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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttachment A- Fox Valley Memory Project (2)We’re all in this together! Creating age-and dementia- friendly communities “post pandemic” Susan H. McFadden, Ph.D. www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org ”post pandemic”??? We are still learning! •People 65 and older account for about 16% of the US population, but 75% of all deaths from Covid-19 so far •For all ages, social distancing measures produced risks to social well-being •Loneliness is associated with depression and anxiety, especially among care partners •Many older people lacked access to social communication technology, but some programs helped get them online Many new resources now available •AARP network of age-friendly communities: they are livable for persons of all ages! AARP scoring for Oshkosh Age-friendly communities tell a new story about aging •The fear: Old age in an institution •The dream: Aging “in place” (and compression of morbidity) •The nightmare: “Stuck in place” •The new hope: Aging with joy and dignity in community Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide (World Health Organization, 2007) Does age-friendly = dementia- friendly? Telling a new story about dementia •Why do we need a new story? •Who will tell the new story? •How will it be told? •Where will people hear the new story? •What is this new story? •When will it be told? Why do we need a new story about dementia? •People fear dementia more that developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or stroke (MetLife Foundation, 2011) •Fear + lack of knowledge = STIGMA Who will tell the new story about dementia? •People experiencing memory loss •Family members and friends •Persons who work with those diagnosed with dementia How will the new story about dementia be told? Social Media and Dementia Where will people hear the new story about dementia? •Schools •Religious organizations •Popular media •Social media •Medical settings •Local, state, and national governments What will the new story tell us? •Dementia is a disability that is best addressed by PATIENCE and KINDNESS •Together, we can create dementia-friendly communities by –Including persons with dementia –Educating everyone in the community about dementia –Removing physical and social barriers to a good life –Caring for care partners –Providing early and accurate diagnoses –Offering appropriate programs and services for all, regardless of type or level of dementia When will the new story be told?