4.4 ELDERCARE 104 The country with the oldest (65 and above) population in the world is Japan (28% of total population). Italy follows with 23%. See unit 6.2. Men and women make different choices in that women are generally attracted to caring roles, while men tend to look for roles in community transport or sports clubs. In your opinion, are there more male or female senior volunteers? DAILY ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT The number of people aged 65 and over in the European Union is expected to rise and reach 28.5% by 2050. As populations across the world age , there is a recognised need for supporting the elderly and promoting their social participation. Here are a few opportunities for the elderly to keep doing well. Social care Though the majority of elderly people lead independent lives, some of them may need to use social services and, at the moment, they are, paradoxically, the largest group using personal social services worldwide. Since social care for those of them who cannot provide for themselves is quite labour-intensive, most countries give full support to the promotion of family care and the expansion and rationalisation of informal care on a voluntary or quasivoluntary basis. ONLINE RESOURCES Music and drama for elderly patients Physical activity for elderly patients Volunteering Many elderly often decide to volunteer. There seems to be a strong link between volunteering, health, and longevity: by preventing senior isolation, volunteering can reduce the symptoms of depression and may help prevent dementia. It may also offset the loss of purpose in life that occurs with ageing and that may be amplified by functional limitations, while altogether improve intergenerational relationships as senior volunteers have a unique opportunity to engage with younger volunteers. Free time Besides volunteering, many elderly people could spend 210 ADuLTS AnD ELDERLy pEopLE time looking after their grandchildren, travelling, or working on their hobbies. This would allow them to pursue their passions, feel useful, and keep a valued place in society. Diet Elderly people should have a balanced diet with an appropriate intake of nutrition to meet their needs and take into account any illness they may have, so as to maintain body health and functionality, and minimise the possibility of fatigue, malnutrition, obesity, and weakened immunity. Physical activity Physical activity is good at every age but, in older adults, it can decrease mortality, reduce disability, and improve quality of life. Moreover, regular exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight, restore sleep, improve blood sugar control and heart health, keep bones strong, and promote mental well-being. Physical exercise should include aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, balance, and stretching. intake: assunzione labour-intensive: faticoso to offset: compensare