1. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 1 WOMEN AND AGEING Refocusing On The Process

2. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 2 FACTS AND FIGURES Contributors to well being of the family People are living longer and longer The number of older people will continue to grow Greater risks for survival –Poverty –Neglect –Gender perspectives

3. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 3 Age often serves as a barrier –Openness to Experience –Education and training –Employment Rights are easy to violate Age brings with itself the risk of disability and vulnerability Every body has to age

4. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 4 Who are the older people People who are in their later adulthood or old age According to United Nations, any person who is above 60 years of age is considered to be aged In developing countries individuals past 49-50 years of age are considered old

5. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 5 CHANGES IN APPEARANCE o Physical o Psychological o Social o Intellectual

6. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 6 Physical Appearance Loss of height Body shape Changes in skin and hair Changes in muscles and bones Changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory system Changes in reproductive system Change in senses

7. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 7 Psychological Loss of memory, Loss of concentration and confidence Fear of death or Grief Loneliness Hostility and aggressiveness Lack of assertiveness

8. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 8 Social Loss of status in society Loss of companionship Loss of income Loss of meaningful lifestyle

9. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 9 Intellectual Ages 20-40Ages 40-55Ages 65- older Peak intellectual ability between 20-35 in both crystallized and fluid intelligence Maintenance of skills on measures of verbal, unspeeded, or crystallized intelligence Some loss of verbal or crystallized IQ More noticeable in adults with poor health Continued loss of skill on fluid IQ measures Optimal performance on memory tasks Little change in performance on memory tasks perhaps Slowing of retrieval process; less skilful use of encoding strategies for new memories Peak performance on laboratory tests of problem, solving Peak performance on real life problem solving tasks Decline in problem solving performance on both lab and real life tests

10. MENTAL HEALTH Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 10

11. EMOTIONAL REACTIONS –Rage –Psychosomatic disorders –Hypochondriases –Denial –Projection –exploitation of age and disability –Fixation and regression –Idealization –Withdrawal –Loneliness –Self-esteem Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 11

12. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 12 HEALTH

13. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 13 Areas that require attention are Concerns for physical and mental well being Hearing impairment Eye diseases and conditions Teeth and mouth care Responding to diabetes Issues of mobility Dealing with physical disability Terminal diseases

14. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 14 FOOD AND NUTRITION

15. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 15 Common problems identified are: Food security Cultural beliefs Established lifestyles, food habits and preferences Physical disability (eye sight) Stress Taste, smell and sight Drug use/Smoking loss of teeth Changes in gastro-intestinal tract Metabolic changes Severe constipation or incontinence.

16. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 16 AGING “We are poor, We are old, We are women, Nobody wants us”

17. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 17 Male domination Discrimination despite different amount of input by men and women Important with reference to: –Health issues –Social issues –Economic issues

18. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 18 SOCIAL SECURITY o In normal conditions o In disasters/emergencies

19. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 19 Formal and informal social security –Pension –Contributory social insurance –Contributory provident fund Informal social security –Common support system Families Neighbors Community

20. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 20 Social security in disaster situations is worse (Fires, Earthquakes, Floods) –Neglected, forgotten, or excluded –Discriminate against their competencies –Treated as less important, less able-bodied It is necessary to ensure that –Older people are involved in decision making and needs assessment process –Vulnerability areas of the elderly should be assessed.

21. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 21 In conclusion… Older people need to be involved in life of family and community They need as much independence as possible Older man and women must be treated equally Their wisdom needs to be utilized Their contributions should be acknowledged and recognized Their love companionship needs and interaction should be recognized

22. Lets Recognize the importance of older people together 22 THANKYOU