Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation wants to share information on healthy aging with the community, but first they need to know what Langley most wants to learn about.
The LMHF is developing a series of educational talks to start this summer, featuring guest speakers from the Fraser Health Frail Elderly-Older Adult Network, the Langley Specialized Seniors Care Team, and the Fraser Health dietitians, occupational therapists, and social workers.
The overall program is about helping to educate people to live well, independently, long into their senior years. Information in the talks will be aimed at both seniors and younger people looking to learn how to best support their elders.
“Langley is home to a large and growing percentage of older adults,” said Heather Scott, executive director of LMHF. “Already, approximately 37 per cent of Langley’s population (Township and City) is aged 65 and older. The Fraser Health Authority estimates that the percentage of Fraser Valley community residents aged 75 and older will grow by 30 per cent by 2025 and by 149 per cent by 2040.”
Scott said the LMHF recognizes the growing need for senior care facilities, services, and health care options in Langley.
“Older adults – our parents and grandparents – bring significant value to our lives and significant experience and diversity to families and communities,” said Scott. “Seniors who have the resources to live well and independently, contribute to the economy; donate to charitable efforts, volunteer to build and strengthen neighbourhoods, organizations and society as a whole.”
Before the talks take place, LMHF is asking the public to respond to an online questionnaire about which topics they are most interested in which will help with the organization of the talks. None of the events have yet been scheduled.
The talk topics included in the survey include:
• Recognizing the signs of dementia
• Aging and brain health
• Fall prevention
• Aging and living independently
• Family support: seniors with high needs
• Recognizing signs of depression in seniors
• How to prevent social isolation for elders
• Aging and staying physically active
• Supporting your aging parents: tips on navitating the system and finding resources
• Aging takes planning: why power of attorney is important for seniors
• Aging takes planning: expressing your health care
• 10 tips for safe medication management for seniors
There is also a section on the survey where people can suggest their own topics.
Those taking part have to provide an email address.
The survey can be found through Facebook, or on the Google Doc where it is hosted.