Over the past few years I have been developing a presentation titled “Unprecedented! We have never died like this!” This is about the changes in the way many of us are dying (by chronic illness), the challenges of death by chronic illness (e.g. difficulty in prognosticating), the declining number of caregivers, and the coming of the Baby Boomers! Today I read an article with global numbers citing this problem:
“According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), we are aging – not just as individuals or communities but also as a world. In 2006, almost 500 million people worldwide were 65 and older. By 2030, that total is projected to increase to 1 billion – one in every eight of the earth’s inhabitants. Significantly, the most rapid increases in the 65-and-older population are occurring in developing countries, which will see a jump of 140 percent by 2030. For the first time in history, people age 65 and over will outnumber children under age 5. ….” Retrieved: July 2, 2009 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/end-of-life/prweb2595594.htm. Aging Population Growth Spotlights Training Needs of Health and Mental Health Professionals. Dr. L. Christie.
The author, Dr. Leo Christie supports the idea that the challenges to individuals, families and caregivers are unprecedented.
Life and Death Matters, the workshops, resources, online education program, and website are developing in response to these needs – “Educating today’s learner to care for tomorrows dying”
It is my hope that this blog will link diverse caregivers with ideas, resources, references to support them in providing excellent care for the dying.
Have a great day,
Kath
To view reference: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/end-of-life/prweb2595594.htm
Article:
Aging Population Growth Spotlights Training Needs of Health and Mental Health Professionals
Contact:
Leo Christie, PhD, CEO
Professional Development Resources, Inc.
904-645-3456
http://www.pdresources.org/promo/prweb9
