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Developing A Self-advocacy Program for Seniors: The Essential Component of Health Promotion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Sandra A. Fedorak
Affiliation:
Simon Fraser University
Carole Griffin
Affiliation:
Vancouver Health Department

Abstract

A recent trend in health promotion is to involve seniors in planning programs designed to meet their needs. However, many seniors have been socialized to be passive recipients of health care services and may initially require confidence-building and skill development to enable them to take an active role in health promotion.

This paper outlines the field development of a self-advocacy program. The central purpose of the program is to assist seniors to speak up for what they need to maintain control of their health and their lives. Results support the effectiveness of the program model as a framework for (1) helping seniors take increased initiative and control (2) developing a cohesive support network and (3) providing input from seniors into program planning. Recommendations are made for future research and program development.

Résumé

Une tendance récente dans la réclame pour la santé encourage la participation des personnes agées dans la planifiction des programmes destinés à répondre à leurs besoins. Toutefois, un grand nombre de gens âgés ont été entraînés à être des bénéficiaires passifs des services de soins de la santé et ils devront peut-être au début avoir besoin d'être réassurés et de développer certaines habiletés particulières avant de pouvoir prendre une part active dans leur propre réclame pour la santé.

Ce travail souligne les étapes de développement d'un programme de prise en charge de soi-même. Le but fondamental du programme est d'aider les personnes âgées à exprimer ce dont elles ont besoin de façon à être responsables de leur santé et de leur vie. Les résultats appuient l'efficacité de ce modèle comme cadre de travail pour:

1) aider les personnes âgées à prendre le contrôle

2) développer un systéme de support cohésif, et

3) apporter des éléments personnels dans la mise en application du programme.

Des recommandations précises sont présentées en vue de la mise en oeuvre de programmes fururs.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1986

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References

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