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Elder Rights

United States

- Archives 2006 -

Background Documents |Care-Giving and Nursing Homes |
 Economic Focus | Old Age Employment | Neglect/Abuse  |
 Political Rights and Legal Actions  | Aging Lives | Demographics |
Promising Initiatives | Trade Unions 

Older American Act (1965)
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law on July 14, 1965. This Act aims at providing help for older persons by claiming indisputable elder rights such as adequate incomes in retirement and the best possible physical and mental health. The Act established the Administration of Aging, a federal advocacy agency to represent and protect older US citizens. This agency is empowered to oversee services and providing opportunities for older people across the Nation. The Act also authorizes grants to States for community planning and services programs aimed at older persons. Title XVIII covering Medicare and Title XIX covering Medicaid were also signed into law in 1965.

Amendment to Older American Act (2000)
The Amendment to Older American Act in 2000 added grants to Area Agencies on Aging. It also established an important new program, the National Family Caregiver Support Program. This Support Program aimed at addressing the nation’s needs of caregivers. It was intended to help hundreds of thousands of family members who care for their older loved ones. Also, the 2000 Amendment maintains the original ten objectives of the Older American Act about the protection of the older US citizens’ rights and dignity.

Reauthorization to Older American Act Choice for Independence (2006)
The 2006 Reauthorization of the Older American Act includes a project called “Choices for Independence” which promotes consumer-directed and community-based long term care options.

Violence Against Women Act of 1994
President Bill Clinton signed into law The Violence against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA).  It is enacted as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. It enhances the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women. Also the Act changes federal criminal laws by including a civil rights remedy for victims of “gender motivated violence,” a provision declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court

Violence Against Women Act of 2000
On October 28, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Violence against Women Act of 2000 as division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The VAWA 2000 continues the essential work begun in 1994 and creates new grant programs, in order to create transitional housing for victims of domestic abuse or enhance protection for elderly and disabled victims of domestic abuse among others.

CRS Report: Violence against Women Act: History, Federal Funding and Reauthorizing Legislation (October 2001)
Read this report to have complete knowledge about the Violence against Women Act.

Articles

Care for Aging Parents, as Luck Would Have It (December 20, 2006)
Who will help the baby boomers, especially those who don't have money and family? Who will pay and train caregivers to meet this growing need? Many daughters and sons do not have the money or other resources to provide care without consequences to their careers and relationships.  Additionally, more family members live farther apart from one another and may find it difficult to relocate to take on the role as a caregiver. These are among the great political, economic and moral issues of the coming age.

Above and Beyond: How Much Thanks Does a Caregiver Deserve after Years of Effort? (December 11, 2006)
Hiring private caregivers to care for loved ones and assist with daily living tasks has become more common in family households today.  Caregivers often become close friends to the family member they are taking care of, sometimes the only friend the person has for a long time. Families often ask caregivers to provide the kind of personal care that they aren’t willing or able to do.  Therefore, more and more families today find themselves wondering how to show their gratitude to these deserving caregivers after their services are no longer needed.  

Living Old (November 2006)
“Mr. Michalowicz lives alone in his own apartment in New York City, but is confronting increasing health problems.” “Mr. Pallaroso is representative of those elderly who are in the highest needs category, and he is being cared for at home by his daughter, Carmen, who quit her job to do this.” “Despite her advanced age and residence in a nursing home, Clara Singer cherishes life's small joys and comforts and remains engaged with the world making the best of it.”Click above to read the poignant stories of these older persons.

Five Wishes is Changing the Way America Talks About and Plans for Care at the End of Life (October 2006)
Five Wishes, unique among living will and health agent forms, looks to all of a person's needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. The forms help you discuss how you want to be treated if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. Many patients find that Five Wishes expresses their preferences in detail and provides a helpful guide to families, caregivers and doctors. Five wishes meets legal requirements for most states. Please visit agingwithdignity.org to learn more about Five Wishes. Download the PDF read-only document here.

Understanding Choices Adult Children Make to Care for Elderly Parents Should Help Policymakers (October 9, 2006)
In many western countries experiencing an aging population, more and more people have to face the problem of caring for elderly relatives. People are confronted with several options such as a nursing home, independent living, or sharing housing with an elderly family member. To understand the choices people make and the incentives influencing these choices, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis set up game-theory models to predict what outcomes are likely based on the incentives facing each family member.

Nursing Home Owners Say Not Guilty in Storm Deaths (October 4, 2006)
Owners of a New Orleans nursing home where 35 people died during Hurricane Katrina who are accused of negligent homicide and cruelty to the infirm pleaded not guilty last Wednesday. They argued that residents were too frail to be moved. So they left them despite the storm, despite the unbelievable risk, despite the mandatory evacuation orders, and despite the moral and ethical responsibilities the situation involved.

Nursing Homes 101 (August 2006)
Despite the 1987 law written to improve nursing home care for older persons, many US nursing homes still provide poor care, particularly nursing homes run by for-profit chains. Mary Jane Koren, assistant vice president of the Quality of Care for Frail Elders program of the Commonwealth Fund explains how older persons and their advocates can use the guide as they look for a good nursing home. Consumer Reports, with the help of the Commonwealth Fund, published a nursing home guide that identifies the highest and the lowest performing nursing homes. Also, the guide serves as a wake-up call for the 12 nursing homes in the US that have been cited for poor care by Consumer Reports for five years. Click on the links to this article to read more about nursing homes in the US.

Why Should You Help the Elderly? (July 30, 2006)
A column by Karen Blanchette, a director of Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County, Florida, emphasizes the very important point that each of us should offer help to vulnerable older adults because they are not at fault for the isolation or poverty that many of them face. Rather, they are people just like many of us who have worked hard to raise a family, contributed to the community, paid taxes, saved for retirement and looked forward to a carefree life after retirement. The financial hardship these older people are facing today could happen to anyone in a younger generation torn between increasing living and medical costs and inadequate savings and Social Security.

An Age-Old Problem: How to Make Sure Your Money Lasts as Long as You Do (October 4, 2006)
Today’s retirees may not be prepared to live into their 90’s. A recent survey revealed that many retirees and working-age people underestimated the life expectancy rates for their respective age groups. Given the projected longer life spans for men and women, fund companies and insurers are directing more attention toward boomers' need for income after they're retired. If you want to make sure you do not outlive your money, refer to the article for some key points to keep in mind.

Tough Times for Seniors (September 25, 2006)
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered a report to assess poverty in the city. On September 18 the Commission for Economic Opportunity published a report announcing that twenty percent of New Yorkers over 65 years, especially minorities, live in poverty.  This means that they have $3 a day left after paying rent and food. The article contains solutions to help improve the daily life of impoverished older New Yorkers.

Richest Americans’ Income Share Jumps Sharply (September 23, 2006)
The Internal Revenue Services report that the share of all income earned by the top 1% of taxpayers rose to 19% in 2004 from 16.8% in 2003.  The IRS data also show that the average tax rate for US citizens as a whole remained near its lowest in 20 years and has fallen most sharply for the richest.  Jared Bernstein, economist at the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal-leaning think tank, attributed the jump to "both higher earnings and stock market returns that high-end folks enjoyed in 2004, and continuing on last year too." These findings give evidence that the bottom 90% of US citizens is not reaping the economic wealth that the society produces.  Time to tax the richest?

New Study Links Higher Income with Lower Disability Rates (August 16, 2006)
Due to much research conducted earlier, more people understand the direct connection between poverty and poor health. Simply said, those who lack financial means have less access to resources that contribute to good health. A new research study reveals that the same logic of health disparities exists even among wealthier American adults age 55-74 years old. For example, older adults at 600-699 % of the poverty line face higher odds of having disability compared to those at 700% and higher. One researcher comments that this research result may indicate that “the wealthiest Americans have the greatest edge in acting upon their motivations to stay healthy."

Reports

Why Do Boomers Plan to Work so Long? (December 2006)
This report analyses the retirement behavior of baby boomers, people born between 1946 and 1964. In comparison with 1992, the work expectations of boomers in 2004 have increased in a significant way. This report offers some key explanations.

Age, Women, and Hiring: an Experimental Study (November 2006)
As a result of baby boomers reaching retirement age and the demographic pressures on public programs, employment at later ages appears like a possible answer. But how many jobs are on offer for older workers?  To respond to this question, this report describes a labor market experiment to determine the hiring conditions for older people and specifically for older women.

Enjoying the Golden Work Years (May 2006) 
The likelihood to stay in the workforce declines as age increases for a number of reasons. However, those who continue to work in their retirement enjoy their jobs more and feel less stress about them. Regardless of how much money they earn or whether they work out of necessity or for personal enjoyment, many employed older adults show positive attitudes towards work and toward life itself. This report describes the socioeconomic characteristics of older adults who stay in the labor force. According to an AARP survey in 2002, 63% of employed adults between 50 and 70 plan to work at least part time after they retire. 

Articles 

Advertisers Find the Right Pitch in Boomer Icons (December 11, 2006)
Big brands are turning to boomer icons as they pitch to 78 million US baby boomers with approximately $2.3 trillion to spend. Boomers do not want to be sold cosmetics by a teenage model or told how to plan for retirement by a young financial advisor.  Boomers want authenticity and individuality, as many are in different life stages. Some are grandparents, new parents or empty nesters.   Thus, new markets are being created for companies like L'Oreal and Ameriprise.

Happy Birthday. Vacate Your Office. (December 8, 2006)
As lawyers approach the age of 65, law firms are enforcing mandatory retirement age policies. Yet healthy baby boomer lawyers frequently remain vital and important rainmakers at the firms where they built their careers. “There needs to be a re-evaluation of retirement issues in the legal community — 65 isn’t old anymore,” said Leslie D. Corwin, a lawyer with Greenberg Traurig. This issue has already caused some brutal battles over the issue of aging lawyers.  Disgruntled older lawyers have filed lawsuits accusing their law firms of age discrimination.  Currently, many law firms are holding the line on mandatory retirement and age friendly changes are not in sight.

Wal-Mart to Add More Part-Timers and Wage Caps (October 2, 2006)
Wal-Mart employees accused upper level executives of scheming ways to
decrease health care coverage and reduce tenured employment in exchange for increased profits.  Wal-Mart’s new policies plan to set caps on wages, use In more part-time workers and schedule workers on nights and weekends at the expense of the needs and concerns of their current employees.  Former workers assert that managers are forcing out longtime higher-wage workers to make way for lower-wage part-time employees.  Sally Wright, 67, an $11-an-hour greeter, quit after 22 years when managers pressured her to work anytime, day or night.  Wright’s hours were dramatically reduced from 32 hours per week to 8 when she requested to stay on the day shift.  

Iowa’s College Professors Edge Toward Retirement (September 20, 2006)
Want a really good teacher? Iowa students say that their professors teach far better than junior faculty or graduate students. More and more, older faculty choose to stay on in the classroom. While the students may approve, state legislators and university administrators want to trim budgets by eliminating the high cost professors for cheaper – and younger – instructors. Legislators have proposed funding by the numbers so that those who teach larger classes get more financial rewards. Senior faculty feel that such measures target those professors who teach small seminars or classes designed for students in their major fields.

Retired, and Rehired to Sell (July 27, 2006)
Large companies such as Home Depot Inc. and CVS Corp. heavily depend on highly experienced and skilled retired older adults willing to work flexible hours. What makes working at these companies unique is that the jobs move with retirees, from summer home in one state to winter home in Florida and back again. For example, Edward Wright, 72, an electrical contractor for 50 years, goes back and forth between Home Depot in Florida and New Jersey. “I love it”, he says. “To be honest with you, it feels like you're needed. Naturally when you get up there in age, lots of companies want to get rid of you.”

Older Workers Scaling Back. Baby Boomers Lead Push For More Job Flexibility (July 26, 2006)
The majority of US employers still don't consider the aging work force as an urgent problem and refuse to give older workers flexibility in time, place or responsibilities, saying they cost more than younger workers. However, experts say that labor shortages and the need for workers with a depth of knowledge in a specialized area will change this situation and compel employers to develop ways to retain older workers on the job.

Many Forced to Retire Early (May 15, 2006)
The financial future of many baby boomers is unknown and many of them might need to significantly lower their expectations of retirement living standards. While many workers want to stay in the workforce to secure finances for retirement, voluntary or involuntary early retirement is becoming more common. A current study found that 40% of retired workers left their jobs earlier than they had planned. Some lose their jobs due to health problems, some are forced to retire, and some have to take care of ailing parents.

Staff Retention Becomes Top PR Dilemma As Boomers Leave Sector (May 2, 2006)
(Article in French)
As top senior staff leave the PR industry, sector managers predict that younger generations will be much more difficult to retain than their peers. More flexible and more demanding, the Y and X generations tend to go after bigger salaries and more fulfilling jobs. Young persons are also burdened by high levels of debt and are ready to climb the career ladder. As interest in the PR sector develops slower than demand for PR services, competition for top staff positions will become fiercer.

Getting a Foot in the Door at 50-Plus (April 18, 2006)
Many workers who lose their jobs while still in their 50s find getting another position difficult – not because of their qualifications, but because of their age. About 68% of workers age 50 to 70 year olds plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age, some even accepting lower salaries. Reasons for working longer include social connections, mental stimulation, health benefits, and the need for income. This article gives a few tips for older job seekers in the workforce.

Study of Older Americans Finds Retirement More a 'State' Than a 'Date' (April 3, 2006)
How do you define retirement? For some people retirement is defined by age or work status, while for others retirement indicates more personal time and limited financial concerns. A recent survey shows that the traditional definition of retirement - based on age - is changing as more Americans continue to work longer. In fact, “37 percent of those aged 66-70 are either working or looking for work.” 

Science Predicts: Life Expectancy to Increase by 20 Years, delaying Retirement Age to 80 (March 10, 2006)                                                                 (Article in Arabic)
Scientific innovations will make it possible for people to live longer in the future. If so, then we will likely also experience an increase in the age of retirement. This situation may impact negatively on the social and economic norms in societies. On the other hand, longevity may be beneficial for countries that experience low birth rates, provided that good health accompanies long life.

Senior Citizens Work Less Than Before (March 10, 2006)
(Article in French)
The recent survey “65 + in the US: 2005,” shows that in 2003 only 19% of Americans aged over 65 worked, whereas in 1950 some 46% of older persons had a paid job. Professor Robert Friedman from Georgetown University explains that current seniors could rejoice in their retirement if they had financially prepared it. “One million dollars in the bank is not so much money if you still have 20 or 30 years to live,” he says. The development of pension funds has influenced the decline in seniors’ employment rate.

Snowbirds at Work: Employers Allow Wintertime Transfers (March 1, 2006)
Imagine spending winter in sunny Florida as part of a "snowbird" temporary transfer program. Many companies, including CVS, Home Depot and Borders, have given their employees the option to apply for a change of work location during the winter. Many employees who take advantage of this opportunity are older workers who seek warmer climates and flexible schedules. As the baby boomer population ages and the number of older workers increases, some companies are devising ways to recruit and retain older persons. Yancey Casey, Home Depot spokesman, believes in the great value that older employees bring to the company, ''we want to do whatever we can to make sure they have a place to work" Casey said.

More Women Decide to Extend Careers (January 4, 2006)
Retirement sometimes goes along with identity crises for retirees. This is also true for women, although the situation is commonly associated with men. "I needed the structure of a full-time job," a newly retired woman of 55 years old confesses, "that's why I had to find another position." But it is hard for older women to find a new job, especially if they want to have the same level of responsibilities. Yet, beyond a job and a paycheck, many also need sociability, especially if they are newly widowed. Sometimes women who've worked all their life simply can't imagine retiring. 

Articles

Nursing Home Fraud Neglect and Abuse Much Too Common (September 29, 2006)
In the US, nursing home residents suffer from unacceptable medical treatments even though Medicare, the public health insurance, allocates funds to provide adequate care. The article underlines that accepting payment for care and services that are not delivered can constitute fraud. All the stories related in this article put a spotlight on the gravity of this form of abuse of older persons.

Elderly Discrimination is an Age-Old Story ( September 15, 2006)
Elderly discrimination is not a new thing. Simply due to age, older persons have to face ignorance, insensitivity or impatience from others. As a result, seniors lose their self-confidence and become easy targets of more discrimination. In order to combat this situation, Erica DeFrancesco, therapist at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford, offers assertiveness training for seniors.  Thanks to this program, older persons fight their feelings of inadequacy and re-discover their right to say no.

Mrs. Astor’s Son is Accused of Mishandling Millions (September 7, 2006)
Since July, Justice John E. H. Stackhouse of State Supreme Court appointed J. P. Morgan Chase as a temporary guardian to Mrs. Astor’s assets. During that time, the bank has hired an accounting firm to dissect her finances and investigate alleged impropriety at the hands of her son, Anthony D. Marshall. The evidence gathered thus far support the conclusion that transfers of Mrs. Astor’s assets did not benefit her. Instead, initial findings show that these transactions benefited her son, his wife, or the entities he owned and controlled. Therefore, J.P. Morgan Chase might pursue litigation against Mr. Anthony D. Marshall in order to retrieve some of Mrs. Astor’s money and property. Also, the papers raise questions about Mrs. Astor’s mental competency during the time when certain transactions were made.

Intimate Betrayal: When the Elderly are Robbed by Their Family Members (August 30, 2006)
Retirees not only have to worry about mounting health care costs, but also being financially swindled by family members.  According to elder-law advocates and attorneys, family are more likely to steal from their elderly relatives than crooked financial experts or non-family caregivers.  Financial abuse, one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse, happens when certain family members manipulate an elderly person’s emotions and persuade them to redirect assets or blatantly steal checks and make them out to "cash."  This article contains tips on prevention and ways to detect elderly financial abuse.

Next Steps: The Growing Elder-Abuse Crisis (August 13, 2006)
According to the US Senate Special Committee on Aging, around 5 million elderly Americans receive poor treatment by their caregivers, in many cases, family members with adult children and spouses. In addition, five elderly out of six don’t report cases of such abuse. How can one avoid becoming a victim of elder abuse? The article describes the warning signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and suggests ways to prevent ill treatment.

Baby Boomers Make Rich Targets (August 11, 2006)
Eighty-nine year old Henrietta Tolhurst became victim to a standard credit card scam that targets the vulnerable elderly. One day she received a phone call telling her that she had won a $2 million prize in People magazine sweepstakes. Rushed to make a decision on the spot, she cashed out $6,800 from her credit card for the “legal fees.” A few days later she realized what had happened, although it was too late. Now she has to pay about $150 a month for her use of credit card at a 24.24% interest rate. Unfortunately, the media reports many stories like this because scam artists use older persons as easy cash targets. This article tells you what to watch out for to avoid becoming a target of frauds. 

60-day Notice Stuns Elderly (August 9, 2006)
Many older adults move into a retirement community seeking peace and security. At Atria Woodside Village in Ohio, surprised residents learned recently that the facility will be closed, the buildings razed and the land sold. Officials said that even though they had considered remodeling or selling the complex, the rents would have gone skyhigh. For many residents, this is not just a matter of a physical move from one place to another. Many are emotionally attached to the home where they have spent years with people who have become close friends.

An In-Law’s Charity Has One Donor, Astor, and Few Details (August 8, 2006)
Here’s a follow-up on the possible elder abuse case involving Mrs. Brooke Astor in New York. According to the article, Mrs. Astor donated $100,000 to her daughter-in- law’s charity foundation, Shepherd Community Foundation, in 2005. However, what makes this donation suspicious is that the foundation has not raised any other money publicly. In addition, there is little information available about what the foundation has done over the years and how it handled Mrs. Astor’s money. 

The Brooke Astor Affect (August 7,2006)
Recent publicity of the alleged neglect of Mrs. Brooke Astor has brought more attention to elderly abuse. The public has become more concerned with what is being done to protect the older population and the “older old” individuals. Recently the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved a bill that would expand the federal system for protecting the elderly from various forms of abuse. Congress is also considering the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Lonely Nation (August 6, 2006)
According to a newly published American Sociological Review, Americans in various population segments are getting lonelier and lonelier. On average, Americans today have 2 close friends with whom they do not need to hide anything from, which is a down from 3 friends back in 1985. Older adults are one of the groups that are at a higher risk of being isolated or disconnected due to their limited physical mobility. However, there are people who care about these isolated older adults. Volunteers at Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, an organization that values building meaningful friendship with lonely older adults, represent one example.

S.F.'s Homeless Aging on the Street (August 4, 2006) 
Baby boomers are now a large segment of the U.S population. Likewise, they occupy a large portion of the homeless population in San Francisco, California. Though research by the University of California-San Francisco reveals that the median age of the homeless is 50, researchers say that their health status is equivalent to that of 65 due to accumulated physical wear and tear. The research also finds worsening conditions of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and emphysema among San Francisco homeless adults. Without concentrated health care and housing, soon they will start rushing into hospital emergency rooms or die on the streets. (For more information about Homelessness among Elderly Persons, click here).

Battle of N.Y. Blue Bloods (July 25, 2006)
Philip Marshall has revealed shocking news about his grandmother, Brooke Astor, a long–time personality in New York City philanthropy and high society. Philip has filed papers accusing Astor’s only child, Anthony Marshall -- who controls her $45 million fortune as a legal guardian -- of keeping her in a desolate duplex and refusing to spend money for her care. According to court papers filed by Phillip, son Anthony Marshall has reduced her weekly doctor visits to once a month, ordered the staff not to take her to an emergency room or call 911 when she is having a medical emergency without contacting him first. Phillip calls the situation “elder abuse” and is seeking to immediately remove his father as legal guardian.

Couple Accused of Exploiting Elderly Woman Arrested (July 24, 2006)
A terrible elder exploitation case in Kentucky appears to abuse the “power of attorney” laws in the US. According to police, the couple confined an 85 year old woman with dementia to their small basement room without medication or proper care, while they lived a luxurious life in a newly renovated house with expensive items such as jacuzzi and plasma TV that they had purchased with the old woman’s money. The couple is now in a County Jail, each held on $100,000 bond. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison. 

Among Elderly Evacuees, a Strong Desire to Return Home, but Nowhere to Go (July 24, 2006)
Two evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, James and Delphine Lindsey, ages 79 and 70, live in a small one-bedroom apartment in Houston. Their everyday life in a city hundreds of miles away from their home in New Orleans is a financial struggle. Lately they have begun to fear losing their public housing assistance. Many older evacuees who have lost everything in the hurricane face similar problems. While many of them long to go back to New Orleans, the city is not ready to welcome them back without any nursing homes, public senior housing or affordable apartments for low-income older adults. A manager of a Houston area senior center says, “If you are a low-wage senior, you are a hidden entity in our society.”

NASD Foundation Study Examines What Makes Elderly Susceptible to Investment Fraud (July 17, 2006)
A new study conducted for the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Investor Education Foundation shows that senior married males with high incomes tend to be victims of investment fraud, while females living alone are more likely to be victims of lottery rip-offs. The study also found that fraud victims are more financially literate, more religious and have experienced a higher number of negative life events than non-victims. (Click here to read the report).

Guardianships Still Abused, Survey Finds (July 6, 2006)
According to a new AARP national survey, many state courts do not have an effective system to oversee the guardianships. Though the cases of elder abuse and neglect are persistent, many courts do not give clear direction on how guardians manage ward’s money or on how often visits should be paid to check on their welfare. In addition, even though many states have statutes requiring guardians to submit reports on ward’s finances and care on a regular basis, fewer courts review or investigate these reports submitted. Lack of money underlies this ineffective system. "Without effective monitoring, guardianship can become a human-rights gulag," Charles Sabatino, director of the American Bar Assn.'s Commission on Law and Aging says. 

Independent, but Alone (June 21, 2006)
More than 10 millions older Americans live alone. While many want to stay active and independent, their chances to be lonely and isolated increases as their physical capacities decline. Even if an older person has family or relatives, visits from them can be rare. That is why “friendly-visiting” organizations such as Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly are in high demand around the country. A volunteer from Little Brothers, who has been visiting the same older person for 14 years says, "People in that generation show such interest in the next generation. With their stories, their sense of humor, they have so much to give if people just take time to listen."

Providing Protection at Home: Investigators Diligent in Efforts to Combat Abuse of The Elderly (June 9, 2006)
There are reasons older adults refuse to talk with others about the abuse they suffer. It may be because they think it is humiliating, or because they are too afraid of losing independence as a result. In Massachusetts, certain professionals have the responsibility to report when there are suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation. This law developed into the Elder Abuse program at the Montachusett Home Care Corporation (MHCC). One of the protective service workers investigating allegations of abuse at MHCC says “the hardest thing is getting them to let you into their lives.”

US: Texas Attorney General Warns Older Persons Against Scams, Swindles and Frauds (May 30, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
Texas’s Attorney General, Greg Abbott, highlighted the number of cases concerning older adults tricked into scams, swindles, and frauds. Abbott explained that criminals take advantage of older persons’ vulnerability and naivety and often are able to take money or other assets away from them. The Attorney General warned older persons particularly against false lotteries, scams on home repairs, charity donations and identity theft, as these are the most common crimes reported to authorities.

"License to Steal" From Seniors: How to Protect the Elderly from the People They've Chosen to Trust (May 31, 2006)
Among the 80,000 financial exploitation cases among the elderly reported last year, two thirds of them involved family members, or a person close to them. A story such as Molly whose sister abused the dual power of attorney and spent $50,000 of Molly’s money on gambling is not rare. An expert says that this trend is getting out of control as the population ages. One of the largest concerns about the issue is that many older adults tend to remain silent about the abuse because it is embarrassing to investigate a close relative. To prevent further exploitation, multidirectional intervention through law, government, and the banking industry is necessary. 

Domestic Violence Knows No Age Limit (May 24, 2006)
Gender based violence and domestic abuse do not target only young and middle aged women. A significant number of older women also suffer from severe mistreatment. Candace Heisler, a former California prosecutor who specialized in elder abuse cases, spoke at Bucks County Community College about the prevalence of domestic violence among elderly couples. Because of their age, older women are even more vulnerable than younger women and often do not seek help promptly.

Seniors Should Be Last in Line When it Comes to Bird Flu Jabs (May 14, 2006)
There will not be sufficient bird flu vaccines for everyone in the US. In the first year of implementation, no more than 10% of the population will have access to the vaccine. Considering the small number of recipients, ethicists are debating who should be given priority to receive the vaccine, the young or old, healthy or vulnerable? A new report insists that younger generations should be given top priority because they should have the same right to fully live their lives as have older people. 

Conning Seniors: Financial Abuse of Elderly Is Increasing as the US Population Grows Older (May 8, 2006)
The National Center on Elder Abuse in Washington D.C estimates as many as 5 million instances of financial abuse to older persons every year. Many cases go unreported due to seniors’ embarrassment and the fear of losing their independence.

A Tough Balancing Act for Meals On Wheels (April 25, 2006) 
Approximately 600 older persons are on the waiting list for the Meals On Wheels program in Sacramento, CA. Due to a limited budget, the program targets only those who have the greatest need, based on periodic assessment. As a result, the program is forced to eliminate persons who are moderately mobile from the recipients’ list. Instead, they suggest that people who are moderately mobile go to one of their congregate meal sites in order to receive meals. Being removed from the recipient list creates problems for people like Alix Geluardi, 74, who has memory problems, but is still mobile. She refuses to stay at home all day in order to qualify for Meals On Wheels; however, she relies on the warm meal to give her the energy to stay active in her community.

Banks Helping Seniors Avoid Financial Abuse (February 27, 2006)
The bank industry is getting together to focus on elder scams and give some guidelines to seniors about financial abuse. For instance, the bank's staff may now double check ATM activity in the account of a homebound senior. Another concern is the capacity to detect  fraud before the money leaves the bank.

In the Hospital, a Degrading Shift From Person to Patient (January 17, 2006)
Being a patient sometimes means being ready to lose one's dignity and identity. Entering the medical system, whether a hospital, a nursing home or a clinic, is often degrading. It may be because doctors consider you as a medical case or because the staff is overwhelmed. Becoming a patient in most hospitals results in having no privacy, no control over anything. While studies show that physical design issues, such as noise reduction, can help, knowing one's rights, taking notes of the doctor's conversations, and speaking up can help relieve anxiety.

Many Elderly Going to Bed Hungry: Study Finds Some Aid Not Getting to South Shore (January 11, 2006)
A recent study managed by the South Shore Community Action Council shows that in Southeastern Massachusetts some elderly go to bed hungry.  Why?  They cannot go out to buy food and because they are not properly served by the food stamp program. ''The elders who go hungry are very embarrassed - they don't want others to know they have been reduced to that level,'' Mary Willis, director of the Pembroke Council on Aging  said. ''They are very proud old Yankees.''

Political Rights and Legal Actions

Iraq Trumps Traditional Issues for Older US Voters (October 26, 2006)
“The war in Iraq, it upsets me terribly. I think we weren’t told the truth.” This 85-year-old lady’s statement shows how the Iraq war will influence older US voters at the mid-term election on November 7. In the US there are 36 million elderly people out of a population of 300 million and at the last mid-term election in 2002, 61% of that group voted compared with 34 percent of people under age 65. As a result one can easily understand that older US voters have a powerful ballot. In this coming election, Iraq seems to be a top issue for seniors in comparison with their traditional concerns such as pensions and health.

MTA Settles Transgender Bathroom Lawsuit (October 24, 2006)
Helena Stone, 70, a pre-operative woman formerly known as Henry McGuinness, was arrested three times in late 2005 and early 2006 after using women's rest rooms at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.  However, in a lawsuit settlement, transgender New Yorkers won the right to use any rest room they choose at Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) stations. The MTA agreed to pay $2,000 in damages to Stone. As part of the agreement, the MTA will also sponsor a transgender sensitivity training program for employees.

Former F.D.A. Chief is Charged with Conflict (October 17, 2006)
Lester M. Crawford, former Food and Drug Administration chief, is expected to plead guilty to allegations of owning shares in companies that the agency regulates. Crawford and his wife did sell many of their shareholdings including stocks from several large pharmaceutical and medical device companies. However, they still retained Sysco, Pepsico, Kimberly-Clark, Embrex and Wal-Mart shares. For instance, the government reported that when the Crawfords held shares in Pepsico, a soft drink and snack food company, he was chairman of an FDA Obesity Working Group and was in charge of reviewing calorie content labeling for soft drinks. At the time, the couple held 1,400 shares worth at least $62,000. Mr. Crawford could spend up to one year in jail on misdemeanor charges.

National Voter ID Legislation Poses a Direct Threat to the Right to Vote (October 9, 2006)
Illinois Republicans passed a law that could reverse universal suffrage. US citizens will have to show proof of their citizenship and a photo I.D. to be allowed to vote. But a study showed that 6 to 12 percent of voters do not have such official papers, especially among the poor, the elderly and minority Americans, because of the cost and the long administrative process.

Assisted Suicide Bill Rejected by California Senate Committee (June 28, 2006)
A California Senate committee rejected a bill that would allow doctors to help patients with terminal illnesses end their lives. Opponents of the bill feared that assisted suicide law could expand to apply to non-terminal patients. Supporters say that since Oregon enacted its assisted suicide law eight years ago, there has been no evidence of a broader use of assisted suicide than was contemplated by its authors.

Elderly LA Woman Ticketed for Crossing Street too Slowly (April 10, 2006)
A police officer has charged an 82-year-old woman with a $114 ticket because she took too much time to cross the street!  Eighty-two year old Mayvis Coyle was using a cane and reported that the red light only lasted about 20 seconds, leaving her with no time to make it across the intersection. This story shows that public authorities must learn about the needs and rights of older citizens. 

Inner Suburbs Fall Through the Cracks (February 15, 2006)
All around the nation, there are inner suburbs that are "falling through the cracks"of government's attention. These suburbs face many growing challenges due to the expanding number of poor, elderly, and immigrant residents. Not only that, but the stability of these towns is at risk as well. These suburbs fall into "policy blindspots" because most government programs focus on improving cities or the ex-urban areas. In northern Virginia, the population of people 85 years and older has doubled in the past two decades and a growing number are low-income residents. The government needs to give attention to the inner suburbs instead of just focusing on the cities and overlooking the close-in suburbs.

State Officials Study Ways to Revive Defunct Aging Department (February 6, 2006)
Advocates for the Department of Aging have convinced the Connecticut General Assembly to officially re-establish the Aging Department (which was disbanded in 1993 because of budget cuts) and to start July 1, 2007. They will push for three main points: a toll-free hotline for older people to find appropriate services and be aware of all their options; second, better training for workers at local senior centers, and lastly, to launch other programs as part of a plan to revive the State's Department of Ageing. Legislatures and advocates say "senior citizens need a central contact point to help them locate and understand state assistance programs."

California Executes Oldest Inmate (January 17, 2006)
Clarence Ray Allen, the second oldest person to be executed in the United States, was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning after receiving a lethal injection. A few people, including his lawyers and Justice Stephen Breyer, contest that this execution may be an example of cruel and unusual punishment since Allen was legally blind, wheelchair-bound, diabetic, and recently suffered a heart attack. These are contentious topics with a variety of opinions and this is just one of many articles written about this incident.

Assault on the Elderly (January 13, 2006)
Sue Levkoff, director of the Boston-based Positive Aging Resource Center, attacks the harsh deep cuts in federal spending, particularly those aimed at eliminating geriatric education in medical and nursing schools across the country. There is an "overwhelming irony" Levkoff says in cutting spending towards the elderly while being "on the crest of an age wave" that's just starting to feel the huge needs of an aging population. "This vote begins the dismantling of a 20-year-old infrastructure that includes 50 geriatric education centers" she warns.

Judge Demands Police Video of Grandmothers' Protest (January 11, 2006)
The lawyer of the elderly women arrested on October 17, 2005 for protesting against the Iraq war in Times Square, has pressed the judge in charge of the case to release a video of the incident. According the lawyer, this video will prove that the antiwar grandmothers did not block the doorway of the enlisting center as accused. The prosecutors are hesitant about showing the video and are not willing to drop the charges against the women. The group, "Grandmothers Against the War," demonstrate every Wednesday outside Rockefeller Center.

Holiday Celebrations more and more Forbidden in Retirement Homes? (January 10, 2006)
(Article in French)
The US Council for Liberty has asked the federal government to adopt rules to prevent the elderly from facing religious discrimination during holiday periods in retirement homes. For example, in the Winter Park residence in Florida, senior citizens were not allowed to sing or listen to any Christmas carols. This is another example maintaining "separation of church and state," so that one religion is not imposed on others particularly in government financed institutions.

Reports

Out and Aging: The Metlife Study of Lesbian and Gay Baby Boomers (November 2006)
The partnership between the MetLife Nature Market Institute and the Lesbian and Gay Aging issues Network of the American Society of Aging led to a study on Lesbian and Gay baby boomers.  It aimed at understanding their specific needs and concerns. In January 2006, they published the first US National survey of LGBT baby boomers who are a significant, but often invisible, segment of US society.

The Maturing of America-Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population (October 2006)
“Is my community a good place to grow old?” US communities have been surveyed and the results are in. Less than half of the nation’s communities have begun preparing to deal with the needs of the elderly. The report looks at health care and nutritional programs, transportation, public safety and emergency awareness, volunteer opportunities and other services.  The report may serve as a wake-up call for communities to begin planning now. 

Aging, Migration and Local Communities: The View of 60+ Residents as Well as Community Leaders in Selected Communities (September 2006)
The report deals with a survey conducted among residents over 60 years of age and among community leaders. It is aimed at measuring the repercussions of an aging population on local communities.

Successful Aging Report (September 2006)
Aging Americans increasingly are interested in adding life to their years rather than just adding years to their lives. Indeed, many aging Americans are trying to optimize their retirement and pursue a variety of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, vocational and spiritual activities. As more and more baby boomers reach retirement, the demand for a full array of retirement opportunities will expand even further. The Johnson County Consortium on Successful Aging, located in Iowa, conducted a formal study to determine what could be done over the next five years to make Johnson County an even better place for persons to age successfully

Articles

Rocky’s Final Round (December 18, 2006)
Sylvester Stallone is back in the ring! “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final movie of a series started 30 years ago is coming to the screen. The main theme of the movie links aging and personal internal battles. Two thumbs up!

A Conversation with Robert N. Butler (November 14, 2006)
Dr.Robert N.Butler, who is turning 80, has dedicated his life to older persons by founding the National Institute on Aging and establishing the International Longevity Center. He lost his wife, Myrna, last year. He reminds readers that being left alone is a fact of aging as well as the severe loneliness that accompanies it. In this interview he advocates for thinking differently about aging. 

Groups Push for Help for LGBT Senior Citizens (October 20, 2006)
There are approximately 3 million gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people at the age of 65 or over. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expects this number to increase to 4 million by 2030. In addition to nation-wide social security issues, LGBT people face another set of problems not commonly found within the heterosexual community. They often are childless; therefore they find themselves isolated and without care. On top of that, coupled LGBT people may be financially unstable because they are not able to access their partner’s Social Security, health insurance or pension benefits. There are groups pushing the government to resolve this pressing issue.

Pedestrian’s Killing, Queens Couple Sees Another ‘Senseless’ Statistic
(October 4, 2006)
Mr. Aminov, 59, is the second pedestrian killed on Queens Boulevard this year. Once nicknamed the “Boulevard of Death” due to the number of pedestrian fatalities, it continues to raise safety concerns for all neighborhood residents. The boulevard runs from the Queensboro Bridge through western
and central Queens and is considered an expressway in certain locations. Despite recent attempts by city officials to improve pedestrian safety, locals still feel that any death is still one too many. Obviously, more awareness and safety precautions are still needed to ensure the safety of all residents including the elderly and those with disabilities.

Movies Target Frisky Seniors (September 25, 2006)
For a long time sex and old age have bordered on taboo. But a little revolution is beginning to affect the silver screen. Indeed, seniors have become the new target audience for the movie industry. The unexpected success of “Boynton Beach Club,” a story about the love live of American retirees, reveals the awakening interest in elderly people.

I'm Gonna Keep that Gray: My Decision to Stay Silver. (August 2, 2006)
Many middle-aged women dye their hair to cover up gray hair. That is because to many, gray hair is a symbol of aging, and aging is associated with negative emotions and social connotations. This is a story of a 49-year-old woman who started going gray in her late 30’s. To her, it is a symbol of many life events she had gone through, such as her father’s death, divorce, remarriage, her mother’s operations, and her friend’s long illness and death. Most important, she says she likes the way she looks and what her silver hair says about her independence and rebelliousness.

I'm Old—and I'm Just Fine with That (July 31, 2006)
Ms. Mary Blair Immel talks about a recent incident that happened to her at a home improvement store. A young clerk condescendingly called her “young lady,” ironically showing his embarrassment and fear toward old age. To Hestoff, age does not shame her. Rather, she is embracing it and living it to the fullest. Her age and looks are what she wants. She says, “Being young was wonderful, but why are so many people afraid of the word ‘old’? I don't mind the fact that I am an old woman.”

Science Seeks Explanations: Shared Emotions and Environments Can Contribute to Simultaneous Deaths (July 30, 2006) 
Sometimes an older couple will die within a day, week, month or year of one another. Nicholas Christakis, a professor at Harvard Medical School, gives a scientific explanation of the phenomenon. According to him, the main causes include environment and habits a couple share over years, as well as life experiences. At the same time, he admits the unscientific cause of simultaneous death, which he and his colleagues call "unmeasurable unstable attributes of couples," as mysteries that are part of the complex and varied aspects of love.

Aging: Giving Up Driving, at Personal and Societal Costs (July 25, 2006)
According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, older people who continue to drive are more likely to stay out of nursing homes than those who stop driving or never drove. The loss of mobility when an adult stops driving can impose hardships for daily activities or taking care of needs. Along with the personal limitations to the individual comes a possible cost to society of paying for unnecessary nursing home stays.

Age and the Stage (July 23, 2006)
The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York City attracts many young men and women aspiring to become screen or stage actors. Among them, Mr. Budd Holden, 75 years old and the oldest of 700 students, pursues his own dream of becoming an actor. While being an actor was his dream when he was young, Mr. Holden turned to acting more as a way of coping with his grief after his partner of 12 years died. One instructor at the institute comments about him. “He’s hard working, he’s mature and he’s an artist.”

Silver Belles Still Light Up the Harlem Stage (July 21, 2006)
A new documentary film by Heather Lyn MacDonald captures the lives of the Silver Belles, a leggy troupe of tap dancers in Harlem, New York. These women represent culturally prosperous Harlem in the 1920s and 30s, when the area stood out as the “Capital Black America.” Four remaining dancers, now in their 80s and 90s, continue to draw a new generation of audiences. Fay Ray, Elaine Ellis, Cleo Hayes and Marion Coles met in the 1930s, went through glory days together, and they reunited in the 1980s. 

Art Linkletter: TV Personality and Co-author of “How to Make the Rest of You Life the Best of Your Life” (July 17, 2006)
Art Linkletter, who co-hosted a famous “Kids Say the Darndest Things” television show, starred in the two longest running shows in broadcast history. On his 95th birthday, he talked about tips for successful aging. According to him, “I keep everything active and I have a joyful life. I think happiness is the oil and grease and lubrication that gets us through the grind of life. Of course, you have to have good luck, too.”

Women Who Travel for Sun and Sex (July 16, 2006)
A new controversy, sex tourism now takes on a different face: older women seeking younger men. Some people believe it to be harmless; a single woman interacting with a youngster, merely an exchange of gifts and money for attention. However, critics argue that these relationships harm families and local communities. This article examines the changing nature of sex tourism, and how people will react to this development.

88-Year-Old Great-Grandma Loves Triathlons (June 27, 2006)
Mary Stroebe, 88, will compete in her 12th marathon since she began competing at age 75. In her first race she competed in a three generational team with her son and granddaughter, but since them she has worked out and completed the race on her own. Despite accidents, including a broken leg from skiing, Mary continues to train for up to three hours every day. “Each year I think it’s my last,” she said. “Sometimes I think it’s time to hang it up. Then it comes and I think it’s fun to do it one more year.”

Somali Refugees Laud New Home (June 25, 2006)
Musa Mtan, 69 years old, is a member of the Bantu clan in Somalia. He and his wife are two of thousands of Somali refugees in Nashville, Tennessee who have left their war-torn homeland. Before moving to Nashville, they lived in refugee camps in Kenya for 12 years. Compared to their life back in Somalia and Kenya, Mr. Mtan says his life in the US is better than they could have imagined. Here, they do not worry about their safety or hunger. Plus they have neighbors from the same refugee camps in Kenya. Mr. Mtan takes English classes a few times a week and joins programs specifically designed for older refugees, while his wife works to sustain the family. About his life in the US, Mtan says: “There are no words to say how wonderful life is now.”

Aging: Getting Older Along With the Bluebird of Happiness (June 20, 2006)
Despite the widespread belief that happiness declines with age, new research indicates that many older adults rate their current status of happiness higher than younger adults. Researchers concluded: “beliefs about aging are important” for both younger and older adults. In addition, researchers speculate that the reason older persons are happier than younger adults may be because “they are better equipped to deal with adversity, perhaps because they have more perspective.”

Driving into the Sunset Years, and Keeping Going (June 16, 2006)
Morton Morris is 94 years old and continues to drive. A driving coach for AARP, he teaches safe driving courses to other older drivers at a local senior center. He does not only teach them how to drive when older, but also teaches them when to consider quitting. Morris opposes the policy in his home state (Connecticut) to automatically renew licenses of older drivers. Roughly 51,000 older adults 85 or older have a license in Connecticut. Mr. Morrison says, "Every person has to decide for himself when it's time to give up, there are people who will not admit they are not capable. And they're a menace to themselves and others."

Elderly Immigrants Struggle with English Learning from One Another (June 14, 2006)
Fira Litman, 82, arrived in the United States in 1992 from Belarus. She attends three English courses each week through Salt Lake County Aging Services to learn the language of her new homeland. Despite her age, Mrs. Litman makes an effort to learn the new language and customs. Her teachers consider her one of their best students.

Easier-to-Use Homes Sell Well To Aging Populace (June 9, 2006)
Many baby boomers want to remodel their homes as they age. Some may acquire creative home devices such as “better lighting, bigger light controls, easy-grip handles and cabinet hardware, adjustable shower heads, seats and bars and bathtubs with textured bottoms.” Others may work on larger home renovation such as “first-floor bathrooms, hard flooring, low-pile carpeting, electric stair lifts and even in-home elevators.” These “easy to use, easy to navigate, and easy to maintain” devices help baby boomers to age in their homes comfortably and safely regardless of their current or future physical incapacities.

 Retirement Dreams Turn Into Hurricane Nightmares for Some Residents (June 5, 2006) 
For many years, Florida has been a retirement paradise for America’s older adults. Despite its popularity, the trend may be slowly changing now due to frequent visits of hurricanes to the state. Older house owners are under pressure as the hurricane season approaches. While some worry about not being able to repair their house on their own, others worry about being scammed by constructors or being dependent on neighbors. Furthermore, it is becoming more and more difficult for house owners to sell their homes as fewer people are interested in properties that are vulnerable to potential hurricanes.

Essential Services for Aging Artists (May 2006)
Some individuals spend their entire lives slavishly devoting themselves to a visual art. They often work in isolation, away from artists or the larger community. Such a long-term practice may cause many problems after retirement age. What socio-economic challenges do visual artists face over the course of their careers? What services exist to help them obtain health care, retirement benefits, and other necessary assistance? Students of Carnegie Mellon University conducted research called Essential Services for Aging Artists to gain a better understanding of the needs that visual artists face as they age. The final report outlines recommendations that may help artists to overcome these challenges.

Gambling Costing Retirees 'Everything' (May 9, 2006)
Some older adults, especially widowed women, are spending their Social Security money, retirement checks, or other retirement savings on gambling. The problem is that they do not know when or how to stop. The proportion of gambling addictions among older adults has been increasing. Some experts believe that compulsive gambling can be caused by loneliness and depresion among older adults. The cost of addiction hits retirees and their families hard because their fixed income and difficulty in finding a job can be devastating when trying to find a way to recoup.

Every Day Counts (May 7, 2006)
This article shares insightful life lessons from 77 year old Konrad Bald in Palatine, Illinois. He does not fit the stereotypical image of an “old” person. In addition to his part-time position at the YMCA three days a week, Mr. Bald holds two volunteer jobs. In fact, he is the nation’s top fundraiser for the CROP organization - raising more than $140,000.

Staying Put at 96 (May 6, 2006)
Medicaid and Medicare need to be changed in order to better serve the needs of older Americans who choose to age at home rather than in institutions. Under the current system, institutionalizing older adults is still considered a priority, while efforts to improve the quality of life for those who stay at home are minimal. Virginia Lawson, 96, from East Hampton, New York, shares her story of choosing independence over dependence on others. Although living at home comes with less mobility and social interactions, especially as her health and memory decline, Ms. Lawson enjoys having her own way.

Home Alone Together (May 4, 2006)
Many Baby Boomers, “a generation known for their self-involvement,” are choosing to live apart from their spouse, even thousands of miles away. For those who do not want to give up their personal freedom and identity for marriage, this lifestyle seems to suit well. As for older couples, living in separate places is one way to avoid inheritance issues that can be complicated and emotionally draining. The trend of “living apart together” is also on the rise in some European countries as well as in Canada.

Older Crowd Gravitates to Internet Dating (March 22, 2006)
Baby boomers surf on the Internet’s dating wave too. Many boomers confess that they have not yet found true love on the Internet but enjoy this easier way to date. Divorced persons make the most frequent visitors to the Internet looking for romance and companionship. When asked about a successful Internet first date interviewees replied, “it’s all a question of chemistry.”

Sex and the Septuagenarians (March 6, 2006)
This article reviews the latest book of author Gail Sheehy, entitled "Sex and the Seasoned Woman: Pursuing the Passionate Life." To this critic, "Underneath all this talk about staying sexy is the stark reality of the loneliness of old age in America." The critic says that older women should be encouraged in their efforts to find intimacy or even romance. But do they really need to endure hours in gym, hormone treatments, and online dating?

Older Women Reinvent Themselves (March 6, 2006)
A new musical named "We're Still Hot!"  opens this month in Puerto Rico. Four characters, older women, mock the idea of no sexuality in old age. An unseen male character turns  out to be a link among the four, and there starts the story. "Fact is, women are hot but men are taking medicines which debilitates them... Men die earlier of heart disease."

Is Aging Getting Old? (March 1, 2006)
Medical research is taking great steps forward in accumulating knowledge about the various dimensions of the aging process. Health professionals agree that it is not only about living longer; it is also about living better. From the medical standpoint aging has been "slowed." But this change impacts our societies, especially when we wonder about long term care and policy decisions to balance Social Security and health systems while respecting human rights.

Mrs. Hunter's Happy Death: Lessons on Living from People Preparing to Die (February, 2006)
Death has been a taboo for a long time in many cultures. Despite modern people’s preoccupation that death is something we have to fear, in some times and places people believed in a “happy death”. To them, to die meant to get closer to a Supreme Being and, consequently, the ultimate completion of their life. Mrs. Hunter was one who practiced this belief. In London in 1801, she died with satisfaction with her life at the age of 26. In this book, an author/pastor John Fanestil, who learned about Mrs. Hunter in religious magazines from 18th and 19th centuries, blends historical contexts of happy deaths and his own pastoral experiences. Throughout the book, Fanestil suggests that death can be an experience to be embraced cheerfully even in contemporary world.

A Migrant Worker's Aging Life (February 25, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The story of Benjamín Pérez in San Diego recalls that of many older Mexicans who migrated to the US in their younger years. Pérez worked in the agricultural fields beginning in the 1970s and started the paperwork to become a legal resident. The unexpected death of a son in his native Mexico obliged him to go back to his country. Pérez lost all of his possible US benefits. He had few opportunities in Mexico with no family to care for him. So Benjamín Perez returned to the US illegally. He now lives with a niece, sleeping in the living room, because there is not enough space in the house. The number of older Mexicans in the US is increasing rapidly. They face hardships as their legal status is often unclear. 

Older Loving Couples Feed On Each Other (February 22, 2006)
This article tells the story of an old couple on Valentine's day. Steve and Virginia Chorba have been married for 58 years. "When you get a good one like I did, there's no reason to take any chances with anyone else,"says Virginia.

Women Bear Brunt of Aging Boom (February 18, 2006)
This past February 17 in Seattle, the University of Washington School of Social Workers hosted a community forum called "Plight of the Older Black Women." This forum, organized by the African American Elders Project, reviewed African American women's situation with age. Margaret Boddie, program manager for the African American Elders Project, said that aging issues, mainly health concerns, particularly affect African American older women. In the country, 1 in 4 African American women over 65 have diabetes and are also more prone to have complications from this illness. Poverty, social exclusion and racial and gender bias, further complicates these women's conditions. Boddie urged the community to take action on improving older African American women's lives both locally and nationally.

Buffing Up the Golden Years (February 12, 2006)
Imagine retirement is not only figuring what is left behind, but also dealing with planning new activities. Keep busy at what you like may be the keyword of a golden retirement. Couples may also have to rethink their routines. When her husband retires, a stay-at-home wife's attitude might be: "Who do you think you are coming home and trying to run things? You're taking over? Uh uh. I don't think so. You're taking what I am." This may imply resetting a new home balance between spouses and finding some shared activities. Like other stages of life, retirement requires preparation.

Older Adults More Likely Victims of Fires Than Others (January 31, 2006)
The US Fire Administration's last report deals with older people's vulnerability to fire. According to the report, 34 percent of the people who died in residential structure fires and 14 percent of the people who were injured were age 65 and older. The report aims to reduce risks for the elderly with suggestions such as safety information campaigns targeting the elderly. Beyond fire protection, this report gives a synthetic but rich presentation of the living conditions of US senior citizens.

Computers Add to Old Age (January 22, 2006)
Computers are a big part of our world. Some senior citizens are putting their energy into learning how to use the computer.  But on the way to daily web surfing, Internet chat rooms and e-mail communication,  seniors often have to face another barrier: the cost of a decent computer.

Sex and the Older Woman: Post-Salad-Days Gals Agree: Younger Women Aren't Having All the Fun (January 22, 2006)
Over the last decades attitudes about sex in old age have shifted.  Look at movies like 'Under the Sand' with actress Charlotte Rampling or recent book releases about intense love stories involving older characters.  These books carry an optimistic message encouraging women to enjoy sex despite "menopause and wrinkles." Nevertheless experts say "sex's importance is constructed" meaning that depending on people it can be important or not so important. Yet older women often have a hard time finding a partner because of the gender discrepancy in life expectancy.

Senior Skiers Face Deal Cutbacks (January 11, 2006)
Skiing is definitely a popular sport among seniors who more and more remain fit and healthy. The number of senior skiers in resorts has increased from 21 to 31% over the last ten years. Ski resorts companies don't need to attract them anymore. The resorts want to get the full profit of senior's addiction to winter sports. Finding a good deal on ski passes is getting tougher for seniors.

Traditional Language Offends Boomers; Agencies Adjust Word Usage (January 9, 2006)
Changing the definition of the word "retiree," baby-boomers don't think of themselves as seniors. They prefer to label retirement as a re-location or refocusing. Florida agencies are abandoning stodgy word usages and adjusting programs and services. Boomers think they won't ever get "old." They will just get more "experienced."

Population Reaches 300 Million (October 16, 2006)
Recently, the US population reached 300 million. This major landmark in US population growth is a good opportunity to take a glimpse into the characteristics and the challenges of this population. Two major considerations: First, the US is the only industrialized country experiencing a population growth. Then, although its population represents only 5% of the world’s population, the US accounts for one-fourth of the world’s energy consumption.

300 Million and Counting (October 2006)
This article shows that despite the global population increasing, human reproduction will not replace existing generations leading to a shrinkage of population in the future. The author explains to what extent immigration in the US will help support older populations. And on the other hand, he shows how difficult the situation appears for Russia, where life expectancy at birth has fallen by nearly five years for males over four decades, and for China, where older people in 2025 may have to work as farmers to survive.

Gray World (September 20, 2006)
Jerry J. Siegel, professor of finance at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, addresses the demographic realities as members of the “baby boom” generation leave the labor force in the next two decades.  Tens of millions of Americans may be looking forward to a long and comfortable retirement by relying on government, private pension plans and tax-supported medical services.  However, Siegel provides a bleak reality check for the United States and the rest of the developed world of what is to come if more persons do not become aware of the future demographic and economic changes.  “Instead of stepping into an easy retirement, many retirees will tumble into a future marked by bankrupt government social programs and declining asset values that will quickly deplete their cherished nest eggs.” Seigel offers a global perspective that may assist the aging economies.

US Baby Boomers: Landmark Generation (August 18, 2006)
As the first group of 78 million US baby boomers (those born after the World War II demobisation) turn 60 this year, many want to know about the accomplishments of this generation. This article reports on interviews with 4 baby boomers from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and analyzes what being part of the baby boomer generation and aging process itself mean to each of them. One interviewee, former US president Bill Clinton says, "I think we had a very good generation. I'm very glad that I lived when I did and that I was part of that." 

Medical Schools Increase Emphasis on Geriatric Care (April 28, 2006)
A rapidly aging population will put new demands on doctors in the US. Statistics show that there will be a 73% increase in the over-65 population between 2010 and 2030 and a 50% increase in the over-85 population between 2000 and 2010. Some medical schools are increasing exposure to aging populations and requiring field experience to encourage residents to work in geriatrics. Dr. Robert McCann, a member of the American Geriatric Society, said that “geriatricians have the highest job satisfaction rate among physicians in the United States.”

The Baby Boomers Turn 60 (January 2, 2006) 
They may not be America's "Greatest Generation," the nickname given to their parents, who survived the Depression and World War II, but they have done pretty well. The oldest of this generation will turn 60 this year, at a rate of 8,000 a day this year. Those reaching that milestone this year share a special history but can't be stereotyped. Indeed, they're conservative and liberal, wealthy and poor, college graduates and high-school dropouts. But they mostly didn't save enough for their retirement, unlike their parents.

Promising Initiatives

Reports | Articles

Reports

Senior Operator (October 4, 2006)
Dr. Yang, the chief of thoracic surgery at John Hopkins Medical Institutions has gained the nickname “surgeon to the seniors” for his aggressive treatments on geriatric patients. While other physicians may be reluctant to perform certain surgeries, Dr. Yang is one of a growing number of surgeons looking for ways to treat and cure older patients. Yang advocates for the kinds of treatment that patients in their 70’s and 80’s may not otherwise receive. "The older cancer patient is underserved," he says. "Helping them is my passion." Given increasing life spans, we can expect many more surgeries performed around diseases of age such as cancer, heart disease, and bone and joint disease.

Chinese Elderly Find Stress Relief at Club (August 18, 2006)
Regardless of age, immigration and subsequent challenges to adapt to a new culture can hit anyone hard. For many Chinese older adults who entered the US following their children, the adaptation process can have extra difficulties due to their diminished learning capacity to learn a new language and their socially isolated status after their children leave home. To improve their well-being, Alamo Women’s Club in Contra Costa County, California, is opening its doors to older Chinese immigrants and offering cultural activities, including English classes on a regular basis. The organization especially emphasizes the importance of keeping older immigrants mentally healthy. 

Rewards of Giving: An In-depth Study of Older Adults: Volunteer Experiences in Urban Elementary Schools (June 2006)
Many now acknowledge the importance of continuing social and mental engagement and purposeful life roles in old age. That explains why many older adults engage in volunteer activities. This report gives insights about the experiences of older volunteers who participated in Experience Corps in three cities. Experience Corps is a national service program that recruits, trains and places teams of older adults (55 +) as tutors and mentors in underserved urban elementary schools.

At Age 102, He Visits the Elderly (July 7, 2006) 
Mr. Leo Hildebrand in Chicago area visits “kids” every Thursday morning with a pastor Steve Swanson from St. Paul Lutheran Church. To Mr. Hildebrand, kids mean people under 80 years old. Every week, two men visit 3 to 5 home bound and often lonely older adults in the area and spend quality time together. Mr. Swanson gives communion and Mr. Hildebrand converses with older persons. His volunteering with the pastor started from his own experience of waiting for a volunteer to come from church to talk with his wife, who has Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Hildebrand says that having a volunteer over made him realize “how important it is for people who don't get many visitors.” 

Assisted-Living Facility Gets Technology Assist (July 6, 2006)
Cameras at an assisted living facility in Portland, Oregon, screen and monitor residents 24/7. Family members who received permission from a resident can access information about where the resident is, what he/she does throughout the day, week or month; how warm or cool his/her room is; and how often he/she calls for help online. They can even know how often he/she socializes and how much he/she weighs. Most residents are happy to have family members checking in on them, and families like the safety reassuring system as well. A specialist says that a facility like this "represent a future of assisted living. Technology can work in combination with human touch to improve quality of life for seniors."

Delivering More Than a Hot Lunch (June 10, 2006)
A Meals on Wheels driver who delivers meals to Ellen Trapp in Staten Island, NY does more than just deliver meals. Mrs. Trapp was feeling down after losing her two dogs, so the driver recommended she call the Animal Care and Control Shelter to adopt another dog. A new dog has made Mrs. Trapp smile once more. This is an example of how many Meals on Wheels drivers help connect meal recipients--who are usually home bound and may not have easy access to information resources--with various services that might be beneficial to them.

Strong Voice for Over-50s America (May 30, 2006)
AARP is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to deliver social change for Americans over 50 years of age. With a membership of 36 million, AARP has a major influence on American society and on perceptions about the aging process. For example, their lobbying power enabled them to fight against social security reform and to push for legislation of the Medicare D plan. Heyday, a similar organization, has opened in the UK. This new membership organization will serve the needs of those near retirement and those who have already retired. 

Grannies Spearhead Anti-War Protests (May 22, 2006)
(Article in French)
A growing network of pacifist grannies is raging a war on Bush. The group Grannies Against the War was acquitted this week in New York City of blocking the door to a recruitment center in Times Square. The elderly ladies are using the positive stereotype associated with grannies to further their cause. Authorities were reluctant to harm the grannies but decided to arrest them. The grandmothers’ stamina and faith conquered the hearts of many younger generations of New Yorkers.

Senior Center's Turning Into `Wellness' Havens for Aging Boomers (May 16, 2006)
Responding to the needs of healthy and active older adults for exercise and sociability, some senior centers are reshaping the programs they offer. Senior Centers in Orange County, California are not simply day centers for bingo and bridge. Now they open at night and offer activities such as kickboxing, jazzercise, wine tasting and yoga. These new activities target those in their 60’s, a generation that does not consider themselves “seniors.” 

County Expands Food Resources for Low Income Accessibility (May 5, 2006)
In Sacramento County, more than 4,000 older adults and other vulnerable populations such as homeless and disabled now have a choice of going to a restaurant to have hot meals with their food stamps. The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) made it possible to implement this new service. Failing physical mobility, lack of access to grocery stores, or lack of cooking facilities often prevent older persons from making good meals for themselves. An innovative and practical idea for those who receive food stamps, the service may also result in improved nutrition and overall health conditions.

What Did You Do in the War, Grandma? (April 21, 2006) 
The “Granny Peace Brigade”, as they call themselves, was in court last Thursday in New York, charged with “disorderly conduct.” Last October, NY Police arrested 16 women, between 61 and 91 years old, after trying to enlist for the war in Iraq. While being turned down, they were literally in the way of young men willing to enlist according to reports. Though ironic, their message was clear. Their first day in court gave media the chance to hear their denunciation of the war against Iraq. But these courageous women are also ready to face the consequences. If convicted, they could each be fined “$250 and sent to jail for 15 days,” the New York Times explains. "It is our responsibility as patriots not to be silent," said one of the grandmothers arrested last October. 

Ticket to Ride: A Breakthrough Way to Get Around After You Go Car-Free (April, 2006)
In Portland, Oregon, a number of older persons rely on a new program called ITN (Independent Transportation Network) for transportation. The ITN’s mission is to provide a low cost service to seniors who can no longer drive. Many older persons have donated their cars to ITN and in exchange received credit for rides. The system works as follows: an older person who needs to get around calls ITN ahead of time to request a ride and ITN sends a driver and a car. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "You feel pretty super getting that kind of service," said June E. Snow, an ITN member. 

Keeping Track of Dad (April 9, 2006)
New technology such as memory-aid systems, handheld global positioning system devices, and floor tiling that detects falls are part of the social movement aimed at enabling older people to live at home alone longer while family members may live far away. These innovations are “not solely motivated by research that shows elderly people are happiest and most comfortable at home. It is, in part, a response to the practical reality that by 2030, almost one in five Americans will be 65 or older, and the nation's current nursing home and assisted living facility infrastructure is incapable of housing the largest generation in American history unless people move into these facilities much later in life.”

Elderly Check-in Program Returns (April 1, 2006)
The Edgewater Police Department has announced that they are reinstating their “We Care” program after many residents asked for the program to restart. “We Care” recruits volunteers to make daily phone calls to a list of older persons in order to check on their well-being. If someone on the list cannot be reached, a police officer will be sent to the person’s home. This system appears effective considering that, in the past, a woman with a broken hip was found and helped thanks to this program.

Arts Program Pairs Medical Students with People 65 and Older (March 23, 2006)
To increase medical students’ sensitivity to the special needs of older persons, the University of Florida has created an arts program pairing students with older persons. Artistic activities, organized in cooperation with art museums, provide an opportunity for medical students to interact with older persons and get a new perspective on the elderly. This activity aims to improving students’ understanding of older persons and the care that they need.

California, A New Kind of Commune for the Elderly (February 27, 2006)
A group of 12 friends in their late seventies and early eighties bought land and hired an architect. They were following their dream: to build a commune home. Glacier Circle is a complex of eight town houses, a common room, a courtyard and a separate studio for a home nurse. The idea of co-operative housing and communal living is now being applied to non-traditional retirement homes as they spread across the country. Glacier Circle is unique because it is completely independent from any institution. The owners are aware of the challenges that this arrangement might bring, though they believe that the benefits of their communal living are worth the investment and risk. "We recognized that when you're physically closer to each other, you pay more attention, look in on each other. The idea was to share care" said Peggy Northup-Dawson, 79.

Elderly on the Go, But Not Behind Wheel (January 17, 2006)
Considering that some older persons no longer want to drive but also realizing that seniors cannot be left at home with no way to go shopping or get medical consultations, Portland's Independent Transport Authority in Maine  has launched a new program: the ride trade. Seniors can trade in their car to the authority and receive rides up to the value of their car.  With the system, they and other seniors can get a ride in a regular car, not in a taxi or a bus. Paying $7 or $8 per ride, they can get a driver. Communities that help recruit volunteers are given credits for rides for their elderly people.

First Hispanic Elderly Forum in New Jersey (January 12, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The state of New Jersey hosted the First Hispanic Elderly Forum in Newark, organized by the division of the Consumer Rights and the American Association of Retirees. The objective of such a pioneer event was to inform and guide older Spanish-speaking people--one of the most vulnerable groups in society--about their rights as consumers. Medicare, identity theft, housing and health issues were among the topics discussed. The organizers highlighted the importance of including older people in discussion forums as a measure of protecting their rights.

Baby Boomers most likely age group to volunteer (January 3, 2006) 
US Boomers are active in their communities. A study shows that nearly one-third of all baby boomers serve as volunteers in a variety of capacities. It found that volunteering among baby boomers is highest among those who are still in the workforce.