In this photo from June this year, some industrious knitters from River Ridge Seniors Village celebrate the completion of a special project of knitting knee blankets for some of the residents. In no particular order are Mollie Webster, Joyce Condon, Piera DalMolin, Eleanor Christie, Marion McKenzie, Louise Wentzell and Irene Jackle.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
International Day of Older Persons will be acknowledged around the world on Thursday.
In Medicine Hat it is being remembered with special significance as perhaps one of the most restrictive years for seniors who have experienced the brunt of COVID-19 more than any other demographic.
“They’re in a higher risk category to begin with because of the comorbidities and then the outcome should they get it, is severe,” said Linda Hygard, managing director at Chinook Village, where there will be a virtual event taking place to mark the occasion.
Hygard says the impact of the isolation due to COVID-19 has been significant with some of the effect still to emerge.
“They need to have something and somebody to look forward to on a regular basis,” said Hygard. “Visiting through a window just doesn’t cut it.”
She says their are reports of some seniors who have not left their homes in the past six months because they are simply too scared. Those living in seniors’ residences have not been isolated to that extent but have still missed out on interaction with family members and not being able to get outside in the community.
This is likely to develop into depression and “failure to thrive,” said Hygard. The extent of the impact may only become fully apparent next year.
The United Nations determined in 1990 that Oct. 1 each year would be designated the International Day of Older Persons.
Gordon Nott, southeast region director for the Alberta Council on Aging, says in many ways seniors will feel “cheated” this year. There are those who were not able to spend the last few days of their lives with their loved ones.
The International Day of the Older Person is an opportunity to focus on the value of seniors. Many have lived through difficult periods and even remember experiences of other pandemics or epidemics. They are a testament to resilience and wisdom, said Nott. They can tell us of the past and assure us that this too shall pass.
Thursday is an opportunity to focus on the contribution seniors have made to society, said Nott. It is also an appropriate time to be aware of the misconceptions of aging and ageism.
“Ageism is in some ways a pandemic in itself,” he said.
Beyond the greying or thinning hair there are caring individuals who are actively contributing to our community and have done so for many years, he explained.
AgeCare Valleyview is also acknowledging the occasion with a special event on Thursday. There will be an outdoor petting zoo at 11 a.m.
