1. Healthy Ageing

2. Healthy ageing concept Older people are independent, active and well for the majority of their old age and embrace the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health.

3. WHO’s definition of health ‘A state of complete physical and social wellbeing. Healthy ageing is more than the absence of disease, but is also the maintenance of physical and cognitive functional capacities and active engagement in life.’

4. Older persons’ descriptions of health “I am excellent, very good or good.” This is often used to describe an individual’s level of health, despite the presence of illness or disability, this self- rated scale of health is often an indication as to the person’s perception of living.

5. Ageing Is a lifelong biological, psychological and social process that effects individuals at a different rate and is not always associated with chronological age.

6. What is ‘old’ Traditionally two ages exist to define the ‘older person’: –65 years – which represents a time when people retire from work and are placed in a social and economic grade that can vary in different circumstances –80 years – which is more strongly associated with changes to health and a need for aged care.

7. Ageing and health: what factors can affect ageing? Gender Race Marital status Income Occupation Socioeconomic status Smoking Physical activity Health disorders Medication Illness prevention Disease management Increased life expectancy Health promotions Improved health services

8. Illness prevention Advances in illness prevention and treatments can extend the life of the elderly and increase their levels and ability to stay active. To prevent cardiovascular disease: –maintain a healthy diet –lower cholesterol –stop smoking –participate in physical exercise

9. Illness prevention (cont.) To prevent and treat cerebrovascular disease: –control blood pressure –reduce strokes –take aspirin –address anticoagulation To prevent and treat cancer: –reduce smoking –improving treatments –earlier detection.

10. Rising causes of concern Dementia Diabetes Arthritis Falls Depression