Bridging the Generation Gap: Mastering Communication with Older Adults

WORDS DR MUGILARASI ARASARETHINAM 

FEATURED EXPERT
DR MUGILARASI ARASARETHINAM 
Senior Lecturer and Hub Leader
Active Ageing Impact Lab
Taylor’s University

Picture this: An elderly man on a bus, oblivious to a conductor’s increasingly frustrated calls for his ticket. As I witnessed this scene in my medical school days, it became clear that this wasn’t just about a missed fare–it was a poignant snapshot of a much larger issue.

WHY EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

In our rapidly ageing world, the art of connecting with older adults is becoming crucial. It’s not just about exchanging words; it’s about:

  • Fostering a sense of belonging
  • Preserving dignity and self-worth
  • Combating loneliness and isolation
  • Promoting mental well-being
AGE-RELATED CHANGES THAT IMPACT CONNECTION
Hearing Loss: The Silent Barrier
  • Nearly 70% of Malaysians over 60 experience age-related hearing loss.
  • Untreated hearing issues can lead to irreversible communication damage.
Cognitive Decline: When Memory and Language Falter
  • 8.5% of older Malaysian adults (about 260,000 people) live with dementia.
  • Dementia affects memory, language skills, and social engagement.

Slower Information Processing Speed: The Need for Patience

  • Older persons tend to have lower word retrieval and speech processing.
  • One requires more time to comprehend and respond to them,
HOW TO AVOID COMMUNICATION PITFALLS WITH OLDER PERSONS
Avoid Over-Accommodating 
  • Using “elderly talk” or “second baby talk” (exaggerated manner of speaking resembling how adults communicate with children) when talking to older persons can be patronizing.
  • This behaviour reinforces negative stereotypes about ageing.
  • It may damage an older person’s self-esteem and cognitive function.

Also Avoid Under-Accommodating

  • Ignoring an older person’s age-related challenges can lead to frustration.
  • It can result in social isolation and exclusion of the older person.
  • It also increases risk of misunderstanding and potential exploitation of the older person.
AVOID THESE PITFALLS WITH THE “ABCDE” OF COMMUNICATION

A: Assume Not

  • Avoid having or making preconceptions about an older person’s abilities or limitations.
  • Take time to learn and understand them first.

B: Be Present

  • Maintain eye contact and show genuine engagement.
  • Ensure assistive devices for the older person (hearing aids, glasses, etc) are in use.

C: Calibrate Often

  • Adjust your tone and volume as needed.
  • Pay attention to non-verbal cues from the older person and react accordingly.

D: Dignity at All Costs

  • Remember: Age is just a number!
  • Treat older adults with the respect they deserve.

E: Engage with Empathy

  • Practice patience and allow extra processing time.
  • See the person for who they are, not just their age or potential disabilities.
PREPARING FOR AN AGEING FUTURE

As we approach 2030, when older adults will dominate our population, it’s crucial to:

  • Educate ourselves on age-related communication challenges.
  • Develop skills to foster nurturing connections.
  • Create a society where all generations can thrive.

Remember: How we communicate with our elders today sets the stage for how we’ll be treated in our own golden years. Let’s make every interaction count!

Groundbreaking Congress in Kuala Lumpur Showcases Innovations in Paediatric Medicine and Surgery

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

LEADING PAEDIATRIC EXPERTS UNITE TO TRANSFORM CHILD HEALTH CARE IN ASEAN

On 27 September 2024, 3 key organizations in paediatric sciences joined forces today at the 16th Congress of the ASEAN Society of Pediatric Surgery.

This pivotal 3-day congress incorporated the 3rd Congress of the Malaysian Association of Paediatric Surgery (MAPS) and the 45th Annual Congress of the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA).

It was officially inaugurated by Yang Berbahagia Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar, the Chairperson of the Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI).

HONOURING EXCELLENCE IN CHILD HEALTH ADVOCACY

The congress, themed Different Perspectives, One United Vision, celebrated outstanding contributions to child health:

  • MPA Outstanding Child and Adolescent Advocacy Award 2024 presented to Professor Dr Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed from the International Islamic University Malaysia, for his tireless efforts in combating smoking and vaping among adolescents.
  • MPA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 awarded to Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail in recognition of his significant advocacy work and advancements in paediatrics, both locally and internationally.
A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO PAEDIATRIC CARE

Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Ikram Ilias, the President of the Malaysian Paediatric Association and Co-Organising Chairperson, emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between paediatricians and paediatric surgeons.

“Our unified goal is to enhance the health and well-being of children across the region,” he stated.

Dr Mohd Yusof Abdullah, the President of MAPS and fellow Co-Organising Chairperson, reinforced this sentiment by highlighting the partnership’s role in advancing paediatric care throughout Malaysia and ASEAN.

MILESTONES IN MALAYSIAN PAEDIATRIC SURGERY

The congress showcased significant progress in Malaysian paediatric surgery:

  • 80 dedicated paediatric surgeons nationwide
  • 52 specialists in Ministry of Health hospitals
  • Specialist paediatric teams offering outreach services in every state

This achievement stems from collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, private sector practitioners, and the College of Surgeons in the Academy of Medicine Malaysia.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

In her official address, Yang Berbahagia Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar praised the collaborative spirit of the paediatric community and their commitment to elevating childcare standards in Malaysia.

She commended the initiative by MPA and MAPS to create a roadmap for advancing expert care in paediatric urology, surgical oncology, advanced minimally invasive surgery, and solid organ transplantation in children.

“Despite the diverse and often times polarized political viewpoints, we all agree that the welfare and wellbeing of our children must be protected, supported and promoted,” she concluded.

The congress attracted over 700 delegates and speakers from around the globe, including participants from the United States, United Kingdom, and ASEAN nations.