Healthy Aging: Dignity and Well-Being as the Standard, Not the Exception
Patrícia Puiggròs calls for healthy aging to become the standard, emphasizing dignity and well-being.
Key Points
- • Healthy aging should be the norm, not the exception.
- • Dignity in aging includes access to healthcare and social support.
- • A proactive approach is essential for improving the quality of life for older adults.
- • Collaborative efforts are needed among policymakers, communities, and families.
In a recent discussion, expert Patrícia Puiggròs emphasized that healthy aging, characterized by dignity and well-being, should become the norm rather than the exception. Puiggròs advocates for a societal shift to recognize the importance of providing support and resources that promote a quality life for elderly individuals. She argues that maintaining dignity in aging is critical, suggesting it entails ensuring access to health care, social engagement, and psychological support, vital for fostering resilience among older adults.
She highlighted that discussions on aging often focus on challenges faced by the elderly, overshadowing the potential for maintaining a fulfilling life well into old age. Instead, a proactive approach that prioritizes initiatives supporting healthy aging can significantly contribute to a community where older adults are treated with respect and dignity. Such changes require collaborative actions among policymakers, communities, and families to redefine aging in a more positive light while striving for a culture that celebrates the contributions and capabilities of older adults.
As societal views on aging evolve, Puiggròs's insights present a compelling case for re-evaluating current practices and policies, making healthy aging a fundamental aspect of life, rather than an exceptional circumstance. The call for change encourages ongoing dialogues about enhancing the quality of life for all ages, underlining the importance of initiating early and sustained efforts to support this demographic.