# Ethnic Minority ## Posts - [From Humanity to Community — and Why We Must Reclaim It Today?](https://emagecic.com/from-humanity-to-community-and-why-we-must-reclaim-it-today/): Author: Dr Laila Surani Founder & CEO, EMAGE CIC Before there were no systems, services, or institutions, there was community.Before policies, professions, or organisations existed, people survived — and thrived — through shared life, mutual care, and collective responsibility. Community is not a modern idea. It is as old as humanity itself. Community Before the Word Existed In the earliest stages of human life, people did not live in isolation. Survival depended on cooperation — sharing food, protecting one another, raising children together, and caring for older members of the group. Families, kinship networks, and small groups formed the foundation […] - [From Humanity to Community: What Social Theory Tells Us About Who We Are — and Who We’ve Become](https://emagecic.com/from-humanity-to-community-what-social-theory-tells-us-about-who-we-are-and-who-weve-become/): Author: Dr Laila Surani Founder & CEO, EMAGE CIC Community did not begin as a concept, a policy, or a service. It began as a way of being human. Long before sociology, anthropology, or political theory existed, people lived in relationship with one another. Survival depended on cooperation, care, and shared responsibility. What modern theory now explains, early humanity simply lived. When we look closely at how communities formed, changed, and fractured over time, we begin to see a powerful truth: Humanity did not evolve away from community — systems did. Relational Human Theory: Why Community Comes Before Everything Else […] - [How Evidence-Based Wellbeing Theories Shape EMAGE’s Work with Ethnic Minority Older Adults](https://emagecic.com/how-evidence-based-wellbeing-theories-shape-emages-work-with-ethnic-minority-older-adults/): By Dr. Laila SuraniFounder & CEO, EMAGE CIC Day before yesterday, I shared a blog discussing key theories of wellbeing and quality of life in later life, and how these frameworks help us understand the diverse experiences of an ageing population. Today, I want to reflect on how these theories directly shape our work at EMAGE, where our mission is to enhance the wellbeing, dignity, and active ageing of ethnic minority older adults in Redbridge and beyond. These evidence-based models guide how we design culturally meaningful programmes, empower participants, and advocate for equitable ageing. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs reminds us […] - [Beyond Maslow: Rethinking Human Needs Through the Eyes of Older Adults](https://emagecic.com/beyond-maslow-rethinking-human-needs-through-the-eyes-of-older-adults/): A reflection by Dr. Laila SuraniFounder & CEO, EMAGE CIC For decades, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs has shaped how we think about human motivation. From classrooms to healthcare, from marketing campaigns to wellbeing programmes, Maslow’s pyramid became the universal “map” of what people need to thrive. Teachers used it to understand student behaviour.Hospitals used it to support patient recovery.Marketers used it to influence consumer decisions.Youth services used it to guide personal development. And yes — it has been applied to children, adults, and workplace teams alike. But as widely used as it is, Maslow’s model has faced critique from many […] - [Understanding Cultural Theories: Why They Matter for EMAGE & Ageing BME Communities](https://emagecic.com/understanding-cultural-theories-why-they-matter-for-emage-ageing-bme-communities/): Author: Dr Laila Surani Culture is more than food, music, or tradition—it is a system of meaning, power, belonging, and identity.For organisations like EMAGE CIC, which supports the wellbeing of ageing Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Redbridge, understanding how culture shapes people’s lives is essential to designing respectful, inclusive, and empowering programmes. This article introduces key cultural theories in anthropology and explores how they can strengthen EMAGE’s community approach. ✅ 1) Cultural Relativism Key Scholar: Franz Boas Cultural relativism suggests that every culture should be understood in its own context, rather than judged against another. How This Supports […] - [Ethnic Minority Ageing in the UK: Towards a Community-Centred Framework](https://emagecic.com/ethnic-minority-ageing-in-the-uk-towards-a-community-centred-framework/): Author: Dr Laila Surani A Changing Ageing Landscape The UK is entering a period of profound demographic change. By 2040, one in four people will be over 65, and an increasing proportion of these older adults will come from minority ethnic backgrounds (Bond, 2025). Migration from South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East after the Second World War has shaped today’s multicultural Britain. Those who arrived in the 1950s and 1960s are now reaching older age, alongside their UK-born peers. While diversity has enriched British society, it has also revealed inequalities in ageing. Research consistently shows that older […] - [Assessing needs of the women aged 55 to 65 years living inthe rural communities of (Sindh) Pakistan.](https://emagecic.com/assessing-needs-of-the-women-aged-55-to-65-years-living-inthe-rural-communities-of-sindh-pakistan/) - [Gender inequality and its impact on the quality of life inthe older adults in Karachi, Pakistan](https://emagecic.com/gender-inequality-and-its-impact-on-the-quality-of-life-inthe-older-adults-in-karachi-pakistan/) - [Research Commentary: Evidence-based communitymodel improving quality of life of an Ageing population inPakistan.](https://emagecic.com/research-commentary-evidence-based-communitymodel-improving-quality-of-life-of-an-ageing-population-inpakistan/) - [Desk review: Needs assessment of care giving prospects ofhealth care providers of ageing population in Pakistan.](https://emagecic.com/desk-review-needs-assessment-of-care-giving-prospects-ofhealth-care-providers-of-ageing-population-in-pakistan/) - [Cross Culture Adaptation of CASP 19 To Assess Quality of Life of Older Adultsin Karachi, Pakistan](https://emagecic.com/cross-culture-adaptation-of-casp-19-to-assess-quality-of-life-of-older-adultsin-karachi-pakistan/) - [Coproducing A Training Framework For Healthcare Providers For Older Adults In Pakistan](https://emagecic.com/coproducing-a-training-framework-for-healthcare-providers-for-older-adults-in-pakistan/) - [Impact of psychosocial factors on Quality of life amongst50+ older adults of Karachi, Pakistan](https://emagecic.com/impact-of-psychosocial-factors-on-quality-of-life-amongst50-older-adults-of-karachi-pakistan/) - [Person Centered Care](https://emagecic.com/person-centered-care/): The population will continue to age rapidly over the next few decades (Lutz et al., 2008), and there are severe economic and social implications of increasing longevity and a rapidly ageing population. Increased longevity is noticeable in developed countries compared to developing countries or Eastern cultures and societies - [Rethinking Quality Of Life: Why Culture Matters in Ageing Research](https://emagecic.com/rethinking-quality-of-life-why-culture-matters-in-ageing-research/): Author: Dr Laila Surani At EMAGE CIC, we believe that understanding the wellbeing of older adults requires more than numbers — it demands cultural awareness, empathy, and context. Drawing on two of my research studies conducted in Karachi and rural Sindh, Pakistan, this commentary explores how cultural and socioeconomic factors shape the experiences of older adults, particularly women. Both studies used the CASP model (Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, and Pleasure), a framework originally developed in the UK to measure quality of life in later years. While CASP offers valuable insights, my findings revealed its limitations when applied in different cultural settings. […] - [2 October 2025 – First EMAGE CIC Board Meeting](https://emagecic.com/2-october-2025-first-emage-cic-board-meeting/): EMAGE CIC recently held a board meeting to review governance structures, strategic direction, and upcoming initiatives. The board reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of ageing ethnic minority populations in the UK and globally through culturally sensitive, community-driven approaches. Key decisions included establishing bi-monthly meetings, strengthening policy frameworks, and enhancing transparency in decision-making. Progress on the organisation’s website and communication systems was also reviewed to support collaboration and visibility. Planned activities for 2025–2026 include community needs assessments, intergenerational programmes, and wellbeing projects promoting active and healthy ageing. EMAGE CIC continues to build partnerships with local and faith-based organisations […] ## Pages - [Intergenerational Chair Yoga](https://emagecic.com/intergenerational-chair-yoga/): Intergenerational Chair Yoga Promoting Wellbeing Across Generations On the occasion of International Women’s Day, EMAGE CIC (Ethnic Minority Ageing with Grace & Equity) conducted a special Intergenerational Chair Yoga session at Redbridge Central Library, bringing together children, youth, and older women in a shared experience of movement, connection, and wellbeing.The session created a welcoming and inclusive space where participants from different age groups could engage in gentle physical activity together. Chair yoga is particularly suitable for community settings because it allows people of all fitness levels and abilities to participate comfortably. Using simple seated movements, breathing exercises, and light stretches, […] - [Celebrating International Women’s Day Through Intergenerational Wellbeing](https://emagecic.com/celebrating-international-womens-day-through-intergenerational-wellbeing/): Celebrating International Women’s Day Through Intergenerational WellbeingEMAGE at Redbridge Central LibraryOn the occasion of International Women’s Day, EMAGE CIC proudly participated in a community celebration organised by Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure at Redbridge Central Library. The event brought together women from different generations to celebrate strength, wellbeing, and community connection.EMAGE joined the event as a collaborative partner, setting up a stall to introduce visitors to the organisation’s mission of supporting healthy and active ageing within ethnic minority communities. Many attendees visited the stall to learn about EMAGE’s vision, upcoming wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for community participation and volunteering.Intergenerational Chair […] - [VCARE](https://emagecic.com/vcare/): VCARE Emage is the strategic and technical international partner of Vcare.Together, we work for community development in Pakistan, focusing on building inclusive ageing communities. We promote healthy and active ageing through advocacy, research, training and development, and awareness programs. International older people day in Pakistan meeting with all the stakeholders - [Ageing with Grace, Purpose & Power](https://emagecic.com/ageing-with-grace-purpose-power/): Ageing with Grace, Purpose & Power Inner Wheel (Online Session) On 10 November 2025, EMAGE was invited by Inner Wheel to deliver an inspiring and interactive session titled “Ageing with Grace, Purpose, and Power.”The session was conducted via Zoom and attended by 27 women from  Inner Wheel in London  including Inner Wheel members from other parts of UK. During the talk, Dr. Laila Surani, Founder and CEO of EMAGE CIC guided participants through a reflective and empowering journey of embracing ageing with confidence, wisdom, and joy. The presentation encouraged women to celebrate their life stories, reframe ageing as a stage […] - [Chair Yoga Session](https://emagecic.com/chair-yoga-session/): Digital Literacy coming soon On Thursday, 14 October, EMAGE delivered a chair yoga session for a local community group in Redbridge, with 15 older adults taking part. Explore More - [Global Connections](https://emagecic.com/global-connections/): Global Connections VCARE Learn More - [Community Resource Mobilisation](https://emagecic.com/community-resource-mobilisation/): Community Resource Mobilisation Celebrating International Women’s Day Through Intergenerational Wellbeing Explore More - [Awareness on Ageism](https://emagecic.com/awareness-on-ageism/): Awareness on Ageism Challenging the Stereotypes of Ageing  Dr. Laila Surani had the pleasure of taking part in a powerful podcast conversation focused on challenging the stereotypes surrounding ageing. We explored lived experiences, community voices, and why ageing should be recognised as a stage of opportunity, dignity, purpose, and contribution — not limitation. At EMAGE, we believe healthy and inclusive ageing is everyone’s business. Our work brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and sectors to create meaningful conversations and practical actions that improve wellbeing and quality of life in later years. If this conversation resonates with you — whether […] - [Intergenerational Projects](https://emagecic.com/intergenerational-projects/): Intergenerational Projects coming soon On Thursday, 14 October, EMAGE delivered a chair yoga session for a local community group in Redbridge, with 15 older adults taking part. Explore More - [Digital Literacy](https://emagecic.com/digital-literacy/): Digital Literacy coming soon On 10 November 2025, EMAGE was invited by Inner Wheel to deliver an inspiring and interactive session titled “Ageing with Grace, Purpose, and Power.” Explore More - [Wellbeing Activities](https://emagecic.com/wellbeing-activities/): Wellbeing Activities Chair Yoga Session Delivered by EMAGE – 14 October 2025 On Thursday, 14 October, EMAGE delivered a chair yoga session for a local community group in Redbridge, with 15 older adults taking part. Read More Ageing with Grace, Purpose & Power On 10 November 2025, EMAGE was invited by Inner Wheel to deliver an inspiring and interactive session titled “Ageing with Grace, Purpose, and Power.” Read More - [Research Articles](https://emagecic.com/research-articles/): Research Articles - [Get Involved](https://emagecic.com/get-involved/): Get Involved Life Doesn’t Slow It EvolvesWhether you are an individual, a volunteer, or an organisation, there are many ways to work with us Volunteer With Us Join us in making a positive impact. Choose how you want to contribute. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Phone *Gender * Male Female Skilles *Additional Information *Submit Partner With Us Join us in making a positive impact. Choose how you want to contribute. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Phone *Gender * Male Female Skilles *Additional Information *Submit Contact Us Feel Free To Write […] - [Blogs](https://emagecic.com/blogs/) - [What We Do](https://emagecic.com/what-we-do/): What We Do What We Do At EMAGE CIC, our programmes focus on creating age-friendly communities through Wellbeing Activities Organising wellbeing programmes for all ages. Learn More Digital Literacy Helping older adults learn digital skills for everyday life. And creating apps. Learn More Intergenerational Program Building bridges between young people and older adults. Learn More Awareness on Ageism Campaigns and workshops to challenge stereotypes Learn More Community Resource Mobilisation Using the ABCD model to strengthen local capacity. Learn More Global Connections Linking local action with underserved ageing populations worldwide. Learn More Research and Development Transforming Ageing Through Innovation Learn More […] - [About Us](https://emagecic.com/about-us/): About Us About US Our Vision Our vision is to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of ethnic minority older adults in the UK as a priority, while welcoming and supporting all ageing communities. We strive to connect underserved ageing populations globally through evidence-based, socially bridging initiatives. Explore More Our Misson The mission of the organization is to give platform to different ethnic minority ageing population through their faith-based and ethnic communities and create an inclusive environment for them to age with dignity and gracefully Explore More Directors & Informations Dr. Laila Surani CEO and Founder of EMAGE CIC, […] - [Contact Us](https://emagecic.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Phone number +44 7823 787847 Email address info@emagecic.com Address Redbridge, London, UK Contact Us Feel Free To Write Us Anytime - [Home](https://emagecic.com/): Community Action is Equity in Motion Welcome to EMAGE CIC (Ethnic Minority Ageing with Grace and Equity). We are a community interest company dedicated to improving the wellbeing and quality of life of ethnic minority older adults in the UK. Building bridges with underserved ageing populations globally, through evidence-based projects and community-led action, we strive to create inclusive, age-friendly environments where older adults can age with dignity, purpose, and joy. Learn More About Us Active Donors About US Helping Each Other can Make World Better The rich blue conveys trust, stability, and compassion, while the white in the logo reflects […] - [Sample Page](https://emagecic.com/sample-page/): This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I’m a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin’ caught in the rain.) …or something like this: The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)