Blog

Details: Published: 16 November 2018

By the Seniors of Canada Team

When it comes to later life, in mainstream media, we find that you typically see two themes: the Viagra/Freedom 55-type photos — affluent, attractive retirees dancing or golfing their way through their golden years — and photos from the other end of the spectrum, often depicting weak, physically frail older people who seem to need help. Oversimplified stereotypes like these fuel ageist narratives and add to a belief that all older people fit into one of two boxes. Ageism cuts across the life course and is understood as occurring when one is perceived to be too old or too young to be or to do something (Nelson, 2005). The most socially “normalized” of any prejudice, ageism is a widespread practice and has negative impacts on older people’s health and well-being. Ageist beliefs can, in fact, be internalized, and older people may come to believe the negative stereotypes about their age group. We know that older age is characterized by great diversity and with aging populations around the world, we need to act now to generate a positive effect on individuals and society.

Details: Published: 29 October 2018

By Stephany Peterson

Putting Humpty Together Again: Contextualizing interdisciplinarity as disposition in abuse research
Musings from the MMFC Conference, UNB, Fall 2018

Excerpts from the essay, which can be found in full length with references here

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men,
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Lately, I have been mulling about how interdisciplinarity in the context of the incredible design form of an egg: it is truly an evolutionary marvel. Its three-dimension arch shape is one of the strongest architectural forms on earth. As a result, the egg can withstand a hen settling its weight to roost over it, or even the exerted pressure of the entire human body; however, it is also delicate enough to allow for the beak of a chick or a gentle tap on the lip of a mixing bowl to penetrate it. The nature of this domed structure enables its delicate composition: its tenuousness possible because of its strength of form.

This intentional tenuousness, and how it can illustrate a key element of intersectoral research, kept returning to me as I enjoyed a recent conference hosted at the University of New Brunswick. The season’s first snow swirling, framed by the room’s picture windows, was a backdrop to the dozens of professionals from multiple fields, all convened by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre and its Abuse and Neglect of Older Adults Research Team for the Abuse of Older Women: A Community-Based Approach conference.

Details: Published: 02 October 2018

The Edmonton Police Service just released a new video to illustrate some of the signs that can be indicators of abuse or neglect.

Via the Edmonton Police Service page "How to Help Abused Seniors"

"Those in regular contact with a senior are normally more aware of the seniors’ regular routines and are better equipped to identify changes that may suggest abuse is an issue.

Those closest to the senior are able to identify concerns, provide emotional support and assist the senior to reach out to services and resources.

Encourage the senior to tell someone else about what is happening. This may be a doctor, social worker, home care nurse, police officer, etc. See the extensive list of resources on this website.

There are many signs that may indicate abuse. Some to watch for are:

Discrepancies between a person's standard of living and his/her financial assets, or a depletion of assets, without adequate explanation.
Malnourishment and inadequate physical care.
Physical injuries, such as bruises, burn marks, welts, rope burns, tufts of hair missing, broken bones, none of which can be adequately explained.
Withdrawn, apathetic or fearful behaviour, particularly around certain persons.
Medical needs not attended to.

Unless the person who is being abused is unable to care for themselves or make good personal decisions because of a disability, he or she has the right to choose where and how to live. Occasionally it may be that the abused person chooses to stay in the situation rather than choose an alternative. More often than not however, victims stay because they are not aware of what options are available to them. Providing them the information they need to make good informed choices can be incredibly helpful.

It may also be appropriate to offer assistance to the suspected abuser. Counselling and support services may help alleviate the factors contributing to the abuse. If appropriate, respite care is available for the senior. This may assist the abuser (or potential abuser) by reducing stress. Situations of abuse must be handled carefully so that the situation is not aggravated.

If you have any concerns at all about what you should do, there are resources you can call. These include:

The Seniors Protection Partnership Intake Line: 780-477-2929
The Seniors’ Abuse Helpline: 780-454-8888 (available 24 hours a day), or
The Edmonton Police Service: 780-423-4567 (available 24 hours a day).

Details: Published: 24 September 2018

via The International Federation on Ageing

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) turns 70 this year and the International Day for Older Persons (October 1) celebrates the importance of this Declaration, and reaffirms the commitment to promoting the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.

Details: Published: 17 September 2018

Please find below the Slate of Nominees which will be presented to a vote of our membership during our next Annual General Meeting (September 20) and information on voting.

ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS

All members of the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse are entitled to vote on a slate of candidates for available Director positions.
(Not sure whether you are officially a member? It's simple: do you receive our newsletters? If so, you are a member. If not, you can register here right now)
Members who are unable to attend the 2018 Annual General Meeting of the CNPEA in person are entitled to complete a ballot prior to the meeting as an absentee ballot.
The Annual General Meeting will be held by teleconference, using Go-to-Training, on Thursday, September 20th 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 pm Eastern Time.
Voting will be open until Thursday, September 20th at 1:15 p.m. Eastern time (15 minutes after the start of the AGM).
Register here to attend our AGM
Members understand that by submitting this ballot they will be considered to be present at the AGM for the purpose of electing the following Slate of Nominees as Board members.
Given the number of applicants selected to fill the vacant positions, the CNPEA membership will vote on the Slate of Candidates as a whole.
Read our 2018 Annual Report