Healthy Ageing and Determination in Central Queensland - Case Study Example

RUNNING HEAD: HEALTHY AGEING AND DETERMINATION Healthy Ageing and Determination Name Institution Date Introduction Australia faces an increase in the ageing population which continues to grow each year. As the aging population continues to grow, more challenges occur. Aspects such as limited economic means to plan for retirees, social isolation, limited access to preventive and medical health care, transport and community care implies that there is a large number of the rural elderly populace (individuals aged 65 years and beyond), who have to cope with these challenges by themselves. In rural Australian areas such as Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland, there have been limited specific policy actions to assist the rural communities with the consequences of these trends. This report is designed to assist in this respect. The main focus of this essay is the aged in Central Queensland who are in need of support to promote their health and wellbeing. It seeks to propose a plan to promote healthy ageing and engagement in leisure and social activities. Elderly Community in Capricorn Coast, Central Queensland Most of the rural and remote communities in Central Queensland such as Capricorn have no nursing home for the elderly. The nearest is average 2 hours away even as the waiting list can take several years. Majority of the elderly people live in residences that are out of town, and have to rely extensively on family and neighbouring friends. This trend is however reflected nationwide, as a greater percentage of the population of the aged live in rural and remote areas than in the metropolitan areas (Conley, Venz and Watkins, 2011). A major significant change anticipated in Queensland is the consequence of a greatly ageing population. According to the Queensland Government Planning Information and Forecasting Unit (PIFU), much of rural areas of Queensland such as Central Queensland, are expected to experience much of the consequences of ageing such as limited economic means to plan for retirees, social isolation, limited access to preventive and medical health care, transport, community care (Conley, Venz and Watkins, 2011). Regional communities such as Central Queensland are projected to experience rapid explosion of the aged population. PIFA estimates shows that the number of older people in Queensland (aged 65 years and beyond) increased significantly from around 270,000 in 1986 to an estimated 511,500 people in 2006 (ACSA, 2004; NHRA 2005). By 2056, the elderly people are projected to represent over one in every four people in Queensland. Conversely, people aged 45 years and below are estimated to decline from 71.5 percent from 1986, to some 63 percent in 2006, rising to some 57 percent in 2026 and nearly 51 percent in 2056. Based on analysis by ACSA (2013), it is documented that the elderly in rural and remote regions such as Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland generally experience poor health outcomes and high levels of socio-economic disadvantages. Despite these, an analysis of the communities in Central Queensland by Blue Care shows that the elderly country people have a great tolerance and tend to accept limited services. Stakeholder consultations show a range of challenges that have to be addressed to facilitate healthy ageing and improved participation in social activities and leisure. These include inflexibility of the aged and community care service delivery policies, lack of interaction between the communities, few social and leisure activity programs, lack of coordination and communication among the aged care assessors, significant lack of health care services such as social work and counselling, physiotherapy and speech pathology (Department of Health and Ageing, 2008). The ageing of the population in Capricorn Coast makes health a key priority for the Council, as it will be crucial to ensure that the aged are encourage to live psychologically, physically and socially healthy. Community activities Ageing is associated with significant declines of diversity of relationships, social network size and social interactions. In Capricorn Coast, the elderly are prompted to engage in social activities and leisure to avoid general health and wellbeing degradation. A further understanding of how the elderly people live in Capricorn Coast can be demonstrated by the social activities and leisure they engage in. This report classifies the social and leisure activities into dynamic and motionless activities as summarized in the table below. Table 1: Social and leisure activities in Capricorn Coast Activity Category Mental, physical & social benefits Activities Motionless Expanding Listening to radio, music and movies, reading Knowledge history books, newspaper and magazine Molding temperament doing morning recitation, enjoying scenery, gardening Stretching Sitting on rocking/massage chair, doing yoga, spa treatment, hot spring baths, sauna baths Social networking Chatting Brainstorming Playing chess, Sudoku, studying Dynamic Ball games Playing golf, tennis, ping pong ball, bowling Gymnastics Soft yoga, aerobics, dancing Fitness Walking, jogging, strolling, swinging arms, Swimming, riding a bicycle Entertainment Fishing for shrimps, playing cards Outing Hiking, traveling Voluntary/Paid Social and economic Childcare, care for the sick Assessing the adequacy of the current range of leisure and social activities Voluntary or Paid Activities The elderly, specifically those who are retired, engage in voluntary or paid activities to pass time and to busy themselves. Typical activities include unpaid childcare, or caring for individuals with disabilities, long-term illness. Mostly, these could be their grandchildren. As much as this is the trend in Australia, it is also prevalent across Australia. According to ABS (2012), some 37 percent aged people in Australia engaged in voluntary or paid work. Nearly 55 percent of those were aged between 65 and 69 years, while at least 42 percent aged between 70 and 74 years took part in at least one of the activities (ABS, 2012). Through volunteering, the elderly are allowed to make valuable contribution to the community, both economically and socially. The aged are particularly useful to the community as they are highly committed and often come with a lifetime of experience especially if they are retired. Voluntary work further helps older people by keeping them active and offering them social connection. Since these activities may as well be paid, it provides the elderly with an opportunity to make an income, which they can use to diversify the choices of activities they participate in. Dynamic activities Dynamic social and leisure activities (such as regular exercise, swimming, walking, fishing, jogging, strolling, swinging arms, swimming, riding a bicycle, soft yoga, aerobics and dancing) allow the elderly to regularly exercise. There is generally a low level of dynamic activities, with the most prevalent being swimming, strolling and fishing. Through these, the elderly are able to make a connection with their community, as it provides them with an opportunity to interact with other community members (Wang and Wang, 2009). However, since the community living in Capricorn Coast is largely multicultural, cultural and linguistic barriers have impeded absolute social interactions. The activities are even particularly important for elderly patients with chronic illnesses, as light exercises (see Table 1) can help improve their conditions. Since these activities are basically interactive, as participatory involvement of the family, friends or neighbors are involved (Wang and Wang, 2009). This is particularly so for the case of gardening. Once the aged people get themselves into regular social and leisure activities, they are able to regain their self-esteem, increase their physical capability and calm their moods. It also slows down their ageing process, reduces medical expenditure and improves quality of life (Wang and Wang, 2009). The major benefit that the elderly get from participating in these activities include; promoting their brain function, prevention of memory fail (dementia), improving nerve function and condition and wading of diseases. However, the low level of facilities such as for gym, imply a need for such facilities. However, since Capricorn Coast is largely a coastal area situated between Rockhampton and Keppel Bay, it provides an opportunity for swimming. There is however a need to make the coasts safe for swimming. Motionless Activities There is generally a high level of motionless activities that the elderly engage in Capricorn Coast. Although there is a wide scope of motionless activities that the elderly engage in (as shown in Table 1), the main ones are listening to radio, music, TV and movies, reading, history books, newspaper and magazine, chatting, doing morning recitation, enjoying scenery and gardening. The activities are the most prevalent given the fact that they do not involve a lot of active participation and the sedentary nature of the elderly people. Being active enables the aged people to stay healthy. Social and leisure activities imply that the elderly individuals willingly engage in activities that benefit their mental, social and physical wellbeing during their free time. The activities allow them to be happy, satisfied and derive a sense of purpose of achievement (Conley, Venz and Watkins, 2006). Towards this end, it should be established that the leisure and the social activities are both subjective and objective. By objective, it means that these activities allow the elderly to obtain inner satisfaction. Social support derived from engagement in these activities is provided through interaction with family members, faith groups and neighbours. The high levels of social support provide the aged with comfort and psychological support that make them feel appreciated. Social support a significant part of mental health promotion that allows the aged people to improve their coping skills, self-efficacy and self-esteem. It should further be noted that the type of leisure activities that the elderly engage in is pretty much the same with the other members of the community. The difference however is that the degree of participation is different and that the aged people tend to prefer activities that are purely recreational and require little efforts (Marcum, 2011). They are however effective in promoting healthy ageing and social wellbeing of the elderly as they help blood circulation, prevent diseases and improve body functions. This enables the elderly to cope with changes that result from ageing and daily routines. They can therefore see themselves as ageing gracefully and living happy and healthy lives (Wang and Wang, 2009). Suggestions for improving the social activities and leisure While the elderly engage in the social and leisure activities, they take notice of the environment. There is therefore a need to ensure that the environment in which they participate in are clean and attractive. For instance, swimming is one of the leisure activities the aged people in Capricorn Coast engage in. By making the coast clean, safe and attractive for purposes of sightseeing and swimming, it diversifies the activities the elderly engage in. Inviting the community to clean the coastlines ensure community engagement (Heritage and Dooris, 2009). Additionally, there is a need to address the psychological, emotional and physical health aspects through encouraging group participation, community consultations and empowerment of the elderly. Since there are generally few support groups and nursing homes for the elderly, increasing the number of their existence to promote healthy ageing through social connectedness (Conley, Venz and Watkins, 2006). Prevalent attitudinal change by the community and stereotyping of the elderly by the media has affected emotional wellbeing of the aged people. The Council needs to enact policies that discourage stereotyping by the media. In addition to promoting the psychological wellbeing of the elderly, it enables the community to regard the elderly as part of their lives rather than as a burden. The Council should also review its policies and programs by amending them in a way that they are able to recognize the primary barriers to their locomotion and convenience. For instance, enacting policies that demand that ramps be constructed in gymnasiums, shopping malls and social centres will allow the physically disabled elderly who use wheel chairs to access the facilities. The policies and programs should also promote working opportunities such as gardening, which can allow the elderly to volunteer Community Tool Box, 2013). Benefits of health ageing strategies The strategies suggested will help both the individual elderly persons and the overall community in the short- and long-run. Through enactment of the age-friendly policies such as those that provide the aged people with opportunities to engage in voluntary work, the individual aged persons are kept active as well as offer them social connection. Since these voluntary activities may as well be paid, it provides the elderly with an opportunity to make an income, which they can use to diversify the choices of activities they engage in. The community benefits from the lifetime experience of the elderly that they apply in their voluntary works. More nursing homes for the elderly should also be developed. At these homes, the elderly could be allowed to engage in voluntary activities such as caring for the disabled aged people. In any case, the nursing homes should have focus groups, which invite visitors from the council or community members to participate it (Community Tool Box, 2013; Heritage and Dooris, 2009). Through increased participation of the elderly in community service such as cleaning the coastal lines has a significant effect on the community. Indeed, through constant interaction between the elderly and the community, the community is able to acknowledge the roles of the elderly in the society. This could reduce stereotyping of the aged people as being a “burden.” Additionally, it allows the aged to improve their social lives and feel appreciated. Such policies that restructure infrastructure to be age-friendly will effectively promote participatory engagement of individuals in leisure activities such as tourists sites in Capricorn coast (Cavaye, 2006). For instance, policies that promote intersectoral labour force will enable the elderly to take part in paid workforce. This is particularly beneficial to the elderly as it provides with an opportunity to engage in activities that keep them free from boredom. Consequently, it allows the elderly to regain their self-esteem, increase their physical capability and calm their moods. The activities also promote their brain function and prevent of dementia. Further, they slow down their ageing process, reduce medical expenditure and improve quality of life. The elderly are also able to earn part time income. The community also benefits from policies on intersectoral labour force. A major significant change anticipated in Central Queensland is the consequence of a rapidly ageing population. For instance, it is estimated that the number of older people in Queensland (aged 65 years and beyond) increased significantly from around 270,000 in 1986 to an estimated 511,500 people in 2006. By 2056, the elderly people are projected to represent over one in every four people in Queensland. This means that the parts of Central Queensland such as Capricorn Coast will have limited workforce. Therefore, by the elderly engaging actively in labour force, it provides opportunity for economic growth of the area. Self-determination and community participation The health-ageing plan seeks to promote healthy ageing and increased participating of the aged people in leisure activities. Central to this plan is the process of community consultation and participatory engagement in ensuring that the objectives central to this plan are attained. This report effectively integrates the principle of participation, consultation and empowerment to motivate both the individual aged persons and the community to take actions that will ensure healthy ageing (Heritage and Dooris, 2009). Increasing the availability, effectiveness and the quality of educational community-based programmes that are designed to promote healthy ageing and participation in social activities can effectively increase the psychological health of the elderly (HealthyPeople, 2013). Online forums could be used to engage and inquire from the Capricorn Coast community members on the areas of concern affecting the elderly who affect them. It will also enable the views of the community to be integrated in the policies that affect the elderly. Creating faith groups for the elderly and allowing the local community members to participate allows the community to interact with the elderly. Further, the community should be warned against stereotyping the elderly through the local TV and radio programs. The programs should further advise the community on how to care for the elderly and to integrate them in day-to-day activates (Steinberg and Nichols, 1999). The participation of the local community planning stakeholders and the Council is however integral to the successful participation of the community in promoting the health and overall wellbeing of the aged people. By enacting compliance standards for hospitals, nursing homes, shopping malls, health foods and transport facilities, it ensures that the community keeps the elderly in their mind in designing architectures or any other social facility. Area forums held locally and facilitated by the Council ensure that the community member, local authorities, local organizations such as National Rural Health Alliance (NHRA) and Aged and Community Services Australia (ACRA) participates in discussions that involve the elderly can ensure that the community integrates the views of the elderly in important matters that concern the community. References ABS (2012). Reflecting a Nation: Stories from the 2011 Census, 2012–2013.Retrieved from Australian Bureau of Statistics website http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/2071.0main+features602012-2013 ACSA (2004). Older People and Aged Care in Rural, Regional and Remote Australia. Retrieved http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/14053/sub012.pdf ACSA (2013). AGED AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AUSTRALIA 2013/14 FEDERAL BUDGET SUBMISSION. Retrieved http://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c39662baf650b519d5891757/files/ACSA_2013_14_Budget_Submission_FINAL.pdf NHRA (2005). Older People and Aged Care in Rural, Regional and Remote Australia National Policy Position. Retrieved< http://www.agedcare.org.au/what-we-do/policies-and-position/policies-pdfs/Rural_remote_policy05.pdf> Cavaye, J. (2006). Review of Regional Development: Issues, Approaches and Directions for Innovative Regional Development in Queensland. Retrieved http://www.communitydevelopment.com.au/Documents/Review%20of%20Regional%20Development.pdf Community Tool Box (2013). Overview of Developing and Improving Community Services. Retrieved http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/chapter24_section1_mainsection.aspx Conley, D., Venz, N. & Watkins, H. (2006). Bringing health equity to ageing rural and remote Queenslanders: Blue Care Rural and Remote Aged Care Strategy. 10th National Rural Health Conference Department of Health and Ageing (2008). Ageing and Aged Care In Australia. Barton ACT 2600: Commonwealth of Australia HealthyPeople (2013).Educational and Community-Based Programs. Retrieved from HealthyPeople http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=11 Heritage, Z. & Dooris, M. (2009). "Community Participation and Empowerment in Healthy Cities." Health Promotion International, 24(1), ppi45-i55 Marcum, C.S. (2011). Age Differences in Daily Social Activities. Retrieved from Rand Labor and Population http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/working_papers/2011/RAND_WR904.pdf Steinberg, M. & Nichols, A. (1999). A Collaborative Approach to Healthy Ageing in Rural Communities. 5th National Rural Health Conference Adelaide, South Australia, 14-17th March 1999 Proceedings Wang, K. & Wang, K. (2009). An Exploratory Study on Leisure Activities Demand of Elderly in Taiwan. http://www.aabri.com/LV11Manuscripts/LV11065.pdf Read More