Dementia, brain research, residential care: Senior’s issues poll strongly during these stressful times

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

The well-being of aging Canadians is challenging, especially during these deadly and stressful times that the world is facing right now.

The Canadian Brain Health Index, an Angus Reid poll of 1,510 Canadians, shows that the fundamental importance of improving healthcare in older adults, and addressing social issues affecting Canada’s most vulnerable population is paramount.

This same study provides a benchmark of attitudes towards: seniors, healthcare research, and brain health, and is intended to support the launch of the fifth annual Yogen Früz Brain Project. The project is a public purpose initiative designed to raise awareness about brain health and critical funding for research at Baycrest, for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Here are some of the issues facing Canadian seniors.

Respondents rated: residential care (92%), and dementia (90%) as the two leading areas that need addressing in order to boost healthcare for this country’s aging population. Breakthrough research in brain health (85%), social isolation/loneliness (85%), and well being and lifestyle supports (84%) are also fundamental areas requiring more attention.

In Canada, more than half a million people currently live with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, and despite popular belief, this is not an unavoidable condition bought on by getting old at all.

Canadian youth agree that dementia is a crucial health concern to address – an almost equal number of 18-34-year-olds (87%) and 35-54-year-olds (88%), agree that the number rises to 93% for those aged 55+. In the meantime, women are more likely to consider brain health research more important than men (88% to 80%).

The current global situation has exposed fissures in society, revealing a vital need for immediate change. Virtually all respondents agree that there is a greater need to focus on senior healthcare (96%) and to support the most vulnerable among us more generally (93%).

This poll also revealed that eight-in-ten Canadians (82%) report a greater need for community link-up through: social programs, activities, arts, etc. A similar number (79%) said more critical healthcare research is needed for diseases such as dementia.

“Canadians overwhelmingly feel that more can be done for the well-being of older adults in this country,” said Josh Cooper, President, and CEO of The Baycrest Foundation. “Now is the time to turn these beliefs into action and safeguard aging Canadians. Funds raised through The Yogen Früz Brain Project allow us to change the future of brain health and continue to protect the lives of seniors here in Toronto and worldwide.”

When asked which of the following activities would help improve brain health and minimizes the risk of cognitive decline, maintaining good health and exercising lead the way by 98%. Getting involved in one’s community 90%. Art came in at 89%, and playing/learning an instrument scored 87%. Rounding out the list was learning a new language at 82%.

Younger Canadians (18-34-year-olds) are more knowledgeable than those aged 55+ about the fact that learning new activities is important for bringing about brain health. 87% of younger Canadians understand that learning a new language will have a positive impact on brain health. Just 74% of those aged 55+ agree. Meanwhile, nine-in-ten of the younger group believe learning a new instrument is important, a number that drops slightly for the older group (84%).

“There is so much people can do at any age to reduce the risk of cognitive decline,” said Cooper. “Being educated, staying in good health and exercising can reduce your dementia risk by 28%. Additionally, speaking two languages can delay the onset of dementia by four years.”

Here is more information about the Baycrest Foundation.

The Baycrest Foundation supports programs and services that promote excellence in care, research, innovation, and education in aging and brain health. As the charitable arm of Baycrest, the Foundation provides crucial funding for areas such as on-going programs and a continuum of care services for the community. They are involved in innovative research into cognition, dementia, and brain health; as well as local, national, and international education that support the vision of creating a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration, and fulfilment.

For more information, visit www.baycrestfoundation.org

For a full list of the websites with much more information about this article and the other parties that are collaborating their efforts in making all this possible please visit  http://www.brainproject.ca/2020-artists/

Websites

The Yogen Früz Brain Project: http://www.brainproject.ca/

Baycrest Foundation: https://www.baycrestfoundation.org/

Instagram: @thebrainproject_

Facebook: @baycrestfoundation