Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

19 August - September 2019 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica T he University of Technology, Jamaica, through its College of Health Sciences’ (COHS) Caribbean School of Nursing hosted the 4th Biennial Conference on Nursing and Midwifery August 8-9, 2019 at the Papine Campus under the theme, “Promoting Healthy Ageing Through Nursing and Midwifery Research”. In her welcome, Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, Dean, COHS pointed out that the theme of the conference was being presented against the background that data show that in 2011, the 60 years and over population in Jamaica totalled approximately 305,000, or 11.3% of the total population, with those over 80 representing an increase of 34%. These figures she noted, present a challenge in ensuring that all necessary economic, health and social systems are in place to address the growing demographic shift. Dr. Adella Campbell, Head, CSON in her remarks, pointed to World Health Organization’s prediction that between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years old would jump from 12 to 22 per cent; and by 2020, the number of people aged 60 and older will outnumber children younger than five years old. Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, Director for Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona was keynote speaker. She highlighted the three goals of healthy ageing: the prevention or avoidance of disorders or disease, maintenance of mental and physical health, and remaining active and independent. Prof. Eldemire-Shearer charged nurses to employ creative strategies to allow patients recovering from chronic illnesses such as strokes, to continue a routine of caring for themselves, involving daily physical movement, to better support the individual to retain dignity and motor skills long-term. Prof. Eldemire-Shearer, who is also honorary Chairperson of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), also reminded healthcare workers to be mindful of their own health, and to get comfortable with their own aging, learning to differentiate between signs of ageing and illness. Sponsors of the 4th Biennial Conference were Sagicor Life Jamaica Ltd, the National Health Fund Guardian Group, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Chinese Embassy, CHASE Fund, Southern Regional Health Authority, Kirk Distributors, Jamaica Hospital Supplies, NAJ & Health Services Cooperative Credit Union, and Confectionaries. 4 th Biennial Nursing & Midwifery Conference Highlights Healthy Ageing Dr. Adella Campbell (left), Head, Caribbean School of Nursing, UTech, Jamaica presents an appreciation gift to Dr. Denise Eldemire-Shearer, Director for Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at the University of the West Indies UWI Mona, following her keynote address at the Opening of the Caribbean School of Nursing’s 4th Biennial Conference on Nursing and Midwifery on August 8, 2019 at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus. Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, Dean, COHS