Comprehensive Prevention Scheme for Healthy Seniors Middle East and North Africa Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International Alzheimer’s Disease – The Global Health Crisis of the 21st Century 8-9 December 2013, Dubai L Hafarian 1, A Mirhaj 2, M Salehi 3, F Farin 4, M Khansari 5 1Head Education & Research, 2 Head Public Awareness & Education, 3 Chief Executive Officer, 4 Overseas PR- coordinator , 5 Deputy Chief Executive Officer Iran Alzheimer’s Association Presenter: Dr Hossein Nahvinejad (Secretary of National Council for the Elderly)

1. CONTEXT 2. OBJECTIVES 3. METHOD 4. RESULTS 5. CONCLUSION

prevalence of dementia 1. CONTEXT Worldwide the elderly population is rapidly increasing create a huge problem Rise in prevalence of dementia

In the Western world: In Iran: Gradual aging population services for promotion of health and prevention of disease in the elderly have been created (in order to achieve healthier and more independent aging) In Iran: The increased life expectancy Gradual aging population The related health issues such as: - Dementia - depression, isolation - lack of social interaction, hope, hobby, social support - Impose more social and economic problems

In order to promote healthy aging Iran Alzheimer Association In 2005 initiated a comprehensive prevention scheme For healthy seniors empowering individuals To reduce risk factors of dementia

2. OBJECTIVES Primary goal: Raise quality life & health of the elderly Secondary goals: Raising awareness about the old age diseases Raising quality of physical, mental, psychological, health, spirituality and social skills Make better choices improving life style Long term goals: Reduce the affect of old age diseases and disabilities Identifying aging population in the country, reaching them by extending the project Reduce cost by raising quality of health in the elderly

3. METHOD Member enrollment Target groups Empowerment Execute plan Activities Evaluation Extending the cycle of the project to different locations

a. Member enrolment Complete the membership form Steps to take for member enrolment: Complete the membership form Pay membership’s annual fee To feel part of a group To cover the groups’ running costs Complete medical form by: Physical examination by a doctor Psychological evaluation by a psychologist or a psychiatrist using psychological tests Issuing membership cards Join the activities Weekly counselling Evaluate each member by psychological test and medical check-up every 6 months

b. Target groups People over the age of 50

C. Empowerment The five essence of empowerment is: Sense of Competence: Believing in being capable performing own tasks Self-determination: Making free choices and feel motivated Personal consequence: Believe in self importance an capable of making positive changes Meaning: The sense of expression and interpretation of what is being done Trust: Feeling of being safe

d. Execute plan In accordance with the essence of empowerment, the project’s process namely, completion of forms, coordination with staff are executed by the members One staff of IAA from the Education Department monitors the direction of the process

e. Activities

Education Learn about: Dementia , Alzheimer’s disease, risk factors, prevention Hygiene/dealing with age related issues Mental and physical changes/menopause 10 living skills (self conscious, anger management, anxiety…… Preventing falls/suitable living area Suitable diet/information about medication(effects/side effects)… Learning a second language

Exercise Scheduled exercise programs: (aerobic, physical exercise, yoga, Thai chi …..)

socialize Celebrations & fun time Travel tours Reading brainstorming sessions

Music & art therapy Music, flower- making, choir and painting classes

f. Evaluation Continuous evaluation of the project by: Distribution of questionnaires for obtaining members’ opinions about the project Evaluating members’ health(by physical examination and psychological tests) and comparison between the present state of health and pre-membership and a control groups

g. The stages in developing the cycle of the project include: keep records and transfer knowledge identifying the new target groups laying down the infrastructure hold meetings explaining the project identify the priorities plan suitable intervention execute the plan monitor

4. RESULTS IAA has been monitoring the project regularly. The findings indicate that: The rate of depression in this group is much lower than other seniors in the community and in some cases participants’ depression has declined after joining the project. The members of the project are happier, have a greater rate of Self-esteem and enjoy a better quality of life. Have better general health

5. CONCLUSION The success of the project in raising the quality of health of seniors has been the reason for running the project for 8 consecutive years, in different locations in Tehran

Iran Alzheimer Association(IAA) www.Iranalz.ir با سپاس Thank You شكراً Iran Alzheimer Association(IAA) www.Iranalz.ir