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Enhancing Health Through Social Inclusion: Bridging the Gap
Pat Spadafora
The objective of this presentation is to explore the correlation between social inclusion of elders in Canadian society and optimum health. While acknowledging the need for scientific research conducted from the perspective of a medical model, this presenter will consider health from a holistic, psychosocial perspective that emerges from a focus on strengths and enhancing quality of life.
An integral component of the foregoing definition is “participation”. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid, 2002, elaborates on the theme of participation of older adults as reflected through the three main priority directions of the plan. These include:
- older persons and development
- advancing health and well being into old age
- enabling and supportive environments
Although the member states of the United Nations adopted the plan, the next step is the transition from rhetoric to implementation. An impediment to implementation of the plan is systemic ageism that, for many older adults, marginalizes their participation in society and leads to social exclusion.
Having identified forces that exclude older adults, the presenter will discuss some of the innovative programs and research in Canada that facilitates social inclusion of older adults. The contention is that social inclusion impacts positively on health in both somatic and subjective ways, leading to optimum health.
By way of example, the approach of the Sheridan Elder Research Centre (SERC) in Oakville, Canada, will be presented as one innovative model that has “sensitized” a post secondary campus to the impact of aging on diverse professions, resulting in applied research initiatives that draw on the strengths of the institute’s unique programs. Sensitization breaks down barriers to deeply embedded ageist attitudes and stereotypes and enhances social inclusion, providing enabling environments in which elders are an integral part of the communities in which they live. Inclusion fosters well being.
Finally, while recognizing the positive contributions of Canadian research, this presentation will identify gaps that must be addressed as we work collaboratively to develop a social inclusion research agenda.
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For more information about the conference, contact:
Sarah Zgraggen
The Willow Group
Tel: (613) 722-8796;
Fax: (613) 729-6206;
e-mail: szgraggen@thewillowgroup.com
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