Office of disease prevention and health protection of citizens of the city

administration in Izhevsk

Topic: active longevity: new trends in social policy and practice.

(L.V. Kasenkova, E.V. Alypova, N.H. Zagrebina)

Health has become an essential indicator of the effectiveness of social

development. "Medical model" of health, is being substituted by "social model",

according to which health is the result of a number of socio-economic, cultural and

environmental factors; It depends on the quality of the living conditions and social

environment. The attitude to the health of the elderly, who are seen as a valuable

resource to society is being changed radically. A holistic approach to the health of the

elderly is reflected in modern strategies and concepts, both nationally and

internationally.

Since 2007, the work is being done on "Health in old age”. It is based on the

concept of "health and active ageing", the main aim of which is to increase the duration

of active life and extend the full participation of people in society. In the city of Izhevsk

an interdepartmental initiative group and a municipal long-term targeted program of

development of public health “Izhevsk city health is its citizens’ health" were created.

The program contains a special section on "Health in old age. This and a number of

other programmes ("accessible environment" and "older generation", "social support for

the elderly, the disabled and families in difficult life situations in the city of Izhevsk)

are aimed at :

- ensuring the availability of services: social and medical assistance and

creating conditions for the autonomy of the elderly;

- health promotion and disease prevention;

- providing conditions of urban environments that facilitate active ageing;

- the involvement of older persons themselves in solving health issues,

development and implementation of programmes.

Before adopting a special-target programme “City health is its citizens’ health"

there was analytical work: “The Health Profile of older generations» was prepared and

published; Research and Practice Conference was held; the programme concept,

objectives, and expected results were developed. As a result of the implementation of

the healthy and active old age related targeted programmes of health in old age has been

the subject of attention and activities of a growing number of experts, institutions and

citizens:

1) New information and other technologies that increase the availability of

social support services are being introduced.

2) Training programs for a healthier lifestyle are being developed.

3) Older persons are involved in the policy- making process affecting them.

4) Availability of urban transport means of communication, places of family

vacation and physical activity is being increased.

I can give some examples.

In each part of the city there are Centers of social services, where specialists

offer approximately 25 kinds of services, including psychological, legal, public

information, medical; provide services in the home, teach computer basics. Through the

e-admission websites the elderly can make an appointment with a physician, call a

social taxi. In the centers of social services there are Schools of Health and active

ageing, health lectures, clubs on interests. Annually, up to 24 000 people are trained in

health schools Within a few years, each year on the International Day of Older Persons

in the city of Izhevsk there are mass walking rallies under the motto "Activity is the

path to longevity. Older people of our city are actively engaged in artistic work: musical

groups, choirs, and Veterans’ clubs. The city created a special sports section for seniors;

the teachers of those classes are those elderly people who had a lifetime sport. In the

city of Izhevsk there is a barrier-free environment leading to safe movement around the

city. There are sliding down sidewalks onto the carriageway, handrails, ramps.

The traffic lights, bus shelters and urban public transport systems are modernized

Traffic lights are equipped with audio signals. Comfortable low-floor buses and

trolleybuses are being purchased.

Over the past 10 years in our city quite a lot of places for cultural activities,

physical activity and family holidays were founded. The most popular and beloved

urban places are the State National Theatre of the Udmurt Republic, State puppet

theatre, Russian Drama Theatre. Korolenko Republican public cultural center "House of

friendship", the Zoo, the Circus Udmurtia, and St. Michael's Cathedral – the jewel of

the city. Several squares, beautiful Promenade Izhevsk pond, Central Square with light

and music fountain were reconstructed. All of the above mentioned helps seniors get rid

of loneliness and feel their involvement in society.

From 1 April till May 15, 2012, there were organized events devoted to

International date of WHO- World Health Day on Aging and health, under the

motto "good health adds life to years" in the city of Izhevsk. A citywide rally was

attended by Izhevsk citizens of all age groups: preschool children, school children,

young people and families. But special attention in all activities on those days was

paid to the elderly.

In the framework of World Health Day 2012, there were activities such as:

-improving measures for pensioners (the express-analysis of blood sugar, doctors –

experts’ check- ups);

-gymnastic-recreational activities for older campers of SSC "Be healthy for a

hundred years!", "Let your body and spirit be young..."; a funny relay race; self-

massage, recreational gymnastics, finger joints, herb- tea making, chess and

draughts tournaments);

-an educational program «the Kingdom» of vitamins for seniors”;

-sports and music program "Healthy body – healthy spirit" Dance therapy "Dance

for health!";

- lectures on healthy lifestyle: "how to keep a good memory", "If you want to be

healthy – take preventive measures!", " To be Healthy is fashionable", "Nutrition

and health" etc. were organized for the elderly.

The result of the realization of the concept of "active longevity" should be:

the recognition that good health throughout life contributes to a happy

and productive life in old age

extension of active ageing and providing opportunities for being useful

members of society

- the use of innovation strategies to maintain good health of older people by the

authorities.

Achieving real obvious results takes time.

The results are collected in the course of work. Ongoing, habitual, and therefore

not always visible work of many people at all levels of society and power always brings

the obvious results in the end. And the people of the third age, as older people are called

in European countries are becoming active participants and active members of the urban

community.

Thank you for your attention!

22.08.2012.