Ian Donald discusses frailty in old age on BBC Radio Gloucestershire
Interview starts from 3hrs 12 mins
People don’t like talking about death and dying … indepence is the thing.
BBC RADIO PRESENTER JON SMITH SPEAKS TO DR IAN DONALD ABOUT THE TOPIC OF FRAILTY IN HIS BOOK 'WITH A LIGHT TOUCH'.
The topics of ‘frailty’ and ‘getting old’ can often make listeners switch off! But in an interview with BBC presenter Jon Smith, Dr Ian Donald, an award-winning, retired geriatrician from Gloucester Royal Hospital, aims to get the conversation started with sensitivity but also pragmatism. As Ian says:
“The truth is that as many as half of us will spend the last years of our life with a degree of frailty … you’ll just need to be handled a bit more carefully … This book will help you negotiate your way through all of that.”
Listen to this radio broadcast and learn:
- Why do we find it difficult to talk about frailty?
- Why and when do we become frail?
- Are we using too many medications?
- How does God help us in our years of frailty?
… it talks about making choices and decisions, so that you can still feel in control. I think that’s quite important.
About the Book
We live in an ageing society, and for most of us our final years of life will be spent with a degree of frailty. This book provides a practical guide and a Christian perspective on wise use of healthcare for those living with frailty. It is helpful both to those who are already experiencing how age limits their abilities, and also to those who are becoming involved in healthcare decisions for parents or older relatives.
Dr Ian Donald has been a specialist in the care of older people for over 30 years, and a pioneer for care in the community. He discusses openly the limitations of healthcare, the risks of too many pills and the dangers of a long spell in hospital. He argues that a unique style of healthcare is now emerging, preferable to many, which lies somewhere between hi-tech and comfort-only care.
Other Events
Dr Ian Donald’s upcoming interview on UCB2
UCB2 Presenter Ruth O’Reilly-Smith is set to interview author Dr Ian Donald on her morning show, about his book ‘With a Light Touch’.
Church Times Interview: Ian Donald, Geriatrician
Author and Geriatrician Ian Donald has been interviewed by Terence Handley MacMath in the latest published edition of the Church Times.
A book that has much to offer those encountering frailty
Brian Dunlop (Chair of CaBic – Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve Anna Chaplaincy for older people) reviews ‘With a Light Touch’ by Dr Ian Donald.
