A compassionate
and inspiring world for our elders to thrive.

Dr. Renu Varughese, a leading authority in eldercare, is widely respected and lauded for her expertise in the field of gerontology. As the US Fulbright Specialist, she designed and implemented the Train the Trainer program in elder care in Durban, South Africa. Dr Varughese’ s dynamic presentation style incorporated a range of teaching techniques that promoted participants’ engagement and learning. Her ability to explain complex concepts by relating them to real world scenarios, enhanced participants understanding of the material and inspired them to cascade their learnings to community-based initiatives across South Africa, Kenya and Botswana. Dr. Varughese’ s academic achievements and impeccable professional record command respect. Her ability to establish rapport with each participant and motivate them to push beyond their challenges and drive positive changes in the lives of older people is indeed admirable.

Having known Dr Varughese over several years through CommonAge’s work in India, I was delighted when she accepted the invitation to join the board of the charity in 2024. She has already contributed so much. Through her generous contribution of time in delivering our “Train the Trainer” programme for aged care professionals in Africa, the quality of life for seniors in the Commonwealth is being improved. She brings a wealth of experience in ensuring that seniors are enabled to live well, with their dignity, independence and personhood respected and valued. Her support for CommonAge is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese is an exceptional clinical gerontologist, accomplished scholar, and passionate educator. As Head of the Department of Social Work at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, I have had the immense pleasure of collaborating closely with Dr. Varughese for over a decade.

Our partnership has thrived through educational program initiatives for students and faculty development expertly led by Dr. Varughese, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth. Her mentorship and engagement with early-career researchers and students have profoundly influenced many professionals in our field. Her expertise, dedication, and visionary leadership have greatly enriched our academic and professional initiatives at Bharathiar University. Dr. Varughese is truly an inspiring and invaluable leader in the field.

Dr. Varughese has been able to provide Standards Wise International with invaluable guidance on the provision of health and residential services for older people living in India. We found the organisations she represented and provided governance to as highly professional, based on robust systems and processes, safety and quality, whilst retaining a compassionate culture. Dr. Varughese has extensive knowledge of health and aged care over several developed and developing countries which provides valuable international insights and experience. We appreciated her leadership in supporting our project.