Life Expectancy at Birth, Selected Countries, 2005-2010 Males Females Brazil 79 83 Canada 78 Colombia 70 76 France 77 84 Germany 82 Italy Japan 86 Tunisia 72 1

Other Differences Reflecting “The Epidemiological Transition” they are generally Healthier than their forbearers Less likely to die from infectious disease More chronic disease - with increasing age, co-morbidities are the rule rather than the exception Have greater access to health education and information Have more options 2

Prevention is as. Important as Treatment Aging and Illness Prevention is as Important as Treatment Aging and Illness are not Synonymous 3

Depression is very common in older people--and very treatable Gerontology Research Centre and Program Saturday, February-16-19 Depression is very common in older people--and very treatable 4 www.harbor.sfu.ca/gero 4

Seniors’ Falls are not “accidents” – They are preventable! 1 in 3 seniors in B.C. is likely to fall at least once a year (Scott, Peck and Kendall, 2004) For Canadian seniors, falls are responsible for 84% of injury-related hospital admissions and 40% of admissions to nursing homes. (Health Canada, 2002). Most effective interventions are intersectoral, and include medication modification hip protectors exercise programs environmental modification 5

“Active Ageing” is the Message for the 21st Century Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age (WHO, 2002). Applies to both individuals & populations 6

Participation: Marriage, friendships, and community ties increase life expectancy Adler & Towne, 1999 Maintaining family ties Delivering Meals on Wheels

The WHO Active Ageing Policy Framework 8

WHO Determinants of Active Ageing 9

Gerontology Research Centre and Program Saturday, February-16-19 The Physical Environment is fundamental to health, participation and security The importance of accessibility cannot be overemphaseized. One of our studies examined the extent to which seniors used CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program to make structural repairs, add a ramp, etc. 10 www.harbor.sfu.ca/gero 10

Housing Best Practices for active ageing: the 6 “A’s” Gerontology Research Centre and Program Saturday, February-16-19 Housing Best Practices for active ageing: the 6 “A’s” Accessible – and not just for wheelchair users! Affordable – almost half of unattached women in Canada live below the poverty level Appropriate – has age-friendly interior and exterior design Attractive –aesthetics as well as prosthetics are important Acceptable – location, location, location!! Alternatives – to the extent possible maximize choice Accessibility involves more than just being wheelchair accessible. It refers to having design features that enable people with various disabilities to use the unit, building and grounds. Location is a key consideration in terms of enabling seniors to remain integrated in their community. Sites should be selected with the needs of the residents in mind as well as their visitors, many of whom will themselves be older persons. Affordable recognizes the fact that although poverty rates have been going down over the last 20 years, many seniors are not wealthy. Low income is especially common amo0ng unattacted older women almost half of whom are at or below standard low-income cutoff points. Appropriate refers to design that fits the resident’s capabilities. In the case of seniors it would include prosthetic design features which are intended to compensate for the user’s frailties (e.g. grab bares in the bathroom, non slip surface on floor and tub; front control stove) Attractive underscores the need to consider aesthetics as well as prosthetics. Buildings and dwelling units that are Safe and supportive to seniors do not have to look institutional. Acceptable refers both to the idea of a seniors project being acceptable to the community in which it is located and the idea that seniors will see it as a place where they want to live. The final A recognizes the need for housing choices. 11 www.harbor.sfu.ca/gero 11

Creating environments to promote active ageing Primary Health Care Centres Hospitals Training for PHC workers Support for formal and informal carers Physical environment that supports independence and prevents deconditioning Communities 12