About Mhalgade Corner

Amchi Mhalgade is a forum for our Seniors to identify the common issues, topics of importance to our Seniors and attempt to provide resources, links and support and assistance to them.

This forum is facilitated by Sri Sadanand Mankikar

It is clear that in North America, the population is aging fast. For example, in the last 15 years, the 85-99 age group increased by 90%. Like in all other communities, in our small Konkani community the number of seniors is growing very fast. A review of a number of population samples indicates that over 60 years group is much larger than the one under 30 years. Over 70 and over 80 years groups are also expanding fast. Amongst us, we already have a significant number of seniors who are over 90. With advancement in science and medicine, life expectancy is increasing, so soon we will have many centenarians among us. In all age groups, percentage of women is much higher than men. The gap increases in higher age groups. In North American centenarians, more than 84% are women. In 105 plus group this ratio is much higher.

With changing demographics, needs also change. Time, when old took care of young and then young took care of the old and invalid. There was always someone. Things have changed even in India where children find themselves difficult to take care of their aged parents because both at work, jobs take them away from parents, parents not willing to move, changing Lifestyle and Culture. Therefore, our seniors need a well-planned social service program.  We ought to start working on these projects through group discussions and brain storming sessions at local, national and international levels with and amongst representatives from all different age groups so that every one’s needs, interests and concerns are met.

This website, aims to be a stepping stone for identifying the needs and concerns and help develop a program that can be helpful to all our seniors. It invites articles, useful references and discussions on relevant topics. We plan to post different issues and invite comments and suggestions from the readers. Any suggestions to improve the site and make it more useful will be very much appreciated.