money management in your life, still holds the same importance, even as a senior. Though with retirement the security from the regular income from paychecks stops, there are options to cope and in fact add to your kitty.

If you are amongst those independent people who still aim for more, then keep reading, as you are about to explore a world full of possibilities for investment options based on needs, risks and returns.

Investments to Manage Monthly Expenses

The Indian Government has carefully planned investment opportunities for seniors; some are safe (though, with comparatively lower-returns), low-risk fixed-income investment options-

Bank Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits

Post Office Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana

Investments to Protect, Grow and Manage Wealth

If you are the type that likes to make it big, then investing in mutual funds could work for you. Mutual funds generally are classified into three categories — debt, equity and balanced mutual funds.

Debt mutual fund

This is the best option for seniors as it involves lesser risk and gives a high return as compared to FD’s or normal savings account.

Equity mutual fund

In this, your surplus is used to buy shares or stocks of companies. Though, these are subject to higher risks, when the market gains momentum you are entitled to higher returns.

Balanced mutual fund

A balanced mutual fund is a mix of debt and equity. It is moderately risky and gives higher returns, but the investment is long term — you have to be a bit patient and ready for a long haul.

‘’A good investment is key to dealing with uncertainties.’’ Traditionally we Indians save our assets and hard-earned money for the next seven generations. In the process, we tend to overlook our future financial needs. It is of utmost importance to understand that life does not end after retirement. In fact, it gets better with all the acquired wisdom and wealth gained over the years. That being said, how are you planning to invest your wisdom to earn more wealth?

To know more about mutual funds and financial planning you can register for online classes for older adults at the Evergreen Club app.

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Age No Bar For Digital Divulgence

Digital technology has the ability to make anyone’s life simpler and less complex!

While the millennial generation and few elder ones have already embraced the internet and digital technology, our senior citizens often feel they are better off without it.

If you are a golden-ager and are hesitant to be a part of this digital revolution, allow us to help you understand the concept of digital divulgence and its benefits.

How digital divulgence can help you

Gone are the days when you needed physical presence to get your job done. Imagine a life which doesn’t involve long queues and physical strain. Tempting right?

But, these are the benefits you can expect by embracing digital technology. With the help of digital technology, you can book your own tickets, monitor your health or listen to the old forgotten songs by yourself.

You can connect with your childhood friends. It presents a beautiful opportunity to connect with your children and grandchildren. You can start your own blog and share your life experiences.

These are just a few of the advantages of connecting with the digital world. You can start your own blog and share your life experiences.

The importance of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp is so huge in modern life, that it is almost impossible to imagine life without these.

Initially, it might feel overwhelming but once you get hold of these, you’d be amazed how convenient life can be, with the help of these.

Tips and Hacks

So, here are a few tips and hacks to make yourself familiar with digital devices:-

1. You can start by understanding the basics required to use an android device.

2. Be patient, and take it slow. Learning anything new can take some time, and you need time to adapt to the changes.

3. You can ask for help from your children or grandchildren about how to use a particular device or app. It can be a great fun activity and a great learning experience.

4. You can also attend online classes for older adults at Evergreen Club app to learn about new apps and skills to enhance your knowledge.

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My New Year Resolutions: To find a new hobby!

Congratulations on your second innings!

Oh, how you had been longing for a phase when you could just sit back and relax, without any worry. The time has come now, and you can focus on doing things absolutely close to your heart.

Yes, now you can have that perfect ‘me’ time without the guilt factor coming in the way! It’s time to make that start, and doesn’t this thought make you want to jump out of your bed and get into action?

Taking up a hobby is the best way to keep the mind and body healthy. Why not spend time learning something you wanted all these years but didn’t have the time?

What’s more, when you pursue a hobby in a group, you meet like-minded people frequently and stay socially active. Remember, starting late is better than not following the burning desire in your heart at all.

Here’s a quick look at some hobbies you can consider learning and pursue.

1. Home gardening

Learning to maintain a home garden is truly uplifting owing to the beautiful surroundings you get. So, what are you waiting for? Arrange for some pots, paint them in bright hues (another lovely DIY idea!) and pot your favorite plants, but make sure to choose a mix of perennial and seasonal ones.

Shower them with water and loads of care. Sit back with a cup of tea every morning and spend time with these potted beauties. Blissful, indeed!

2. Balls of Yarn, Needles, and Loads of Creative Fun

All you ladies with a creative bent of mind, wouldn’t it be great to learn sewing, crochet, embroidery, or knitting and inspire awe from those around you? The quick-stitch ones contain all supplies you require, and you won’t need to make trips to the market at all. Start with something simple like Easy Embroidery Stitch Kit Combo or join a group class if you want to learn the different methods.

3. Your own pottery barn

The art of pottery is often described as therapeutic and relaxing. While spinning clay, your mind, and body are in natural synergy, wrapped around your creative ambitions and goals. This thoughtful, artistic activity can open up the mind and relieve you of outside worries.

Inking Down Your Ideas on Canvas Paintings can be a wonderful expression of your inner self and give wings to your creativity and imagination.

If you have a passion for fine arts but aren’t sure how to get started, why not take up a basic course to help you build your confidence levels?

4. Be ‘Game’ for a Favourite Sport

There is no dearth of sports and games you can enjoy with your friends and family. Try a hand at chess, golf, swimming, or darts to give your mind and body every reason to feel fresh and rejuvenated.

5. Reading Spiritual and Health-Focused Books

Are you a book lover at heart? Whether you are spiritually inclined or the health-conscious kind, assess your reading preference and lay your hands on beautiful books that help you grow as a person.

To aid in reading small characters or reading in the dark, a handheld magnifier with LED lights is very useful.

6. Capturing Brilliance on Film

If you have a passion for freezing all things beautiful on a film, know that it’s never too late to take up this hobby. Invest in a well-equipped camera and get started with exploring the world with it.

What’s more, you can become a member of a photography lovers group and flaunt your photography skills at the next family gathering.

7. Stir Your Soul with Music

Music is food for the soul. It gives life to your emotions and is the perfect tool to set the mood. Pick an easy-to-operate music player and play soulful melodies to cheer you up instantly. The Saregama Carvaan Mini is a handy Bluetooth speaker you can carry on the move.

Versatile enough, it lets you listen to pre-loaded old songs or stream music from your phone or pen drive. If a musical instrument excites you, go ahead and learn to play it.

Learning is a continuous process in life that helps you stay active both mentally and physically. Engaging in a hobby keeps you entertained, encourages movement, builds confidence, and promotes social interaction.

The happiness of learning something new is truly priceless! Leave your thoughts on the hobby that inspires you the most and what have you been doing to pursue it.

To expertise in your hobby and gain more knowledge about it. You can download Evergreen Club apps which is one of the best social networking apps for older adults on your phone and learn more skills.

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How Makar Sankranti is Celebrated in 7 Different States in India

While festivals like ‘Diwali’ are celebrated across India with great joy and celebration, “Makar Sankranti” has great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, which is only enhanced by the sheer variety it takes in a country rich in diversity.

Various Names of Sankranti in India

Sankranti is celebrated in almost all parts of India with distinct names. Here are some examples.

Thai Pongal (Tamilnadu)

Uttarayan (Gujarat)

Lohri (Punjab)

Poush sôngkrānti (Bengal)

Suggi Habba (Karnataka)

Makara Chaula (Odisha)

Maghi Sankrant (Maharashtra and Haryana)

Magh/Bhogali Bihu (Assam)

Shishur Saenkraat (Kashmir)

Khichdi Parv (UP and Bihar)

Is there any other Indian festival that has such variety in just the name?

Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti marks the first day of the sun’s transit into Makara (Capricorn zodiac sign), marking the end of winter and the beginning of warmer and longer days. If Sankranti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is called “Angarki Chaturthi” and is considered highly auspicious.

Makara Sankranti is the only Indian festival that is celebrated according to solar cycles, while most festivals follow the lunar cycle of the Hindu calendar. Hence, it almost always falls on the same Gregorian date every year (14th January), and rarely does the date shift by a day or so.

Common Rituals of Makar Sankranti

Sankranti is celebrated usually for 3 to 4 days, with each day having a set of rituals associated with it.

Kite flying — The sky is filled with colorful kites during the day and sky lanterns at night.

Folk songs and dances around bonfires, which are called “Bhogi” in Andhra Pradesh, “Lohri” in Punjab and “Meji” in Assam.

Harvesting of crops like new paddy and sugar cane.

People bathe in holy rivers, especially the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. This is believed to wash off past sins.

The offering of prayers for success and prosperity to the Sun god, who is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom.

Some of the world’s largest pilgrimages like “Kumbha Mela”, “Gangasagar Mela” and “Makara Mela” are held.

Exchange of food made with jaggery and til (sesame seeds) keeps the body warm and provides oil, which is needed as winter dries up the moisture from the body.

1. Maharashtra

People celebrate Makara Sankranti in Maharashtra by exchanging til-gud as tokens of goodwill. People greet each other “तिळगुळ घ्या, आणि गोड-गोड बोला (til-gud ghyaa, aani goad-goad bola)” meaning, ‘Accept these sweets and utter sweet words.’ The underlying thought is to forgive and forget the past ill-feelings, resolve the conflicts, speak sweetly and remain friends. Women come together and perform a special ‘Haldi-Kumkum’ ceremony.

2. Gujarat

Makar Sankranti is known as “Uttarayan” in Gujarat and is celebrated for two days. The first day is Uttarayan, and the next day is Vasi-Uttarayan (Stale Uttarayan). The Gujarati people celebrate it with -

“Patang” — kites,

“Undhiyu” — a spicy curry made with winter vegetables, and

“Chikkis” — sweets made with til (sesame), peanuts and jaggery. They are a special festival recipe savoured on this day.

The sky is filled with kites as people enjoy two full days of Uttarayan on their terraces. You can hear loud voices screaming “kaypo chhe”, “e lapet”, “phirki vet phirki” and “lapet”, when the kite is cut. And that reminds you of the famous film song –

“Dheel de dheel dede re bhaiya uss patang ko dheel de

Jaisi hi masti mein aaye, uss patang ko kheench de….

Hey… kaipoche, ay lapet….. Teree patang toh gayee kam se”

3. Andhra Pradesh

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh for three days.

Day 1 — Bhogi Panduga, when people throw away old items into the Bhogi (bonfire).

Day 2 — Pedda Panduga, meaning ‘Big Festival,’ is celebrated with prayers, new clothes, and by inviting guests for feasts. The entrance of the house is decorated with “muggu” designs, i.e. rangoli patterns, filled with colours, flowers, and “gobbemma” (small, hand-pressed piles of cow dung).

Day 3 — Kanuma, is very special for farmers. They worship and showcase their cattle that symbolises prosperity. Cockfighting was also held earlier, but now it is banned.

Day 4 — On Mukkanuma, farmers offer prayers to the elements such as soil, rain, and fire for helping the harvest. People eat meat delicacies on the last day.

4. Punjab

Makar Sankranti in Punjab takes on vibrancy, dance, and colours.

Lohri is celebrated the night before Sankranti or Maghi. The people fondly sing the famous folk song “Sunder mundriye, ho!” and perform “Giddha” , a folk dance by women and “Bhaṅgṛā” by men. They dress in bright colours and dance in a circle around the bonfire.

On Maghi, groups of children move from door to door, singing the folk-song: “Dulla Bhatti ho! Dulle ne dhi viyahi ho! Ser shakar pai ho!” (Dulla married his daughter off and gave a kilo of sugar as a marriage gift).

Savouries like gur rewri, popcorns, and peanuts are exchanged.

Farmers start their financial new year on the day after Maghi.

5. Karnataka

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in Karnataka with a ritual called “Ellu Birodhu” where women exchange “Ellu Bella” (regional delicacies made using freshly cut sugarcane, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut) with at least 10 families. At this time, this Kannada saying is popular — “ellu bella thindu olle maathadi” meaning ‘eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak only good.’

Farmers celebrate as “Suggi” or ‘harvest festival’ and decorate their bulls and cows in colourful costumes. Farmers jump over fire along with their bulls, in a ritual called “Kichchu Haayisuvudu.”

6. Kerala

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Kerala as thousands throng to see the Makara Vilakku (flame on Ponnambalamedu hill) near the Sabarimala temple when the Makara Jyothi, the celestial star appears in the sky.

The belief is that Lord Ayyappa Swami shows his presence in the form of this celestial lighting and blesses his devotees.

7. Bihar and Jharkhand

On the first day, people bathe in rivers and ponds and feast upon seasonal dishes (made with tilgud) as a celebration of a good harvest. Kite flying is, again, something to look forward too.

The second day is celebrated as Makraat, when people relish special khichdi (lentil-rice, replete with cauliflower, peas and potatoes), which is served with chokha (roasted vegetable), papad, ghee and achaar.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that makes you look forward to kites, sweets made with sesame seeds and jaggery, prayers, harvest, bonfires, and longer, warmer days. Witness this diverse celebration across the country.

Seniors can participate in the Makar Sankranti activities at Evergreen Club, one of the best social networking apps for older adults and make this festival more enjoyable.