A compassionate and
inspiring world
for our
seniors to age gracefully
Bringing together global research, clinical innovation and cultural empathy to reimagine aging with dignity and joy
2015-2016: US Nehru Fulbright Fellow
2019-2024: Fulbright Specialist
Head of CommonAge – Asia Chapter
Chairperson, Travancore Foundation
Managing Director, TERCA
A compassionate
and inspiring world for our elders to thrive.
ringing together global research, clinical innovation, and cultural empathy to reimagine aging with dignity and joy.
2015-2016: US Nehru Fulbright Fellow
2024: Fulbright Specialist Award Winner
Head of CommonAge – Asia Chapter
Chairperson, Travancore Foundation
MD, TFERCA
About Me
I’m Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese, an internationally recognized clinical gerontologist, educator, and researcher. With over 34 years of experience in elder care and aging, I’ve made it my life’s work to improve the lives of older adults and to advance geriatric education and leadership.Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor at Mercy University, where I’m deeply involved in shaping the future of geriatric care through education and research. I also have the privilege of being the Chairperson of the Travancore Foundation, where we’ve been making an impact globally—from the U.S. to India and Africa—by influencing policy, education, and service in the field of aging.
About Me
I’m Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese,
Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese is an internationally recognized clinical gerontologist, educator, and researcher. With over 34 years of experience in elder care and aging, she has dedicated her life to advancing geriatric education, leadership, and innovation across borders. As Associate Professor at Mercy University, and Chairperson of the Travancore Foundation, she has led groundbreaking work from the U.S. to India and Africa—impacting policy, education, and service.
2015- 2016: US Nehru Fulbright Fellow
2024: Fulbright specialist Award Winner
Head of CommonAge- Asia chapter
Chairperson, Travancore Foundation
Founder, TFERCA
2015- 2016: US Nehru Fulbright Fellow
2024: Fulbright specialist Award Winner
Head of CommonAge- Asia chapter
Chairperson, Travancore Foundation
Founder, TFERCA
About Me
I’m Renu Abraham,
dedicated to
gerentology research.
Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese is an internationally recognized clinical gerontologist, educator, and researcher. With over 34 years of experience in elder care and aging, she has dedicated her life to advancing geriatric education, leadership, and innovation across borders. As Associate Professor at Mercy University, and Chairperson of the Travancore Foundation, she has led groundbreaking work from the U.S. to India and Africa—impacting policy, education, and service.
My Offerings
Geriatric Education
Travancore Education and Research Center was established in 2019, offering postgraduate diplomas and certification in gerontology programs focused on interprofessional practices and experiential learning
Collaborating institutions are
- Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
- Rajagiri College of Social Sciences
- Marian College, Kuttikkanam
- St. Albert’s Ernakulam
- LISSAH College, Kozhikode
- St. Berchman’s, Changanacherry
TERCA is also a government-approved training center for the National Skill India Mission, Bharat Sevak Samaj-sponsored skill training programs
Global Aging Research & Policy Development
Empowering Elder Care through International Collaboration in research and policy development for knowledge sharing and capacity building. Collaborating countries include India, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and other Commonwealth countries
Simulation-based teaching pedagogy and skill lab
In 2023, India’s first simulation-based skill lab within an assisted living context, in partnership with Mercy University, New York. Here, low-fidelity mannequins, task trainers, and structured pre- and post-debriefing sessions create immersive training experiences that elevate skill, empathy, and decision-making, ensuring experiential learning for learners.
Comprehensive assessment and person-centered care planning best practices for long-term geriatric care
This comprehensive process of assessment employs the use of the Resident Assessment Form (RAF-India), an adaptation of the U.S.-based Minimum Data Set (MDS) of 1989, tested for cultural relevance, reliability, and validity in India.
It forms the foundation of person-centered care planning and research-evidence-based best practices, for older adults to optimize their function without deterioration
Discover More
Every elder deserves to age with dignity, respect, and care tailored to their unique story. My work is driven by a deep belief that through education, innovation, and global collaboration, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive future for aging populations everywhere.
What I Offer
Simulation based
Geriatric Education
Established in 2019, the Travancore Education and Research Centre on Ageing offers cutting-edge gerontology programs through immersive simulation and hands-on learning, equipping future-ready professionals.
Global Aging
Research
Empowering elder care through international collaboration in research
and policy development for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Senior Care
Consultation
Consultation for starting senior care facilities including assisted
living, transitional care and long term care.
Comprehensive Assessment & Care Planning
Interdisciplinary comprehensive assessment and individual specific care
planning for interdisciplinary team.
Services
My Impact extends
beyond borders
Explore more countries where my work is making a difference
Research Collaborations
Delivering excellence across countries through national and international collaboration and regional expertise.
Testimonials
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.
Carmel Murugen Divisional Manager- Research The Association for the Aged (Tafta) Durban, South Africa
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.
Andrew Larpent OBE, Founder and Chair (Emeritus) CommonAge
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. Lovelina FXHoD Department of Social Work Bharathiar University Syndicate Member
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.
David StevensFounder, Executive Chair Standards Wise International
Blog
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From Vision to Impact: Travancore Foundation Featured in Business Line
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A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Ten Years of Excellence at Travancore Foundation
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Caring for the Elderly: Honoring International Day of Older Persons
Change starts with a single step
Join Dr. Renu Abraham Varughese in advancing elder care education, innovation, and advocacy. Whether you’re a student, researcher, service provider, take the first step toward impactful engagement in the aging sector.