Connection and diversity are frequently used terms these days. What do these terms mean in relation to care for the growing group of elderly people in the Netherlands? The richness, diversity and importance of connection in and between generations mean that care for the elderly is a concern of us all.
Diversity of generations
In recent decades, diversity of origin has increased significantly, as was demonstrated in the WRR report ‘The new diversity‘. Is there hidden strength in this richness of diversity? A large proportion of elderly people from an immigrant background are finding things difficult, with low socioeconomic status and a longing for social contact and their country of origin. How should diversity in the care for the elderly take shape? ‘A culturally sensitive approach with an eye and an antenna means an open attitude towards other cultures’, stated Marilyn Haime, member of the recently established Council of the Elderly.
Connection between generations
In Rotterdam, where we speak of ‘superdiversity’ and with 206 nationalities, there’s a hidden wealth of experience among elderly people. Take the Turkish barber in Oud-Charlois in Rotterdam-Zuid for instance; already based on the Wolphaertsbocht for over thirty years. As local ‘neighbourhood father’ he really knows what’s going on and maintains contact with the district policeman, local businesses and clientele. You could say he’s the eye and antenna of the neighbourhood. The personal stories behind the largely closed front doors are often not known and this perhaps leads to people not being acknowledged. It would be best to start connections between generations in your own street.
Generations developing together
It won’t be a surprise if connection becomes a theme again in 2019. The future elderly care? Preferably the future care for elderly: the care for us as multicoloured pallet of generations. Partly designed by research based on local and regional practice requirements and policy that stimulates social involvement of the elderly. The merging of perspectives, personal experiences, talents, cultures and enthusiasm is literally a connecting added value. That is why the care of the elderly is a puzzle that we should reconstruct: a common denominator between generations.
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This blog was written by Oemar van der Woerd from HCG section. It is based on a report from the national conference ‘A new generation of care for the elderly’ that was partly organised by Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management.