Reframing how we feel about ageing

Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

Older people have had a torrid time during the pandemic. Not only were they at the highest risk of being sick from catching the disease, their portrayal as vulnerable, frail, in need of care and protection, reflected negative stereotypes that many hold about older people, believes said Paddy Connolly, CEO of Age Action.

This year’s Positive Ageing Week is an opportunity for communities to rethink how we think, feel and act about older people and ageing. The theme for 2021 is ‘Reconnecting Our Communities by Reframing Ageing’.

“We know public health measures saved hundreds of lives but advice to people over 70 to cocoon, visiting restrictions in nursing homes and the general lack of engagement with older people about policies that directly affected them left many feeling invisible or diminished. Those practices also undermine people’s rights such as right to family life and autonomy,” he insisted.

With one in five people in Ireland going to be over the age of 65 by 2050, it is necessary that ageist attitudes and policies are challenged and addressed to uphold equality and rights.

A new report published this week by the Institute of Public Health found that arts and creativity have an important role to play in health and well-being in later life and can help improve physical, psychological, and social health in older adults.

Dance is particularly beneficial for improving balance, mobility, strength, flexibility, physical activity, as well as improving cognitive function. Music and singing can provide improvements in cognitive function and improved emotions while music, singing and visual arts can help improve quality of life, social connections, and a sense of well-being.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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