Welcome to a Discussion about Ageing Well Together

Ageing Well Together Integral to the work of Community Links funded by Nova Scotia Health and Wellness

CL Logo Community Links is a provincial organization that promotes healthy, age friendly communities and quality of life for Nova Scotia seniors through community development and volunteer action.

Ageing Well Together Coalitions Through its Ageing Well Together Coalitions, Community Links supports awareness, action, and change with a focus on falls prevention, physical activity and other factors that promote healthy lifestyles and age friendly communities.

Community Links and its Ageing Well Together Coalitions follow a Population Health approach

Key elements of the Population Health approach Focus on the root causes of a problem-as illustrated by the social determinants of health Take an “upstream” or preventative approach to the problem Work to improve the health status of all, while considering the special needs of certain populations Encourage partnerships and cooperation between sectors Find flexible and multidimensional solutions for complex problems Foster public involvement and community participation

The Social Determinants of Health

Ageing in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia has the highest percentage of seniors in Canada(15.4%) (Statistics Canada, 2007). The percentage of seniors in the province’s population will nearly double by 2026 (Stats Can, 2007). Each month 700 Nova Scotians turn 65. Are we Aging Well?

Ageing Well Means Preventing falls and injuries Eating well Staying physically active Adopting positive health practices Staying socially connected Maintaining one’s independence

Preventing Falls and Injuries One in three seniors will fall this year Women are 3 times more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury The older you are, the more likely you are to fall and be seriously injured – 40 times more likely at 80 than 60

Prevent Falls and Injuries Assess your personal falls risk with the help of the Are You in Danger of Falling Checklist Find and remove hazards with the help of the Home Assessment checklist Use night lights in halls & bathrooms Wear safe footwear all day. Use reaching aids instead of climbing or bending Install railings on stairs inside and out Install grab bars in bathrooms Use rubber mats in tubs Take your time – don’t rush!

Eat Well  Do you eat a variety of foods from each food group every day? (Canada Food Guide)  Do you often choose whole grain and enriched products?  Do you often choose lower-fat foods and milk products?  Do you select leaner meats, poultry and fish, or meat alternatives such as dried peas, beans and lentils?  Do you eat at regular times?  Do you eat breakfast every day?

Be Physically Active  Do you build some physical activity into your daily routine? Experts recommend 30 minutes/day, most days of the week.  Have you had a check-up recently and talked to your doctor about increasing your physical activity?  Have you checked into exercise programs for seniors available through your local seniors’ center, YM/YWCA, recreation centre?

Adopt Positive Health Practices Have your vision checked once a year Have you hearing checked periodically and maintain your hearing aids in good condition Maintain diabetes in good control Be aware of your medications and their effects. Review you medications with your doctor or pharmacist periodically. If you smoke, get help to quit

Stay Socially Connected Don’t wait for friends and family to call you. Invite friends and neighbours over for coffee or a game of cards. Keeping active is the key to mental and physical health. If you’ve lost touch with friends, then join a seniors club in your area and make new ones. Check your local library or recreation department for programs and events that may interest you. Ask a friend to join you.

Canes, walkers, reachers, and grab bars are just a few of the assistive devices or mobility aids that can help keep you active in your community and involved with friends and family. They make daily life at work, home or play, easier and enhance your independence. There are many other options to help us keep our independence as we age. Your local library or District Health Authority is a good place to start. For assistance at home, call the Continuing Care line at Maintain Your Independence

What You Can Do Identify & report falls hazards – use the Are You in Danger of Falling and Home Assessment checklists. Think of ways to make your community more age friendly and talk to you municipality about them Talk to your friends about falls prevention Invite a speaker to your seniors’ or church group Host a mobility workshop

For more information or to request a speaker, please contact Your Ageing Well Together Coalition Thank You