MGordon_MD
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Apr 24, 2007, 12:33 PM
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By Dr. Michael Gordon
One of the great success stories of the past century, and first of years of this century, is the growing aged population. Canada, like most western nations, has experienced a dramatic shift in the distribution of its population. Those over the age of 85 comprise the fastest growing proportion of the population - and it is expected that this trend will continue.
Policy makers and planners often wring their hands at the thought of the demands on the care system that this demographic shift implies, but for individuals and their families, the increasing likelihood of a long and fruitful life seems very promising.
The nature of the latter years most concerns individuals and their families. Many families have already experienced the possible range of what can happen with aging; from full and meaningful long lives until the very end, or close to it; or on the less positive side, the development of chronic illness of the body and mind which gradually impairs physical and mental functions.
Those of us committed to the care of the elderly look to the challenge of helping to define what individuals might do to enhance their likelihood of a long and healthy life, or if that is not possible, what can be done to maintain or promote as good function as possible even in the face of major medical problems.
There have been many advances over the past decades in medical diagnosis and treatment of the illnesses that afflict the elderly, but for some conditions, major breakthroughs have not occurred and we must struggle with assisting patients and their families cope with the ravages of chronic and progressive illnesses.
A challenge exists for families trying to establish care for loved ones, without depriving them of their independence and dignity, while trying to promote their safety and security.
Often, loved ones may not recognize fully the efforts of family members who provide them with love and affection. We see this, for example, in individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, or who have sustained devastating strokes, or suffer from malignant conditions. It is in the face of these challenges that families often demonstrate their strength, cohesiveness, and determination to do the best they can for older ones they love.
Sometimes such a support system does not exist and increases the challenge for the older person and for the professionals entrusted with care.
Dr. Michael Gordon, is vice-president of medical services at Baycrest in Toronto, Canada, and co-author with Bart Mindszenthy of Parenting Your Parents.
Parenting Your Parents is available in bookstores and online at: Indigo-Chapters, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
For bulk orders email info@dundurn.com. Call: 416-214-5544 or Fax: 416-214-5556
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(This post was edited by MGordon_MD on Sep 24, 2007, 1:36 PM)
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