Promote Healthy Aging in Finland

In order to engage with an aging population with alcohol related issues, an new innovative outreach approach has been developed. It is a multi-agency approach to help elderly people from all walks of life to find their way to the support groups. There is no criteria for each person to fulfil or how they should change in order to fit with the group - everybody is welcome. Many elderly people feel they need encouragement to attend the groups, which then help to support other activities in their life. The fact is, that in Finland and in Europe there are many elderly people struggling with substance abuse. Some can survive at home, while others need supported housing. It is worth asking how older people are willing and able to live in a supported apartment. What makes it home? And how should treat residents of substance use behavior?

The staff of Finnish Blue Ribbon have continued to run information and training sessions in various networks linked with support for aging population in Finland. They have began reaching out to train social and health care professionals and raise the public awareness of the issues.

The topic of aging and alcohol is a key subject in Finland and the staff are presenting this work on National Substance Abuse forum. You may follow the discussion through the link below and on twitter: https://twitter.com/IPTSininauha

We want to warmly thank the donors as these activities make a real difference in the lives of many older people and their families.

We encourage you to see more about our work at http://www.ikaantyneidenpaihdetyo.fi/fakta/ikaantyminen-ja-alkoholi/