Promoting Public Health >>Promoting Public Health among the general public>> Prevention Campaigns for the Prevention of Back Disorders >>Health Education Campaign among the Elderly

HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AMONG THE ELDERLY

Background.

Back problems are very common among the adult and elderly population. Certain habits and traditional beliefs have been shown to be counterproductive for the health of the back, such as those which encourage the abuse of physical rest.

Conversely, there are data which demonstrate that clear, reliable and up-to-date information can diminish the risk of back problems, decreasing even the associated disability they entail, and speeding the recovery of those with back problems.

up

Objective.

To communicate to older people the information that is useful in reducing the risk of back problems and if they already suffer them to reduce the degree of disability and speed recovery.

up

Description.

The information transmitted consists of the norms of healthy posture, and above all, health education designed to promote physical activity, prevent the abuse of rest and encourage an active attitude in the case of pain. These contents are communicated verbally and with the help of multimedia technologies as well as written reminders (Back Guides and Manuals).

The activities are structured into modules and are organized in detail according to the characteristics of the specific population to whom the campaign is addressed. Thus, for example, some actions are carried out for the residents of senior citizen retirement homes, others in day centers and others in association centers for the elderly. The modular structure also allows the budget allocations to be adapted accordingly and ensures the most efficient use of the available resources.

up

Along with the Kovacs Foundation, the following have participated in this project.

More than 150 centers, residences, associations and federations of associations for senior citizens. The campaigns are co-funded by the Kovacs Foundation and social entities in the different regions, such as Caja de Ahorros de Baleares-Sa Nostra, el Consell Insular de Mallorca and IMSERSO.

up

Status.

The campaigns aimed at the elderly were begun in 1996 and their success has prompted their periodic and almost constant repetition.

Currently they are organized according to the available funding, which represents the determining factor of the number and breadth of their modules. Since they were begun, more than 450 health education lectures have been given for more than 22,000 senior citizens in centers, homes and residences for the elderly in Baleares, Asturias, and Madrid.