Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
MEDICAL OFFICIALS believe that there is a genuine risk that the health of several senior citizens is being compromised because of inadequate attention being paid to issues affecting them.
This problem is quite significant given recent research which shows that the number of senior citizens in Jamaica is set to double from 250,000 to 500,000 by the year 2030.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 20th annual Blue Cross Medical Symposium, yesterday, health and wellness officials stressed that some members of the 60 and over age group have been left out of several health initiatives and are not receiving enough advice on how to prevent illness and disabilities. Many also do not have health insurance.
SUBSCRIBERS OF BLUE CROSS
"Clearly there is a problem here ... At Blue Cross, we are looking at how we can bring retired individuals within the network as subscribers of Blue Cross," said Professor Errol Morrison, President and CEO, Blue Cross of Jamaica.
"The lack of a life course perspective in health care programmes leads to inadequate prevention care of seniors," said Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, head of the National Council for Senior Citizens. She said there was a need to revisit prevention issues seeing that statistics show that Caribbean nations such as Jamaica have growing numbers of people who are now senior citizens.
While stating that 78 to 82 per cent of senior citizens are well and functional, some seniors were facing challenging times, despite the introduction of programmes such as the National Health Fund, which helps persons get medication at cheaper rates. Prof. Eldemire-Shearer said many were homemakers who were dependent on their male partners. Many of these partners have since have died, leaving them with no pensions and limited finances, at a time when age makes them vulnerable to disability and illness.
In addition, there are fewer people in the age groups that were traditionally expected to care for the elderly and changing family dynamics mean that many elderly persons are living away from their relatives, connected by email or telephone.
80 AND OVER AT RISK
Prof. Eldemire-Shearer said that the special care needs of persons aged 80 and over need more focus because studies show it is at this age that a number of persons begin to become frail. The number of those over 80 is expected to jump from 46,100 to 68,700 by 2020.
"Age is a process of change but does not have to mean deterioration," she told a packed Grande Jamaica Suite at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. She added that the time to keep seniors in good health was now, even as health officials encouraged other Jamaicans to have healthy habits in their youth so they do not develop health problems in old age. The symposium was held under the theme, "The Joy of Ageing-Truth or Myth?"
SOME AREAS WHICH NEED TO BE TARGETED TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS
Society needs a change of attitude about ageing
Health staff needs more training in aspects of elderly care
Society needs a paradigm shift which talks about changes relating to ageing-illness prevention, rehabilitation
More outreach to male senior citizens. Men tend to go for care late when they have an illness
Need to ensure that senior citizens' physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs are met. Ensure senior citizens also benefit from physical activities and have social interactions such as church. Remember that sex and companionship also continue after age 60
Communication between elderly person and caregiver needs to be boosted. Ask for feedback and ensure that seniors properly hear and understand what is being said.
Doctors must look behind illness complaints of seniors to see whether there are hidden illnesses or other related problems.
Source: Prof. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, head of the National Council for Senior Citizens
