Mental Health of Seniors (Session 1)

DATE:

11/09/2024

Workshop Report: Mental Health of Seniors (Session 1)

Date and Time: September 11, 2024, 5:00 PM
Location: Family and Counseling Services Ottawa (FCS) - 310 Olmstead Street
Speaker: Reginald Alexis, Physiotherapist
Target Audience: Seniors in the Burundian community

Introduction

This workshop was organized to raise awareness among the elderly in the Burundian community about mental health and to provide them with tools to identify factors that can affect it. The meeting is part of a mental health support and prevention approach for the elderly.

Workshop schedule

The workshop began with a presentation by physiotherapist Reginald Alexis, who introduced the topic by explaining the importance of mental health in older adults. He highlighted the links between physical and mental health, as well as the impact of lifestyle habits on psychological well-being.

Several topics were then discussed:

Warning signs of mental health disorders (stress, anxiety, depression, social isolation, sleep disturbances).
The importance of community and family support.
The effects of life changes (loss of autonomy, death of a loved one, migration) on mental health.
Strategies for maintaining good mental health, including physical activity, balanced nutrition, and participation in social activities.

Interactions and discussions

Participants actively participated in the discussions, sharing their personal experiences and asking questions about best practices for maintaining good mental health. Many highlighted the challenges of isolation and a lack of community activities.

Snacks

Snacks were served to the participants, providing a moment of conviviality and informal exchanges between the seniors and the speaker.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The workshop concluded with a focus on the importance of prevention and open dialogue on mental health within the Burundian community. It was recommended that regular meetings be organized to break isolation and promote ongoing dialogue on these issues.

Acknowledgement

We thank Family and Counseling Services Ottawa for hosting the event, as well as Reginald Alexis for his expertise and commitment to seniors' health. Many thanks also to the participants for their presence and their enriching contributions.