CAN a 90-year-old still be called to active aging? How do you promote active aging among the old old 80 years old and above?
Being active in old age does not necessarily mean being into full sports or strenuous physical exercises. The call to be active is a platform we can use to face the opportunities and challenges of an aging population.
One way to longevity is to promote active aging across all ages. Active aging promotes successful aging, regardless of age. We have to engage in life within the seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, vocational, social and spiritual.
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has created Nine Principles of Active Aging, a model to guide governments, product and service providers, employers and the healthcare industry on how they respond to the aging of the population. By implementing and operating by these guiding principles, organizations and agencies will be able to build a foundation for their efforts and encourage active, engaged living for people of all ages.
As written by Colin Milner in “Building the Foundation for Active Aging,” these nine principles are:
Populations: The diverse population of older adults requires diverse solutions. Taking into consideration the different physiological changes of aging, older population presents with unique needs and challenges.
Perceptions: Ageism and negative stereotypes of aging impede an inclusive society. Older persons may be viewed either as a burden or a treasure, depending on family dynamics. Unrealistic perceptions of older persons can have a negative impact on their well-being.
People: Trained and committed individuals are needed to meet the needs of older adults. Depending on society’s perceptions, people should be competent to support the older populations’ needs. The heart and passion to serve the elderly should be a tangible reality among those who work for them.
Potential: Population aging is creating new economies. Older population will be making use of new focused economies.
Products: Products and services that tailor to older adult needs. The use of devices and, perhaps, utilities addressing the concerns of the elderly will need to be developed.
Promotions: Older adults are a key market to attract. Effective promotions and marketing should be applied to the realities of older persons. Their purchasing power is immense.
Places: Environment must be constructed to enable multiple functional abilities, such as older person friendly side streets, etc.
Policies: The human rights of older adults should be protected. Republic Act 9994, or the Senior Citizens Act, should be properly implemented.
Programs: The seven dimensions of wellness are anchored on the principles of active aging.
We have to be ready to face the future and enable a healthy, happier life for us when we age.