September is World Alzheimer’s Month

September is World Alzheimer’s Month

Here at HDN, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity philosophy wraps its arms around every sector of society, and the older generation is often in the greatest need.

In a fast changing world it’s easy to get left behind; the pace of the digital revolution has been fast and furious and, for all its advantages, the world of social media information sharing, and the usage of apps to improve our day to day lives have left many of the senior members of our society a little cold.

Life can be tough for our elders, in many ways, and in recognition World Alzheimer’s Month is the international campaign held every September to raise awareness of dementia. The 9th World Alzheimer’s Day is to be held on 21 September.

One in 14 people over 65 years of age suffer from dementia, and the latest figures from the Alzheimer’s Society reports there are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today.

Dementia patients in housing 

In their later years tenants want comfortable housing that promotes healthy and active lifestyles; but too often they find themselves in poor or inaccessible housing.

Designing homes to be dementia friendly is a priority but still, for many older people, it is too difficult to get simple home adaptations or repairs carried out quickly and affordably. Improved design and technology could help many people with dementia gain more confidence and independence. The use of familiar objects and contrasting colours, to make things easier to find, and having taps that automatically switch off have been deployed, while fitting out flats with retro furniture can be reassuring.

But these kinds of improvements should not be the preserve of the better off and we must strive to improve the quality of life for all.

The COVID 19 pandemic has highlighted disparities in society in many ways but, for some in the older generation, it has merely amplified existing loneliness and uncertainties.

Let’s all give some time to those in our communities who have lived the longest and who have given the most.

• An estimated 850,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia
• 1 in 14 people over 65 have dementia
• September 21^st is the ninth annual World Alzheimer’s Day

https://hdnstage.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/Dementia-Pic.jpg