31 January 2008

Promoting Positive Mental Health in Older People

110 older people from across the Southern area have come together for a workshop to promote mental wellbeing.

Hosted by the Older Peoples Mental Health Forum, the event included a range of information on topics identified by older people through their community groups.

Speaking at the event Dr Gillian Rankin, Director of Older People and Primary Care for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “With a predicted increase from 42,800 to 55,600 over the next ten years, the older population of this area is quickly growing. As well as ensuring that we have health and social care facilities to meet the needs of our growing older population, it is important that we look after their mental wellbeing.

“There are many factors that can influence mental and emotional wellbeing like social isolation, financial support and health issues. We hope that through events like this, we can begin to address some of these issues and work in partnership with community organisations to support older people and enhance their quality of life.”

Topics at the event included: Information on Benefits and Entitlements and the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Focus on Older People from Michael Brady MLA; The Role of the Community Pharmacy by Pharmacist Vanessa Chambers; the Benefits of an Active Mind, from Occupational Therapist, Kathryn Lavery; and Healthy Eating by Dietitian Sinead Harte.

The audience also enjoyed a Capacitar Tai Chi session led by Paula Carron and Ann Brady.

Participants enjoyed the workshop and identified issues for future events which the Older Peoples Mental Health Forum will address in the coming year.