Reports & Articles
Reports
World: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June
15, 2012)
On June 15th, the Centre for Ageing and Rural
Development (CARD) held its seventh worldwide
Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It was the first time
the event was held in Kenya. There were over 200
participants, many of whom listened to and
interacted with guest speakers on many issues.
They took up such topics as elder abuse, human
rights violations, discrimination, neglect, lack
of social and governmental support, old-age
related illnesses and general poverty issues.
While the event was successful, the organization
needs resources to advance elder rights and to
help abandoned seniors living in Nakuru.
Report:
A
Study of Humanitarian Financing for Older
People and People with Disabilities (February
2012)
Older people and people with disabilities are
vulnerable to disasters and their effects. They
suffer disproportionately and face particular
challenges in terms of access and the
continuation of livelihood activities. Study of
the UN Consolidated Appeals Process and Flash
Appeals in 2010 and 2011 are considered
sufficient indicators of the levels of official
funding allotted to older people and people with
disabilities. Findings suggest that despite a
slight increase in the number of funded projects
that deal specifically with this vulnerable
group, there is a long way to go to ensure that
the humanitarian system answers to their needs
in a forceful manner.
Articles
India: Looking After Elders Makes Workers Fear
Losing Job (July 23, 2012)
Researchers at Engage Mutual Assurance found that
fourteen percent of adults between 40 and 65 years
old fear that their employers consider employees
taking time off to care for elderly family members
as absenteeism. In contrast, only twenty-one
percent of those polled think that employers would
be supportive under such circumstances. Engage's
Director feels that employers should be equally
accepting of time off for elder care and child
care. What do you think?
World:
Older Adults Have a Right to Sex (June 6, 2012)
(Article in
Spanish)
Spanish women ages 65 and older living in their
own homes reported on their current sexual
behavior. 20% said they had engaged in
sexual activity and intercourse formed 60% of
these cases. When older adults live in a
geriatric residence, privacy is often not
permitted for intimate activities. This lack
of respect to older persons’ right to intimacy
reflects a shortcoming in the training of
caregivers and a social taboo against old age
sexuality.
World:
Seniors, Future Tourists (June 6, 2012)
(Article in
Spanish)
By the year 2050, nearly one-third, 32 percent of
the population in developed countries will be 60
years and over. As a result, the profile of the
common tourist will change. Older tourists will
determine their travel destinations by assessing
infrastructure and access to quality health
services. Starting in 1986, Imserso, the Spanish
Institute for Elders and Social Services, launched
a holiday program which subsidizes vacations for
seniors. Nearly twelve million seniors have
traveled with this program.
7
Ways to Save Your Relationships from Caregiver
Stress (March 17, 2012)
Many
family caregivers say the experience strengthens
their bonds with the loved ones in their care.
However, many of their other relationships are
often strained and suffer as a result. This
creates isolation, lost sources of support and a
lot more stress. Caregivers should utilize
protective buffers against relationship stress.
World:
How Do the Elderly Make Their Decision to Stop
Driving? (January 23, 2012)
(Article in
Arabic)
A new census conducted by the US-based Hartford
insurance company provides insight into its view
of “safe” older drivers. The company wants
to suggest when older persons need to stop
driving. But in fact, statistics indicate that the
vast majority of older motorists are very cautious
while driving.
