Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 10 (3), July 2011, pp. 429-438 Traditional Knowledge from and for elderly Usha Dixit & VC Goyal* Seed Division, Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi 110 016 E-mail: vikasc.goyal@nic.in Received 14.05.09; revised 27.07.09 Elders are known to be storehouse of traditional values, skills and morale. Present paper is an attempt to discuss the traditional knowledge of elderly people, their role and highlights many areas where it can be useful for elderly themselves. Some insights are offered for strategic utilization of traditional knowledge and experience of elderly to address the need and improve the quality of elderly life in terms of socio-psychological, cultural, economic and health aspects. This valuable traditional information can be made accessible, affordable and adaptable to the specific needs of elderly people. Keywords: Elderly, Traditional values, Healthcare, Nutritious food IPC Int. Cl. 8 : A47G, A01G, G01W, Do6C, B27, A61K 8/00, A01D 6/66, A01D 6/61, A01B, A01K 31/22, A01D 23/24, A01D 23/25, A01D 16/02, A01D 9/02, A01D 7/07, A01D 22/02, A01D 12/34, A01D 20/50 Presently, the loss of biological diversity and erosion of traditional knowledge systems (TKS) are issues of great concern. Most of these systems of knowledge are unique and are often known only to a few individuals or communities. This traditional knowledge includes mental inventories of local biological resources, animal breeds, local plant, and crop and tree species. Traditional knowledge may include information about trees and plants that grow well together, about indicator plants that show the soil salinity, or are known to flower at the beginning of the rains. It includes practices and technologies, such as seed treatment and storage methods, and tools used for planting and harvesting. Traditional knowledge encompasses belief systems that play a fundamental role in people's livelihood, maintaining their health, and protecting and replenishing the environment. Traditional knowledge is dynamic in nature and is stored in culture in various forms, such as traditions, customs, folk stories, folk songs, folk dramas, legends, proverbs, etc. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2006, recognizes “that respect for indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment” 1-2 . Research on traditional knowledge showed that younger generations often undervalue this knowledge. Moreover, with the commercialization of natural resources, traditional knowledge that managed to maintain sustainable levels of exploitation has been sidelined. In view of its potential value for sustainable development, it is necessary to preserve indigenous knowledge for the benefit of future generations. The best way can be to encourage students to learn from their parents, grandparents and other adults in the community. Such a relationship between young and older generations could help to bridge the generation gap and help develop intergenerational harmony. It may also help young ones to begin to have a glimpse at their own ageing process and to understand the impact of ageing in their lives so that when they grow older, they will be in a position to make decisions affecting society. At the same time, it becomes imperative that we adapt new things without losing the basic character of our long cherished traditions and value which include traditional knowledge 2 . Reservoirs and carriers of Traditional Knowledge Elderly are being regarded as invaluable national resource having adaptive and useful information which is time tested and is preserved from generation to generation through oral or trial methods. Old methods, old materials and old products signify the traditional wisdom, which may have relevance even in the contemporary context. Thus, elders are —————— *Corresponding author