United Nations Population ageing is a major global trend reshaping societies worldwide. Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. This demographic shift has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings.

As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, care, and social support services has grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. In recognition of these challenges and opportunities, the 34th commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”.

1. give
   similar items color, size, and shapes could vary - perhaps coin purses
2. give
   commonly identifiable items such as pillows, blankets, gloves, non-slip socks
3. give
   items which require NO maintenance (batteries) and make no sounds or movement
4. give
   reading material, soft bound, Reader's Digest provides stories of many interests

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5. avoid
   gifts with smells such as flowers, cologne, perfume
6. avoid
   food, since consumption may be in contradiction to diet restrictions
7. avoid
   items with strings, ribbons, bells, hard and any sharp edges
8. avoid
   items which the senior may use without supervision such as gift cards and rideshare tokens.

The flu usually strikes during the winter. In patients with serious pre-existing illnesses such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease or renal failure, and are over 65, influenza can be fatal. The flu spreads primarily by inhaling of infectious aerosols, although spread by direct personal contact also is possible.

Flu shots are recommended by local health authorities and are available in the United States (as do many other nations) without cost. Everyone needs a flu shot, get yours! Resources can be found at WHO.

World Sight Day (WSD) is an international day of awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October to focus attention on the global issue of eye health. This year's World Sight Day falls on 10th of October, 2024.

White Cane Day will be held mid-month on the 15th of October. The mission of white cane month is to educate the public on how a white-tipped cane is used and about those who depend on its use.

When you see a visually impaired person using a white cane, remember that the cane is their tool to safely and to independently navigate the space (environment) around them.

Individuals with vision impairment have been taught and trained on how to use their white cane. Keep mindful that they are using canes to explore their surroundings. If they need help or direction, they will ask. Or, use another form of assistive technology - cellular telephones, which can also be used to ask for directions or help

If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and stop to give them the right of way.

In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane.

Spine Day a global awareness of spine health and spine pain. Please join those with spine disabilities, health professionals, physical therapists, rehabilitation experts, public health advocates, schoolchildren and all people around the world and be supportive of World Spine Day activities in you community. Promotion of physical activity, good posture, responsible lifting and healthy working conditions will encourage people to look after their spines and stay active.

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) announces that the theme for this year's fire prevention week is “Smoke alarms: make them work for you!™”.

This topic was chosen in response to NFPA data which indicates that the mortality rate is largest among U.S. residences which have no or non-working fire detectors. The goal is to emphasizes not only the importance of smoke detectors, but how to purchase, install, test, and maintain them.

The NFPA recommends to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each level of the residence. Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of those with sensory or physical challenges. Follow manufactures instructions on use and maintenance.

In the early 1900s, the east coast of the United States reported over 27,000 cases and 6,000 deaths just within New York City. Worldwide outbreaks of Polio were more severe during the summer months closing theatres, swimming pools, beaches and most public meeting and gathering places.

A heroine in medical history, Sister Elizabeth Kenny was a Australian born nurse and health administrator who was also known as the Polio nurse. She dedicated her life to those suffering from polio and

Sister Kenney was a world leader in the eradication of polio but emphasized her compassion for life while relieving pain and suffering. While in North America, Sister Kenny established the Sister Kenny Rehabilitating Institute in the state of Minnesota. Pictured on the right is of Sister Kenney demonstrating her physical therapy techniques to a group of medical professionals.

Pictured on the right is an image of an iron lung which was invented by Drinker, Shaw, and Wilson at Harvard Medical School and was first used on October 12, 1928 at Boston's Children's Hospital. The iron lung assisted patients with breathing when they were unable to do so on their own. Due to the paralyses nature of polio, especially on the lungs, the iron lung was widely used to provide a mechanical form of breathing.

As you can imagine, these machines look frightening and they produced a lot of mechanical noise. Many iron lungs were placed within walls of hospitals to alleviate the noise and images of the mechanic lung from family visiting loved ones.

Respiratory therapists are in high demand and work with the sickest patients from newborns to geriatrics. Respiratory care is provided in all departments within acute medical centers, community health clinics, home health care, senior living spaces, and just about anywhere respiratory care is needed.

Respiratory care technicians work with patients to control oxygen, inhaled medications, life support ventilators, CPR, and more. Show your appreciation by recognizing the compassion and skills of a respiratory care technician in your patient care facility.

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.

1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by an intimate partner during their lifetime to the point in which they felt very

Each brick below leads to Web sites which have resources for seniors and those who are victims of elder abuse. The first brick, eldercare locator, provides, among other things, a search engine to locate services in your area. The second brick, OVC, is a governmental (US) resource for those who are victims of financial fraud. And the third brick leads to an abundance of resources for caregivers and victims. Everyone should visit all three sites to gain an awareness of services that are available to seniors, seniors of abuse, caregivers, and families.