by Deb Lee, BRCA Heritage and CGH Commemoration Project
This column is being written as we celebrate the October 1 Day for the Older Adult. There have been many advances in the health status of older people over the years. What with improving public health (safer drinking water and general sanitation, prevention and control of infectious diseases, etc) and medical advances, life expectancy has steadily improved. In 1931 life expectancy was 62.1 years for women and 60 for men and by 2021 this statistic has stabilized at 82.7 and 78 years, respectively. People are living much longer. However, the effects of chronic conditions such as heart disease and strokes, diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia have led to increasing disabilities. Quality of life in the later years is impacted.
Since the 1980s there has been a growing recognition that medical services for older adults require different approaches to that for the younger population. Specialized knowledge and care are needed. The field of Geriatrics was established to provide education and to foster research into aging and wellbeing. The goal is to optimize health status so that as people age, they can live a good quality of life in the community. A key feature of the specialized care of older adults is the involvement of a team of professionals whose different skills and treatments address the disabling effects of disease, aging and frailty.
The Calgary General Hospital was a key part of a regional approach to the care of older adults that was initiated in the late 1980s. Norcen Energy Resources provided funding to open a Geriatric Assessment Unit that was affiliated with the University of Calgary in 1988. In addition to a Geriatrician, the care team includes family physicians, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work. This specialized approach to care of older adults resulted in significant improvements in functioning and greater levels of discharge from hospital back into the community. In the 1990s the Geriatric program transferred over to the Peter Lougheed Centre and continues to this day.
In Bridgeland we have outpatient consultation services available to older adults at the Alberta Health Services Seniors Health Clinic on McDougall Road. Assessments for dementia and fall prevention programs are key aspects of this clinic.
Of great importance as well is the effort of individuals (of all ages) to strive for good health. We can see the positive effects of active living in our community, with older residents’ participation in the yoga and exercise programs at the community centre. Many others take advantage of our walkable streets and nearby river pathways to enhance their quality of life.
Cheers to a healthy life and wellbeing for all!
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