GLOBAL HEALTH AGING

In today’s society, social and health care reforms for the elderly are more important than ever due to increasing aging populations worldwide. In Britain, these reforms have not greatly supported elderly care and need some major improvements. The current situation is shameful as more elderly should receive the care they need. Funding for health and social care services have been decreasing since 2005. In 2005-2006, a total of 1.231 million people aged 65 and older received some form of social care while in 2012-2013, a total of 896,000 received assistance. This shows a decrease of 335,000 elderly who did not receive the necessary care and services, although the overall number of elderly has been increasing in the last years. These services, such as Meals on Wheels or visits to daycare centers, had been terminated but are important to the elderly since it allowed them to live at home independently and have daily social interactions.

Oftentimes, the elderly do not have the support of their families and rely on these social services. As we get older, illnesses and disabilities can prevent us from getting out and becoming socially active. Life-changing events such as retirement and death of a family member or friend can also increase the risk of loneliness and isolation. In fact, 46% of people aged 80 and older reported that they often feel lonely. In addition, 10% of the population mentioned that television is their main form of company. This is sad and shocking at the same time. Are we all too busy to visit our parents or grandparents? “Each and every lonely person has someone who could visit them and offer companionship,” states states British Health Secretary Mr. Hunt to the Daily Express.

What can we do to involve the elderly in our lives and communities? Britain has started to recruit volunteers since they are important to nursing homes and older adults living at home. Volunteers provide much needed companionship and connections to communities. For example, Prime Minister David Cameron activated 30,000 teenagers to help people with dementia. In addition, these teens will teach the elderly modern technology so they can use Skype to talk with their families via internet.

Britain can also learn from health care or social systems in other European countries. A study showed that the elderly in Britain are poorer and lonelier than in similar European Countries. In addition, “they are more likely to suffer ageism in health care and in their daily lives than in either Germany, Sweden or the Netherlands.”

A role model for elderly care is the Asian culture that is well known for the respect and good treatment of the elderly. If an older person cannot live at home anymore, he or she will be taken in by family members. Nursing homes are usually the last option family members will consider as there is a strong social interaction and relationship among all generations. Britain as well as other countries can learn from this and strengthen the social relationships between generations.

Martina Lesperance is a Health Educator and Screening Technician in El Paso, Texas.