JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2020

SUTTON BALDOYLE

Venue: Baldoyle Library, Co Dublin

Contact: u3asutbal@gmail.com:

u3asuttonbaldoyledublin/

http://twitter.com/U3ASuttonbaldoy

U3A – UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

LIFE LONG LEARNING

‘Health and Society in Question’ - TOPIC OF MEETING

POST FEBRUARY 2020 MEETING UPDATE- Part 1

1. POST MEETING UPDATE

GUEST SPEAKER – DR MARK PHIBLIN

‘Health and Society in Question’ was the topic for this month and our talk was presented by Dr Mark Phiblin, Asst Professor Health and Society at DCU. Mark started his career as a psychiatric nurse, moved to Community Mental Health and then worked as a Community Psychiatric nurse in Manchester.

From this early working experience he became very interested in the significance for individuals/groups’ wellbeing and health and the need for this to be understood in a wider context. For instance, where people live, the kind of everyday conditions they encounter, the kind of relationships and generally the health of the population.

Today it can be observed that the phrase ‘Population Health’ is now used to think about health in the big picture. This reflects the development and understanding of the link between one kind of behaviour and a whole range of health issues for individuals, groups and society. Combining his interests and ideas brought him to developing, teaching and working on the BSc in Health and Society at DCU.

Reemphasising the concept of ‘Population health’ Dr Phiblin referenced a number of books such as the Revolutionary Life of Dr Ronald Doll titled ‘Smoking Kills’. Dr Doll was a British physician who became an epidemiologist in the mid 20^th century and he was a pioneer in that and showed that there was a strong association between the individual behaviour of smoking and lung cancer and between smoking and cardiovascular disease. This longitudinal research linking one kind of individual behaviour with a whole range of health for individuals, groups had profound implications for both public and individual health for instance the decrease in the rate of lung cancer.

Another book referenced was ‘The Spirit Level – Why equality is Better for Everyone’ - Wilkinson and Piggett . The Spirit Level demonstrates scientifically the benefits of a smaller gap between rich and poor. Wilkinson, an epidemiologist specialising in health inequalities, is famous in policy-making circles for his graphs showing how income inequality is related to all manner of social ills. Dr Phiblin also expanded on the research linking other behavioural and social practices such as alcohol and the link with health issues. [HSE website reference]

Because of all of the research, longitudinal studies worldwide and by country, World Health Organisation (WHO) and others national Government have made recommendations in relation to general population health including older adults. For older adults the research and physical activity recommendation are often expressed in terms of minutes per day; minutes per week; steps per day with examples of exercises and physical activities.

The question was put to the group is how can society facilitate this? how suitable is the environment ? does the conditions encourage walking? How do individuals translate this into everyday behaviours?

Take-ways from the Talk:

Ireland is now the first country in the world where all the counties are Age Friendly. Therefore they adhere to WHO Age Friendly cities and towns principles. Fingal and Dublin City Council have Age Friendly initiatives along these principles. As a group we have participated in some of these initiatives such as Walkability Surveys, local community physical activity groups, participated in research and attended various seminars and information sessions and keep questioning.

2019 Healthy Ireland is one government-led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone living in Ireland. Click on this link for further information

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/06de8b-be-well/#physical-activity-guidelines

https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/fitness-for-your-lifestyle.html#older-support

There have been a number of different national campaigns supporting the importance of Physical Activity and Health over an individual’s life span with various messages. HSE’s e.g Let's Get Active! ...to improve Health & Wellbeing - Sit less, Move more /Chartered Physiotherapy Society/Osteoporosis Society/Age and Opportunity to name a few - pick what suits you So a lot to choose from!!

Just one of the links Vanda Cummins, Health Service Executive HSE - this is a slide presentation presented at IPH Oct 2019

At the end of the talk we thanked Mark for such an interesting and jovial presentation. If you wish to have a copy of his slides just email u3asutbal@gmail.com and they will be forwarded to you.

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POST FEBRUARY 2020 MEETING UPDATE – PART 2.

1. THEATRE OUTING – BORD GAIS

During January 2020 a group of 20 went along to Bord Gais and had a very enjoyable afternoon at the performance of the Sound of Music. Thank you to Madeline and her team for organising this event.

2. CULTURAL VISITS – 2/3 VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED TO LEAD EACH GROUP VISIT.

The group generated a list of places they would like to visit over the summer months. Individuals registered themselves for venues as an expression of interest [there is a small registration donation required].

These visits will take place from May to August and preferably on a Wednesday. Each visit requires a team of 2/3 volunteers to lead.

At this point in time it is suggested that visits include

· Castletown House. June 10^th. Sheila will lead this visit. Based on her research she recommends taking the 11am Edenderry Bus from outside Connolly Station to Celbridge village. Special guided tour has already been arranged by Sheila for 1.30pm. There is a cafe at the venue. Cost of guided tour is €5 to be paid in advance to Sheila.

· Hillsborough Castle. There is great interest in this visit. Named leaders required for this visit.

No firm date yet but It was suggested either of the last two Wednesdays in May might be a suitable. However those who listed themselves will agree a date that suits those who expressed an interest.

Details of different transport options were discussed ranging from Express Train,[09.30], from Connolly to Newry with transfer to local Translink express bus service to Hillsborough War Memorial: or Bus from Bus Arus direct to Newry Bus Station and transfer to Translink Bus [using Smart Travel card] to Hillsborough: There is also an option for the group to consider hiring a coach to pick up at Newry return : There is an option for a full Tour operator to ‘do all the work’ at a cost per individual.

There are restaurants/cafe at Hillsborough Castle and Hillsborough Village. There are guided tours and also a prepay concession rate for those over 65 years – but to receive this payment must be made 2/3 weeks prior to the visit.

Named volunteers needed to lead this visit and finalise details for transport; when leave; when arrive; booking in advance etc.

· Hollybrook House, Sligo - July: Monica/ Catriona will facilitate/lead this visit

Other venues suggested:

Oratory, Dun Laoghaire

Glendalough – St Kevin’s Bus

Cathal Brugha Barracks

Kilruddery House

Kilmacurry House and Botanic Gardens

14 Henrietta Street, Dublin

Museum of Literature, St. Stephen’s Green - suggesting 2021

Galway is the 2020 Cultural Year – Madeline is exploring this further.

OTHER INFORMATION

3. SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR READING – From Sheila.

The Codebreaker – Marc McMenamin

Sheila attended a talk recently at Raheny Library by Marc McMenamin, author of Codebreaker and recommends.

4. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ADULT SAFEGUARDING/REDC SURVEY

Sheila circulated a leaflet ‘Your Guide to the National Standards for Adult Safeguarding’ to the group. This is produced by HIQA and outlines HIQA and the Mental Health Commission (MHC) Safeguarding Standards. Sheila outlined the contents of these standards and what can you do if you have a safeguarding concern. More information can be obtained from either 8147400 standards@hiqa or MHC team 6362400. Supporting material also available for download from www.mhcirl.ie

Attached is also a summary of Safeguarding Ireland, Place of Care Research produced by RedC for your information.

5. MEMBERS’ INVOLVEMENT WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES

Members participate in a variety of other activities within the local area and it was suggested that these could be shared

with the group at all the meetings.

At February’s meeting enquiries were made about walking groups and following this and a number of walks were mentioned.

including the Dean Scoil walking group . It is based on the Danish Folk School system and

set up in the 1960’s in Dublin. Application forms will be available at the next meeting. Their email address is

deanscoilathacliath@yahoo.ie

There are a number of other walking groups that members are involved with within the Dublin North East/Fingal area -

chat with others at the next meeting.

A few websites to explore as follow:

https://www.getirelandwalking.ie/findgroup/

http://www.dublinwalkingclub.com/our-walks/

https://www.meetup.com/Malahide-and-District-Walking-Group/

We would encourage individuals to share their other activities with the group at each meeting