The Gerontological Nursing Association

1. The Gerontological Nursing Association

2. Your aging I.Q Test your knowledge by going through the following slides

3. Intelligence declines with ageTrue or False • False – Aging itself produces no decline in mental functioning • Most people maintain their intellect, or actually improve, as they grow older • In their late 70’s there may be some loss of short-term memory • May take somewhat longer to learn something new • Slower reaction times – does not impact ability to reason and function well

4. Most Older Adults limit their travel to be closer to home – True or False • False – seniors are even more likely to travel abroad than younger adults • Canadian airlines have noticed a marked increase in the number of senior travelers in the last five years. • B.C.'s Blackcomb Mountain has recorded a 20% increase in the number of senior skiers.

5. Older adults have interest in, or capacity for, sexual relations – True or False • True – Our society associates sexuality with youth however the majority of older adults continue to have the interest and capacity for satisfying sexual relations well into their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s • Methods of expressing sexual feelings may change with age • Opportunities may decrease due to loss of a partner, physical changes, living arrangements … but interest does not

6. Seniors have the lowest income of all adult groups – True or False • True – 19% of all seniors have low incomes • However, the 2006 National Advisory Council on Aging Report Card indicates that the overall economic status for seniors has improved • But … older women, especially those who are single and/or widowed, are more likely to live on a low income and are at a much higher risk of living below the poverty line

7. Most people will develop dementia if they live long enough – True or False • False – dementia is not a normal part of aging • Alzheimer Disease is the most common form of dementia • 1 in 20 Canadians over the age of 65 are affected by AD • 1 in 100 between ages of 65-74 • 1 in 14 between ages of 75-84 • 1 in 4 over age of 85 (ON Seniors Secretariat Aging Quiz)

8. Questioning an older adult’s ability to think and problem-solve is ageist? True or False • True – Ageism is a negative attitude and /or misconception about the older adult, such as all older people are confused and can’t think clearly • We need to consider how our actions may be ageist • Rationalizing or discounting concerns as not as important may reflect an ageist attitude • Questioning the older adult because we are not sure how reliable their memory is – ageist • Treating the older adult like a child – again ageist • The Ontario Human Rights Commission notes abuse of older adults is in large part due to negative attitudes toward older people

9. Statistically Speaking … • What has been the % increase in those reaching the age of 100 from 1990 to 2000? 10% 25% 35% 35% • What % of the older adult population lives in an institution? 7% 15% 25% 7% (32% of those are over the age of 85)

10. The Age Wave in Ontario Ministry of Finance –Ontario Population Update - 2006 BabyBoomers begin to turn 65 in 2011 Will we be ready to provide the quality care and services? By 203122% of the population will be over the age of 65 (3.6 million) In 2005 12.8% of the population was over the age of 65 (1.6 million)

11. So… Who are we? • The Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario serves a membership of over 1200 Gerontological Nurses in 9 chapters spanning the province of Ontario. • Our Mission - To advocate for a high standard of nursing care and related health services for older persons and to promote professionalism in gerontological nursing practice through ongoing education, research, and support for members

12. We believe that … • each older person is unique • the ability to function and maintain independence and mastery is essential for older persons • sustaining relationships facilitates older persons in coping with health care experiences • Gerontological nursing practice is derived from a specific and evolving body of knowledge • As gerontological nurses we must advocate on behalf of the older adult

13. What is Gerontological Nursing? It is about Making adifference

14. We provide creative, compassionate and individualized care We incorporate the concepts of prevention, rehabilitation and palliation It is about caring

15. In the community, in hospitals, in long term care We promote optimal health in older persons It is about Quality of Life

16. Each has values, goals, strengths, limitations, rights and responsibilities Each older person influences, and is influenced by societal attitudes, culture, spiritual beliefs and the environment It is about recognizing thateach older person is unique

17. We identify strengths, and work to enhance and maintain these We identify limitations and provide support as needed It is about maximizing independence

18. We promote mutual goal setting and decision making among older persons, family and nurse We encourage and provided opportunity for the older person to exercise rights and responsibilities It is about being person-centred

19. We respect the older person’s need for dignity and privacy It is about respect and dignity

20. More About Us • The GNA was established in 1974 in Toronto • Incorporated in 1979 - non-profit association • Governed by our by-laws and board policies • We are an affiliate group with the RNAO • Our membership is comprised of RN’s and RPN’s as well as associate members – students and PSW’s • Our members work in acute care, LTC, community, psychogeriatrics, academia

21. Our Structure • Provincial Board – president, president-elect, past-president, secretary, treasurer, membership chair, professional advocacy chair, all chapter presidents • Local Chapters - 9 across the province – all with an executive • Hold regular meetings and educational events • In addition, the annual conference is hosted by chapters on a rotational basis.

22. GNA Activities • Annual conference • Education and research funding grants • Standards – statement of philosophy - 6 core standards – reviewed every 5 years • Support nurses in achieving the GNC(C) • Advocacy - promote gerontological nursing - involvement with government, community, & partnerships with other nursing associations

23. Peer-reviewed journal of the Gerontological Nursing Association of Ontario Published four times a year Issues that focus on topics identified by our members as key to gerontological nursing practice We encourage our members to take an active part in submitting items for publication.  Perspectives

24. Gerontological NursingThe Essence of Nursing Listen, Honour, Respect, Value Caring for the Older Adult is a Privilege, Opportunity, Responsibility Join Us!