In Finland, even… 98-year-olds go to the gym. How it's possible? The state cares for good he alth and equal access to he alth care for every citizen, including seniors. Especially as there are more and more elderly people in Finland, life expectancy is increasing. It is important that this life is of the best quality - argued experts during the conference "Senior care - as they do in Finland". Check out how caring for the elderly looks like in this country.
Finns, just like Poles, are rapidly aging society. However, it is an older society than Poland, and the number of seniors, people over 65, is higher than in our country and many other EU countries.
It is expected that in 2022 older people will constitute 1/3 of the Finnish population, and in 2060 there will be less than two people of working age for every person in the working age. You need to properly care for such a large social group.
In Finland, the care of elderly people aims to ensure that they stay at home as long as possible and be independent of other people. To achieve this goal, the senior must be in good shape.
Experts argue that the best way to maintain fitness for as long as possible - both physical and mental - is diet and exercise, including those that stimulate the brain.
This method has proven to be effective, as currently over 90% of people aged over 75 in Finland live in their own home and are either independent or get help from other people.
How is elderly care in Finland?
In Finland - unlike in Poland - children do not feel obliged to look after their elderly parents. This obligation was taken over by the state. It plays an important role in financing and organizing care for the elderly.
However, it is not the central government, but the commune, that is responsible for the seniors care program - its development, implementation, monitoring and modification. Local authorities are the closest to their inhabitants.
Of course, not only the authorities but also the citizens involved in the program are involved in creating the program. Open meetings are held for older people to present their expectations.
Im he althierseniors, the longer they remain independent, and this allows them to reduce he alth and care costs.
Seniors in Finland can count on a wide range of home he alth and social care services. These include advice, consultations, home visits, nurse assistance (e.g. bathing, help with dressing or using the toilet) and care services such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, washing, delivering meals, transport and other services, thanks to which senior can remain active.
The state also makes sure that the senior is active outside the home. For this purpose, for example, it pays extra to the gym and swimming pool subscription. During a visit to the gym, the senior not only exercises but also meets other elderly people and makes friends. Therefore, an additional benefit is the participation of the elderly in social life.
If a senior requires round-the-clock care, then he or she goes, for example, to nursing homes. Even there, the caregivers make sure that the senior is active - on site, he can take part, for example, in computer courses or painting classes.
Worth knowingFinns believe that physical activity is the best medicine
Dr. Harriet Finne-Soveri from the University of Helsinki emphasizes that we all age differently and at different rates. It is influenced by many factors, but a lot depends on our type of life. - Aging is written in our genes, we inherit certain inclinations. However, a lot depends on our habits. If they are good, we will age more slowly. If they are bad - we will age faster - convinces the expert.
These good habits are primarily a he althy diet and physical activity. - Scientists already 20 years ago argued that regularly performed physical exercise has a therapeutic effect - says Prof. Arto J Hautala from the University of Oulu. "Combining exercise with the right frequency, intensity and duration can have very beneficial [he alth] effects," he adds. I am talking about endurance, strength and aerobic exercises.
- Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and fall injuries, says Prof. . Arto J Hautala.
Other benefits of exercise include reducing aggression, risk of developing depression, improving sleep quality, weight loss, strengthening bones, reducing the risk of falls and injuries resulting from falls.
Muscle strength also improves, which is something seniors need to be able to stay mobile andstay independent as long as possible.
No wonder that one of the tools used in preventive he alth care in Finland are "prescriptions" for a specific type of physical activity. The implementation of such a "prescription" and its effects are monitored by a doctor.
Even 98-year-olds go to the gym in Finland
Source: youtube.com/HUR - For Lifelong Strength