Þjónustu- og þekkingarmiðstöðfyrir blinda, sjónskerta og daufblinda einstaklinga

Ageing in Iceland

Involvement, independence andparticipation in decision-making

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

A conference on ageing was held by Directors of Social Affaires, attended by professionals, ageing people and various artists• Comment from a writer: Getting old is like

being punished for something you didn‘t do....• Comment from a philosopher: Acquiring

wisdom is like collecting happiness-blubber. The longer we live the fatter we get. If used wisely it will lead to happiness because of all the memories gathered through life

Being happy?

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Ideas of the young: What is a retired person?

• Sebastian : This is a very difficult question, I have seen them on TV. I think they collect cans

• Johannes: You become one when you are very old, 30-40 years. They do carpentry and they tell you if your plumming is leaking

• Johanna: They are always on holiday but they still get money. Everyone becomes one, except if they die first. I think it‘s a good thing because then you can stay in the bathtub all day.

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Associations of the Ageing

• Around Iceland there are associations that provide various services for the ageing. These associations are formed and sustained by the ageing themselves

• In every community, however small, the ageing have their own association

• Each community provides assistance to the associations e.g. manpower and housing

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Multiple choice

• Even though each community assists the associations as necessary, it is entirely up to each individual to participate in activities offered

• It is easy to access information on the internet or in the local papers

• Events can be outings, art exhibits, concerts, handiwork, physical activities etc.

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Programme 4.-11. May 2013in Kopavogur (community of 30.000)

There were 36 events advertised including:

• Concert at the swimmingpool• Zumba-party at the swimmingpool• Jazz concert at the local concerthall• Lecture: History of Kopavogur• Educational walk in a small wood in the

neighbourhood • Origami lessons• Various art exhibitions and concerts• Swimming and physical activities

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Getting involved

• There have been vivid discussions in Iceland on how to involve the public in decision-making

• This has also had impact on the affairs of the ageing population

• Based on a model used to get ideas from the public for a new constitution (held 2011), a congress was held by the authorities to initiate and promote ideas regarding the ageing Gudbjorg Arnadottir

The Congress

• The congress was initiated by The ministry of Welfare, City of Reykjavik, The National Association of the Ageing, The Office of The Ageing Affaires and four associations of different professionals

• The Office of The Ageing Affaires instigated the Congress in celebration of The European Year of the Ageing

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The purpose

The theme: CELEBRATING SUCCESSFUL AGEING

• To incite the ageing population to participate in decisionmaking in their own affairs

• Participants were professionals and the ageing, together with officials

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Attendance exceeded expectations

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The agenda

Two main goals of the congress were • To prompt discussion on affairs of the

ageing in general and analyse expectations and outlook towards the ageing years

• To promote positive attitude towards the ageing population, their social position, and how to appreciate their view on life

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

No title!!

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Being old or not so old

• The oldest participant running for Parliament this spring was 104 years of age, Hlíf Böðvarsdóttir

• The oldest elected Member of Parliament this spring is 69 years old, Sigrún Magnúsdóttir

• Hlíf said: We cannot live on our own, on our small island we need other nations to work with and they may also need us

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

The four questions asked

• What are the society‘s expectations towards the ageing?

• What do the ageing expect from the society?

• What does successful ageing include?

• How do we best celebrate successful ageing?

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

The societiy‘s expectations

• The ageing are looked upon as a social-number (includes date of birth!)

• The ageing feel that they are expected to be in the background

• Their political views are not considered as valid as those of the younger generation

• The ageing are looked upon as a group instead of individuals

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

What the ageing want

• The ageing want to be taken seriously and their opinion appreciated

• The society should appreciate the wisdom and experience of the ageing as an assett, they do not want to be considered a burden

• The ageing want to be part of decision-making that concern them

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Successful ageing includes

• being able to set goals in life• choosing desired leisure activities, no

matter what age• duties that are part of life, also for

the ageing• intellectual and physical stimulation

through activities, chosen by the ageing themselves

Gudbjorg Arnadottir

Celebrating successful ageing

• Having breakfast with the love of your life every day!

• Enjoying life with your family and friends• Enjoying the things that you have

accomplished through life – enabling you to mediate your wisdom to the young

• Being able to look forward to tomorrow and the life ahead

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Why not brag a little?

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Staying active

• Being old does not have to mean you must think old. Many ageing people sing in a choir and Eurovision contest songs are sometimes part of their repertoire

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Physical activity 70 +

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With a little help from a friend

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Ice

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Fire

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