Situation Critical – Our Population is Aging!
Our changing society. In order to do this, it is necessary to review demographics and other significant factors that have contributed directly to Canada’s aging society.
Your EPC has learned about elders in respect of their needs, wants, and concerns. This newly acquired knowledge will assist the professional in planning for the future.
Your EPC has been required to understand life cycle changes and various factors and situations that an elder experiences while going through life.
Your EPC has studied how such factors as age, gender, race, and ethnic background greatly influence elder behaviours and attitudes when interacting with professionals.
Principles, Progressions & the Effects of Aging
The main goal for your EPC is to become acquainted with the physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging, along with any challenges that are created by age-related changes in the human body.
By understanding the age-related and non-age-related changes and challenges, an EPC is better qualified to professionally serve the elder client or prospect. By working together with the elder, their best needs are met when determining which plan to follow.
Understanding Chronic Conditions
Your EPC will witness the full implications that chronic conditions will have on the elder and their families. They have studied how severe illnesses can alter the elder’s lifestyle and their ability to maintain a fully self-sufficient life.
In addition, your EPC should be familiar with the members of the elder’s health care team, and, in addition, what each of those individual’s responsibilities are. Although this chapter uses many medical terms and situations, it is not necessary for the EPC to have the same knowledge as a medical doctor. Remember that one not in the medical profession, should not suggest any medical advice to a client or prospect.
Knowing the symptoms and having the awareness of some of the medical conditions and ailments that take their toll on our aging society could greatly enhance the way in which the EPC interacts and carries on business with an elder.
Dementia & Our Aging Society
Your EPC will be in a better position to understand and recognize the various kinds of dementia, especially Alzheimer Disease (AD). As there are many implications of dementia, the student should know how it pertains to their work with elders and their families.
Your EPC will be able to define dementia, explain some of the causes of dementia, and describe some of the different types of dementia. They will have acquired knowledge about Alzheimer Disease. They are also versed in the planning and management of dementia and be comfortable dealing with the various caregiving issues surrounding it.
Nutrition and Fitness
Your EPC has be familiar with nutrition, healthful lifestyle, and longevity in relation to elders. Factors that contribute to an unhealthy life and shorter lifespan will also be discussed to further explain, and emphasize, the importance of health as we age.
Your EPC has gained insight into the overall process of aging by considering the human body and the elements that affect it over time. Having a foundation of information with which to assess an elder’s health profile, the EPC is able to recognize areas requiring attention and suggest possible lifestyle changes in relation to nutrition and fitness.
With awareness to the fact that a healthful lifestyle can both prevent and improve the impact of age-related conditions, your EPC is in a position to help themselves, and others, to live better. Understanding the role nutrition and fitness play in preventing such conditions as Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and others, is the key in making life-changing choices for health.
Your EPC has studied aging theories, anti-aging strategies, nutrition, digestion, causes of poor nutrition, elder nutritional requirements, how to determine elder health, supplements, diet and disease, exercise, and fitness.