Health Situational Analysis in THE Aging Population IN NASSAU, BAHAMAS

GROUP 31. Celia Maxwell2. Uranna Burrows3. Paula Scipio Lessey4. Charmaine Hippolyte5. Micheal Goodluck6. Juliette Downes7. Francine Watson8. Akenath Misir9. Adora Toussaint

DEMOGRAPHICS• General Population: 354,000• Life expectancy (F) 74 (M) 66 (2002

statistics)• 0-14 26% of population• 65+ 7%• 15—64 (67%)

SOCIOECONOMIC The Bahamas are a stable, developing

nations with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking.

Financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP. However, since December 2000,

Risk of illness or death• Obesity• NCD’S

HEALTH NEEDS 1.Availability, affordability and

accessibility of health centers 2. Care givers

Meeting the needs of the population HOUSING: The need for more Residential facilities, Day Care Services and

private homes for them. Residential facilities should be made more homely thus facilitating family members. (Most of the Nursing Homes are subsidized by Government)

TRANSPORTATION (land, sea) :The need for hydraulic buses which will facilitate the movement of older persons to friends, family and commercial zones

WELFARE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT: The need for an increase in welfare contributions. Means for inclusion of monthly income for older persons.

MEDICATION: The need to subsidize treatment and medical services especially in the private practice.

HEALTH AND HOME CARE: The need for better home help care without having to be in a Residential Facility.

Related factors ENVIRONMENT: Implementation of smoke free

zones, safe drinking water, access to business places and recreational areas eg beach and parks.

LIFESTYLE: Exercising, car pooling, consuming lots of water, screening for DM, HTN, Cervical cancer, Prostate exams. Active participation in Social Groups, faith based organizations; Education on wellness and healthy lifestyles.

EDUCATION: 95% out of 169 with a rank of 69

PROPOSED PROJECTHOME HELP FOR OLDER PERSONS

BENEFITS FOR THE OLDER PERSON• Maintain privacy within the domain of their homes.Increase quality of life, optimal social support and supervision esp. Dementia and mental related conditionsIndependence, autonomy, empowerment, safety within their homes, fulfillment of spiritual needs

BENEFITS FOR THE NATIONCreation of job opportunities. reduction of incidences of suicidePreservation of elderly populationSecuring a sense of respect and appreciation for older persons.Healthy and happy older personsFinancially viable to the government-spend less on treatment, medication

BENEFITS OF THE CARE GIVER

Full employment thus providing securityAppreciation of elder care and preparation of ‘old age’Learning of new skills