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Experience in Action:
Community Programming
for Healthy Aging
No. 1 - Core Values in Seniors' Programs
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All projects directed to seniors must acknowledge
a set of fundamental human values. It is these values which must
ultimately guide project development.
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Saskatchewan Story Dialogue Project
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Focus on values rather than the bottom line
Core values
Certain values are fundamental to seniors' community programming: dignity,
purpose, self-esteem, respect, fairness, equity and compassion. Projects
with seniors need to honour these values.
Dignity, purpose and self-esteem are fundamental ingredients for any person's
quality of life. Opportunities to reinforce these values occur when seniors:
- Pass on skills and knowledge. "Knowing that younger generations
benefit from our experiences can provide a tremendous sense of satisfaction."
- Reminisce. "The opportunity to talk about good times can
give more meaning and purpose to our accomplishments and experiences."
- Continue a purposeful routine. "Routines provide structure
and order in our lives, and give us a sense of purpose."
The importance of shared experience
Seniors have a vast collection of knowledge and experience. Given the
opportunity and the right climate of acceptance and trust, seniors are
often willing to share their personal experiences with others. In doing
so, they find that they are not alone in their struggle with life events.
When seniors are brought together with others who have common concerns,
the sharing of experiences can be even more empowering and hopeful, as
new ways of coping emerge. Through helping others, seniors are sometimes
surprised to learn that they are, in fact, needed by others. This enhances
their own level of self-worth.
All people have something to give, but some may need encouragement to
reach out and belong. Sharing needs to be encouraged in small groups and
expanded over time. Build trust by involving consistent leaders and support
people.
Our society, through the perpetuation of negative
images of seniors, increases prejudice toward seniors, reduces their self-esteem
and involvement and thereby increases their risk for poor health.
Toward Healthy-Aging Communities:
A Population Health Approach
Recognize and value differences
Seniors are as diverse as any other sector of the population. Programs
and services directed to seniors need to recognize and value their differing
needs and contributions.
A project cannot be everything to everyone; however, sensitivity to varied
concerns and multi-faceted approaches to support are needed, e.g., a Wellness
Centre could offer educational, fitness and social activities along with
very practical supports such as informal referral, home repair, maintenance
and transportation.
Pay attention to:
- Programs that cross all age groups. Community programs that
involve different age groups are less stigmatizing for older people.
Intergenerational programs give seniors and younger people chances to
better understand and value each other.
- Differences between senior men and women. Senior women may
have different life concerns than senior men. Often, older women are
also caregivers and need additional supports if they are to take part
in activities outside the home.
- Senior immigrants. Senior immigrants experience language and
cultural barriers that make isolation more acute for them than for non-immigrant
seniors.
- Aboriginal seniors. Working styles must be appropriate to aboriginal
seniors. Programming must be culturally appropriate and priorities should
be set in partnership with groups such as Aboriginal Elders. The proper
way to enter a community varies among First Nations, Métis and
Inuit communities. It is important to develop trust and show proper
respect for the local community.
- Literacy and low income levels. Programs need to deal sensitively
and appropriately with illiterate and low literate seniors as well as
with seniors who have low incomes.
- Developmentally delayed seniors. Care and support of developmentally
delayed seniors and their caregivers is a relatively new challenge because
persons who are developmentally delayed are now living longer and are
not as likely to be in institutions.
The prevalence of low self-esteem
and stress among seniors reduces their coping skills and places many seniors
at risk for physical and mental illness.
Toward Healthy-Aging Communities: A Population Health Approach
Key messages
- Establishing and maintaining core community values are fundamental
to the success of seniors' programming and services. These values focus
on human dignity and not on deficit reduction.
- Multi-faceted approaches are needed to deal sensitively and appropriately
with the diverse needs of different seniors.
- Trusting relationships reach isolated seniors and overcome cultural
barriers. Building these relationships takes time.
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