Active Ageing

active ageing and elderly care

The Malta Independent on Sunday 6 October 2019

2

OCTOBER 2019

|

active ageing

Still on the

ROAD

Age and experience can actually help drivers stay safe on the road, but when is it best to hang up the car keys.

S

hould there be an age limit for older drivers when inexperienced youngsters, high on 'legal' drugs, booze or the urge to show off, are as likely to cause a serious accident as someone nearly four times their age?

Growing older, brings changes, in agility and to sight and hearing, the ability to think and react in a split second, to access and anticipate what other drivers and pedestrians, may be about to do and to concentrate, even in slow traffic.

But drivers of any age face these situations. Mothers with noisy children in the back, business men distracted by performance worries, delivery providers in a hurry to complete each trip; all face risks on the road. And how many people get behind the wheel when they are over tired, taking medication that impairs reflexes, have bad vision or a temporary injury that makes the physical part of driving difficult?

And these are apart from the massive percentage of drivers who are on their phones, reading a tablet on their laps, adjusting their car entertainment, using their driving mirror for personal grooming or their vehicles as dining cars. Witness a young woman in Main Street, Mosta,

recently coasting slowly over a cross road with neither hand on the wheel and both eyes seeking the last of whatever she was spooning out of a deep, plastic pot.

Our elderly population is growing. Many people are staying longer in employment, for which using a car is a necessity, given our erratic and inadequate public transport system. Grandparents collect

grandchildren from school and take them on outings much more than they did in previous generations. There needs to be careful consideration of the ways for drivers to be able to continue driving as long as possible.

From 18 till 70 years old, driving licences are generally renewed automatically, every 10 years. It does make you wonder how many drivers are on the road with safety-affecting illnesses or conditions that have not been diagnosed, or admitted by the driver, but which make them a greater risk on the road than the average elderly driver?

Meanwhile, on reaching 70, drivers are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to drive every five years, in order to keep a driving licence. They may be fit as fleas, with all the cognitive powers of someone half their age and the grace to give way when required, and stick to the speed limit, and have never even been on the scene of an accident.

They are not the only ones who dither at traffic lights, lose their tempers when overtaken by other drivers, use their horns every few metres and at every oncoming vehicle bigger than they are, and park in a

spot nearest to their destination, no matter what. But, ageism is insidious.

Elderly drivers are more likely to make the news when they are involved in accidents. But traffic accidents attributable to the younger generation, especially new drivers, are more common than those caused by the elderly.

The policy of car insurers seems to agree.

They mostly consider drivers under 25 to pose the highest risk and issue higher premiums for this category. Rarely, if ever are there higher premiums for simply being a pensioner.

The important thing is that elderly drivers themselves take some time to assess whether they feel as safe as they used to when driving. Extra traffic on the roads, higher speeds, busy bypasses, roundabouts and complicated junctions springing up everywhere have made driving more of a trial than a pleasure.

Limbs become stiffer, making maneuvering into a parking space difficult.

Changes in peripheral vision can affect distance perception, and the eyes' responses to head lamps and street lights might make night driving glasses necessary. A weaker strength of grip on the steering wheel or gearstick may become a problem. And hearing loss dims the sound of car engines and horns. When will this become too much?

A responsible driver will know when any of these signs and symptoms begin to affect their ability to drive safely, and then make the right decision.

Independence, dignity and the right to maintain their life style, as long they wish, are what every person should be able to expect. Society needs to see that this happens fairly and always on an individual basis. And we all need to get a grip and acknowledge that all drivers have the same reasons and rights to use their cars; and to imagine how we would feel if our right to drive depended on no more than a date of birth.

4

OCTOBER 2019

|

active ageing

COOKING up a

If cooking becomes more of a chore than a pleasure there is a lot you can do.

S

ome people have never liked cooking. Others don't see the point of making an elaborate meal for one. Many find it more difficult to make a meal from scratch as various signs of age make themselves felt. Others find

managing on a shrinking budget means many of their favourite ingredients have become less affordable, or that simply getting out to do the shopping, and lugging it all back home is too difficult.

Whatever the reasons for cutting down on making meals from scratch and, or, not using fresh, healthy ingredients, they

can eventually lead to a decline in fitness that will have serious effects on health and wellbeing, at a time of life when a certain diet and enough nourishment are essential. This is all the more important for people used to a healthy, varied diet with a minimum reliance on junk food.

A poor diet aggravates old illnesses and symptoms and can be the cause of new ones. Eating well can help maintain fitness and resistance to a number of diseases throughout the body.

There are a number of reasons to skip meals or stick to snacks, which may not be obvious.

These include a more sedentary lifestyle where it's

active ageing

|

5

OCTOBER 2019

treat not easy to build up an appetite through lots of activity, or depression which can put people off eating A decreasing sense of smell and taste can deprive the mind of the appetising anticipation of a good meal. Even well-tried recipes seem to take extra time to prepare and clear up. And with the effort of lifting hot pans from the cooker or oven, and all the washing up, a takeaway meal is bound to look like a good choice.

But anyone who does cook regularly, or at least prepares a meal which provides the daily recommended portions of various nutrients, vitamins and minerals will tell you how much fitter they feel.

The thing is; this is a time in life when meals at home can be the most enjoyable. You can have what you like without someone piping up they don't like one thing, or can't eat another. It does not have to be ready by such and such a time to fit into a busy schedule. Meal preparation can be unhurried.

You can mix and match recipes, whether it's breakfast lunch and supper, as long as the overall menus are a good mix of what you need. If you feel like eating from a tray in front of an entire box set, or outside,

or at a beautifully laid table, with candles, it's your choice.

And remember the joy of feeding friends at own your table? Set up a lunch or supper club with a small group and see what a difference sharing your favourite snacks or main meals can make to everyone's appetite.

When you are in no hurry, cooking can be wonderfully creative and so many people take it up later in life for that reason. If making something delicious to eat wasn't so satisfying and rewarding what would be the point of all those cookery programmes and recipes in magazines and books?

Even the challenges of coping in a kitchen when the symptoms of old age are making themselves felt can be lessened with the everincreasing range of brilliant gadgets designed to do just that.

Unscrewing bottles and jars, opening tins, even the ones with ring pulls, need not be a problem. Scissors with triple blades cut parsley and other herbs in seconds. There are silicon oven gloves with

fingers, for extra grip, stands to hold bowls, so your hands are free to do the mixing, and tea pots and kettles that can pour their contents just by being tipped. And you'd never believe the number of different juicers, slicers, choppers, graters, some made to be used with only one hand, that can be found in shops or online.

And, if by now you are wondering who else could benefit when you start cooking for pleasure think of the charities that welcome cakes and preserves, the homes that could use volunteers to cook for residents, a family or neighbour who would be grateful for a something homecooked and, of course, your own nearest and dearest, who may not have fully appreciated all your efforts before but certainly will now.

6

OCTOBER 2019

|

active ageing

KEEPING on the move Finding ways and means to exercise daily is not always easy.

But even in winter exercise is important.

A

s years go by the need to stay fit and strong doesn't go away A few strengthening workouts every week will help prevent loss of bone mass and improve balance, avoiding the risk of falling or breaking a bone, and improve respiratory health.

The whole body will benefit from a small amount of daily physical movement. And for the brain stimuli such as reading, word, card and video games, creative writing; blogging, painting and cooking are all 'painless' ways to keep mentally fit.

The skills and abilities created and maintained by such activities are invaluable in protecting cognitive skills, reactions and reflexes, agility,

general fitness and a feel good factor.

They also decrease the wellknown and dreaded risk of falls, and their subsequent complications that older people are constantly reminded of. It is easy to find workouts that can be done in the comfort of your own home but it is probably safer to exercise where there are others around, just in case the temptation to 'go for the burn', or chicken out, gets too high.

Walking, which you can pace to suit yourself, is an excellent way of keeping fit. Go with a dog, a friend or a grandchild; explore new places. If you don't have many attractive areas nearby, take a bus to somewhere that has more to offer. If the weather is bad, walk in a shopping complex or round a gallery or museum.

If walking is difficult or

painful, swimming is a great alternative. It offers low-impact resistance training that targets muscles and joints and encourages the stretching necessary to stay mobile and flexible enough to do everyday activities.

Yoga or Pilates, which focus on different muscle groups, both help flexibility and good posture which, in turn, may reduce muscular pain and the risk of injuries.

Taking a reasonable amount of endurance exercise increases the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to its tissues. Keep it up for few weeks, and an improvement in the way you perform everyday tasks, without getting tired, will really be noticeable. Make it a regular habit to keep fitness levels at their best.

WHERE AND WHEN

Getting into the habit of exercising may be difficult for anyone who has lead a fairly sedentary life. And finding an exercise you can enjoy if you have to give up the sports and activities you used to do can be hard. But coaching a sport you love can keep you involved without too much hard work.

Decide if you would prefer to exercise in your own time and space or use it as a way to socialise and get away from familiar places. Tai Chi classes encourage both alertness and agility, in an atmosphere of courtesy and calmness. Some gentle sailing or canoeing around our beautiful coastline wouldn't seem like exercise at all. Both can be done alone or in company.

A gym is a good place to team up with fellow fitness followers. It can be encouraging to spur each other on and compare progress; but unwise to be too competitive! Other social exercise opportunities

come with joining an archery club, a walking group or an organisation that maintains heritage gardens and buildings.

FOR SAFETY'S SAKE

Make sure your exercise is suitable for your current fitness level. Get your doctor's advice before starting, if you have any chronic illness or conditions requiring medication. Always wear appropriate clothes and footwear and ensure the places you are in are well run and fit for purpose. Tell someone where you'll be if you're away from public areas, and keep a topped- up mobile – GSP location on, with you at all times.

Whatever ways you choose to stay as fit as possible it needs to be something you really want to do. Be prepared to look around and even try something totally new. The novelty and an improvement in your quality of life can give even the most dedicated coach potato a new boost of energy.

active ageing

|

7

OCTOBER 2019

MEMORIES They are the sum of our lives and they make us who we are.

We are entitled to dwell on them now and again.

S

ights, sounds, smells and tastes all bring back memories some welcome, some we would rather not have. Life from quite an early age is full of memories. And there comes a time when their value grows greater, not just in the companionable way it does when old friends and family members meet up, but as a way of privately re-enjoying the happiest experiences and achievements we have had. We deliberately take moments or longer to immerse ourselves in those times because, simple or

complex, dangerous or comforting, ambitious or indulgent, they represent passages in our lives that give it meaning and reason.

Sharing memories brings people together. And the differences people have in their individual memories of a shared event, place or experience can enrich our own immensely, especially if it is a mutual memory. In short, as soon as we really understand how important they may be we start to make more memories, and create them for loved ones who may not yet realise how precious they will be.

But although we so often say, and mean it, "I'll never forget this, ever." Or, on so many occasions, mentally engrave an image on our mind, there are times we really have to concentrate to recall a certain occasion, event or person when we want to.

This is when the different triggers we have taught ourselves to use can help; such as the association of ideas, linking a person or place to others things that were going on at the time. Thinking of someone in the context of where you met, places of work, mutual friends and

interests, can jog a memory and lead to all sorts of other snippets of information coming to mind. Remembering happy events and successful achievements reminds us that there are always chances to do or be something special.

And that is what makes keeping up with old friends and family so important. They are the reminders of a time when we firmly believed that none of the things connected with getting older would ever affect us. We would never choose to pass our time in any ways other than embracing the present and looking excitedly to the future. But, our extra years of life experiences prove otherwise. We need our memories to make some sense of today, and to bring out when things are not going so well.

It is obviously true that there are brilliant things we have now that were unavailable in our good old days. But we know that not all that the 21st century brings is an improvement on the

general quality of life – the provision of what human nature needs to thrive and be happy.

Current generations may not understand how or why this is the case.

They are more likely to see much of our value of the past, possessions, memories, and so on, as dwelling in a state of morbid inertia or fading superiority. But this would bring no joy at all. Memories and the things we keep, and methods we use, to retain them should never turn us into dinosaurs.

We need never undervalue memories.

The feelings of nostalgia created by music, films, certain places, photos, even scents and foods, can affect someone at almost any age. Valuable, sentimental pieces of furniture, jewellery and art, vintage clothes and accessories can all build memories, both from the past and in current times, to ensure everyone we know will have happy memories as far into their futures as they can imagine.

CAREMALTA celebrates World Alzheimer’s Day

T

he World Alzheimer’s day is celebrated on 21st September. CareMalta celebrated this day by organising an event at Villa Messina, one of its nine homes, to mark this occasion. The event featured a varied program which was introduced by Prof. Scerri, an expert in the field. The programme organised highlighted a variation of arts, literature and music. During the program residents and employees themselves contributed through different performances of music, dances and literature reading. The event was also complemented by key cello performances. Musical intermezzos by cellists Mr. Gilmour Peplow and Mr. Stelios Pittas were performed giving both classical and contemporary interpretations to residents, all of which were older adults.

The event was concluded with a few words by CareMalta’s CEO, Mrs. Briffa Farrugia followed by a reception which was held at Villa Messina gardens.

This occasion was dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges and stigma surrounding dementia.

CareMalta’s homes offer person centred care in a dementia-friendly environment.

For more information about CareMalta kindly visit www.caremalta.com or call on 22584200.

8

OCTOBER 2019

|

active ageing

MALTA RANKS 1ST in improving active ageing The first of October is recognised as the International Day for the Elderly – a day to celebrate older persons in our communities, the hard work and dedication of those working in the sector, and the huge strides that our country has made with regards to active ageing.

I

n fact, according to the Active Ageing Index, published by the UN Economic Commission for Europe, Malta currently stands in the first place when it comes to the continuous progress experienced in the lives of our elderly. This is mostly possible due to the commitment, particularly in terms of financial resources and investment, which this government has shown in the sector; but also, without a doubt, due to efforts made by professionals and employees working directly with the elderly and their families.

Of the many initiatives undertaken throughout 2019, the enhancement of community and residential services for Maltese elderly people, to further facilitate active ageing, have been a priority for the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing. Many of these measures where catered primarily for those elderly people who are either housebound, or have physical or mental health problems that impinge on their wellbeing.

Understanding that mobility is quite a challenge for many older individuals, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing has been addressing the shortage of transport services for the elderly. Back in September 2018, “Silver T” was launched as a pilot project in three localities. Having received such positive response, the service was extended to 10 localities in April 2019.

Finally, on the International Day for the Elderly, Parliamentary Secretary, Anthony Agius Decelis, launched an electric scooter service for elderly people with

mobility difficulties to be able to roam around and run errands in Valletta. He noted that this initiative was based on many conversations he has had with individuals, some of which had not been able to visit the capital city for more than 10 years!

To address challenges related to mental health amongst our older persons, earlier this year Active Ageing and Community Care initiated the psychogeriatric service, whose aim is to provide a psychiatric evaluation to senior citizens.

Moreover, the AACC launched

a phlebotomy service, which started as a pilot project in Mosta and Birkirkara.

At St Vincent de Paul, the provision of services has also started being offered on an outpatients basis, hence allowing for more specialised elderly care while also alleviating the demands on the health sector brought about by an ageing population. The ENT, as well as the dental clinics, have both been recently established.

Additionally, SVP renovated its physiotherapy department with an investment of over €800,000.

Investment in the elderly

sector did not focus solely on the supported medically related services. For the first time, Malta has inaugurated “Silver Hub”, a day centre for elderly persons with high dependency needs – again within St Vincent de Paul. Here, the elderly socialise and engage in a diverse number of activities, while also being given adequate care.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, in collaboration with the University of Malta, also signed an agreement with the University of Malta which

established six University of Third Age branches in a variety of localities, as well as the first University of the Fourth Age. Such concept establishes that life-long learning is also vital for the elderly, with high dependency needs.

With so many diverse new initiatives being established, all of which involve a sound financial commitment, it is evident why such a reputable European report as the Active Ageing Index places a country like ours places first, when it comes to the results achieved in the sector.