HSA promotes ‘healthy ageing’

| 17/09/2019
Cayman News Service
Community Dietitian Kousalya Rozario

(CNS Local Life): Health Services Authority staff are vising the homes of seniors across Grand Cayman this week (16-20 September) to offer free nutritional consultation, counselling health screening, including cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure tests, as they promote the well-being of people as they age.

According to the HSA, these days people born in the Caribbean can expect to live 15-20 years longer than their grandparents, so long as they not develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Data from the Economics and Statistics Office reveals that four years ago, in 2015, there were 60,413 people living in the Cayman Islands, of which 5,832 were over 65, and 3,687 people lived in households with at least one person at least 60 years old.

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“Statistics show that NCDs, which include heart diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, account for nearly half of all deaths of persons under 70 years, and for two out of three deaths overall,” said Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr Joy St John.

“The costs associated with these diseases are not always manageable for governments, employers, and families. Healthy ageing is about maintaining the ability that allows you to do the things that are of importance to you. It is a key strategy for sustainable development and decreasing future health costs for you and your loved ones,” she added.

Last Saturday, 14 September, was Caribbean Wellness Day, which aims to increase awareness and promote activities to address NCDs. The slogan this year was “Healthy ageing Starts Now” and focused on healthy lifestyle practices that can help to prevent or delay people’s chances of developing NCDs and stay healthy as they age.

“A major part our activities this year is to focus on older persons, including those who are bedridden, by providing outreach and support to them and identifying those who may be living with NCDs,” said Community Dietitian Kousalya Rozario.

She added, “Through the free nutritional screenings we hope to encourage older persons to practice healthy lifestyle habits that will reduce their chances of developing heart disease, certain cancers, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, arthritis and other diseases commonly associated with older age. We also want them to feel empowered and supported to lead dignified lives.”

The HSA and Public Health Department offers free health screenings to the public for various health observances throughout the year. To find out when a free health screening is being held visit the HSA website or the HSA Facebook page.


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Category: Local News, Medical and Health

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  1. Anonymous says:

    HSA – please advise how the elderly were chose for this service.