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Reports | Articles
Reports
Articles
Australia:
Lotus Valve May Save Elderly Patients (June
18, 2012)
The first trial of the Lotus Valve has been
completed in Australia, successfully saving 11
geriatric patients by inserting a synthetic
aortic heart valve from the groin and into the
heart. The device is unique among heart
valves that have been used over the past few
years. This valve may be withdrawn and
repositioned, if necessary, during
surgery. The trial had a 100% success
rate. Researchers will now proceed with
further testing.
India:
International Workshop: Human Rights of Older
Persons in Asia-Pacific Region Focus on Health
and Well-being (May 11, 2012)
As the worldwide movement toward a human rights
instrument on older people's rights grows, so
does interest on this vital topic. Please
consider attending this joint event of the
International Federation on Ageing and the
Centre for Gerontological Studies.
China:
One in Hundred Older Persons Suffers from
Parkinson’s (April 16, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
More than 2 million people in China suffer from
Parkinson’s, making up half of the global
population. There are 100,000 new cases every
year, making Parkinson’s the third killer of
older persons’ health, the first being
cardiovascular-cerebrovascular disease, the
second being dementia. Experts suggest educating
patients and their families about how to manage
the disease as well as providing a safe living
environment for patients.
China: Elder
Health Management Incorporated into Reform of
Basic Public Health Services (April 10, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
Responding to this year’s World Health Day theme
of “Aging and Health,” the Deputy Minister of
the Ministry of Health says that the Ministry
attaches great importance to elder health and
has implemented relevant policies: First, the
network of health-providers is constantly
widening to reach families and communities;
Second, medical insurance continues to
strengthen and widen in coverage; Third, elder
health services are gradually expanding and will
be part of the reform.
China:
Demand for Elder Care High; Online Resources
Could Help Meet Demand (April 9, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
China’s first online hospital has started in
Beijing, a collaboration of several agencies and
institutions, including experts in elder care
such as the PLA General Hospital. Retirees could
use the services for remote consultation
whenever needed, make appointments, and learn
better self-care, among various functions.
Users’ health status could also be automatically
transmitted to their children.
Japan:
The Secret Island Okinawa is the Healthiest
Place in the World Where 475 Older People Live
over the age of 100 years (April 4, 2012)
(Article in
Arabic)
With more than 457 people over the age of 100
years, the Japanese island of Okinawa has turned
out to be the healthiest place in the world. The
oldest population have said, “We love Life.”
China:
Women’s Life Expectancy up to 75.2 Years Old
(March 5, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
The Health Minister announced that in 2011 death
rates of children below five years of age fell
to meet the UN Millennium Goal, maternal death
rate continued to fall, and women’s life
expectancy is now 75.2 years. Rural women are
also gaining access to health checks and early
treatments. Mother to child AIDS transmission
has also fallen.
China:
Warning:
Post-Holiday Depression Killer of Elder Health
(February 22, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
After the Chinese New Year holiday, when younger
generations leave for their own homes and work,
the elderly feel especially lonely. Excited to
see their children, parents overwork and overeat
but only start to feel the consequences when the
children leave. Experts remind children to show
care and concern for their elderly parents even
from afar. That is the best medication for
post-holiday depression.
China:
50%
of Elderly Living in “Empty Nests”; Loneliness
Leading to Intolerance and Depression
(February 6, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
A 79-year-old man shocked friends and family
when he used an axe to injure his neighbor over
a small matter. WHO has reported that globally
7-10 percent of older people suffer from
depression. Nationwide, many have committed
suicide because of loneliness. Some sue their
children for psychological support, usually
demanding more visits. Experts say that elder
depression is a societal problem that has to be
solved jointly by the government, society and
families.
China:
China National Committee on Aging (CNCA):
Focus on Exercise in Five-Year Plan (February
3, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
The 2011-2015 era is a critical period as China
faces its first aging peak. The CNCA has
identified fitness as crucial to facilitate
healthy aging in its 5-year plan. Incorporating
exercise in daily life will improve the quality
of life and is important to social and familial
harmony. China plans to encourage nationwide
group fitness with special emphasis on older
citizens. This is the first time the government
is making such specific and concrete plans--such
as building more communal sports facilities—to
provide places for elders to
exercise.
China:
Hebei’s
Elderly Residents to Have Health Profiles and
Regular Checkups (January 31, 2012)
(Article in
Chinese)
The province is committed to expanding elder
care services. Some will be provided in the form
of multi-purpose care centers in every district
within an integrated service network. Other
measures include public education with a focus
on psychological issues and building facilities
to make living environments more elder-friendly.
China: No
One Cares About The Work of Caregivers
(January 5, 2012)
(Article in
French)
China is experiencing a severe shortage of
caregivers to provide home care to the elderly,
especially in large cities. In the city of
Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province in central
China, it would take from 20,000 to 30,000 more
workers to meet the demand. This lack of staff
then translates into a demand for higher pay,
something only a few older Chinese can afford.
In addition, caregivers consider their job
difficult, painful, depressing and incompatible
with a fulfilling social life. In December, the
Council of State of China stated that over five
million caregivers will be needed in the country
in 2015 to support its aging population.
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