18_8_24_EDU_study

"Healthy aging has to be active," stresses David Brugos Miranda, professor at the University of Navarra and clinical psychologist at the Navarra Health Service. "In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle - with exercise, avoiding being overweight, not smoking and moderating alcohol consumption - for successful and positive aging it is core topic to keep an active mind, a positive attitude and socializing."

These are some of the guidelines emphasized by this specialist and that will be offered in the course of the University of Navarra "Healthy seniors: Give years to life or give life to the years?", which will take place between August 27 and 31 at Civivox Condestable.

According to David Brugos, professor of School of Education and Psychology of the academic center, it is necessary that cognitive functioning (thinking, report, etc.) is preserved as long as possible and in the best possible conditions, delaying any deterioration that may occur. "To achieve this, we must seek stimulating environments that require communication, problem solving, dialogue, learning new things... because the 'machine of our mind' has to be trained".

On the other hand, the person who maintains a positive and optimistic attitude, and who has confidence in his or her ability to face problems "sample greater involvement with his or her health, more vital well-being and quality of life," he explains. Finally, it is necessary to maintain "positive and pleasant social relationships, which allow people to feel integrated and supported". According to this expert, social support is core topic in health and adaptation to disease and it has even been proven that people who are more lonely have a higher risk of mortality.

New healthy behaviors to maintain autonomy

This clinical psychologist explains that for a long time a negative social image of the elderly and the fact of aging has been transmitted. This perception causes society to show attitudes that are sometimes "overprotective and paternalistic" towards the elderly, "and even they themselves believe that they are more limited than they are, thus losing opportunities for development staff and limiting their autonomy". 

However, David Brugos points out that research in health sciences sample that older people have a great capacity to learn new healthy behaviors, and to maintain a full and autonomous life until very old age, "which is what gives well-being and happiness".

This course, with a theoretical and practical character, aims to make attendees reflect on aging, and its myths and realities, as well as to teach some self-care strategies, such as the development of healthy living patterns or cognitive strategies, work on managing emotions, etc. It will take place from August 27 to 31, from 17 to 21 hours, and the deadline of registration is open through the website https://www.unav.edu/en/web/verano-2018/cursos-de-verano/mayores-saludables.

In addition to David Brugos Miranda, Germán Jusué Erro, head of the Intermediate Resources Service area of the Mental Health Management of the Navarra Health Service; Nicolás Martínez Velilla, head of the Geriatrics Service of the Navarra Hospital Complex; and Maite Echeverría Echeto, Mental Health Nurse Specialist of the Psychogeriatric Day Hospital, will also participate.