EP 34 ­ The impact that attitudes and a global pandemic have had on older adults mental health (interview with Rosemary Davies)

Rosemary Davies is a counsellor for older adults. She did her masters degree on the effect of counselling on this population and has just started her PHD looking at counselling and dementia.In the episode Matt and Rosemary discuss why older adults seek out counselling and what services are available for them. They talk about attitudes towards older people and how this has a direct impact on the mental wellbeing of people as they age and how these vary globally.The conversation then moves onto the impact this pandemic has had on older adults who are suffering physically and cognitively from this forced isolation from family and friends and a lack of movement. Rosemary then shares her insights into what dementia is and how it is diagnosed, advice on what  that diagnosis means and most importantly how we can best serve people with Demntia. Please contact Rosemary on the below e mail. She kindly left a bunch of resources for people to access [email protected], T. (2019). Brooker. D (ed). Dementia Reconsidered, Revisited. Open University Press. London.Killick, J. 2008 2nd ed. You are words., Hawker Publications. London.Validation therapy – Naomi Feil – You tubeNaomi Feil and Gladys Wilson – You tubeBritish Association of Therapy (BACP) How counselling can help older people https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-therapy-can-help-with/older-people/Known International Working or Advisory GroupsDementia Alliance International (DAI) https://www.dementiaallianceinternational.orgAll members have a diagnosis of dementia. Considered the global voice on dementia, an active organisation for human rights internationally, providing advice, grass roots support, mentoring, peer to peer support groups etc. grassroots support.Dementia Advocacy Support NetworkScottish Dementia Working GroupAlzheimer’s AmericaHighlands Dementia Working groupEuropean People with Dementia Working GroupDementia Australia Advisory CommitteeIrish Dementia Working Group Working GroupNZ Dementia Advisory CommitteeDementia Alliance InternationalJapan Dementia Working GroupSouthern (Kiama) Dementia Advisory GroupOntario Dementia Advisory GroupDementia Advocacy Awareness Team3 Nations Dementia Advisory GroupReimagining Dementia – an international coalition for justice for people living with dementia https://changingaging.org/dementia/reimagining-dementia-a-creative-coalition-for-justice-join-us/UK organisations providing advice and support for people with dementia and their carersAlzheimer’s Society - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk Dementia UK - https://www.dementiauk.org.

Om Podcasten

Matt Marney has been working in the well-being space for over 20 years. He is a personal trainer, group exercise/Pilates instructor and meditation teacher. This unique blend and experience gives Matt an appreciation and understanding of the mind body connection and its role in promoting optimal health, wellbeing and performance.

Over the last decade Matt has also worked as a teacher trainer where he shares his experience with movement teachers and fitness professionals. This role ensures Matt is up to date with the latest research and developments in the industry and he delivers this knowledge with passion and enthusiasm.

After training hundreds of clients over the years he realised the same misconceptions about health and wellbeing came up time and again therefore he decided to start a corporate wellbeing company Wellness Education Dubai in the hope he could educate and motivate more people. He realised taking the right information and motivation to groups at the workplace could be more impactful and he enjoys educating and inspiring groups to become empowered and create agency (for individuals) to make real change.

This podcast is another vehicle Matt uses to educate and motivate people more people.