Scottish Catholic Observer

Amid the recent bad news about the economy and the threat of a ‘double-dip recession’ there was one piece of news that should have gladdened our hearts.

‘People are living longer’ we were told. Unfortunately, the word ‘liability’ was implicit in that statement. It was inferred, of course, in connection with adequate pension provision for those who have benefited from advances in modern medicine by having the prospect of a longer lifespan. Something to look forward to? Something to celebrate? Far from it.

It is hard for people to look forward to advancing years, to an age in which there should be a richness, a gathering in of life’s harvest, where they will be respected for their experience because those who are growing older know that the society in which we live is ageist. From the derogatory remarks to the cruelty suffered by some of them when they are at their most vulnerable, our society fails them. Have you noticed that reports of ill treatment of the elderly in some care homes, hospitals and indeed among carers who make home visits are increasing? Does that mean that the authorities have become more vigilant or that such abuse of the elderly has reached epidemic proportions?

One thing is certain, these issues have been going on for a considerable length of time. More than a decade ago, I was responsible for the care of an elderly relative who had two lengthy spells in hospital. There, I saw medical care and nursing of the highest standard, but I also saw neglect and indeed contempt directed at elderly patients. Some of them were without family or friends to support them through illness. They had no defence.

Nursing staff who discharged their duties with competence, patience and understanding were done a serious disservice by the others. Complaints by a relative could impact on the patient. The formal complaints procedure was so slow and complex as to be of little use. These were acute wards. To be transferred to a geriatric ward was much worse. These seemed to be under-resourced, with over-worked staff who had little hope of overcoming the problems, no matter how hard they worked. Geriatric wards should be eliminated, once and for all. It seemed to me that they were places not of specialisation in geriatric medicine, but places where the human spirit could be snuffed out. For those who were elderly and quite alone, who had no visitors, it was particularly hard. To linger at the end of visiting time and to ‘tuck them in’ and simply say ‘goodnight, sleep tight’ became a habit with one or two visitors to other patients.  Once, there was a bit of a stir on the ward at the end of visiting time, and the little ‘tucking in’ ritual was overlooked. There were calls of reminder from several beds…

Reports of neglect of the elderly reflect something that has been going on for a very long time. The ageism which disgraces our society begins with an attitude which can grow into something much more harmful towards older people. Those who harbour that particular attitude are those who are most afraid of growing old themselves.

Can society be changed? Can this wrong be righted? At present, there are many groups who work tirelessly for the elderly, such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Legion of Mary, the Knights of St Columba. At this time of year in particular they make sure that those they care for are included in what is a time of giving. To join together in countering society’s injustice to the elderly, by being one collective voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves, would be a positive step in the right direction. Many would support them in their efforts.

I read recently that independent monitors are allowed in places such as care homes, young offenders units and immigration centres. They are volunteers and are allowed access to the places mentioned, without prior notice. Could this model be extended to hospitals? If properly applied by the groups aforementioned, it could apply an effective ‘braking system’ where there is the risk of poor standards of care.

While society’s attitude to age does serious damage,  newspaper headlines add to it? Hardly a day goes by without some reference to dementia in the elderly. ‘Loneliness causes dementia’ trumpeted one such headline recently.

That’s stating the obvious. But the practice of labelling all forms of dementia as ‘Alzheimer’s disease,’ the increasing number of feature writers contributing articles which describe in detail the descent of their nearest and dearest into such an illness, is not a positive step.

We all know that it exists. We all know that it is a dread to those who grow older. It would be a reassurance to many… and a deterrent to a society which is all too ready to stick yet another label on the elderly, that label marked ‘confused,’ if we had the good news of how some forms of dementia might be treated with positive effect. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), for instance requires no medication and has already shown encouraging results in some forms of dementia. The brain, like any other muscle, needs exercise. The word ‘company’ comes into it too.

We need to get away from the assumption that that to be old is to be muddled. I have some friends who are not, as they say, ‘in the first flush of youth’ but they can beat me in most arguments, and given the chance, are the life and soul of the party. Think of the ‘silver surfers’ (above).

Which reminds me…why are pensioners constantly herded together as an age group when it comes to Christmas parties? They’re not a separate species. I’ve said this before, but I really do think that parties should be all-inclusive.

Don’t we all know ‘senior citizens’ who could really make things go with a swing?  To all of them, and all of you… may you have a holy and happy Christmas.