Remaining in control of our choices as we age: health, autonomy and rights
Maintaining autonomy and rights as the years go by remains a major challenge. Health, housing, legal decisions and the role of dependent elderly people’s relatives are all subjects that call into question our ability to remain a stakeholder in our lives. Who really decides? Ourselves, our loved ones or society?
As part of our Observatory, we offer an in-depth reflection on these issues, inspired by the TV programme “La santé c’est mon droit” (“Health is my right”), hosted by Virginie Delalande with contributions from three experts:
- Antoine Piau, Professor of Geriatrics at the Health Age University Hospital Institute in Toulouse, Vice-President of the French Digital Health Agency (ANS) and Medical, Ethics and Health Innovation Director at the Clariane group: highlights the importance of also protecting people with mental and cognitive disorders and of anticipating decisions before any loss of autonomy.
- Alix Gard, cofounder of Zenior: offers concrete solutions to support senior citizens and their families in their life journey.
- Judith Duperoy, a lawyer specialising in elderly people’s rights: recalls the fundamental rights and the legal tools in place to protect freedom of decision.
The major challenges of ageing, or Ageing... Without becoming a spectator
1. Remaining healthy and independent
Healthy ageing is about more than just the absence of disease. It is also a question of anticipating loss of independence and implementing solutions to remain in control of our choices. Prevention, access to information and coordination of care are essential components.
2. Tailoring living environments
Housing is a core concern. Elderly people often want to remain at home, but this requires adaptations and sometimes alternative solutions such as intergenerational residences, shared homes or senior villages.
3. Protecting rights
Legal mechanisms (lasting power of attorney, future protection mandate, advance directives, guardianship, curatorship) allow people to secure decisions and avoid conflicts. It is crucial to be aware of and implement them before loss of independence occurs.
4. Supporting families and preserving individual freedoms
Too often, families ask for support late on, when they are already experiencing burnout, despite the fact that solutions exist. Making choices early and knowing the financial options, support mechanisms, measures available and legal remedies makes it possible to protect the freedom of decision. Physical or cognitive frailty must not mean losing rights.
5. Maintaining social bonds and life plans
Ageing also means continuing to participate in social life and maintaining control of our future: how can people keep their home, autonomy and relationships with others? Forward planning is crucial to maintaining dignity and freedom.