International Rural Aging Project

Invited Symposia

Training for Healthy Rural Aging/Manuals for Primary Care Workers

Convener Joseph Troisi, Msida, Malta
Director, Institute of Gerontology, University of Malta & Deputy Director of the International Institute on Ageing, United Nations, Malta

Date Thursday, June 8
Time 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Location Parlor A, Civic Center

Abstract
More than 60% of the world's elderly population currently lives in developing countries. Furthermore, demographic data demonstrate that the majority of the elderly in these countries is to be found in rural and remote areas. Resources in these areas are scarce, with services and programs, especially in the spheres of health, housing, and social welfare, lacking. This reality is coupled with the growing family disintegration. Moreover, there are no signs of viable alternatives to provide care for older persons. This situation will become increasingly manifest with all its implications in the coming millennium.

The most serious deficiency faced by many countries in economic, social, and health planning will be to meet the challenges of population ageing with a pronounced scarcity of trained caregivers. Although in many countries the need for training in the fields of aging has been recognized, little attention has been given to developing effective training policies and programs. The growing needs by far outweigh the efforts applied thus far. In almost all developing countries, most of the people providing services to the elderly lack basic training on aging. This is more so in rural and remote areas.

Governments in developing countries are thus faced with a two-edged sword. On one hand, they confront a rapidly growing aging population, especially in rural and remote areas. On the other, very often these areas lack the basic resources to provide services and also the trained personnel to meet the health care needs of the elderly.

The processes extending healthy aging and postponing the onset of chronic diseases and disabling conditions exist already. Unfortunately, these processes are not disseminated in appropriate ways. This is more so at the primary care and village level. It is, therefore, imperative to disseminate this information by training people at the grass roots level to reach the most vulnerable and isolated older persons. Para-professionals and primary care workers should have the necessary skills, knowledge and techniques to facilitate good care (i.e. concern, maintenance, and treatment) of older persons in their localities.

This symposium aims at reviewing and analyzing the various attempts being made by different countries to meet this need. Though the basic issues dealt with are often the same, the approach differs.

Introduction
Joseph Troisi, Msida, Malta

Development of Curricula for Primary Care Workers in the Care of Older Persons
Joseph Troisi, Msida, Malta

Training for Healthy Rural Aging: From Theory to Practice
Miguel Acanfora, Argentina

When Distances and Climate Intervene
Betty Havens, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada

Innovative Approaches to Providing Education and Training for Care of Older Persons in Rural and Remote Areas in Developed and Developing Countries
Gary R Andrews, Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University, Australia

Distance Education in Gerontology and Geriatrics: Current Status and Future Potential
Gloria M. Gutman, Gerontology Research Centre and Programs, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada

Continuing Education Credits
WV Social Work: 1.5 hrs
1.5 AMA Category 1 CME