Active ageing
Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population groups....
Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It applies to both individuals and population groups.
The concept “active ageing” was adopted by the World Health Organization in the late 1990s. It is meant to convey a more inclusive message than “healthy ageing” and to recognize the factors in addition to health care that affect how individuals and populations age (Kalache and Kickbusch, 1997).
The term means helping people stay in charge of their own lives for as long as possible as they age and, where possible, to contribute to the economy and society. Active ageing allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life course and to participate in society, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they need.
The word “active” refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force. Older people who retire from work, ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations. Active ageing aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age.
Population ageing refers to a decline in the proportion of children and young people and an increase in the proportion of people age 60 and over. As highlighted by WHO, the proportion of people age 60 and over is growing faster than any other age group. Between 1970 and 2025, a growth in older persons of some 694 million or 223 percent is expected. In 2025, there will be a total of about 1.2 billion people over the age of 60. By 2050 there will be 2 billion with 80 percent of them living in developing countries.
Age composition – that is, the proportionate numbers of children, young adults, middleaged
adults and older adults in any given country – is an important element for policymakers
to take into account.
When health, labour market, employment, education and social policies support active ageing there will potentially be:
• fewer premature deaths in the highly productive stages of life
• fewer disabilities associated with chronic diseases in older age
• more people enjoying a positive quality of life as they grow older
• more people participating actively as they age in the social, cultural, economic and political aspects of society, in paid and unpaid roles and in domestic, family and community life
• lower costs related to medical treatment and care services.
To promote active ageing, health systems need to take a life course perspective that focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and equitable access to quality primary health care and long-term care.
Also engaging in appropriate physical activity, healthy eating, not smoking and using alcohol and
medications wisely in older age can prevent disease and functional decline, extend longevity and enhance one’s quality of life.
Active ageing is the expression of a new paradigm, one that views older people as active
participants in an age-integrated society and as active contributors as well as beneficiaries of development.
The concept “active ageing” was adopted by the World Health Organization in the late 1990s. It is meant to convey a more inclusive message than “healthy ageing” and to recognize the factors in addition to health care that affect how individuals and populations age (Kalache and Kickbusch, 1997).
The term means helping people stay in charge of their own lives for as long as possible as they age and, where possible, to contribute to the economy and society. Active ageing allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life course and to participate in society, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they need.
The word “active” refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force. Older people who retire from work, ill or live with disabilities can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations. Active ageing aims to extend healthy life expectancy and quality of life for all people as they age.
Population ageing refers to a decline in the proportion of children and young people and an increase in the proportion of people age 60 and over. As highlighted by WHO, the proportion of people age 60 and over is growing faster than any other age group. Between 1970 and 2025, a growth in older persons of some 694 million or 223 percent is expected. In 2025, there will be a total of about 1.2 billion people over the age of 60. By 2050 there will be 2 billion with 80 percent of them living in developing countries.
Age composition – that is, the proportionate numbers of children, young adults, middleaged
adults and older adults in any given country – is an important element for policymakers
to take into account.
When health, labour market, employment, education and social policies support active ageing there will potentially be:
• fewer premature deaths in the highly productive stages of life
• fewer disabilities associated with chronic diseases in older age
• more people enjoying a positive quality of life as they grow older
• more people participating actively as they age in the social, cultural, economic and political aspects of society, in paid and unpaid roles and in domestic, family and community life
• lower costs related to medical treatment and care services.
To promote active ageing, health systems need to take a life course perspective that focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and equitable access to quality primary health care and long-term care.
Also engaging in appropriate physical activity, healthy eating, not smoking and using alcohol and
medications wisely in older age can prevent disease and functional decline, extend longevity and enhance one’s quality of life.
Active ageing is the expression of a new paradigm, one that views older people as active
participants in an age-integrated society and as active contributors as well as beneficiaries of development.
Alzheimer disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and get worse over time. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia that causes problems with memory, th...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and get worse over time. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.
The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). Symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues.
As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death.
Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.
Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis is usually made once cognitive impairment compromises daily living activities, although the person may still be living independently.
Affected people increasingly rely on others for assistance, often placing a burden on the caregiver; the pressures can include social, psychological, physical, and economic elements.
Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Treatment involves drug and non-drug care, support and activities.
Exercise programmes may be beneficial with respect to activities of daily living and can potentially improve outcomes.
The drug may help with memory problems, improve concentration and motivation, and help with aspects of daily living such as cooking, shopping or hobbies.
Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as possible. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments.
The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). Symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioural issues.
As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death.
Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.
Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis is usually made once cognitive impairment compromises daily living activities, although the person may still be living independently.
Affected people increasingly rely on others for assistance, often placing a burden on the caregiver; the pressures can include social, psychological, physical, and economic elements.
Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Treatment involves drug and non-drug care, support and activities.
Exercise programmes may be beneficial with respect to activities of daily living and can potentially improve outcomes.
The drug may help with memory problems, improve concentration and motivation, and help with aspects of daily living such as cooking, shopping or hobbies.
Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as possible. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments.
CARESS project
The main scope of CARESS project is to overcome a skill gap in the field of elderly homecare. Better care and sustainability of health services calls for innovative ways to address the needs of the e...
The main scope of CARESS project is to overcome a skill gap in the field of elderly homecare. Better care and sustainability of health services calls for innovative ways to address the needs of the elderly.
The “skills gap” has been identified in the homecare for older adults, i.e. the gap between skills demanded by end-users and their families and those offered by national health systems, private care institutions and home care practitioners.
The development of homecare has been identified as a possible solution for demographic ageing,
The project aim is to:
•reduce unemployment due to excess or deficient qualifications or skills;
•re-evaluate a number of underestimated professions;
•meet the end-user needs (i.e. elderly and their families) as required by the national Health System.
CARESS will offer a clear picture of the main roles, competences and curricula of homecare professionals working both in health and social care at older adults’ own homes in different EU countries.
The “skills gap” has been identified in the homecare for older adults, i.e. the gap between skills demanded by end-users and their families and those offered by national health systems, private care institutions and home care practitioners.
The development of homecare has been identified as a possible solution for demographic ageing,
The project aim is to:
•reduce unemployment due to excess or deficient qualifications or skills;
•re-evaluate a number of underestimated professions;
•meet the end-user needs (i.e. elderly and their families) as required by the national Health System.
CARESS will offer a clear picture of the main roles, competences and curricula of homecare professionals working both in health and social care at older adults’ own homes in different EU countries.
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