http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/4abril-gerontology.html
Havana. April 4, 2012 8th gerontology & GERIATRICS CONGRESS Cuba offers valuable experience Olga Díaz Ruiz MANY countries could learn from Cuba’s experience developing a comprehensive approach to medical care, based on equity and social justice, and focused on prevention and the promotion of good health habits beginning at an early age, according to Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), who spoke during the closing session of the 8th Gerontology & Geriatrics Congress, GERONTOGER 2012, held in Havana’s International Convention Center, March 27-30. In the name of WHO, Chan congratulated the Cuban government for its long-standing international collaboration and solidarity, emphasizing that the country’s experience in public health and care of the elderly constitute important models for studies addressing aging and the well-being of this demographic group, while offering a relevant example of how to confront the issue of escalating costs without affecting quality of services provided. On her second visit to Cuba, Chan said she appreciated the opportunity to have this interaction and was inspired by the accomplishments of Cuba’s health system, available to all; by scientific progress made in this area and the vision maintained by the country’s leadership which guarantees quality medical care, free of charge. During the last day of the event, agreements were reached between the WHO, Cuba and the Pan American Health Organization defining priorities to be emphasized in their collaborative work, over the next four years. Roberto Morales, Cuba’s Minister of Public Health, indicated that the areas of collaboration identified coincide with the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines approved by the 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, to continue perfecting the country’s public health system and maintain the commitment to extend the achievements of Cuban medicine to other countries. SECRETS OF LONGEVITY During the closing session of the conference GERONTOGER 2012, a panel discussion was presented focusing on Cuba’s centenarians. Results of a study undertaken with the countries oldest citizens were shared. According to the investigation, the percentage of Cuba’s population which is elderly is on a par with that of more developed countries, and represents one of the fastest growing age groups. The predominance of women among centenarians was reported, as well as the fact that 104 is the most advanced age recorded. Generally speaking, these citizens were evaluated as cognitively and functionally normal. They described their own health as good, carried out basic daily activities and expressed satisfaction with the quality of their lives. During the session, Dr. Eugenio Selman introduced the book Centenarios en Cuba. Los secretos de la longevidad, written by a group of authors to honor those who have enjoyed long lives and offer basic information about achieving a satisfactory old age. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Post message: [email protected] Subscribe : [email protected] Unsubscribe : [email protected] List owner : [email protected] Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
