Our time on earth is precious. As more people across the globe are living longer, how can we ensure quality of life and health is maintained into our golden years?
Every year the first of October marks the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). This year, the United Nations is encouraging countries to highlight and challenge misconceptions and negative stereotypes about older people and aging.
The UN is also encouraging countries to empower their older population to achieve their potential.
In Australia about 16 per cent of the population is 65 years and over [1].
An ageing population can create opportunities for society. Especially when those older community members continue their education, pursue a new career, and volunteer their time for a good cause.
However, there is a lot of work to be done to change negative attitudes about ageing both here and across the globe – with half of the world’s population described as ageist. [2]
About the International Day of Older Persons 2022
The United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of the Older Persons on December 14 1990.
This year the theme is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World”. Click here to read the specific objectives of IDOP 2022.
Health of the Ageing Population
There are a range of health conditions that are commonly experienced in older age, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a chronic lung disease), depression, and hearing loss [3].
“Evidence suggests that the proportion of life in good health has remained broadly constant, implying that the additional years are in poor health. If people can experience these extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. If these added years are dominated by declines in physical and mental capacity, the implications for older people and for society are more negative,” the World Health Organisation says.
Supporting the Ageing Population
We know that people want to live healthier for longer. The Common Good is proud to provide sustainable research funding into heart disease, lung disease, mental health and dementia. These are conditions that affect 90% of Australians, including our older persons.
This year, The Common Good’s upcoming Season of Giving Appeal will focus on raising money to support projects that help elderly patients at The Prince Charles Hospital and Caboolture Hospital return to the comfort of their home sooner.
It’s also hoped that these projects will enable older patients to regain their independence faster and maintain it after they are discharged, so they are less likely to be readmitted.
You can help improve the lives of our older persons now, and into the future.
Whether it be supporting an hour of ground-breaking medical research for just $48, or supporting hospital innovation projects and patient care, you can show your support by making a tax deductible donation here.
References
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Older Australians, Demographic Profile https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/demographic-profile
[2] Every Age Counts, Ageism Awareness Day 2022 https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/aad_2022
[3] World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
