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- Archives 2009 -
Africa
Algeria: Barkat Signs WHO's
Initiative On the Right to Sight (October 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
On October 21, 2009, M. Barkat, the Algerian Minister
of Health, Population and Hospital Reform, ratified WHO
documents to introduce a right to sight in Algeria:
“Vision 2020.” WHO launched the program in 1999 as part of
a worldwide initiative to eliminate the major causes of
blindness by the year 2020. Last year, Algeria conducted a
substantial survey about the major diseases causing
blindness as preparation for creating this national
strategy to cope with the problem.
Algeria: Genetic Factors, Lifestyle Choices Affect
Development of Widespread Osteoarthritis (October 5,
2009)
(Article in French)
In Algeria, osteoarthritis is a disease that affects more
and more persons, especially old people and
post-menopausal women. Among other possible causes,
obesity encourages the disease. In order to reduce the
risk, doctors advise people to watch their weight, walk
every day and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quick
diagnosis is a necessity, along with exercising great care
with medications taken by the patients.
Africa: Ramadan and Old Persons’ Health: Beware of
Hypoglycemia and Dehydration (September 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
Keeping Ramadan, some say, can be a threat, especially for
older persons. Indeed, despite all the risks to their
health, most old persons choose to fast even during summer
and against their doctors’ advice. Religious beliefs,
cultural habits and health are not always compatible.
Senegal: Anticipating Before It Is Too Late; Warning,
Dementia Is Watching! (July 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Dr. Kamadore Touré’s view, dementia is an
increasing phenomenon, especially among old people, and it
is unavoidable. Dementia is now a worldwide public health
issue; in the year 2000 there were about 22.5 million
cases in the world, and among them, 52% were from the
Third World. This rate will probably increase in the
future. Senegal, along with other African countries, is
facing growth among its elder population who will be
subject to risk of dementia. That is why Ivory Coast has
ordered studies to take into account the social, sanitary
and economic consequences of this development.
Senegal: Free Consultations and
Medicines for Older People (June 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older people got some free consultations and medicines
last weekend at Heinrich Lübke Hospital in Diourbel
in Senegal. More than 500 patients received free
treatments given by volunteers. Khadim Gueye, the Minister
in charge of farmers’ organizations and syndicates, said,
“this is a very noble initiative to offer free
consultations and medicines to older persons in the
region.”
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Americas &
Caribbean
Mexico:
Mexico is Getting Old (December 18, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Mexico is transitioning to an older population, with
currently 8 million people over 60 years of age. According
to projections, Mexico will have 30 million inhabitants
more than 60 years old by the year 2050. Older people must
learn about health issues, since chronic illnesses such as
diabetes cause many early deaths in the country. To help
people reach old age successfully, the Institute of
Geriatrics was created. The institute will study the
ageing process among Mexicans and design strategies to
improve their health and quality of life.
Ecuador: Flu Immunization
Campaign Begun for the Elderly in Ecuador (December 8,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Ecuadorian Health Minister Caroline Chang launched an
immunization campaign for older persons at the Quito
Hospital of the Elderly. This program focuses on one of
the most vulnerable groups that suffer the most
complications and deaths in the flu season. Chang noted
that immunization is the best approach, This practice
translates into more years of life. Campaign managers want
to reach at least 58,000 adults 65 years and older.
Mexico: Optometric Conference for Older Persons
Initiated in Zitácuaro (November 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National System for Development of the Family,
together with the local government, organized an
Optometric Conference to benefit the older population in
urban and rural Zitácuaro. The objective of the
conference is to decrease vision disabilities among older
persons. More than 90 seniors with vision problems
benefited from this event.
Canada: Swine Flu: Half of
the Dead are Seniors (November 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Quebecois Association of Retirees (AQRP) underlines
that more than 50% of deaths related to swine flu are
people 60 years old and over. In fact, older people with
chronic diseases run a major risk if they are not
vaccinated. Consequently, the AQRP demands that the
government make it possible for older persons to have a
vaccination at the same time as other patients with
chronic diseases and not afterwards.
Mexico: Six Million Older
Persons in Chihuahua at Risk of Alzheimer's (November
12, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Six million persons in Chihuahua are at risk of having
Alzheimer's. People over the age of 65 are more likely to
suffer from the disease. The illness affects the nervous
cells in all parts of the cerebral cortex, deteriorating
people's ability to control their emotions. Research
indicates that Alzheimer's can be prevented if activities
that help exercise the memory are begun at an early age.
Argentina: Older
Persons are Easy Victims of Malnutrition (November 10,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Many Argentine older persons suffer from malnutrition. Dr.
Isidoro Fainstein, former president of the Argentinean
Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics, cites loneliness
as the cause. Lack of sufficient monetary resources can
also cause malnutrition because they can’t purchase
sufficient food. He said that aging advocates must teach
older persons and those who care for them to cook with
more nutritious ingredients at lower cost.
Cuba: The Power of the
White Robe (November 9, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Camaguey, Cuba, is the sixth most aging territory of Cuba,
where life expectancy is 80 years. Older persons represent
16.3% of the population and receive community attention of
all kinds. In 1958 there were only six hospitals, none of
them in rural areas and one nursing home for older
persons. By comparison, in 2009 there is a network of
institutions and technology that guarantees medical and
social assistance for older persons as well as children.
Cuba has transformed itself into a world center of first
quality healthcare.
Chile: Week of Older Persons
Carried Out (November 1, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Health Center in Santiago organized a health week for
older persons with a series of conferences discussing the
different illnesses that older persons face. The Center
gave free medical consultations to all persons over the
age of 60 during the Health Week. The Health Center also
distributed a booklet designed to help families exercise
better control over the health conditions of older
persons.
Colombia: Half of the
Population of Cali Overweight (October 26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Almost 49% of the older population in Cali, Colombia, is
overweight. The provisions of a new law mandate treats
obesity as a public health problem and ensures treatment.
For the first time, the government recognizes obesity as a
public health problem and patients will be eligible for
treatment.
Mexico: The Social Security
Institute of Mexico Benefits Older Persons (October 26,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Between October 26 to 30, the Social Security Institute of
Mexico scheduled vaccinations, health education and social
participation to foster an active and healthy culture
among more than five million persons 60 years and older.
The Institute also provides early detection of illnesses
such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and diabetes, among
others.
Canada: Aging Population a Threat to Canadian Blood
Supply: Study (October 13, 2009)
McMaster University researchers from warn that as a result
of Canada ’s aging population, the nation’s blood supply
may be in danger because of the high volume of adolescent
and young adult donors. The study used statistics from the
Canadian Blood Services to spot trends that affect blood
donation. Researchers found that although only less than
four percent of eligible donors offer blood, every
Canadian will need blood at some point in his or her
lifetime. Yet, those least likely to donate are working
persons ages 25 to 54, while those most likely to do so
are individuals ages 15 to 24—the group that also happens
to be the least donor- eligible.
Ecuador: Investigation
Will Reveal Health Conditions of Older Persons (October
5, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Six public and private organizations are investigating the
real conditions of life of older persons in Ecuador. The
Ministry of Social and Economic Inclusion, the Ministry of
Health, the National Institute for Statistics and Census
and the Gerontology Society are together developing a
program called “Live on, Ecuador.” The program will
generate policies that pay greater attention to older
persons in the country. The investigation includes more
than 200 questions related to life and health conditions
of older persons.
Costa Rica: Center Will
Give Medical Attention to 60 Older Persons Every Day
(October 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Geriatric Hospital developed a program of
Essential Geriatric Services for sixty older persons in
Costa Rica. Among the services provided are physical,
psychological, social and nutritional therapy and medical
attention. The staff offers these services to persons 65
and older without cost.
Argentina: More than
30 percent of Older Persons Suffer from Undernourishment
(September 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
According to international studies, undernourishment
affects more than 30% of older Argentines. Health experts
say that serious complications come along with
under-nourishment, such as elevated economic and social
costs, increased mortality rates, longer hospital stays
and a drop in the quality of life. Former president of the
Argentinean Nutrition Society, Silvio Schraier, says that
it is very important to counsel older people on ways to
achieve adequate nutrition.
Canada: Older Persons Put their Lives in Jeopardy By Not
Calling an Ambulance in N-B (September 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Coalition for the Elderly and the Nursing Home
Residents’ Rights claims that since the Graham government
began requiring payment for ambulance transportation,
older persons’ lives are in jeopardy. They don’t call for
help because they are fear not being able to pay for the
ambulance. New Brunswick was the only area in Canada that
did not previously require the fare payment.
US: At 99,
Velzoe Brown Doesn’t Miss A Beat (September 22, 2009)
When asked to offer advice, Velzoe Brown provides a
complete checklist: 1) honor God 2) follow your bliss 3)
keep your child’s heart 4) radiate love 5) laugh and be
thankful. Brown is a 99-year-old woman with a gift—the
gift of music. Playing the piano, drums and trombone since
she was 16, Brown performed in an all-girl group called
the Pollyannas that toured from coast to coast in the
1920’s. Although her eyesight has declined, she performs
several times a week at jazz clubs, retirement
communities, local dance halls and lodges with a band
called the Upbeats comprised of members in their 30’s,
40’s and 50’s. For Brown, however, age does not matter.
Mexico: For Every Thousand Older Persons, Forty Have
Alzheimer's (September 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In Mexico, for every thousand older persons, forty suffer
from Alzheimer’s in its beginning to advanced stages.
Doctors believe that after about ninety years of age, the
number of older people suffering from Alzheimer’s will
increase to about 65-70 for every thousand. The
demographic and epidemiologic transition will also lead to
an increase in the number of Alzheimer’s cases. The
director of the Mental Health Institute, Martha Palencia
Núñez, suggests that the nation must get
prepared to meet these future demands.
Mexico: The Advantages of
Living for Many Years (September 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
To live many years is different than being old,
because to be old, it’s necessary to feel old. A
psychology specialist at the University of Guadalajara,
Lilia Méndez Romero, explains that everybody
desires to live for many years, but they do not want to
become “old.” She suggests that humans need to become
conscious that aging is irreversible and we must learn to
be old. What is important is maintaining support networks
and keep enriching them as we age.
Paraguay: Training Health
Specialists for Older Persons (September 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Department of Older Persons, the Institute for Social
Wellbeing and the Ministry of Health are organizing a
training course for health specialists who provide basic
health for older persons. The goal of the Ministries is to
train 120 health specialists particularly qualified for
the health care of older persons.
Mexico: The Secretary of
Health Requests Funding for a Geriatric Hospital
(September 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Secretary of Health in Jalisco, Guadalajara, is asking
for federal funding to construct a geriatric hospital. The
new hospital will accept patients that suffer from
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, fractures
of the hip, osteoporosis, ulcers and other diseases common
to older persons.
Mexico: To Live in
Abundance and to be 80 Years Old is Nothing (September
8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Older persons living in Mexico face loneliness, depression
and being forgotten. Until 2005 more than 54 million
persons who are 65 years and older lived in Acapulco. The
elder percentage is increasing and by 2030 the number of
elders will be more than 65 million. In contrast to the
growing numbers of old people, only two or three geriatric
specialists work in Acapulco. Despite the huge number of
older persons in plain sight, the government seems to pay
little attention. The author says that if the quality of
life for old persons in this region is to improve, the
Secretary of Health must explore and secure help from the
geriatric doctors and other health workers.
Argentina: Physical Exercises
for Older Persons (September 6, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Professor of Physical Education Pablo Gianelli announced
that longevity has increased and therefore society is
approaching the Fourth Age, which includes persons of 65
years or older. It’s important that older persons maintain
a good quality of life; gymnastics is a good way to make
it happen. Among the positive effects of physical exercise
is a decrease in respiratory problems, osteoporosis,
anxiety and depression.
Bolivia: The Health
Ministry Assures Attention to the Quality of Services
for the Elderly (August 26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
On the Day of Older Persons, the Health Ministry agreed to
give more attention to older people and that it would
provide more essential services for old people.
Fortunately, the Government had set guidelines for medical
service for Bolivian older people that the Health Ministry
would find difficult to ignore.
Chile: The Health Service
Initiated Various Visits for Elderly People to Get to
Know the New Hospital (August 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The director of the Health Service in Punta Arenas, Chili,
accompanied old people on a visit to get acquainted with a
new hospital in the area. The hospital has doubled its
capacity for accepting patients in critical condition and
has tripled the number of dialysis patients it can
accommodate. The hospital will be open to the public
sometime between December and March.
Brazil: San Lorenzo:
Health Care for the Elderly (August 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Elderly People’s Service in San Lorenzo, Brazil,
initiated a new program for health care for the elderly
that consists of physical and recreational activities for
people between the ages of 60 and 85 years. This project
will improve the health of the aged by encouraging
exercise on a regular basis. The service, coordinated by
several government branches, enlists the participation of
many outstanding professionals.
Mexico: The Mexican
Institute of Social Security in Jalisco Initiated a
National Health Week for Elderly Persons (August 24,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Mexican Institute of Social Security began a national
health week for the elderly in Jalisco on August 24,
offering many cultural and social activities as part of
the observance. The most outstanding activity of the
national health week is a dance, where older persons come
together to dance, kicking up their heels to different
musical genres and rhythms.
Argentina: Life
Expectancy Now is 73 (August 24, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Life expectancy in Argentina has improved. However, the
national health system must continue to meet the needs of
older persons and the increasing demands of the growing
numbers of older people. Specialists describe the
challenge of the Argentine “fourth age,” or the population
over 80 years, who do not have sufficient resources.
Mexico: Depression a
Very Widespread Ailment Among the Elderly (August 17,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Older people sometimes get depressed. Depression can
complicate other existing conditions, such as diabetes and
hypertension. Members of the Association for Mental Health
now offer a course devoted to ways to treat symptoms. It’s
free to families of those with mental illnesses.
Argentina: Could a Cell Phone
Save Your Life? (August 14, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
If a person is falling, what can a cell phone do to
help? The theme and ring-tones can be changed, but would
it be able to call for an emergency? What is the purpose
of an emergency button on your cell if there’s not enough
time to press it? Falling sensors, found in notebooks and
video games, are devices that detect falls and changes of
position. We use these functions in computers, but not
with people who, because of their health condition or age,
are at risk of falling. How much longer will we have to
wait for these applications that might make a difference
of life or death to be installed in mobile phones?
Canada: Over 50, Frisky, Ferocious and Loving It (July
24, 2009)
In a recent survey of about 500 Canadians over the age of
50, about half said they were satisfied with their sex
lives. As children leave their parents’ homes, and with
retirement providing more time, couples tend to enjoy more
sex. Couples described their experiences from being
sexually adventurous to frisky and ferocious.
Canada: More and More Old People
Drown (July 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
Fatal drowning among old people is increasing in Quebec.
The Safety Society says, “One can notice a true increase
among old people. They often go swimming alone. If they
feel faint, nobody is there to help them. Only a few
minutes without care can end in drowning,” Safety Society
Director Raynald Hawkins explains. Awareness campaigns are
underway to alert people to this potential tragedy.
Brazil: The Rights of the
Elderly a Priority (July 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Brazil is aging very fast, presenting a challenge to the
existing health care and social systems. In order to
improve the situation of old people, the President of the
Association of the Elderly in Ceara (Brazil) proposed an
assistance program, which has been successful in his own
State--Ceara. The writer says that older Brazilians often
lack full access to health care. Fortunately, some public
officials have proposed programs for medical assistance to
old people.
Easter Island: A Drug from
Easter Island will Help to Fight Aging (July 9, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Scientists found that the drug rapamycin from Easter
Island can extend lifespan by 28-38%. The researchers came
to this conclusion after using the drug to extend the
lifespan of mice. Scientists did not expect such a
positive effect. However, Lynn Cox, an Oxford University
specialist, pointed out that rapamycin decreases the
immune system. Mice were tested in laboratory conditions,
protected from outside infections. People do not live in
such conditions. For this reason the drug cannot be used
on humans yet. He suggested, instead, improving lifestyles
rather than looking for drugs against aging.
Canada: Immunotec Announcing
Important Clinical Research: A New Study to Enhance the
Aging Process (July 8, 2009)
(Article in French)
Immunotec obtained the authorization of Canadian Natural
Healthy Products Direction to start a study about the
possible effect of the milky protein isolate (Immunocal
MD)--added to physical exercise--on the muscular function
and body composition of older persons. Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret,
research professor and research director in metabolic
diseases at the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal,
declared that the Immunocal MD could be good for old
people and improve their way of life.
Report: Canada:
Antipsychotic Use in Seniors: An Analysis Focusing on
Drug Claims, 2001 to 2007 (July 2009)
(Report also available in French)
Medical doctors prescribe antipsychotic drugs to older
persons to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of
dementia, including delusions, aggression and agitation.
More than half of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and
related dementias, have these symptoms. Unfortunately, the
drugs can harm both patients and their caregivers. It is
true that some modest benefits may come from their use,
most often with shorter treatment courses. Therefore,
doctors recommend that the clinical benefits of using an
antipsychotic be weighed against its potential risks, and
that when used, it be at the lowest effective dose.
Canada: The Guru of Grey Matter (June 16, 2009)
The founding director of the Center on Aging, Health and
Humanities at George Washington University claims that
aging is not a wasteland but a frontier. He suggests that
aging should not be viewed as a problem. With time, the
body inevitably undergoes changes but a healthy brain can
add positive changes. A healthy brain can be maintained by
simple exercises like education courses, book and writing
groups, art programs and work.
Canada: No Place Like
Home (June 15, 2009)
Entrepreneurs are responding to Canada’s aging population
by offering home health-care services to older persons.
The team of caregivers provides seniors services ranging
from simple companionship to complete medical and
health-care assistance, all in the comfort of the client’s
home. Nurse Next Door offers its services 24 hours a day,
7 days a week in 30 franchises across Canada. This proves
ideal for those older people who prefer to live
independently at home rather than in a nursing home.
Canada: Older People as
Volunteers (June 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
Most older people don’t want to be dependent on society.
They have free time and want to live fully and actively.
Doing volunteer work allows them to be involved in their
community as well as to share their experience and
knowledge. Fortunately older citizens have unlimited
opportunities to be involved in the world around them and
consequently to enjoy healthier lives, both emotionally
and physically.
Canada: Elderly Canadians Are Fiercely Independent (June
1, 2009)
(Article in French)
The results of a new survey made for seniors’ month
indicate that older people want to live independently as
long as possible. Older Canadians have a great desire for
autonomy. More than eight out of ten want to avoid going
into a nursing home or a specialized facility. Also, 97%
affirmed that they are trying to adopt a proactive
approach to their health.
Canada: Baby Boomers not
Moving into Old Age Healthy (May 31, 2009)
Contrary to their healthy living image, baby boomers are
“drifting” into old age with poor eating habits, too
little exercise and decimated savings. What’s more, an
acute shortage of geriatricians and caregivers means
Canadian society is ill prepared for a the emerging wave
of baby boomers. By 2015 there will be more people in
Canada over 65 than there are under 15 years, according to
Statistics Canada’s most recent population projections.
The number of seniors is expected to double during the
next 25 years. According to S. Jay Olshansky, professor of
public health at the University of Illinois in Chicago,
“Humanity will experience a permanent shift in our age
structure . . .we will become an aged species.”
Canada: Old People Will See Their
Medical Bonus Increase Soon (May 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Government of New Brunswick in Canada plans to
increase the bonus paid each month to older people who buy
their medicine through the Prescription Drug Plan for
Older People. Minister of Health Mike Murphy indicated
that the bonuses for the program have increased from $89
to $105 monthly since August 2008. He nuanced his
announcement by declaring that the government had not
increased bonuses since 2002.
Venezuela: State Guarantees Quality of Life for Older
Persons (May 26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Venezuelan Government is creating a new model that
will guarantee the quality of life for older persons. The
Ministry of the Popular Power for Interior Relations and
Justice regards older persons as protagonists in society.
Also, he said that the revolutionary model of the
Venezuelan State is an international reference: Older
persons have the wisdom that guides everybody in their
path; their experience and knowledge will help them find a
new way to guarantee the quality of life of older persons.
Mexico: Orozco Is Concerned about
the Inversion of the Population Pyramid (May 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Yolanda Ramírez de Orozco, who is in charge of
vulnerable groups of the Common Civil Cause Association,
is concerned about the stark increase in the population of
older persons. In Mexico, 7% of the population is older
than 60 years. According to official sources, the
population of older persons will reach 34 million. She
says that he greatest challenge will be developing
programs to allow for healthy aging that is active and
productive. The Federal Government signed a decree
creating the National Institute of Geriatrics to draw
attention to the health of older persons in the country.
Peru: Older Persons Take Flu
Vaccinations (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry for Women and Social Development organized a
flu vaccination drive for older persons in all parts of
the country. In Peru, the common cold can be very
threatening, especially in the colder zones. The vaccine
is a way to strengthen one’s defense mechanism, vital for
older persons. Most of the older persons who got
vaccinated were between 60 and 90 years old.
Report: Canada: Moving Toward
Health Service Integration: Provincial Progress in
System Change for Seniors (May 14, 2009)
Canada's health system policy-makers and providers spend a
lot of time addressing two interrelated issues: quality of
care for seniors with chronic conditions and the continued
sustainability of Canada's publicly funded health care
system. People with chronic conditions use health care
services frequently. Inefficient use of treatment
resources contributes to higher health care spending.
Seniors, those over the age of 65, are much more likely to
have chronic conditions than those younger than 65 years.
In this report, Dr. Margaret MacAdam reviews integrated
senior, examines models of cost-effective care, and points
to Canadian provinces that are implementing these
features.
Ecuador: We Have to Improve Our
Health Education (May 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry of Economic and Social Equality (MIES)
solicited the services of Rafael Velasco Terán to
consult and promote a project on preventive medicine for
older persons. He hopes that everybody lives out their
lives to their fullest, and stresses the importance of a
healthy diet, the value of exercise, and preventive
medicine throughout life.
Canada: For old people, appetite
comes by talking (May 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Danielle St-Arnaud McKenzie from the Department of
Nutrition of Montreal University noticed that eating with
good company is good for one’s appetite, especially for
elderly inpatients. In a collaborative study with two
colleagues from the Geriatric Academic Institute of
Montreal, she discovered that undernourishment goes
undetected until reaching an advanced phase, with serious
consequences like a higher rate of falls or infections.
Undernourishment can also accelerate functional and
cognitive decline.
Canada: Academic Institute of
Geriatrics: Physical Exercise a Plus (May 2009)
(Article in French)
Scientific studies confirmed a few years ago that the
integration of some life habits encourages maintaining
intellectual functions and helps preserve a better quality
of life. According to the research, four resources have
already proved their efficiency so far: Stimulating
activities, social networking, physical exercise and
healthy nutrition.
Mexico: Better Quality of Life for
Older Persons (April 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Three hundred and twenty people from age 50 onward are
participating in a project to measure the impact of
various health-monitoring levels. The health tests include
electrocardiogram, blood test and measurement of energy
levels, conducted by a group of young doctors from the
National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The
project will last two years, with the objective to study
this specific age group from all socio-economic
backgrounds.
Bolivia: The Aymara Language
Will Unite Doctors and Older Patients in El Alto (April
1, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The El Alto municipal government will offer Aymara
language courses to medical staff of the city’s National
Health Group, with the objective of overcoming the
language barrier, particularly between doctors and older
patients. The mayor of El Alto will also inform persons
over 60 years of age about the medical benefits that Free
Aging Insurance provides, and the use of a health
insurance card.
Canada: Mouth is ‘Window on the
Rest of the Body’ (April 2009)
Oral health is more than just brushing, flossing and
visiting the dentist. These rituals prevent bacteria from
building up on the teeth. Unchecked, a buildup of plaque
can eat away at the gums, which can then wear down the
bone that holds teeth in place. Residents in nursing homes
face this particular problem. With weakened immune
systems; elders may not get the help they need to brush
and floss properly.
Canada: Excessive Sugar
consumption Linked to Ageing (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
It’s well known that the reduction of the daily calorie
intake, by cutting the quantity of sugar ingested for
instance, may prolong life. According to a recent study by
Searchers from Montreal University, it is the ability of
cells to detect the I-Glucose sugar’s presence that would
intervene in the phenomenon rather than its use. This
study permits scientists to understand better the
relationship between diseases related to ageing and
excessive consumption of sugars in contemporary
diets.
Canada: Stem Cells Could Halt
Osteoporosis, Promote Bone Growth (March 4, 2009)
In a new study published in the journal Stem Cells,
researchers explain that tweaking a certain group of stem
cells may promote bone growth. This could lead to better
understanding of the underlying causes of osteoporosis, as
well as to innovative treatments. Osteoporosis is a
disease that makes bones become fragile and more likely to
break. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress
painlessly until a bone fractures in the hip, spine or
wrist. According to WHO, osteoporosis affects one in four
women over the age of 50.
Canada: Boomers Warned About
Gambling (February 27, 2009)
Baby boomers who engage in "problem gambling" could
jeopardize their financial futures as they head into
retirement, an addictions group warns. Independent surveys
indicate that by 2020 about 95,000 Ontario residents over
the age of 55 will be problem gamblers. As people retire
they may find themselves with too much time on their hands
and no plan on how to spend it, and this might lead to
problem gambling.
Canada: Free Radicals May
Have no Role in Ageing (February 19, 2009)
(Article also available in French)
For more than 40 years, the onset of old age has been
attributed to oxidative stress. This implies that when
molecules or free radicals, oxygen ions and peroxides
build up in cells, they overwhelm the cells' ability to
repair the damage they cause and the cells age. McGill
University researchers are challenging the entire
oxidative stress theory. Their results show that some
organisms actually live longer when their ability to clean
themselves of this toxic molecule buildup is partially
disabled.
Canada: More Trips to Doctor Drive
Up Health Care Spending (February 23, 2009)
Contrary to popular belief, population growth and aging
are not the major causes of increased health spending in
Canada. Many feared that the aging population would harm
the health care system. However, nearly half of the $76
billion increase in national health care spending over the
past decade is due to increased use of the health system
by all Canadians.
Canada: Aging Men May Be
Under-Prescribed Bone-Saving Drugs, Osteoporosis Study
Finds (February 13, 2009)
A new study suggests that older men in Canada are less
likely to be taking medication that counters the effects
of osteoporosis and prevents fractures. While one in five
senior women was using these medications in 2006-2007,
only one out of every 30 senior men had received a
prescription for the drugs. It is estimated that
osteoporosis affects up to one in every four women and one
in every eight men over the age of 50 years in Canada.
Quebec: 40% of People Who
Commit Suicide Are 50 Years Old and Over Requiring
Governmental Prevention Programs (February 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
A Quebec association composed of retired public sector
workers recently invited the government to do an awareness
campaign to prevent suicide among the elderly. The issue
is often minimized and some deaths are wrongfully
classified as “natural deaths.” Nonetheless, the rate of
suicide among the elderly has continued to increase for
the past few years, and predictions for the years to come
are even more alarming. Distress signals calling for help
deserve more attention.
Report:
Canada: Social Relationships and Depression Among People
65 Years and Over Living in Rural and Urban Areas of
Quebec (February 2009)
Older people suffer from depression, an important health
problem with potential consequences on potential
disability. Researchers report that between 4.5 and 2.6%
of Canadians who live in communities and are over 65
suffer major depression. The author of this study compares
the prevalence of depression in the elder Quebec
population residing in rural areas, urban areas and
metropolitan Montreal and also assesses the differences in
the associations between social relationships and
depression across these urban and rural settings. The
author concludes that geographic differences in depression
exist among the older population in Quebec that may
generate significant impact on their health and functional
abilities.
Canada: Hormone Therapy Still
Viable Treatment (January 22, 2009)
The Society of Obstetricians in Canada’s expert panel
concluded that hormone therapy is the most effective
therapy for hot flushes and other symptoms of menopause.
The group’s findings reveal that hormones do not increase
the risk of heart attacks and breast cancer if started
early and used over the short term.
Return to Top of Page
Asia Pacific
Reports
| Articles
Reports
Asia: Gender and
Development Discussion Series No. 22: In the Care of the
State and the Family: Understanding Care of the Elderly
Through Macro and Micro Perspectives (December 31, 2009)
This author examines care provision for older people by
linking various care at macro (national) and micro
(individual or family) levels. He argues that these
different levels are not mutually exclusive. On the one
hand, products of macro level national policies,
regulations and programmes must be compatible with the
needs of target groups. Therefore, policymakers in
particular, need to be well informed of what is really
happening in people's lives at the micro level. On the
other hand, individuals should be more aware of and better
informed about programmes, regulations and activities that
are relevant and useful to their interests. This author
also highlights the important role civil society groups
can play in bringing macro policies and programmes into
the day-to-day lives of the target groups and in helping
people voice their concerns and interests at high-level
forums.
Australia:
Dementia, Lesbians and Gay Men (October 2009)
Alzheimer’s Australia commissioned this research to
look at issues affecting lesbians or gay men seniors with
dementia along with their same-sex partners. Dementia
causes a progressive decline in a person’s capacity to
function. The authors try to address all the concerns of
GLBTI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex )
seniors with dementia, to present where the problems lie,
what can be done about them, and who can be contacted to
help those in special need.
Vietnam: The Vietnam Public Health
Association Newsletter (October 2009)
The Vietnam Public Health Association (VPHA) has
chosen health care for older persons to be a top priority.
VPHA has been working on the “Public health programs
initiative on the Elderly in Vietnam” in a project called
“Support the Operation of the Vietnam Public Health
Association to enhance the Public Health Network in
Vietnam, ” funded by Atlantic Philanthropies from 2008 to
2011.
China: Role of Health Insurance in Averting Economic
Hardship in Families Following Acute Stroke in China
(October 2009)
Chinese citizens finance some 60 per cent of health
care expenditures with out-of–pocket payments. Illness is
a major cause of economic hardship and poverty. Stroke, a
killing disease in China, accounts for almost 20 per cent
of all deaths in both rural and urban settings. Health
care costs are high relative to income; many Chinese
families face considerable economic hardship following a
stroke in the family.
Australia: More than $2.7 Million Support for Older
People from non-English Speaking Backgrounds (July 2,
2009)
Australian government leaders have allotted around $3
million to organizations to help aged care service
providers deliver culturally appropriate care for elders
from non-English speaking backgrounds. Almost a quarter of
Australians were born overseas. The leaders want to
improve access to care for non-English speakers and to
insure that they enjoy a healthy, positive ageing. The
funding will support efforts to provide culturally
appropriate aged care services.
Australia:
Transition Care: Helping Older Victorians regain Their
Independence (May 5, 2009)
More than 4,320 older Victorian Residents have benefited
from the Australian governments 293.2 million transition
care program since 2007. Thanks to this program, older
persons are allowed to move from hospital back in their
own homes instead of prematurely entering homes for the
aged. Transition care improves the lives for older
Australians; some 38% of the recipients (year 2007-2008)
had improved or maintained their functioning, and almost
half (49%) were able to return to community after the
program.
Australia:
Drowning and Other Injuries Related to Aquatic
Activities at Ages 55 Years and Older in Australia (May
2009)
This briefing gives a statistical overview on fatal
(death) and non-fatal (hospitalization) drowning and
aquatic injuries among older persons in Australia. There
is an average of 100 deaths a year by drowning among
persons over 55, or 28% of all drowning deaths at all
ages. Among people over 55 years, men are more likely than
women to die by drowning. One quarter of those deaths are
suicides, the rest being unintentional (74%), undetermined
intent (3%) or homicide (1%). Non-fatal drowning involves
75 older persons per year. Each year, 788 persons over 55
get injuries in aquatic situations.
Australia:
Making Choices. Future Dementia Care: Projections,
Problems and Preferences (April 2009)
This report by Access Economics, Alzheimer’s Australia
draws together the various complex issues regarding
dementia. This report particularly studies the economic
impact of dementia and its future potential workforce
impacts. The report recommends that since consumers have
to make difficult choices, they should be given good
information and flexible and responsive services. Due to
the aging population, in the coming decades there will be
a greater future need for care services for people with
dementia- both formal care services funded by the health
system and informal care provided by friends, family or
neighbors.
China:
Religion and Subjective Well-Being among the Elderly in
China (2009)
Evidence from developed and developing countries alike
demonstrates a strongly positive relationship between
religiosity and happiness, chiefly for women and
especially among older persons. However, a recent survey
of Chinese “oldest old,” revealed less religiosity among
these respondents, particularly for women. Researchers
looked at a rich multivariate logistic framework examining
demographics, health and disabilities, living
arrangements, wealth and income, lifestyle and social
networks, and location before reaching their conclusion.
China: Changes in
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Among Elderly Chinese
by Marital Status, Living Arrangement, and Availability
of Healthcare Over a 3-year Period (2009)
This study aims to assess how changes from different
baselines of activities of daily living (ADL) can be
explained by marital status, living arrangement, and
healthcare. After evaluating data from the Chinese
Longitudinal Health Longevity Study, the authors concluded
that the majority of Chinese elderly still rely on
traditional forms of family support, despite the fact that
there has been a change in family structure and living
arrangements. As older persons have different functional
levels, healthcare policies in China should consider the
need for both community and family support systems.
China:
Gender Differences in Functional Health and Mortality
Among the Chinese Elderly: Testing an Exposure versus
Vulnerability Hypothesis (2009)
In this study, the authors focused on older adults in
Beijing with three objectives: 1) to examine gender
differences in functional health and mortality at the end
of a five-year study period, controlling for initial
functional health; 2) to determine the extent to which
these differences were a function of exposure versus
vulnerability to risk factors; and 3) to analyze the
relative importance of social, economic, and psychological
risk factors in explaining gender differences. The results
show that, among those functionally independent at
baseline, women were more likely to survive and to be
functionally dependent at follow-up compared with men.
Differential vulnerability to risk factors, more so than
exposure, explained the variation in health outcomes
across gender. Smoking, a lack of formal education, a lack
of health insurance, a low sense of control, stressful
events, and rural living played large roles in explaining
these differences.
China:
Early Life Influences on Cognitive Impairment Among
Oldest Old Chinese (2009)
The writer examined the effects of early life
socio-economic conditions on the risk of cognitive
impairment among the oldest old persons in China. The
researchers also examined whether adult socio-economic
status mediates the association between early life
socio-economic status and cognitive impairment in old age.
Their findings suggest that socio-economic environment
throughout the life course, early life in particular, can
influence the risk of cognitive impairment in old age. Not
only can public policy that targets illiteracy, hunger,
and poverty improve the lives of tens of thousands of
children, but ultimately such investments will pay
significant dividends many decades later in enhancing the
cognitive well-being of older persons.
China:
Access to Healthcare Services Makes a Helps Older
Chinese Live Longer With Wood Health (2009)
Although China has been transforming its antiquated
healthcare system over the past few decades, the lack of
access to healthcare remains the top concern by most
Chinese citizens. Researchers examined the impact of
current as well as childhood access to healthcare services
on subsequent years’ survival. They found that access to
healthcare at present and during childhood improved
significantly the odds of subsequent three-year
survivorship as well as the odds for healthy survival.
These findings suggest that positive inputs such as access
to healthcare services over the life course make a
substantial difference in a healthy long life and may lead
to the establishment of a universal healthcare system.
Articles
China: Why Are Older People
Lonely in Nursing Homes? (December 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a survey, 66.67 percent of older people
living in nursing homes say they experience loneliness on
a daily basis, even though they live communally. What can
be done to improve current condition? What is the ideal
life style that older people can expect?
North Korea:
An Aging Society (December 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The United Nations Population Fund published a report on
the 2008 population of North Korea. It revealed that the
population of people over 65 years old was 8.7 percent of
the total population of North Korea, which surpassed the
international standard of 7.5 percent. Therefore, North
Korea has officially become an aging society.
Japan:
A Society Supported by Foreigners (November 30, 2009)
Japan, one of the fastest aging societies in the world,
faces rapidly decreasing birth rates. Japan’s population
will likely lose about 9 million people by 2055 and older
persons could comprise 40 percent of the entire
population. However, foreign populations in Japan are
forming a younger and energetic work force. In many
cities, foreign nurses have become a major labor resource.
Malaysia:
Number of Elderly Rising (November 17, 2009)
Researchers have revealed that the Malaysian older
population, defined as those age 60 years and over, has
increased. in 1970 the number of persons was 5.2% while in
2000 it rose to 6.2% and will go up to an expected 9.5% by
2020. While the life expectancy in Malaysia was 53 years
for males and 56 years for females in 1953, it is expected
to increase to 71 years for males and 80 years for
females. As a result of this new aging population, the
government has approved social welfare programs for the
protection of elder rights.
Hong Kong: The
Second Longest Life Expectancy in the World (November
15, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Hong Kong, a tiny island, lies off the west coast of
Mainland China. However, it has world’s second longest
life expectancy, only after Japan. November 15 is Older
Person’s Day in Hong Kong. The government called for
attention to improve living standards for its older
persons.
China:
Interior to Make Senior Life More Comfortable (November
2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
When you grow older, objects that make you comfortable may
change as well. The interior of one’s home becomes more
important as older persons spend more time at home. What
kind of furniture, color or material would make older
person feel more comfortable? A slight change can make a
big change.
Taiwan:
Taiwan Designs a Medical Plan for Older Persons
(November 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Taiwan Council for Economic and Development Planning
of Taiwan is developing a long-term medical plan to adjust
to the increasingly older population in Taiwan. The
official starting date of the program will be in 2011 when
Taiwan celebrates 100 years of independence. The long-term
medical plan will offer universal coverage with the
government carrying the majority of premiums.
Japan: Japan Under the
'Silver Impact' of Seniors (October 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
Japan is the oldest country in the world: 21% of its
population is more than 65 years old. Nowadays,
loneliness, isolation and small pensions generate more and
more tragedies. For instance, old persons now kill their
partners because they can no longer care for them.
Moreover, Japanese social standards make things worse
since people are ashamed to ask for help. In a country
where there are more than 40,000 centenarians, old persons
must help the oldest ones, and many 'young elderly' keep
on working long after they have reached age 65.
Japan: Japan's 74-Year-Old Champion (September 23, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 74-year-old man who won Japan's Masters Bodybuilding
Championship surprised the judges by showing a very
developed body that surpassed that of younger people. The
champion, Tsutomu Outsuka, did not start to train for
bodybuilding until age 40.
Australia:
Dementia to Hit Regions Hardest (September 22, 2009)
According to researchers for the Access Economics report,
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW will see rates of dementia in
the northwest and southwest suburbs of Sydney increase by
800 percent in Camden and 580 percent in Macquarie Fields
by the year 2050. The writers also suggest that cases of
dementia will quadruple over the subsequent 40 years,
leading to a total of 341,000 cases. These findings pose a
threat to areas that already bear the burden of poor
health care and lack of geriatric resources.
China: In China, Older
Persons Make Up One-Third of All Suicides (September 21,
2009)
(Article in French)
In China, where the number of older persons is very
large--150 million and increasing quickly--the problem of
suicide of the elderly has become a major issue. In fact,
most of the population considers depression normal for
seniors and they do not get suitable care. In September,
the government launched an information campaign to resolve
this public health problem.
Australia:
Australian Population Will Increase by 65% (September
21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Birth rates are going up steadily in Australia. More and
more young immigrants are also coming to the country. Some
say this increase will lead to a population explosion that
could be as serious as climate change. The Australian
Prime Minister, on the other hand, sees population growth
as a sign of hope to its aging society
Japan:
One-in-Four Japan Women ‘Elderly’ (September 21, 2009)
Recent statistics indicate that there are now more than 16
million women in Japan ages 65 and older, leading Japan to
reach its highest number of elderly women since 1950.
Combined with the one-fifth rate of men ages 65 and older,
the elderly population thus makes up 22.7% of the overall
population. As a result, there is a shortage in available
workers and a decline in the number of new, emerging
families, especially since many young people must work.
China:
China Has One-Fourth of World’s Alzheimer’s Patients
(September 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Every seven seconds one person across the world comes down
with the disease of Alzheimer’s. China has the world’s
greatest number of Alzheimer’s patients. As fatal as the
disease can be, the country only has 0.3 neurologists for
every 100, 000 people.
Japan: More
than 40,000 Persons 100 Years Old in Japan (September
11, 2009)
(Article in French
and Arabic)
According to an annual Japanese government survey, older
people in Japan over the age of 100 numbered more than
40,000 at the middle of September. This survey came out
for the Day of Respect for Older Citizens that Japan
celebrated on September 21.
China: First
National Health Assembly for the Elderly Opened in
Zhengzhou (August 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The first National Elderly Fitness Assembly opened in
Zhengzhou, Henan Province, on August 8, 2009. The Assembly
promoted physical activity for older persons. The Assembly
organizers focused on participation as the way to have a
healthy and happy old age. They introduced a number of
traditional Chinese health projects to increase the
enthusiasm among the people who came to this event.
Malaysia:
Forget Me Not (August 9, 2009)
In this article, the Star Health & Ageing Advisory
Panel provides information for caregivers who are facing
Alzheimer’s disease in their own family. In Malaysia, when
a parent has Alzheimer’s disease the children caring for
her or him face a very demanding job. Most of the time
many are not only providing care; they are also raising
their own children and maybe working at the same time.
This article provides important advice to deal with the
ordeal: don’t try to do it alone, involve the
grandchildren, discuss legal and financial issues, take
care of yourself and get organized. This is good advice
for caregivers: you can help your needy parent without
giving up your own life.
China: More
than 200, 000 Elderly People Over the Age of 80 in
Xinjiang (August 7, 2009)
Xinjiang is one of five regions in the world known for
longevity. Latest statistics show that there are 203,592
older persons over the age of 80 in Xinjiang, of whom
1,211 are centenarians. Xinjiang’s centenarians are mostly
ethnic minorities and have a balanced sex ratio. Most live
in rural areas and have long been engaged in manual labor.
The secret of their longevity lies in their eating,
drinking and living habits.
China:
Medicare Payments This Year Will Increase to Six Times
the Average Wage (July 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Office of the State Council issued five medical and
health system changes in 2009, providing a solution to the
health insurance needs of some 6,070,000 retirees of
state-owned enterprises. Policy-related issues caused
these state-owned enterprises to go into bankruptcy. The
health insurance system reforms will continue throughout
next year.
Japan:
Retirement: The Japanese Syndrome (July 8, 2009)
(Article in French)
A 45-minute movie dealing with an unfamiliar topic was
broadcast on July 8 on a French channel. The film dealt
with a revelation about how family life changes in Japan
upon the husband’s retirement: Many wives become
depressed.
China:
Demolishing One Child Policy Would not Mean Population
Explosion of China (July 7, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
For many years, China’s one-child policy pressed for
economic prosperity. On the other hand, China still
remains a low-income country. Its GDP in 2008 was just
one-ninth that of the US By 2050, one-third of China’s
population is estimated to be over 60 years of age. Each
elderly person would only have 1.6 young persons to
support them by then instead of 5.4 currently. Big family
ties in the traditional sense have vanished along with low
birth rates and floating populations from rural to urban
areas. Furthermore, many Chinese are now used to having
fewer children and more disposable income. Therefore,
eliminating the one-child policy may not be an immediate
rescue to China’s aging society.
Taiwan:
Dementia Sufferer Numbers Increasing in Taiwan (June 8,
2009)
Taiwan has 2.4 million people ages 65 or more. Of these,
around 10% are disabled and around 5% suffer from
dementia. The total number of people in Taiwan suffering
from dementia is pegged at 160,000 and is expected to
increase by 10,000 people every year. In view of these
increasing numbers, an online global petition has been
started by the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association
calling for dementia to be made a health care priority.
Japan:
Caregivers to Provide Medical Services to Elderly (June
7, 2009)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will allow
caregivers working at nursing homes for elderly people to
provide some types of medical treatment for residents. The
government will compile a set of guidelines to ensure the
safety of the specific medical acts to be practiced by
nursing caregivers at homes for older people requiring
around-the-clock nursing care. Currently, many caregivers
are believed to be administering the medical procedures
illegally because of shortages of nurses at such
facilities.
Australia: Baby Boomers Rage
Against Age (June 7, 2009)
As the population ages and baby boomers approach the
traditional retirement age, efforts multiply to reverse
the process of aging. From Botox injections to anti-aging
creams, the trend is increasingly towards a march against
aging and a matching obsession to look young. Children of
the Great Depression, now in their 70’s and 80’s, largely
take aging in their stride; however, boomers are more
likely to suffer what researchers call the “mask of
aging.” This could be a trend of a body conscious “new
generation.”
Australia: Light
Drinkers Run Less Risk of Dementia (June 4, 2009)
New research reveals that light to moderate drinkers are
28% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and 25%
less likely to develop vascular dementia than
non-drinkers. Kaarin Anstey, director of the Ageing
Research Unit at the Australian National University and
author of the study, made the association with earlier
findings, that light to moderate alcohol consumption is
linked to reduced cardiovascular disease. What happens
when the light drinker moves to heavy consumption?
China:
Recognize Symptoms of Stomach Cancer Early-- Older
Persons Note (June 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Doctors can’t diagnosis stomach cancer among older persons
due to few recognized symptoms in its early stages.
Professor Jin Wu at the Third Affiliated Hospital of
Harbin Medical University recently confirmed this problem
since stomach cancer develops slower than other cancers,
making it hard to detect at early stages. Prosfessor Wu’s
research suggests that older people should be cautious
about symptoms such as abdominal pain, emaciation and
dysphagia.
Australia:
Olive Oil Helps Older People See (June 4, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Olive oil has always been a staple ingredient in Middle
Eastern food, used in every meal from breakfast to dinner.
Now studies show that this addiction to all things olive
might actually be very beneficial for older people in
particular. Two recent Australian studies show that fatty
acids found in fish, walnuts and olive oil can actively
reduce the risk of “Macular Atrophy,” a disease that
causes vision impairment among older people. Previous
research has indicated aging to be the primary cause
associated with this ailment.
Japan: Ageing
Japan’s Fertility Rate Up but Population Falls (June 3,
2009)
Japan may face serious economic consequences in the face
of a rapidly ageing population and simultaneous stagnant
population growth. Japan has a population of 127.6 million
and it is expected to shrink by a third within 50 years.
Japan's fertility rate remains among the lowest in the
developed world. Need we assume that the Japanese will not
develop new ways to care for elders rather than depend on
family?
Australia:
Australian Men Risk Being Lonely and Isolated in
Retirement (June 1, 2009)
Read this recent survey claiming that more women than men
plan for their health and leisure interests before they
stop working. Men can find retirement lonely and isolating
unless they build social and leisure networks before they
leave the workforce. Why is this important? People’s
involvement in leisure activities during their working
years tends to predict what they will do in retirement.
China: Chinese
Men Don't Age Well (May 29, 2009)
A new study has found that seven in ten elderly Chinese
men do not age well. It also found that men who are better
educated, physically active, eat a proper diet and have
religious or spiritual beliefs tend to age better. But
what is considered aging well? There are four issues that
pertain to positive aging: good physical health and the
ability to function independently; being mentally alert
and emotionally well; engaged socially; and being able to
say they are highly satisfied with life.
Japan:
Longevity of Japanese is The Highest in The World (May
22, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The World Health Statistics 2009 report was released on
May 21, 2009, confirming Japan’s lead in the aging
sweepstakes. The report says the average Japanese lifetime
was age 83 years in 2007, ranking the highest in the
world. Japanese women also enjoy the greatest longevity
compared to other countries. The Republic of San Marino in
Europe has the highest male longevity of 81 years of age.
The report also indicated that the average lifetime in the
world is 71, with the lowest (41 years) can be found in
Africa’s Sierra Leone.
China:
World's Oldest Professor, Oldest Man in Nanjing,
Celebrated 110th Birthday (May 6, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Zheng Ji, the world's oldest professor, recently
celebrated his 110th birthday. He is a Ph.D supervisor and
professor in Nanjing University, renowned in China as a
biochemist and one of the leading experts in biochemistry
and nutrition studies. He also wrote a book on longevity
based on his own experience. "Being happy all the time and
taking some vitamins are always helpful to longevity,"
said Zheng.
China: China
Prepares for Market Launch of Robots Attending Lone
Elderly (April 25, 2009)
China is developing a robot with the functions of fetching
food and medicine, sounding alarms, and even singing songs
or playing chess to assist older people. China has the
world's largest elderly population with 159 million people
over 60. More than 10 million caretakers and nurses are
needed to attend the elderly population, as most Chinese
elderly prefer to live at home after retirement.
Australia:
83-year-old Female Yoga Teacher Can Make All Kinds of
Maneuvers (April 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Bette Calman, an 83-year-old yoga teacher, is still able
to do different kinds of maneuvers such as handstands. She
has been teaching yoga for more than 40 years. In the
1950's she was a pioneer in advocating yoga movement in
Australia. She works 11 hours per week now. Calman said
the secret is to "forget about your age and practice yoga
everyday."
Korea:
Evidence Suggests that Older Persons in Korea Face
Challenges from Alzheimer’s (April 14, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A June 14 report in Joong Ang Daily suggests that 84 of
every 1,000 Korean older persons have Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Korean Minister for Health, Welfare and
Family Affairs, the morbidity rate of Alzheimer’s disease
in Korea is 8.4%. The number of patients suffering from
Alzheimer’s is 420,000.
Australia:
Green Obsession Puts Deadly Heat on Elders (April 8,
2009)
Some 374 Victorians may have been killed by the January
heat wave, most of them old. The government is cutting
air-conditioning to prevent blackouts when temperatures
spike. The city of Victoria has no infrastructure to cope
with heavy use of air-conditioners. Many see building a
power plant as damaging to the environment. But
air-conditioning saves the lives of older people as they
are the first to die in extreme temperatures. How will
Australia resolve this situation in the coming years as
the planet warms even more?
Korea: System
to Monitor Elder Proves to be Life Saving (April 7,
2009)
A government-funded system in Korea has been able to save
the lives of several senior citizens living alone by
monitoring their activities 24 hours a day. The
surveillance system, called U-Care System, targets elders
over 65 years who live alone. In order to prevent
accidents, it monitors their activities and detects
possible gas leaks and fires by installing sensors in the
residences. It is estimated that about 930,000 Koreans
older than 65 lived alone last year.
Australia: Fire
Prone Aged Homes May Not Receive Funding (March 30,
2009)
The federal government in Australia will restrict funding
to nursing homes that are built in disaster prone areas
following the evacuation of aged care facilities during
recent fires and floods. Nursing home operators will have
to demonstrate how they took threats of natural disaster
into consideration in the construction of nursing homes.
China:
Chinese Citizens Say They Are Under Siege (March 29,
2009)
In the face of the global economic recession, China is
struggling to balance the rights of its aging population
with the need for economic development. With an increased
focus on real estate development and other profit-making
sectors, many feel that not enough attention is now paid
to retirement homes. China has 160 million citizens over
60, equal to about 12% of its population. This older group
is projected to grow until it reaches about a quarter of
the total Chinese population by 2050.
Australia:
Homes Seem Death Sentence for Elderly (March 17, 2009)
The Department of Health and Aging of Australia says that
about one in four people arriving in nursing homes die
within the first three months of arrival. Men fare the
worst, with about half dying within a year, and only about
12% living for more than five years.
Australia: Aged
Care Nurse Sham (March 16, 2009)
Many believe that elderly care centers are endangering
their residents in Australia. Only one registered nurse,
on average, is available for every 42 high care residents
living in care homes. Many facilities do not have senior
nurse wards overnight or available on weekends.
Insitutions often pay low wages and some workers receive
only three weeks of training. Common problems include a
lack of understanding for medications needed for bed
sores, offer very poor nutrition and fail to administer
medications. A sorry situation that violates human rights
of elders.
Singapore:
Wellness Programme for Elders to be Extended Islandwide
(March 15, 2009)
The Singapore government is working to extend its
‘Wellness Program’ to the entire island. An initial step
is organizing social fun nights. Another key feature of
the program is health screening for the elderly. Unlike
other community-type screenings, follow-up is a must.
Despite the recession, the government intends to invest in
such schemes.
Australia: Prostrate Cancer Links to Alcohol (March 14,
2009)
Researchers from the National Drug Research Institute said
a review of 35 studies on alcohol and its link to prostate
cancer showed the risk increased for men the more they
drank. Men who drink two or more alcoholic drinks a day
are 20% more likely to get prostate cancer. For four
drinks a day, the chance was 25% higher and for six
standard drinks a day, the risk was about 35% higher.
India: Steroid Use Major
Risk for Glaucoma (March 2009)
Self-medication of steroid-based eye drops, skin creams
and inhalers can lead to glaucoma, a cause of irreversible
blindness with no cure. According to the World Health
Organization, there are 45 million people worldwide who
are blind. About 80% of those are 50 years or older and
more than 90% of the world’s visually impaired people live
in developing countries like India.
Asia: ADB
Flags Aging Issues Across Asia (February 25, 2009)
Asia will become the ‘oldest’ region in the world in the
next few decades and countries will have to change
policies to deal with the economic impact of an aging
population. Asia’s share of the global elderly, which was
44% in 1950, will go up to 62% by 2050. In Japan, nearly
two out of five people will be 65 years or older and will
face problems of a declining labor force and spiraling
pension and healthcare costs.
Japan: Fermented Food Helps Defy Ageing (February 24,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Japanese researchers discovered that fermented food is as
effective as medicine in terms of anti-ageing effect.
Fermented food such as preserved beans, cheese, tofu,
yogurt, soy milk, fermented rice vinegar, beer, wine, and
so on mainly come from grain, beans, and milk products.
And a variety of acid and mineral elements from
fermentation can reduce the risk of memory decrease, high
blood-pressure, high blood-sugar, cholesterol, etc. and
may relieve the symptoms of bone fracture and
collapse.
Japan: Nissan Design Seeks to
Appeal to Aging Japan (February 24, 2009)
To understand what it is like for a 70 year-old person to
drive, Nissan is breaking from tradition and using
“interaction design” to observe how older people drive.
Efforts to win buyers in Japan--where a fifth of the
population is 65 years or older--has led to innovative
designs. Door handles opening from either side,
easy–on-the-eye displays and extra knobs in cars to grab
for support, are all part of this innovative effort.
Taiwan:
Government Plans Long Term Care Insurance Program
(February 23, 2009)
The Taiwan government is planning to adopt a long-term
care insurance program that will require all citizens to
pay an insurance premium to augment the existing national
health insurance system. The long-term care is intended to
reduce families’ burden of providing for family members
who cannot care for themselves. Public health experts also
contend that the plan will help generate domestic demand
and reduce the unemployment rate.
Australia:
Retired Boomers Who Reject Children Live in an Unhealthy
World (February 23, 2009)
In Australia, the ageing of baby boomers has produced a
demand for independent living in retirement. One example
of such an age-segregated community is The Villages in
Florida. No one under 19 is allowed to live there. Only
people over 55 years old can buy a home. No doubt, the
reasoning behind such communities is economic (no schools,
low taxes), not discriminatory. However, a community that
refuses to invest in the future sends a message that
appears selfish and unwilling to support the entire
community.
South Korea:
Mechanism of Aging, Death Unveiled (February 20, 2009)
A study published by Science, a journal in South Korea,
suggests that death is ensured by genetic programming. The
study sheds light on how aging induces massive cell death
in living organisms. The study provided scientific
evidence to show that aging and death in plants are
inevitable, regulated by genetic programming. This
information could provide valuable insights into similar
research for animals and humans.
China:
Vegetarianism Worsens Immunity and Causes Tuberculosis
to Old People (February 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Old people who live on only vegetarian food are inclined
to be susceptible to tuberculosis because of a lack of
nutrients. Physicians suggest that old people eat a well
balanced diet, not depending solely on vegetarian food, in
an effort to avoid declining immunity to disease.
Australia:
Blood Pressure Control Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
Disease (February 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A study from University of New South Wales shows that
blood pressure control reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s
disease. Researchers conducted the experiment on 4,500
60-year-old patients affected by high blood pressure, and
discovered that old people who take pressure-reducing
medicine are 50% less likely to get Alzheimer’s than those
who don’t.
Thailand:
Community Clinics a Boon for the Elderly (February 16,
2009)
Of the ten million senior Thai citizens, one million
suffer from Alzheimer’s. The disease is not only a strain
for the patients but for the caretakers as well, who
increasingly complain of depression. The National Health
Security Office (NHSO) is trying to develop community
clinics across the country to reach those suffering from
the disease. Under this program, doctors make visits to
the patients. The visits boost doctor-patient relations
and are also a big help for the caregivers.
Japan:
Pharmacists to Quiz Customers over Dementia (February
16, 2009)
The Japan Pharmaceutical Association plans to ask member
pharmacies across the nation to inform local support
centers when customers exhibit signs of dementia. There
are about 2 million people with dementia in Japan. Under
the system, pharmacists will ask elderly people if they
sometimes forget simple facts or are often told they are
forgetful. If dementia is suspected, pharmacies can pass
the information on to regional support centers, with the
consent of the person or the members of his or her family.
Australia:
Foresight Could Help Aged Stave off Failing Vision
(February 9, 2009)
Most of us accept vision loss as concomitant with old age.
There is a very real danger that millions will suffer
increased vision impairment in old age. The good news is
that by acting early, it can be prevented or at least
slowed down. Good dietary choices are one way. A diet rich
in fish oils, fresh fruits and vegetables, and with less
fat and sugar, can prevent vision loss to a large extent.
China: Finger
Movement Every Day Helps Prevent Deterioration of
Middle-Aged and Old People’s Brains (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The brain is closely related to the hands, experts say. It
is suggested that middle-aged and old people do frequent
movements with their fingers because it is a way to delay
deterioration of the brain and prevent senile dementia.
Ways to do finger movement include bending the little
finger, rubbing the top part of the middle finger and so
on. Finger movements help blood circulation and stimulate
nerves and muscles. Also, doing gymnastics, playing the
piano, etc. are simple and easy ways to do finger
movement.
China: Long
Life Depends On Regular Organs Function (February 9,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Professor Yang from the Academy of Chinese Traditional
Medicine relates how our organs and all parts of the human
body function during the 24 hours of each day. For
example, immunity is strongest at 7 am., so that is the
best time to have breakfast; working efficiency is the
highest at 10 am; 5 pm is the best time to do a workout;
10:30 pm. is when breathing slows down and the body
temperature goes down, so it is time to go to bed.
China: Age Bank
Boosts Care for China’s Elderly Citizens (February 8,
2009)
It is estimated that in 40 years one-third of China’s
population, about 440 million people, will be over the age
of 60, and many may not have relatives to care for them.
In an effort to deal with this aging population, a
businessman in China has developed an ‘age-bank,’ where
volunteers care for the aged and then bank the hours for
their own care when they grow old.
China: Age Bank Boosts Care
for China’s Elderly Citizens (February 8, 2009)
Chinese businessman Feng Kexiong has developed an age bank
whereby volunteers care for aging neighbors and log their
hours for their own care when they need assistance in
later years. Traditionally, Chinese families lived within
the same household and older generations were cared for by
younger ones; however, many older persons now live by
themselves and lack support. Age bank volunteers provide a
range of services, including cleaning and purchasing
medicine. Over twenty cities across China have opened age
banks.
China:
Alzheimer’s Disease Patients’ Age Lowering (February 6,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Experts have noticed that the average age of patients with
Alzheimer’s disease has gone down from 60 years to 50
years of age. According to data from the International
Association of Alzheimer’s Disease for Old People, there
are 6,000,000 Alzheimer’s patients in China, and the
number is doubling every 20 years. In every seven seconds,
one person in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and
one of every four patients is Chinese. Alzheimer’s has
become the No. 4 killer right after blood vessel diseases,
cancer and brain strokes.
Japan: Online
Chatting Improves Elderly Alzheimer’s Disease Patient’s
Verbal Ability (February 6, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Kyoto University study in Japan shows that online
chatting is helpful to defer deterioration from
Alzheimer’s disease. This research began in April of 2008,
focusing on four Alzheimer’s patients between 70 and 80
years old, involving them in a series of 30-minute
conversations on the Internet. These patients’ verbal
ability improved according to the experiment.
Japan: Good
Breathing Leads to Long Life (February 3, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The President of the International Yoga Association in
Japan says that deep breathing brings a healthy and long
life. He explains that many people take only very short
and brief breaths so that the air cannot get into the very
deep end of the lungs. Therefore, their breathing volume
tends to be small, and only one-third of the lung is
actually used. With the recommended deep breathing method,
more energy is available for healthier living.
China: Old
People Should Take A Scientific Way to Work Out
(February 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Medical people strongly recommend that older people adopt
routines for working out, and follow their own pace.
Several common misunderstandings are taking an immediate
after-dinner walk, which may cause decreasing blood
pressure; walking backwards, which burdens the
cardiovascular system and may also hurt the neck; climbing
stairs, wearing out knee joints, etc. Therefore, old
people should choose workout routines appropriate to their
age, health situation and physical strength.
China: Food of
Brighter Color Fights Ageing Better (February 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It has been discovered that the brighter the color of the
food is, the more helpful it is for deferring aging.
Because food of brilliant color tends to be fresher, more
natural, and proven to contain more elements counteracting
oxidation, it helps the human body combat free radicals
that damage cells. Broccoli is better than cabbage, black
beans are better than soybeans, black sesame is better
than white sesame, etc. Therefore, we should keep colorful
food in mind when we select vegetables, fruits and main
dishes.
Australia: High
Blood Pressure Raises Risk of Dementia (January 28,
2009)
High blood pressure might be a cause for dementia
according to leading research in Australia. People with
very high blood pressure-defined as a reading of 140/90 or
above--should aim to bring it down with improved diet and
more exercise. Hypertension is very common in elderly
Australians.
Nepal: Nepalese
Hill Women Embark on Life Changing Journey (January 27,
2009)
Women in rural Nepal are leaving their homes for the first
time to get treatment for uterine prolapse. According to a
study by the UN Population Fund, 200,000 women in rural
Nepal suffer from this condition and are in immediate need
of surgery. Until now, no one in Nepal has had access to
treatment. The International Rescue Committee recently
went to Nepal to improve health care in some of the
poorest parts of the country.
Thailand: PHM,
Predicting Aged Population Surge, Wants More Funding
(January 23, 2009)
With the nation’s population expected to increase to 13
million people in the upcoming years, the Health Ministry
is attempting to increase the budget to cover growing
expenses of treating chronic diseases in older persons.
Many senior citizens live alone, with as many as 30,000
abandoned by their families. The National Health Security
Office plans to enact disease prevention programs,
including health checkups, while making public facilities
more suitable and care faster.
China: Ten Good
Eating Habits Make Old People Live Longer (January 22,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to Ancient Chinese physicians, people who live
long have common preferences in their meals. They include
porridge, corn, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, tofu, cabbage,
carrots, etc. These foods are healthy because they are low
in fat and calories, high in vitamins, calcium and fiber,
are easily digested and contain important elements that
the human body needs. Most importantly, these foods help
strengthen the body, resist disease, and reduce the speed
of aging. They provide the most nutrition when they are
not overcooked.
China: Many of
China’s 140 Million Old People Find the Crowd to be
Lonely (January 21, 2009)
With 140 million old persons, China has the largest older
population in the world. An increase in globalization and
capitalism has brought prosperity to China but has also
weakened the traditional, collectivist structure of
society. This causes a drastic increase in loneliness
among older people.
China: Three
Precautions for Old People in the Winter (January 20,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Old people should be careful of three possible diseases in
this cold season: heart attacks, stomach illness and
itching. What they need is a warm coat, a good defense
against the cold, regular examinations of the heart and
blood vessel system, preventive medicine, fresh food with
light flavor, abstinence from smoking and drinking and
proper work-outs and exercise.
China: Old
People Help Themselves Get Rid of Loneliness (January 9,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Because of increasing life spans and decreasing birth
rates--especially the “one-child” policy--more and more
older people in big cities in China are left at home on
their own with a subsequent sense of loss. Researchers
suggest that older people refocus on their own life by
engaging in more social activities, broadening their
interests, and setting up a wider social network to find
pleasure outside the family. They are also encouraged to
give help to their children, talk more with them, and even
move to their place once in a while to maintain
connections and reduce the feeling of emptiness and
loneliness.
Return to Top of Page
Europe and Central Asia
Reports | Articles
Reports
United Kingdom: ILC-UK and
Actuarial Profession Joint “Green Paper” Debate: The
Future of Funding Long-term Care for Older People
(November 2009)
The International Longevity Center of the UK recently
released a report of a November 2009 debate on the future
of funding long-term care for older people. Inviting
thinkers from across fields, the report outlines speakers’
various approaches on funding models for the future.
Themes in the report include mandatory versus voluntary
insurance for long-term care, potential risks of various
options, social effects, and many others.
Spain: Recommendations
For the Prevention of Adverse Drug Reactions in Older
Adults With Dementia (October 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
Older people make up one of the groups at greatest risk
for adverse drugs reactions (ADR). The mean prevalence of
such reactions among the old is 30%. Dementia is not an
independent risk factor of ADR, but is the main condition
that increases all risk factors. The authors recommend
ways to prevent ADR in the elderly, as well as suggest how
to manage comorbidity and cognitive, behavioral and
psychological symptoms specifically for dementia
patients.
Spain: The Sanitary
Environment of Active Aging: Challenges for the Future:
Risks and Solutions (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
What are fundamental ideas and concepts about older
persons living in Spain? What are the most common
illnesses among Spanish elders? Authors drawn from the
Spanish government and its Ministry of Equality came up
with ways to include older persons in the health programs
developed by the autonomous Governments in Spain. The
report was presented at the IX National Conference of the
Organization of Older Persons.
United Kingdom: Life
Expectancy at Birth and at Age 65 by Local Areas in the
UK (October 29, 2009)
This bulletin presents the latest figures on male and
female life expectancy (at birth and at age 65 for the UK,
its constituent countries, Government Office Regions in
England, and local areas for 2006–08.) In 2006–08 life
expectancy at birth for males was highest in the South
East of England (79.2 years) and lowest in Scotland (75.0
years). For females, life expectancy was highest in the
South West of England (83.1 years) and lowest in Scotland
(79.9 years). Life expectancy at age 65 in 2006–08 was
highest in the South East and South West of England for
males (18.4 years) and in the South West of England for
females (21.2 years).
United Kingdom: Statutory and Informal Care Partnership
Policies: a United Kingdom Perspective (October 2009)
This Geneva Association article examines the
development of policy decisions in the UK that have
shifted from State-led to Individual-led responses to care
needs of older persons. In 2007 local and the central
governments developed a very important document called,
“Putting People First.” This document described the
demographic dimensions of an increasing ageing population
and addressed all adult services. This project aimed to
create a partnership of formal and informal caring
programs for an older person and transformed the social
care from professional to client led. Are older persons
served better now?
Europe: Disability in Europe (September 28, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The writers present statistical data about
disabilities among older persons in major European
countries beginning in 2006. The definition of disability
involves "difficulty in performing the necessary
activities to maintain an independent life." The authors
reveal great inequalities in the categories of existing
disabilities of older persons among the European
countries. It will be difficult to devise programs until
more detailed studies are made. Greater international
co-operation will be required to move toward
de-institutionalization.
Europe: Retirement, Health, and the Quality of Work in
Europe (September 2009)
The writers shed light on how work conditions and bad
health affect retirement in European countries. Many
people believe that these poor work conditions contribute
to early retirements in Europe. In fact, researchers found
that early retirement does not correlate with bad health.
However, the evidence reveals that early retirement is
related to the poor quality in the work environments
across many countries.
Portugal: Cognitive
Impairment in Old People Living in the Community (March
2009)
Cognitive impairment often affects older persons and
concerns elders who live alone in their communities or
with their families. Any possible intervention will
benefit from early detection of declining cognitive
abililties. The Portuguese version of the mini-mental
state examination (MMSE) assesses the cognitive impairment
in a sample of 1,266 old community-dwellers in Portugal,
around 70 years of age. In general, cognitive impairment
is higher among women, older people, widows(ers), and
people with a negative self-perception of their health or
those who have difficulties in basic and in instrumental
activities of daily living (ADL and IADL). Cognitive
impairment can be predicted by gender, age and
psychological distress, explaining 18 percent of variance.
The study also points to helpful available literature and
possible interventions for community residents.
United Kingdom: Pain in Older People; Reflections and
Experiences from an Older Person’s Perspective (January
9, 2009)
Older people in the UK, numbering nearly 5 million people
aged 65 or over, suffer from some pain or discomfort. Many
elders live in persistent pain but show remarkable
determination to go on living their lives as normal. This
report highlights the ignorance among health professionals
about pain suffered by older people. Such ignorance
contributes to unnecessary and unacceptable suffering
among old people. Elders are less likely than younger
persons to experience good pain management. Because pain
is highly subjective and older persons don’t want to
complain, pain is likely to go under-reported. Pain is not
an inevitable or normal part of ageing. Such
discrimination and ageist attitudes have to be challenged
with the recognition of how pain impacts the quality of
life and dignity of older people.
Spain: Parkinson’s Day After
Day: Before Saying “I can’t”, Try It! (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Parkinson’s Association of Madrid developed this
guide to help persons affected by Parkinson’s and to
assist the people caring for them to adapt their lives to
Parkinson’s. This project intends to make the disease more
understandable. Parkinson’s often is unfamiliar to many
and can provoke tremendous social isolation. The report
shows how persons affected by the disease can adapt their
every day activities and maintain their independency for
as long time as possible. At the same, time people caring
for the affected by Parkinson’s can also benefit from this
guide, by learning how to improve their caregiving.
Spain: Physical and Speech Exercises for those Affected
by Parkinson Disease (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Spanish authors, members of the Union for
Parkinson and Movement Disorder, describe the symptoms of
Parkinson’s disease, such as changes in physical movement
and problems with verbal communication. The writers reveal
several examples of activities, physical and verbal
exercises, which will improve the situation of the older
persons suffering from Parkinson’s. The authors urge
doctors to adopt evaluation tools to detect the disease at
an early stage and treat it accordingly.
Articles
Russia: Today is the Beginning of
the Action: Check your Heart (December 29, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
This article emphasizes why middle age persons should seek
an “early” diagnosis of their cardiovascular condition. A
new medical device in Russia called “Cardiovisor” does an
express check on the human heart (3-5 minutes) to
determine if there are any emerging or existing
abnormalities in the heart. Most people who check their
heart are elderly. However, if people start to check their
heart condition early in life, they can avoid many
complications later once they became older, increasing
life spans significantly.
France: Malnutrition, A
Disease that Threatens Older Persons (December 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
The malnutrition of older persons is a widespread but
unrecognized problem. When people get old, their appetite
decreases and they feel satisfied sooner. Moreover, it is
not always easy for the lonely and isolated elderly to
prepare meals. Consequently, in France, around 400,000
older persons living at home and 150,000 living in nursing
homes suffer from malnutrition. This is a major issue
since malnutrition has many serious consequences on
health, and increases mortality rates.
Russia: Russia Wants to
Legalize Free Healthcare (December 11, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 65% of retirees reported that they had to pay
for medical services, even for a diagnosis. Activists
created a special commission called “The Movement Against
Poverty” to protest medical staff members who violate
their patients’ rights. They are committed to informing
patients about their right to obtain free medical
services. In the opinion of Vitaly Kartamyshev, the
Russian constitution does not specify which medical
services must be free. The activists want the government
to legalize a specific form of free healthcare system,
including free diagnosis.
Russia: Grandmothers are
Exercising (November 26, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
A fitness trainer for older people in Ufa's main sporting
center (Ufa is a city near the Ural Mountains in Russia),
the best cure for older persons is to engage in sports
activities. Scientific research calculates that one needs
at least an hour of exercise until the age of 40, then
after that one needs over an hour and half of exercise per
day. Many retirees attending the sport facility in Ufa
declared that their health improved dramatically after
they started exercising; for example, they started to walk
and see better. Their motto has become: “the older one is,
the younger he becomes!”
Germany: The German Economy
Curbed by Demographics (November 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
Experts at the German Federal Office of Statistics
revealed the most recent demographic projections. Because
of a low birth rate (less than two children per woman),
the German population is expected to decrease 20% by 2060.
This demographic drop, along with the aging of the
population (34% of the population 65 years old and over by
2060) can have major economic consequences.
Kazakhstan: Who Wants to
Live in a Country of Older Persons? (November 13, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to UN statistics, Kazakhstan, where 7.4% of the
population is over 65 years, has surpassed the aging line.
By 2050, it's expected to reach 11.5% of people over 65.
With this increasingly older population, many worry how
older people will live in Kazakhstan. The situation is
very problematic because 75% of older people live on
pensions of 10-15,000 tenges (70-80 dollars), which is
insufficient for basic food purchases. Moreover, 55% of
older persons cannot afford to buy medication because it's
too expensive. The writer emphasizes that older persons
can significantly improve their lifestyle by keeping up a
good attitude about life, exercising and learning. Small
comfort.
Russia: In the Ural Mountains,
Open-Air Asbestos Mine Still Pollutes the City of Asbest
(November 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
Russia, one of the major producers of asbestos in the
world, is home to Asbest, the region that provides one
quarter of the world's asbestos production. In this city,
many jobs and therefore families rely on the mine. As a
result, most inhabitants worry about the consequences of
the crisis. They’re more concerned about the European
prohibition of asbestos in their countries than about
their personal health. For officials, asbestos is not
dangerous: they barely recognize cases of disease among
retirees and denounce the anti-asbestos campaign as a
“Western plot against Russia.”
France: A 'Health Bus' to
Compensate for the Shortage of Doctors in the Country
(November 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since summer’s end, a mobile medical bus has been driving
all over Picardie, a French area with a shortage of
doctors. The health worker goes from one village to
another giving medical advice and caring for isolated
persons, thus preventing disease. Many residents in the
region are overweight and have diabetes and diseases
associated with tobacco or alcohol. This initiative can
help older persons who cannot see a doctor in the closest
city, which may be miles away. However, older people must
overcome their resistance to this new program for nearby
care.
UK: Good Results from a
Double Seasonal/Swine Flu Vaccination of Seniors (GSK)
(November 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
In the United Kingdom, health officials want to prevent
seasonal and swine flu (H1N1). Who should be vaccinated
and how can we vaccinate people, especially older people,
against these illnesses? A British laboratory,
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), recently provided an answer to the
second problem; the firm gave both the swine flu and the
influenza flu vaccines at the same time to persons 60
years old and over. So far, the results are good.
France: Towards a
New Growth Pattern: the Healthy Aging Society (November
6, 2009)
(Article in French)
Philippe Aghion and Fabrice Murtin, two French economists,
are fighting prejudice against health: health is not a
cost. To the contrary, they have proven that a high life
expectancy level generates an increase of GDP per
inhabitant. By investing in health policies, governments
can increase the potential economic growth of their
country over the long haul. For instance, governments
cannot raise the legal age of retirement without
introducing policies allowing seniors to work longer.
Healthy aging may be the key to facing the demographic and
economic challenges of the future.
France: Confront Strokes (November
3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Strokes cause terrible damage. They are the first cause of
acquired handicaps for adults, the second cause of
dementia and the third cause of mortality. And yet, in
France the management of strokes is wanting: only 50% of
patients make it to the hospital within the three hours
during which treatment is effective. People don't know the
symptoms, especially older persons, who are affected the
most.
Kazakhstan: Who Needs such
an Accreditation? (October 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Right before the implementation of the universal
healthcare system in Kazakhstan, in which the government
will provide the population with only “best” hospitals, it
passed an “accreditation” on different hospitals. As a
result of this “accreditation” many problems were exposed
in the hospitals. However, the author of this letter
points out that this “accreditation” was biased because
the government told the auditors to “upgrade” the results
for some hospitals. The main question is why conduct an
accreditation when it is not objective. It’s a waste of
money and does not lead to anything. There should an
objective accreditation so that older people receive good
healthcare services.
Russia: Denial in
Emergency Help to Retirees is Against the Law - Federal
Department of Healthcare (October 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
A tragic event happened in Kurganskaya province. An old
person died after doctors ignored his relatives' numerous
calls to the hospital for emergency help. According to the
residents of the village of Glyadyanskoe, local doctors
ignored their calls earlier as well. It was later revealed
that the head doctor in the local hospital decided to save
money on gas and make money for his richer patients. As a
result, one of the orders he gave to other doctors was not
to help patients over 70 years old. After this incident,
the Federal Department of Healthcare passed a law that
made denial of emergency help a violation of the law. Even
though this new law might not immediately eliminate the
problem, it gives retired people who dissatisfied with
their medical help an opportunity to appeal to branches of
the Healthcare Department. This new order applies as well
to those who don't have Russian citizenship or medical
insurance.
Spain: Heart Failure
Affects 700,000 Inhabitants of Spain (October 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
According to recent data, heart failure affects 200,000
people between the ages 40 and 60 and almost 500,000
persons over the age of 60. It is estimated that heart
failure will become the epidemic of the 21st Century due
to an increased life span and an aging population. To
decrease the number of older persons who suffer from heart
failure, the family doctor should recommend ways to
control the main risk factors.
Spain: The Dentists
Association Estimates that 10,000 Older Persons in Spain
Will Be Diagnosed with Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer in
2009 (October 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Dentists Association of the Palmas Province in Spain
estimated that in 2009, some 10,000 older persons will be
diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer. It also
estimated that the average age when women run the risk of
oral cancer is 67 and men 61. People who have been smoking
and drinking alcohol are more prone to becoming ill from
oral cancer. In recent years, women suffering from oral
cancer have increased. To address this growing problem,
more than 3,000 dentists will offer free oral health exams
to both old and young persons.
Russia: A Loss of Time,
or Who Earns on the Lines? (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Recently in the city of Chelyabinsk an old woman died
waiting in line for her therapist. Such cases are not
unique in Russia. The average Russian spends from 1.5 to 4
years of his/her life waiting in line. The government has
spent 10 billion rubles to modernize healthcare. However,
new computers have slowed down the process because many
medical stuff do not know how to use them. It is important
that money be allocated to training medical stuff on use
new technology. The author suggests that the long lines
prevalent in free medical clinics tend to favor many
doctors who have private (for-profit) clinics, because
they encourage their patients to use their commercial
sites.
Russia: Older People are in
the Group at Risk (October 14, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Older persons belong to the group at highest risk of
catching flu. The most effective way of preventing flu is
vaccination. In addition, older people need to lead a
healthy lifestyle: spend more time outdoors, play sports
and eat healthy. Yet, if one maintains a healthy
lifestyle, they may not qualify to receive a free
vaccination in Russia. For that, a Russian citizen needs
to belong to an “official” high risk-group decided by the
government. Not all older persons belong to such a group:
only those who work in kindergartens, retirement homes and
schools. Those who don't work for such institutions have
to be vaccinated using funds from their own budget.
France: Perception and
Anticipation of Old Age by the French (October 7, 2009)
(Article in French)
With the extension of life expectancy, long life is
becoming a major issue in our societies. This article
presents the French Survey Institute (IFOP) study about
the way French people perceive old age. In fact, it seems
that most of them associate becoming old with diseases and
a loss of autonomy.
Austria: Semen for Along Life (October 6, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Graz University in Austria declared on Monday, October 5,
that semen contains a substance that extends the human
lifespan; this substance may be used to protect from
Alzheimer's disease. The two researchers, Tobias Eisenberg
and Frank Madhu, found a substance called "Spirmedin" that
extends the life of immune cells in humans, as well as
rats, flies, worms and fungi fermentation.
United
Kingdom: Selling Grandma on eBay (October 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
“I didn't know how much we'd get for her, maybe 99
pounds.” A ten-year-old girl in Britain put her “moaning”
grandma up for auction on eBay. When selling an item on
eBay, there is a strict etiquette: give an honest
appraisal of the goods, including their faults. So the
girl described her 61-year-old grandma as “annoying and
moaning a lot;” at the same time the child described her
as “very cuddly and loves word searches.”
Russia: We are
Buying Just 5% of Domestic Medications (October 1, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The Russian government can make healthcare more affordable
for old people if it bought more domestic, and not
foreign, drugs from its manufacturers. Many domestic drugs
are just as effective as foreign counterparts, according
to the Russian healthcare national research institute.
There is no reason why the Russian government should waste
money on foreign drugs. As in the case of swine flu, a
Russian drug Arbidol is just as effective. By buying
domestic drugs, the government will save money that it can
spend on more drugs for older people.
Russia: Why are
Russians Dying? (September 26, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Most Russians, some 60%, die of heart and cardiovascular
diseases. The death rate due to these diseases is seven
times higher than in European countries, while the
occurrence of other diseases is about the same in Europe
and Russia. Eighty-seven percent of the total death rate
in Russia is related to arterial pressure, a high
concentration of cholesterol, but two other issues stand
out compared to other countries in the world: Russians
smoke and drink alcohol more than anywhere else in the
world. More than 50% of people smoke. An average person
older than 15 years old consumes 18 liters of pure alcohol
per year (whereas in the U.S. it's only 8.4 liters).
Russia: More than 40% of
Russians Do not Fear Aging (September 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Public Opinion Study Institute says that 40% of
Russians do not fear getting old and one out of five do
not even think about it. Moreover, many Russians respect
older persons but say that their human rights are not
honored. Finally, and not surprisingly in a country where
the life expectancy only reaches 59.33 years old for men,
most Russian people oppose raising the retirement age
(currently 60 years old).
France: “Onthephone,”
Solitude Has to Hang Up (September 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
Auboutdfil (Onthephone) is an association founded in 2007
that helps older persons escape isolation. A team of
volunteers calls 500 persons who feel alone or isolated
several times a week. The system allows older persons to
speak freely to someone about things that worry them. It
also has many advantages for volunteers: they can call
when they have time and without leaving their house.
United
Kingdom: Lifelong Learning Requires Investment Now in
Older People (September 22, 2009)
According to research from the UK Future of Lifelong
Learning, current funds spent on education for individuals
25 and under far exceed the funds available for any other
age group, particularly older persons. The report divided
the general population into four age groups: 18-25, 25-50,
50-75, and 75 and over, and estimated that the present
expenditure ratio for the four age divisions is,
respectively, 86:11:2.5:0.5. In lieu of this contrast,
researchers recommend the ratio shift to 80:15:5:1, so
that while most funding concentrates on the 25 and under
age group, funds double for the 50-75 and 75 and over
groups. They recommend such an increase based on the
argument that “the right to learn throughout life is a
human right.” Researchers also note that by the year 2020,
the number of people under age 25 is expected to fall by
9%.
United Kingdom: Poor NHS
Communication Leaves Elderly at Risk of Superbugs
(September 21, 2009)
According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the
National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and nursing homes
are not talking to one another. Older patients are
contracting such infections as MRSA (methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus) and Clostridum difficile. After
assessing 1,000 care homes, the CQC discovered that one in
five nursing homes had no prior knowledge of patients’
infections. In addition, the Commission also found that a
quarter of care homes assessed did not follow standard
protocols, such as isolation and antibiotic-adherence
guidelines, in treating known infections. Despite the
sloppy methods, the prevalence of MRSA and Clostridium
difficile has decreased over the past year due to
government-enforced improvements in hygiene. Care homes
that fail to follow standard protocols face potential
closure until improvement occurs.
France: The National
Institute of Health and Medical Research, INSERM,
Recommends Intellectually Stimulating Our Brain For
Better Aging (September 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent study, old persons who regularly
take part in intellectually stimulating activities present
fewer risks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Such
activities include: solving crossword puzzles, playing
cards, taking part in artistic activities and getting
involved in an organization.
Spain: Alzheimer’s
Affects 50,000 People in Galicia (September 20, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In Galicia, some 50,000 people suffer the effects of
Alzheimer’s disease, especially persons 65 and older who
live in rural areas. Studies demonstrate that isolation
and stagnation provoke the advancement of the disease.
Galician officials think that public centers for people
affected by Alzheimer’s cannot meet their needs. That is
why the administration is insisting on creating new
centers for patients with Alzheimer’s.
Spain: Six of Every Ten Older Persons from Malaga Suffer
from Overweight and Obesity (September 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Internal Medical Service initiated studies of the
health of older persons. The first part of the study
revealed that 60% of older persons in Malaga suffer from
overweight and obesity, 30% suffer from hypertension and
28% are smokers. The second part of the study focuses on
how to improve the eating habits of the population and
reducing the level of obesity.
Switzerland:
Go on Vacation with Welfare Benefits! (September 10,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
After you read this, you will probably want to move to
Switzerland to pursue happiness in your retirement. The
cradle-to-grave welfare system makes sure that you have
enough financial support to receive education, give birth,
and overcome times of loss of job as well as illness. You
may find it a perfect place to raise your children and
grow old with a promise for an active and healthy
life.
France: Old Persons:
Record Suicide Rate and General Indifference (September
10, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons in France, especially those above 85 years
of age, commit, on average, more suicides than the rest of
the population. The same is true in many other countries.
Isolation and health problems associated with aging are
considered to be the main factors for depression and
suicide. This issue, though striking, is not well known,
and calls for new ways to raise awareness and to develop
preventive measures.
United
Kingdom: The Recipe to Beat Prostate Cancer (September
10, 2009)
Margaret Rayman, professor of nutritional medicine at the
University of Surrey, has analyzed the good effects that
certain foods cooked with special recipes can have to
lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. For example,
broccoli is a potential anti-cancer agent, and onion and
garlic, cooked in a specific way, can also reduce the risk
of prostate cancer or slow its progression. Professor
Rayman points out that small changes to diet and lifestyle
can play a great role in beating prostate cancer by giving
us “the option to do something, even if the evidence is
flimsy.”
France: Falls Prevention
Better Than Cure (September 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
As you get older, everyday movements become harder. Even
sitting can be dangerous. That is why in Agen, France, the
House of Elders offers a falls prevention workshop to its
members. In this workshop, old persons practice movements
to avoid falling.
United Kingdom: Recession
Leads to More Sleepless Nights, Study Claims (September
4, 2009)
According to British academic studies, twice as many
people approaching retirement suffer sleepless nights
during a recession. It appears that during the recessions,
increasing numbers of people between the ages of 57 and 63
lie awake worrying at night. The proportion of people
between the ages of 50 and 56 who experience sleeplessness
during recessions is even larger, as they have not reached
retirement age and hence struggle much harder to find
another job.
France: Undernourishment
among Older Persons a Serious Problem (August 31, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, 450,000 to 700,000 older persons are
undernourished. Disease, loneliness, depression and loss
of autonomy can lead to undernourishment among older
persons. The consequences of bad nutrition or
undernourishment can be very serious (falls, disease,
muscle deterioration, fatigue and sometimes death). Older
persons must know the possible symptoms of poor
nourishment. Some studies point out that in nursing homes
host few older persons who suffer undernourishment.
However, for those who live at home, nutritional advice
and other forms of help are available to counter these
shortcoming.
United
Kingdom: A British Retiree Grew A Chrysanthemum with
Double Colors (August 25, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 73-year-old former British truck driver grew a
chrysanthemum that was half yellow and half white.
Scientists explained that it resulted from genetic
mutation.
Spain: Who Will Take Care of Us
in 20 Years? (August 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Only twenty-nine geriatricians provide medical
services to elders in Aragon. Professionals have sounded
an alert that new health plans and a fast growing aging
population in the community can quickly shrink local
resources. Both medical and financial resources are in
short supply to meet the coming aging challenge.
France: Swine Flu: All Care
Homes Will Equip Themselves with a Plan for Business
Continuity (August 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
From the perspective of a possible pandemic of Swine flu
(H1N1), all institutions for old people must develop a
continuity plan. Objective: To maintain service to the
elderly, whatever the circumstances.
France: Alzheimer’s Plan 2008-2012: Selection of 40
Pilot Teams Specializing in Home Assistance (August 24,
2009)
(Article in French)
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Labor, Family and
Solidarity announced the selection of forty pilot teams
specializing in home assistance to participate in
Alzheimer’s Plan 2008/2012. The Ministry aims to
strengthen appropriate care services and begin a new
parallel service towards patients and their caregivers.
France:
ICub, a Robotic Assistance for Seniors (August 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
Progress definitely never stops! Now the baby robot ICub
begins his "education." Indeed, like a small human, this
robot has learning abilities that develop every day,
thanks to educators. Will this robot be of use to
dependent seniors?
Belgium: Nearly Six in Ten
Elderly Belgians Risk Undernourishment (August 20, 2009)
According to a study by NutriAction, almost 57% of elderly
people aged 70 years and older in Belgium are at risk of
being undernourished, with 16% already not receiving
enough to eat. The risk of undernourishment is generally
higher in nursing homes, in the homes of women and in
houses of people who are 90 years and older.
France:
Psychiatric Care of the Elderly During the Summer: a
Challenge for Public Health (August 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
Health professionals are seeing more older people admitted
to psychiatric clinics during the summer months. This
increase in admissions raises new challenges for medical
teams, who are often smaller during the traditional French
vacation season. Besides their vacation time, the
professional staff also worries about the scarce number of
beds in psychiatric facilities. That's why physicians and
clinical leaders want the government to offer more
resources for psychiatry in the public services.
United Kingdom: Coping With an
Ageing Population: A Caring Challenge that Cannot be
Ducked (August 19, 2009)
Older persons continue to add to the UK’s population. At
present pensioners out-number those under 16; over 80’s
are the fastest growing age group. The writer says that
the UK government has not addressed the aging issue
adequately, instead has delayed facing the challenge for
as long as it can. In 1997 Tony Blair stated that he did
not want his children to grow up "in a country where the
only way pensioners can get long-term care is by selling
their home." Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming
frequent in Britain.
Belgium : Nearly 6 in 10 Seniors
at Risk of Malnutrition (August 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
The study NutriAction 2008 reveals that people aged 70 or
older are 60% likely to be malnourished. The latter
indicates that age is an important factor because the
oldest the individual is, the greater is the chance of
being subject to this eating disorder. This risk is
particularly high in rest homes, for women and for people
over 90.
France: Residents are
Increasingly Older and More Dependent (August 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
A ministerial study conducted among 79% of residents of
French retirement homes has just been released last
Monday, indicating an aging of those admitted in these
institutions. This shows that the French population is
becoming older and that you enter later in life in an
institution. These houses are inhabited by “oldest old”
for most and surprisingly by a large majority of women.
Moreover, the dependence of those admitted is increasingly
important.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan’s
Population and Mortality Rate (August 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Kazakhstan’s population is at high risk. Low birth rates
and relatively high mortality have become a bottleneck
issue for the country’s sustainable development. Male
mortality in Kazakhstan is three times that of females.
Additionally, the average life span of the Kazakhstan
female is 10 -11 years longer than that of the male. Thus,
not only has the country become an aging society
(beginning as early as 2002); Kazakhstan faces a severe
gender imbalance that cannot be ignored.
France: We Understand Better Why
the Memory of Elders is Going Down the Drain (August 12,
2009)
(Article in French)
As people grow older, it is often said that they “lose our
marbles.” French researchers have just discovered one of
the causes: a brain protein whose concentration increases
with age. Eventually, they hope to secure more positive
ways to combat such disorders.
United
Kingdom: Improving NHS Nursing Care for Older People
(August 10, 2009)
In Wales, the independent sector almost wholly provides
continuous nursing care for older people. The Royal
College of Nursing (RCN) wants to see reform in the system
of providing continuing National Health Service (NHS)
care. Under financial pressure, the independent sector may
be unable to ensure health for older persons because of a
lack of nursing care beds, for instance. On a larger
level, the UK Government recently published its Green
Paper on improving social care in England and reforming
the funding system for long-term care to maintain people’s
independence, improve public transportation and provide a
well educated workforce.
France: Hospitalization at Home:
the Boom is Confirmed (August 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
Still in the development stage, hospitalization at home
(HAD) is currently booming. Today, there are 8,300 places
in “hospitals at home” compared to 4,500 in 2005,
according to figures from the National Federation of
hospitalization at home institutions (FNEHAD). This growth
reflects the willingness of the French government to
enable people to seek treatment at home. They have changed
the regulation of these structures, and hospital reforms
have improved the running and recruitment of staff in
these institutions. A lot of interest is focused on this
system because it offers advantages for both patients and
for the State as it may shorten, postpone or exempt full
hospitalization for patients and would allow Social
Security to save money. Despite the rapid development of
HAD and its assets, the goal set in 2006--to provide
15,000 places by 2010--will not be achieved.
France: Can My Pet Help Me
Heal? (August 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Who can sometimes come to your rescue? You will never
guess: your pet. The furry puppy or feathered friend can
resurrect a part of humanity that you had thought extinct.
The animal can play this role only if supervised by a
professional, namely a zoo-therapist. This alternative
therapy can reduce stress and ameliorate the consequences
of medical treatment or postoperative problems.
United Kingdom: Loss of Irishness
May Lead to Health Issues (August 2, 2009)
Obviously, identity can have a serious impact on health.
Facing enormous pressure as well as social exclusion,
first generation Irish immigrants and their families in
Britain tend to suffer long-term illness and poor health,
according to data from Britain's 2001 census.
United Kingdom: Research
Shows that Older Persons Lead a Healthier Way of Life
(August 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A health survey of 4,000 British people between the ages
of 16 to 80 reveals the different ways of life and eating
habits among the different age groups. The survey shows
that in the United Kingdom, a 50-year-old’s way of life is
healthier and more active than that of a 25-year-old.
Spain: An Active Life Benefits
the Brain (July 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Solid evidence exists that remaining intellectually,
physically and socially active can prevent loss of
sharpness during aging. However, to maintain an active
life is more complex than the common mantra, “use it or
lose it,” studies showed. The study sought to find how to
maintain a more elaborate cognitive well-being through the
use of social activity and both physical and mental
exercise. Evidence also exists that preserving this active
lifestyle offers protection from dementia that is common
with old age.
Spain: Imserso Vacations
Benefit 1.2 Million Older Persons (July 24, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Since the beginning of its operations, 10.5 million
persons have benefited from vacations organized through
Imserso. The program lets older persons with respiratory
and bone problems that are in need of medical spa
treatment to stay at facilities for a reduced rate. In
addition, the program keeps the spas busy during the “low
season” and promotes solidarity among the nearby
territories as it creates local employment opportunities.
Spain: The Multiple Benefits of
Running for Older Persons (July 20, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Recently an 81-year-old Japanese marathon runner, Keizo
Yamada, said he no longer intends to run marathons,
although he still plans to run a half marathon. Running
helps combat many cardiac problems is a recommended
activity for older persons. In addition, running increases
aerobic capacity, sense of balance, reaction times, bone
strength, and reduces body fat.
France: A Program to Promote a
Good Way of Life for Older Persons (July 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
On July 15, the French Minister of Health, Roselyne
Bachelot and Nora Berra, the French Secretary for Older
Persons, launched “Aging in a good way--Live together,” a
program promoting a good quality of life for older people
who live in cities. She suggested that mayors set up
five-year plans for transportation, housing, urban living,
service allowances and the reinforcement of solidarity
within the society.
France:
“Gerontechnology” Should Help Older Persons (July 6,
2009)
(Article in French)
More and more doctors specializing in geriatrics rely on
new technologies such as fall detectors or smart robots to
help older persons. This year, the worldwide Congress on
Gerontology and Geriatrics took place in Paris and the
debate focused on aging process pathologies. The use of
new technologies to help old people was one of the main
topics of the Congress. “Gerontechnology” is useful to
fight the loss of autonomy and also can send help very
quickly when old people face physical difficulties.
Europe: Living Alone
Increases Odds of Developing Dementia (July 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Middle-aged adults who live alone are twice as likely to
develop dementia or Alzheimer's disease later in life as
compared to those who are married or live with a partner.
The risk is three times higher among those who are
divorced or widowed, according to a new study by Swedish
and Finnish researchers.
France: Hot Season: Watching Out
for Old People (July 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Reacting to a June heat wave, French officials have set up
some simple precautions so older persons can enjoy the
summer without the risks of high temperatures. When it
gets hot, the human body retains a good temperature level
by sweating. However, older people do not sweat enough and
therefore become are more vulnerable. Some very specific
precautions, such as drinking plenty of water and staying
in a relatively cooler place, can prevent heat exhaustion,
hyperthermia or hyponatremia (diminution of sodium salt in
the blood which can be at the origin of different kinds of
physical trouble).
Italy: In Rome, “Pronto Nonno,” a
New Helpline, Will Reduce Old People’s Loneliness (July
1, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Rome, people older than 65 represent 20% of the
population. During the summer they suffer from heat waves
and loneliness. “Pronto Nonno,” (“Hello Grandad”), is a
new free helpline to care for older persons. “One of our
main goals is to plan and anticipate instead of acting in
urgency. For instance, by giving more information to old
people about hospital services they might need,” said
Sveva Belviso, the Social Politics representative in Rome.
In addition to this initiative, Rome is a very inviting
place for old people, as the city has organized free
cultural shows for people over 65 years.
France: Knowing How to Balance
Food When We Are Old (June 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
Last Thursday, the first forum on “knowing how to balance
food when we are old” took place. The Hospital of
Armentières and the local Centre of Information and
Coordination originated this initiative designed for
health professionals. Serving food in an appetizing
presentation and on a nice table arrangement help keep a
good food balance. This forum also aimed at providing
nutritious food for older persons.
United
Kingdom: New Supplement May Help Slow Sight Loss in
Older Persons (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Queen's University Belfast academics have helped develop
an antioxidant supplement that may slow down sight loss in
old people. The supplement may help those affected by the
leading cause of blindness in the Western World, according
to results of the five-year research project. Professor
Usha Chakravarthy, from Queen’s Centre of Vision and
Vascular Science (CVVS), coordinated the study, which
looked at nutritional supplements for patients with early
age-related macular degeneration, and found they helped
sharpen vision.
France: Older People’s Health:
Tension is Going Up (June 20, 2009)
(Article in French)
Because of economic conditions, money savings are being
forced upon older people in nursing homes. Around ten
practitioners working in nursing homes in the region of
Midi-Pyrénées are under Social Security
control, which limits what they consider to be excessive
physical therapy assistance. After a national federation
call, hundreds of nursing home directors and housing
services responsible for the elderly decided to alert the
Association of Older People Services about the lack of
care being received by nursing home residents.
Bulgaria: Gymnastics for the
Women of the Third Age (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Who said that being old is a synonym for sickness and
loneliness? In Bulgaria, pensioners gather at the park to
practice gymnastics under the supervision of a 66-year old
kinesio therapist Georgy Delchev. “We come here almost
every day, meet people and socialize instead of sitting at
home all by ourselves, not knowing what to do. It sets a
good mood and stimulates our health,” says Antoanetta
Gospodinova, who has been a member of this “Health Club”
for almost 23 years. Hopefully, more and more such clubs
will be organized to fight the social isolation of
pensioners in Bulgaria.
France: Old People with No
Medical Treatment (June 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
The daughter of a 93-year-old female resident of a nursing
home in Toulouse in southwest France recently sent a
claims letter, as her mother no longer has access to
medical treatment. Circulating this petition between
relatives and various elder caregivers, she protested the
fact that a large number of residents are no longer being
treated. As a consequence of the misunderstanding between
nursing homes and health insurance doctors in this region
of France, many residents were left waiting for treatment,
without which, they might never walk again.
United Kingdom: Margaret
Thatcher in Hospital: Fractures in the Elderly Often
Difficult to Heal (June 18, 2009)
Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s recent
arm fracture suffered from a fall at home serves as a
reminder that so-called fragility fractures in older
people are a huge problem, both for patients and for the
NHS. These are fractures that occur due to minimal force
(such as a simple fall) because the bone is weakened by
osteoporosis. Because of the ageing population, the
incidence of such fractures is expected to double over the
next 50 years.
Ireland: Stroke Survivors
Report Loss of Sexual Desire, Blurred Gender Roles,
Anger and Fatigue (June 18, 2009)
Suffering a stroke can have a profound effect on
relationships and lead to significant changes in how
couples relate to each other on a physical, psychological,
social and emotional level. According a study in the June
issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing, researchers
found that sexual relationships were significantly
affected after a stroke, gender roles became blurred and
feelings like anger and frustration were confounded by a
lack of independence and ongoing fatigue.
Ireland: Research Reveals
the Recipe for Staying Sharp in Old Age (June 9, 2009)
A new research study in Ireland pegs the formula for a
healthy old age on four pillars--exercise, education,
social activity and non-smoking. More than 2,000 men and
women in their 70’s and 80’s were studied and it revealed
that people who exercise moderately were 30% more likely
to resist mental decline. Similarly, people who received a
good education were nearly three times more likely to
maintain their mental faculties than those less educated.
Ireland: Minister to Launch
Mediation Service for Families of Elderly People with
Dementia (June 8, 2009)
A new mediation service dealing with problems of families
and caregivers whose family members suffer from dementia
and similar diseases has been launched by the Irish
Minister of State for Older People. The mediation service
will help them to make difficult decisions regarding the
care of the sufferer and deal with any family disputes.
Elder mediation provides an opportunity for the older
person and all concerned members of the family to
participate in creating a thoughtful plan for the future.
More than 50,000 caregivers are looking after someone with
symptoms of dementia, and the number is set to rise
sharply. There are 44,000 people in Ireland living with
Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, and trends suggest that
by 2036 some 104,000 people will have the condition.
France: Robots Are Training to
Take Care of Old People (June 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
The market of providing care for older people is growing
very quickly. At the same time the human workforce to
respond is decreasing. Many see robotic technology as the
perfect solution to help solve many old age problems, such
as the partially sighted or those with less autonomy. In
France, the Romeo project was begun in January 2008 to
begin developing this approach to some of increasing
demands for care.
United Kingdom: Sedatives May Increase Elderly Suicide
Risk Study (June 4, 2009)
Sedatives and sleeping pills taken to ease depression,
anxiety and sleep problems might increase the risk of
suicide, dramatically, among the elders. According to the
World Health Organization, 877,000 people worldwide kill
themselves every year. Doctors must carefully evaluate
possible suicide risk before prescribing anti-depressants.
United Kingdom: Weekly Curry ‘May
Fight Dementia’ (June 3, 2009)
People who eat curry meals two or three times a week have
a lower risk of dementia. The key ingredient is curcumin,
a component of the spice turmeric. Curcumin appears to
prevent the spread of amyloid protein plaques--thought to
cause dementia--in the brain. Researchers are hard at work
develop a curry pill.
France: Older Persons’ Cancer
Is Becoming a Priority (June 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the Quotidien (a French newspaper), currently
about one-third of cancer patients are French persons over
75 years old. But in 40 years this proportion will reach
50%. The National Institute of Cancer has posted a report
about this development. In the US, the American Society of
Clinical Oncology acknowledged the work of a pioneer in
this field of study, Professor Martine Extermann.
United Kingdom: Scientists in
U.K. Identified the Longevity Gene (May 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Recent research in the UK identified a specific gene that
controls human longevity. This gene may hold clues to many
age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular
disease and Alzheimer’s. It will also impact development
of new pharmaceutical products. The gene is said to to
increase life expectancy of animals and delay the
occurrence of chronic diseases.
United Kingdom: Sunbathing
'Could Boost Your Intellect and Prevent Dementia' (May
21, 2009)
A new study claims that being a sun worshipper could make
you cleverer in later life and ward off dementia. The
findings suggest that retirement to warmer climes or
taking dietary supplements could boost your brain's
ability to stay active later in life. University of
Manchester scientists discovered that higher levels of
vitamin D are linked with improved mental ability in
middle-aged and older men. They stressed that their
findings should not spur people to bask in the sun, which
can increase the risk of skin cancer.
United Kingdom: Thousands of
Elderly Could Die from the Effects of Heat this Summer,
Experts Warn (May 20, 2009)
Thousands of elderly people could die from the effects of
heat during what is forecast to be a sweltering summer,
experts warn. About 2,000 people died when temperatures
soared for 10 consecutive days in some parts of the
country in 2003, reaching 38C (100F) in southern England.
Forecasters predict that this will be a "barbecue summer"
in which temperatures regularly peak above 30C (86F).
Heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency as the
effects of climate change take hold. They are particularly
dangerous for older people and those with heart or
breathing problems.
United Kingdom: Later Retirement
‘May Stave off Dementia’ say Researchers (May 18, 2009)
According to a new study, delaying retirement might stave
off dementia. Around 1,300 people with dementia were
studied and the ones who retired later developed dementia
later. On average, with every extra year of employment,
the age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease became 0.13 years
later. The intellectual stimulation that the workplace
provides might reduce the number of mental facilities
required.
United
Kingdom: How Britain is Coming to Terms with Growing Old
(May 18, 2009)
A dramatic 'age quake' is shaking Britain as the country
grows older: for the first time ever the number of people
over 65 exceeds those under 16. This article is the first
of a new series looking at the profound financial,
emotional and practical issues faced by a rising number of
Britons. The article reports on the best places for
retired people to live across the UK. According to a new
survey of nearly 14,000 older people in the UK the
happiest are those who are living in the country already,
and the people who aren't think they would be happier if
they were. As a rough rule, the further from big centers
of population people lived, the happier they were, with
the West Midlands, Manchester and London all ranking as
both unpopular and with pretty unhappy older
population.
United Kingdom: Picture Cards Help
Families Chat to Elderly and those with Dementia (May
16, 2009)
‘Reminiscence tea parties’ are helping transform
communication between the elderly and their caregivers and
families in the UK. Sets of large cards, carrying pictures
of well- known scenes and objects from the 1940’s are
being used to stimulate older people and to draw them out
of their shells. The cards allow older people to tell
their stories, resulting in great therapeutic value.
United Kingdom: Old People Need
more Sun (May 12, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent survey, extra time in the sun can
help older people stay in good health and overcome health
problems such as cardiovascular illness or diabetes.
Researchers at the Warwick Medical School of the United
Kingdom cooperated with the Biological Sciences Institute
of Shangaï in China on the project. The sun produces
vitamin D; lack of sun can cause many health problems such
as osteomalacia (softening of the bones) or rickets among
children. Several factors can be responsible for a
deficiency in vitamin D in older people, notably a
sedentary lifestyle.
United Kingdom: Rise in
Dementia Cases Provides a Challenge for Wales (May 11,
2009)
Some 37,000 people live with dementia in Wales, and this
figure is set to rise by 35% over the next 20 years. One
in three people over 65 is expected to die with a form of
dementia, according to recently published statistics. The
Health Minister has asked for a national dementia plan for
Wales. The first issue that must be tackled is to raise
awareness and understanding of dementia and to increase
the number of people seeking help and achieving early
diagnosis. Only a third of people with dementia receive a
formal diagnosis at any time in their illness. Doctors and
health professionals must be trained to recognize and
treat dementia. The department’s research unearthed
widespread stigmatization of elders: a low priority given
to developing the necessary professional skills to care
for people with dementia, and a widespread misattribution
of symptoms to “old-age” among professionals.
United
Kingdom: Elderly Are More Likely to Escape Swine Flu
Infection (May, 11 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A Scottish pensioner has become the second person in
Britain to die from swine flu. Scotland's medical center
official emphasized that the elderly man who died had
suffered significant underlying health problems—in common
with about three-quarters of those who have died worldwide
from the condition. Hugh Pennington, Emeritus Professor of
Bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, said, “The
evidence is still strong that the elderly will escape the
infection, but when they do get the virus it is likely to
be more serious because older people have predisposed risk
factors.”
United Kingdom: “Binge-drinking”
Causes Up to One in Four Dementia Cases (May 10, 2009)
According to new research, binge-drinking could be
responsible for up to one in four of Britain's 700,000
dementia cases, Alzheimer's disease being the most common
form and representing around two-thirds of the cases. The
authors of the report said the findings should come as a
wake-up call to those who thought that dementia was only a
disease of old age. One recent study showed that consuming
up to two drinks a day could protect against the onset of
dementia, but numerous studies have recognized a link
between heavy drinking and mental decline.
United Kingdom: Evidence
Suggests that Socioeconomic Status has Positive Impact
on Healthy Longevity (May 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
recently surveyed the relationship between socioeconomic
status and healthy longevity. Surprisingly, people with
better education and higher income had a lower life
expectancy as well as lower morbidity rate of
hypertension, diabetes and obesity. The research also
found that a different socioeconomic level has the most
prominent impact on people of ages 50 to 60 years.
United
Kingdom: Have Strokes Become More Common in Past
Decade? (May 8, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
British researchers recently reported that the number of
people who have suffered physical consequences due to a
stroke has jumped to about 20% over the past decade. They
attribute these figures to (1) the growing proportion of
older people in the population, and (2) their increased
use of medicines to dissolve blood clots that may lead to
out of control bleeding or hemorrhaging. However, in this
same period, the death rate among older people from
strokes has decreased dramatically due to advances in
health care. This combination of progress and regression
has changed the effect of strokes on British older people.
France: Senior Health Uses
a New Process to Prepare Medicines (May 7, 2009)
(Article in French)
Seniors Health, a specialized building serving older
persons, installed a new system for securing the
distribution of medicines. This system, called the
Oreus-Pill box, permits safe, personal, and regular
distribution of medicines to each resident. Every year,
thousands of old people must go to the hospital due to
inappropriate use of medicines. This system marries a
daily pill box containing just one pill to software that
increases both traceability and makes distribution easier.
Sweden: Up to One in Six
Older People Living at Home Face Malnutrition Risk (May
7, 2009)
As many as one in six people who took part in a recent
study of older people (aged 75 to 80) who live at home in
Sweden were under-nourished and at risk of malnutrition.
The researchers found that women faced a higher overall
risk and that men were more likely to be at risk if they
were depressed. Researchers discovered that people were
most likely to be at risk of malnutrition if they felt
their health was poor. Second, symptoms of depression as
well as advanced age tend to lead to malnutrition. This
study provides evidence of some of the key warning signs
for health professionals and families. What action will
they take to assure that Swedish elders get the good food
they need?
Poland: Being a Retired Person
in Poland (May 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Poland, the number of retired people keeps increasing.
In a few months it will reach 5 million in a population of
38 million. In her report for the Citizen Forum on
Development (published by the Social Politics Institute at
the University of Varsovia), Anna Kurowska pointed out
that programs to help older persons have been set up to
enhance their way of life, some addressing the feelings of
loneliness and lack of activity. Others deal with health
problems. In addition, the numbers of retirement homes
must increase so more people can have access. Finally,
older persons need to be looked after and to feel that
they are useful to society, rather than being isolated.
France: Learn How to Get Old
in a Good Way (April 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since October, the Haute Gironde Association of Home Care
has been offering older persons a plan for positive aging.
Beginning May 11 and ending around July 10, the project
aims to prevent memory loss and provide physical exercises
and other health enhancements. It is also a way to build a
network between the participants in the Association and
several professionals, including doctors, dentists and
social workers, who will be available to respond to
questions.
Italy: The Secret of
Longevity: No Food, No Husband and No Regrets (April 27,
2009)
This article recalls the beautiful story of brain
scientist and Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini. At 100,
she is an astonishing woman--studied medicine, survived
fascism and prejudice and went on to win the Nobel Prize
in 1986. She still takes an active part in politics in the
Senate, plans to write another book and is campaigning for
the rights of women in Africa. If you want to live to her
age, you might consider following the routine of this
woman who never gets tired of life: get up at 5 a.m., eat
just once a day, keep your brain active and go to bed at
11 p.m. To her, not all human beings should live to be
100, even if this were biologically possible, because
“There is no room and there would be no space for the
newborn.”
United Kingdom: Older Women
'Still Need Screening for Cervical Cancer' (April 24,
2009)
Older women who think they no longer need a smear test for
cervical cancer should think again, according to an
important recent study. It found that women aged over 50
have about the same risk of getting the cancer as younger
women, and should continue to have regular screenings. It
is not “a waste of time,” as some doctors and women think,
and the study suggests that the UK's current policy of
screening women up to age 65 makes good sense.
France: Discontent Retired People
Have a Picnic in St-Tropez (April 17, 2009)
(Article in French)
Between 250 and 300 retired people peacefully marched in
St Tropez to protest against their low pensions. According
to the 2003’s Fillon law, the increase should take follow
the inflation, but the actual increase is only 1% instead
of, 2, 45%. After the march, the retirees enjoyed a picnic
on the billionaire’s quay in order to show that they were
protesting.
United Kingdom: Round the Clock
Helpline can be Lifeline for Those Who Have Dementia and
their Carers (April 14, 2009)
Dementia Helpline was established 20 years ago in Scotland
to help people with dementia. The only helpline of its
kind in the UK, it is free and available 24 hours a day.
Manned almost exclusively by volunteers, all receive
extensive training. Many have direct experience of caring
for someone with dementia. It is entirely reliant on
voluntary income and gets thousands of calls a year.
France: Winter 2008/2009: A Severe
Winter For Older People (April 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French National Institute of Sanitary Watch has
published figures showing an increase in mortality in
France during the winter of 2008-2009. The time of severe
cold led to an additional 6,000 deaths, especially among
persons over 85 years, particularly true in certain areas
of the country. In addition to the cold wave, the
Institute underscored the fact that many older French have
had respiratory infections since early December 2008, and
that flu--even though not more severe than the 3 years
before--has affected an important part of the
population.
France: Heart Attack: Patient
Care Could Still Be Improved (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French High Authority for Health and concerned medical
professionals have just presented a report on the program
called “Improving the Care of Patients With Myocardium
Infarction,” launched in 2007. According to them, it is
essential to “continue the efforts already begun.” In
France, every year 100.000 people are affected. Even
though mortality has decreased quite a lot during the last
decade, almost 13% of patients die during the first year.
About 30% of patients--especially if they are old--do not
benefit from all the recommended instructions.
Estonia: No One
Avoids Aging (April 3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
One major issue in Europe is how to provide for increasing
numbers of seniors who suffer from illnesses and
loneliness. Estonia's social policies require serious
change. In times of economic crisis, many countries fail
to keep their promises to invest in the well-being of
older citizens. The lack of publicly supported nursing
homes, the high cost of private nursing institutions for
seniors and an absence of qualified staff are the main
issues facing Estonia's social care.
Europe: A New
Treatment Against Terminal Prostate Cancer (April 2,
2009)
(Article in French)
During the Annual European Congress on Urology, the Swiss
pharmaceutical company announced the launch in Europe of
Firmagon, “a new option of hormone therapy for prostate
cancer.” It appears to be an effective treatment for this
kind of cancer. Some 670,000 men in the world are
diagnosed every year with prostate cancer, and about two
million European men have the disease.
France: Prostate Cancer: In
Europe, France Has the Highest Recovery Rate (April 1,
2009)
(Article in French)
In France, the recovery rate for prostate cancer is the
highest (57.9%) among European countries. There are huge
discrepancies from one country to another. The study
highlights, for instance, that in France 58.6% of women
affected by cancer recover, and this percentage is only
38% in Poland. Differences have been shown also according
to the type of cancer reported. In general, the survival
time of patients is shorter for people aged 70-84
years.
Netherlands: A
Pedometer that Encourages Older Persons to Walk (April
1, 2009)
(Article in French)
An experimental prototype named “Flowie”
is aimed at encouraging older persons to move more than
normal. The device, discretely fixed to the ankle, is
linked to an electronic box in the shape of a flower. This
character on the box wears a different expression
according to the number of steps made during the day,
ranging from a grimace to a radiant smile. Apparently such
a small character stimulates seniors in a way that
encourages them to walk more.
Spain:
Güemes Closes the Debate on the “False
Privatization” of Health (March 31, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Juan Jose Güemes closed the last Commission Assembly
of Madrid by concluding that public-private collaboration
is beneficial for the health sector. He says that it
reduces costs and waiting time, and brings equity and
quality to the health system. Also, he proposes to create
a parliamentary body that controls and follows through
with a public-private partnership in the
region.
France: A Species that Stops
Moving Is an Endangered Species (March 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
For the occasion of the Hearts’ course organized by the
French Federation of Cardiology in France, two physicians
emphasized the risks for developing cardiovascular
diseases due to a sedentary way of life. They encouraged
people to be active at least 30 minutes a day. The
benefits of playing sports on health (cardiovascular
diseases, cancer and mental balance) have been
demonstrated many times in the past. The preparatory
report for the National Plan of Prevention for physical
and sportive activity includes many recommendations for
making sports accessible to people with a physical
handicap or a chronic or rare disease to achieve
therapeutic, preventive, education and health goals. The
social dimension of sports and working out should also be
emphasized. Finland, the Netherlands and Quebec are the
countries most advanced in this area.
United Kingdom:
Mental Services ‘Shut to Elderly’ (March 30, 2009)
Older persons get denied access to mental health services
in Britain. Out-of-hours, alcohol, crisis services and
psychological therapies were often unavailable to the
elders due to over-burdened stretched services, resulting
in a lack of age-appropriate care.
Ireland: Older
People Should be Protected in Budgets (March 30, 2009)
Age Action, the national network on ageing and older
people in Ireland, told the government that the most
vulnerable older people should be protected from cuts in
the upcoming budget. The Government should maintain levels
of home care packages, home helps, respite care and home
adaptation grants to support the sick living in their own
homes. Existing payments to caregivers should be protected
and grants for aid and appliances for the home should be
maintained.
France: Two
Miles a Day Keep Cardiovascular Diseases Away…(March 30,
2009)
(Article in French)
The French Federation of Cardiology wants
people not to forget that physical activity or sports
begin the fight against death by cardiovascular diseases,
decreasing the risk by 35%. Being a non-smoker (32%),
having a good diet (29%) and drinking only in moderation
(26%) are next in line. To be really efficient, 30 minutes
a day are necessary, the equivalent of 10,000 steps or two
miles. Regular physical activity is a good way to prevent
overweight, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood
pressure. Exercise develops mobility and muscle power and
decreases the risks of falls.
Switzerland: Dementia Spreads
and Becomes the Third Cause of Death (March 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent study, the general
mortality rate in Switzerland decreased in 2007. Life
expectancy has increased accordingly. The three main
causes of death are cardiovascular diseases (37%), cancer
(26% and 19% only for lung cancer) and dementia (6%), and
then came violent death (accidents and suicides) and lung
diseases. Dementia, ranked third, is a condition generally
associated with older people.
France: Alzheimer’s: A
Negative Image and a Dread Disease Against Which There
is Nothing We Can Do (March 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent report, some 850,000
persons in France have Alzheimer’s or other related
illness. These cases amount to 6% of the elder population.
Most French people have a negative image of the disease
which generates fear and a strong feeling of helplessness.
This negative social image has serious consequences for
caring for Alzheimer’s patients and explains, in part, the
fact of under-diagnoses. The disease stigmatizes the
people affected, and impacts relatives, close family
members and caregivers as well. Within the framework of
the Alzheimer’s Plan 2008-2012, a study shows that despite
the strong fear that Alzheimer’s provokes--including among
doctors--91% of people over 18 years would like to know
their diagnosis if they show some evocative signs and 40%
feel they are not informed enough about its pathology. The
disease, is a “modern plague.” Many hold high hopes for
effective treatment from ongoing research.
France: Week of
Incontinence: 9 Million Women Suffering from Urinary
Leaks (March 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, this pathology concerns 3 to 6 million women,
depending on what kind of incontinence is studied.
Clearly, the prevalence increases with age. In 2009, the
figure is predicted to reach 9 million. This difference in
prevalence may be the reflection of a spreading pathology,
but also the ending of a taboo with a more accurate
estimate of the number of women concerned. Recent
information campaigns may have played a role in the
evolution of the data, but the necessity of better
knowledge of treatments persists.
France: High Health
Authority and Alzheimer’s (March 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
The High Health Authority insists that its
primary role is to improve the care of older persons
within the framework of the State plan, “getting old
well.” Decisions made now will have crucial consequences;
by 2040 some 25% of the French population will be over age
65. In addition to programs on preventing falls and
improving prescription care for older persons, the
Authority is very involved in anti-Alzheimer’s treatments.
United Kingdom: New Camera Designed to Help Dementia
Sufferers (March 23, 2009)
Designers have come up with a revolutionary new camera
that’s hailed as the black box of the human body. It is
designed to combat memory loss and help dementia patients.
The SenseCam is worn around the neck and takes a
photograph every 30 seconds. It captures the everyday
images which a healthy human mind usually stores as
memories--a process that gets hampered in persons
suffering from dementia. The camera can store about 30,000
images, and uses a fisheye lens and simple sensors.
France: Seniors
in Planes: Some Precautions to Take (March 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
Reaching retirement age is the opportunity for many
seniors to treat themselves by taking trips to the other
side of the planet. Nonetheless, as a recent study
highlights, many health incidents (often minor) may appear
during long-haul flights, especially among persons
affected by heart, lung or respiratory diseases. For
flights lasting more than 8 hours, it is recommended to be
careful. The authors say that if medical accidents during
flights are increasing, it is first and foremost because
more and more people travel with pre-existing medical
problems.
United Kingdom:
Thousands of Dementia Patients Cared for by Untrained
Staff (March 17, 2009)
In Britain, thousands of older people with dementia live
in care homes where the staff has no training in how to
deal with their conditions. Directors and staff who lack
specialized knowledge about caring for people with
dementia are more likely to control residents' behavior
with anti-psychotic drugs, which diminishes their quality
of life.
France: Suicide of Older Persons: an Attempt to Put a
Stop to Suffering (March 17, 2009)
(Article in French)
Even if its rate is very frightening, suicide among
seniors is an underestimated and taboo issue in France.
Causes are multiple and personal, but very often,
widowhood, trauma due to the war, illness or feeling of
loneliness or worthlessness explain why older persons
commit suicide. The phenomenon is often neglected because
“nervous breakdown” is regarded as going hand in hand with
old age. The author says that, the problem should be
tackled by government as part of public health programs,
as is the case in the United States.
France: Seniors and Hydration: Need of an Increased
Vigilance… (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
Some 70% of French people do not consume the recommended
1.5 liter of drinks a day. Nonetheless, the impact on
hydration on their physical and cognitive performances is
very important. In fact, hydration deficiency may lead to
significant dysfunctions, especially on focusing capacity
among adults. The evolution due to ageing makes old people
at a high risk of dehydration so it is necessary to
implement an active prevention policy.
France: Alert on Excessive
Drug Consumption Among Old People (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
The High Health Organization highlights the risk for older
persons of taking too many drugs and to forming “chemical
cocktails” that are detrimental to their health. Some
seniors suffering from multiple diseases take up to forty
medicines a day, which may lead to very serious
consequences. Fifteen to twenty percent of
hospitalizations for people over 70 are due to the
ingestion of medicines.
France: Preventing Falls of Old
People (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
Preventing falls of older persons represents a major stake
in public health. In 2010, France will have a population
of more than 10 million seniors over the age of 65. Many
are concerned about this risk that results in 12,500
deaths a year. A doctor from the hospital complex of
Poitiers has developed an efficient method of prevention
called “Padchute.” It involves medicinal adaptation,
behavioral advice and physical exercises. After diagnosis,
the older person is offered a correction strategy for one
year. Beyond the consequences in terms of health and loss
of autonomy, it must be remembered that falls account for
$1.7 billions a year, 1% of all health expenditures.
Ireland: Nursing Home Costs Could
Use Up Entire Farm Value (March 13, 2009)
In Ireland, the entire value of small farms may be eaten
up to cover the costs of nursing homes unless a bill on
nursing homes support plans is amended. According to the
plan, a part of nursing home care costs could be met by
putting a charge of 5% a year for three years on a
person’s private residence. No such charge is put on
non-liquid assets such as farms.
Portugal: Portugal
Aims to Cut Stroke Deaths by Curbing Salt (March 13,
2009)
The ruling party in Portugal wants to slash the use of
salt in bread, the cause of many blood pressure problems.
Portugal currently has one of the highest mortality rates
from strokes in Europe. The daily salt intake in Portugal
is double the daily limit recommended by the World Health
Organization. Excessive salt consumption can lead to high
blood pressure and strokes, and reduces life expectancy.
United Kingdom: Caring for
Elderly Parent Costs 132, 549 Pounds (March 12, 2009)
Babygloomers--defined as those who support both their own
children and their parents-- are seeing their budgets
stretched to the limit. A new survey suggests that the
overall cost of caring for a parent in Great Britain is
132,549 pounds, based on the amount of unpaid care adult
children invest in their elderly parents over a 10-year
period plus the cost of residential nursing care.
Sweden: Never too
Late to Start Working-out and to Quit Smoking (March 11,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A research studied carried out on a thousand Swedish men
from age 50 years and older shows that those who do not do
regular work-outs until 50 years old still end up living a
healthier and longer life by 1.1 years to 2. 3 years on
average. And this conclusion also applies to quitting bad
living habits such as smoking. Researchers said that
although it is always good to abandon bad habits as early
as possible. It’s never too late to stop.
UK: Higher IQ,
Longer Life; Slower Reaction, Shorter Life (March 10,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The University of Edinburgh and the British Medical
Research Council’s joint research first investigated the
relation between the speed of reaction and life span. The
intelligence reflected by a reaction to environment was
found to be a more scientific standard to measure life
span than blood pressure, exercise capability, or weight.
Scientists explained that intelligence could show
coordination, balance, and flexibility of all body parts.
And more and more evidence has also continued to prove a
potential connection between a higher IQ and a quicker
reaction and a longer and healthier life.
France: Colorectal Cancer: Screening Organized on the
Whole Territory (March 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
March is the month of national mobilization against
colorectal cancer. In 2002, screening persons aged 50 to
74 years old was a national priority. Soon, screening
tests will be generalized to the whole territorial
population as this cancer is the second cause of death by
cancer in France. The French government, medical workers,
local actors and civil society have to be rallied for this
common goal.
France: Sleep of Older Persons, an Indicator of
Mortality (March 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
A recent study highlights that an excessive and regular
somnolence during the day for people over 65 has an impact
on the death risk, especially death from cardiovascular
origin. Although scientists have examined severe sleep
disorders for a long time, the consequences of diurnal
drowsiness are quite a recent discovery.
United Kingdom: Two
Glasses of Milk a Day Could Help Protect against
Alzheimer’s (March 1, 2009)
Scientists at Oxford University have discovered that
drinking around two glasses of milk everyday can help
protect against Alzheimer’s. Milk is one of the best
sources of Vitamin B12, which is thought to reduce
neurological damage to the brain. Older persons with low
levels of Vitamin B12 suffer twice the shrinkage in the
brain of elders with high levels.
Sweden: Emotional
Stress May Raise Older Adults’ Fall Risk (February 27,
2009)
A new research tries to link emotional distress among old
people to suffering a fall. In a study of older adults
hospitalized for fall-related hip fractures, Swedish
researchers found that patients’ odds of suffering a fall
were elevated for one hour after an emotionally upsetting
event. The study suggests that when emotions are running
high, older adults may be better off sitting down until
the stress has passed.
United
Kingdom: ‘Brain Training’ Claims Dismissed (February
26, 2009)
Brain trainers have been increasing in popularity. They
are marketed as helping improve memory, keeping the mind
fit and active and in some cases preventing dementia. For
example, Brain Training for the Nintendo DS, which costs
£110 with the console, claims that use "can help
consolidate memory and creativity” by increasing the blood
flow to the brain. But experts say that evidence behind
such claims is weak and surfing the Internet or chatting
to friends can produce the same effects.
France: Daytime
Sleepiness Predicts Death in the Elderly (February 26,
2009)
According to a study by French researchers, excessive
daytime sleepiness is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular related mortality. The investigators
conducted a study of about 9,000 people. Over 18.7% of
subjects reported feeling sleepy on a regular basis during
the day. During a six-year follow-up, it was found that
excessive daytime sleeping increased the risk of death by
33%.
Finland: Long Hours Link to Dementia Risk (February 25,
2009)
According to new research, working long hours could lead
to mental decline and possibly dementia. It was found that
those working more than 55 hours a week had poorer mental
skills than those who worked a standard working week. The
researchers say the causes could be increased sleeping
problems, depression and a raised risk of cardiovascular
disease, possibly linked to stress.
Europe: Right to Die Cases Roil
Europe (February 22, 2009)
Euthanasia, mercy killing or assisted suicide (whatever
you call it), “kindly death” is of intense concern in
Europe, a continent with a rapidly growing aging
population. But European laws are in conflict, with
countries like the Netherlands and Belgium where
euthanasia is legal, to England where it is punishable by
law. But with the court refraining from handing down
convictions for such cases, it seems that euthanasia is
becoming silently accepted.
United Kingdom: ‘Right to Die’ Can Become a ‘Duty to
Die’ (February 21, 2009)
British government ministers are marshalling an example
from the US State of Oregon to resist attempts at
legalizing euthanasia in Britain. Barbara Wagner in
Oregon, who suffered from cancer and was on Medicaid, was
refused medical aid for her chemotherapy. The government
considered it an unjustified expense for the limited time
it would provide. The government did offer to pay for
assisted suicide that is legal in Oregon. The Oregon
experiment appears to show how the “right to die” can
easily become a “duty to die.”
United Kingdom: Smoking Cuts Life Shorter, Be They Rich
or Poor, Men or Women (February 19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A research team of the British Bureau of National Health
Service conducted a large-scale study on smokers and
claims that smoking is considerably harmful to a smoker’s
lifespan. From the mid-1970s, the research team has
investigated the deaths of 15, 000 men and women between
45- 64 years of age. Researchers found that both men and
women smokers, at either a higher or lower social level,
lived shorter lives.
United Kingdom: Second Hand Smoke Can Increase the Risk
of Dementia (February 13, 2009)
Inhaling second hand smoke could increase the risk of
dementia for adults, according to a new study. The study
tested the saliva of almost 5,000 non-smokers, all over
the age of 50, for cotinine, a by-product of nicotine.
Those with a high level of cotinine were 44% more likely
to develop early memory problems.
Ireland: Elderly at Risk in Cold Snap Due to 'Fuel
Poverty' (February 3, 2009)
Older people in Ireland may be at high risk for developing
health problems during the cold winter and economic
recession: Fuel poverty is increasing among this
population. With a drop in pension income, and healthcare
expenditures rising, older people will likely spend more
than 10% of their income on heating their homes. Cold
weather contributes to higher incidences of influenza,
hypothermia and pneumonia. Research shows that older
persons are more physically vulnerable to lower
environmental temperatures, and individuals living in
poorer communities have an increased risk for
hospitalization. Aging Advocacy groups suggest heating
only the bedroom or rooms in which older people spend most
of their time.
United Kingdom: Every Hospital in England to Get Senior
Dementia Specialist (February 3, 2009)
UK government officials have launched a mandate called the
National Dementia Strategy. It requires the appointment of
a senior dementia specialist in every hospital and care
home in England. This measure is slated to improve
diagnosis and treatment of dementia. As part of the
strategy, the government will set up memory clinics, give
improved training to general practitioners and more
support to caregivers.. The strategy is intended to delay
or prevent institutionalization. The growing number of
Alzheimer’s patients has pushed the government to get
better diagnosis and treatment.
United Kingdom: Memory Clinics ‘in Every Town’ under
Alzheimer’s Plan (February 2, 2009)
Memory clinics could be set up in every town in the
country, under a plan to help Alzheimer’s sufferers. The
clinics are “one-stop shops” for diagnosing and treating
dementia, and are proven to be more efficient than
standard medical services. The clinics would greatly
transform the treatment of 700,000 sufferers.
Germany: Smaller Food Portions
Improves the Memory of Older Persons (January 29, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A German study reported that eating less helps older
adults improve their memory and prevent or delay
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Dr.
Vlewyll, a neurology professor at the University of
Munster in Germany, clarified that simple changes in
lifestyle will help in the treatment of dementia, and
stressed that these benefits are known and are evident in
animals.
Spain: The Red Cross Resorts to the GPS System to Stand
Up to Alzheimer’s (January 29, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Red Cross will start a pilot program to test the SIMAP
devices (Intelligent System for the Monitoring of Alert
Personals) to provide the coordinates of the elderly who
wear them. Using GPS technology, the device can signal a
dispatcher whenever the carrier passes his or her
pre-programmed zone. The Red Cross Contact Center then
communicates with his or her family or caretakers. The
service will cost 38 euros per month and will be
discounted for low-income families.
Germany: Less Food...Stronger Memory (January 27, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A German study reported that it is possible that
eating less will help older persons improve their memory,
and prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease and other forms
of dementia. The researchers wrote in the bulletin of the
National Academy of Sciences: "Our study may help in
finding methods of prevention and to maintain the
functions of consciousness and awareness among older
adults.”.
United Kingdom: NHS Age Discrimination ‘Common’ (January
27, 2009)
A survey of 200 doctors by the British Geriatric Society
reveals that more than half of the doctors worry about a
bias against older persons in The National Health Service.
Of those who were polled, 72% said old people were less
likely to be considered for referrals to receive essential
treatments.
United Kingdom: Growing Number' of Pensioners Forced to
Find and Fund their Own Care, Watchdog Warns (January 27
2009)
Senior citizens with modest savings of £22,250 or
more do not qualify for state nursing homes, assistance at
homes or even help finding support. The Commission for
Social Care Inspection estimates that older people spend
more than £6billion a year of their own money to pay
for their care needed in retirement. The problem will
likely only worsen in the recession.
United Kingdom: Dementia Relatives ‘Admit Abuse’
(January 23, 2009)
University College London research concluded that a third
of 220 subjects admitted “significant abuse” towards
relatives with dementia. The majority of reported abuse
was verbal; however, there were several cases of physical
abuse, including shaking and slapping. The British
government is currently considering a new policy for
safeguarding “vulnerable adults,” but researchers say this
would primarily focus on preventing abuse by paid
caretakers rather than family members. The number of
people with dementia in the UK will be 1.5 million within
a generation
Spain: Geriatrics Consider Not Adopting Preventative
Measures Against Pressure Ulcers Negligent (January 16,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Pressure ulcers originate on a patient due to lack of
blood circulation. While not exclusively an older person’s
ailment, the possibility that an older person will suffer
from a pressure ulcer is eight times more likely. Through
simple preventive measures, such as changing the patient’s
position every two hours and keeping the skin clean and
moisturized, the risk of the disorder may be averted.
Finland and Sweden: Coffee
Prevents Senile Dementia (January 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Researchers from Finland and Sweden released their latest
findings in a long-term study showing that certain amounts
of coffee may prevent and delay senile dementia.
Researchers started the research in the 1970’s, targeting
1,400 Finns. And the result showed that middle-aged people
who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee every day had a 65% lower
chance of moving into senile dementia than those who
either drank fewer than 2 cups or more than 5 cups every
day when they aged. It was discovered that coffee contains
rich age-resisting and nerve-protecting elements.
Finland: Midlife Coffee and Tea Drinking and the Risk
of Late-Life Dementia (January 14, 2009)
A Finnish study published in the January 2009 issue of the
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that coffee drinkers
at midlife have lower risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s
late in life compared to those who drink little or no
coffee. The conclusion led to the possibility of dietary
interventions and therapies in the treatment of these
troublesome diseases
United Kingdom: Cold Weather Increases Blood Pressure in
Older People (January 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Institute of National Health’s researchers discovered
that blood pressure rates change depending on the season.
The danger of high blood pressure, especially among older
persons, elevates the risk of having a heart attack,
kidney failure and a stroke. They found that hypertension
affects 1/3 of older people during the winter compared to
1/4 of the same people during the summer. Scientist
believe a hormone related to stress and responsible for
added pressure on the heart generates and increases during
colder weather. The results will allow doctors to adjust
medications of older people as temperatures fall
France: A Call to Solidarity for Older Persons (January
12, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Health Ministry warns against older persons’
extreme vulnerability to the cold wave that hit France for
several days. Many seniors suffer from dehydration after
long isolation at home. The article highlights the
contrast between the government’s concerns about
conditions for older persons this year and its lack of
response during the heat wave of 2003. The French
government also calls on all citizens to be their elder
brother’s keeper.
Return to Top of
Page
Middle East & North Africa
Egypt: The End of Shisha
(October 20, 2009)
The sun is just breaking across Cairo and few people are
out and about. It is Friday. At a middle-class Zamalek
café, older men enjoy the morning air's crispness
as their conversations blossom and they discuss the week's
political and sports stories. At each pause in their chat,
a plume of gray smoke billows from their mouths, pulling
in the flavor that accompanies a drag of shisha--or water
pipe--smoke. “The reason shisha is being cut back is
because of the poor conditions that often come with the
local cafes that people go to. Swine flu can spread quite
easily in the pipes if they are not cleaned properly” an
official said.
Bahrain: Provision of Care for
Older Persons without the Need for Private Hospitals
(June 21, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
In an effort to address the nation’s commitment to the
International Plan of Aging adopted in Madrid in 2002,
Bahrain has recently begun to further pursue the
establishment of health services directed exclusively at
older persons. “Health and well-being” of older people
represents one of the most important topics covered in
Madrid, and the ministry of health is working to provide
these services to older people outside of private
hospitals, through increasing mobile units, providing
nursing services and care for senior citizens in the
community and establishing clinics exclusively for people
over 60 years old. Also, by stressing the importance of
preventive programs, the ministry hopes to preserve the
health of older persons to enable them to remain active
participants in the community and raise their overall
quality of life.
Algeria: Increasing Awareness of
Dementia and Alzheimer's (June 12, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Specialists in neurosurgery warned recently of the growing
number of reported cases of Alzheimer's disease or
dementia among the aging Algerian population. Roughly one
hundred thousand Algerian men now live with this serious
neurological disease, which for the most part remains
alien to Algerian society. Resulting from continuous
damage to brain cells that cannot be replaced, this
illness leads to a number of symptoms in the form of gaps
in short-term memory, as well as increasing difficulty in
the performance of new or complex tasks, loss of desire,
or withdrawal from normal activities and changes in
personality and emotional well being. A neurological
conference is scheduled in Algeria next week for the
purpose of defining the nature of the disease to
physicians and to discuss various treatments.
Lebanon: The Third
International Conference on Aging in Lebanon Focuses on
Health Care and Preventative Medicine (May 26, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Third International Conference on Aging in Lebanon
sponsored by the public health minister of Beirut recently
took place, focusing particularly on preventative
medicine. According to their statistics, the proportion of
older people in the country is expected to rise from 10%
of the population in 2000 to 21% in 2025. The conference
goers discussed the implications of this increase on how
health is practiced in the country. While geriatric
theories of medical care have become prevalent throughout
the twentieth century, this conference emphasized the need
to translate theories into quality care for older persons
through the proper diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Syria: Health Centers in Syria
Address the Needs of Older Citizens (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Currently, Syria contains no clinic designed exclusively
to focus on the needs of older people. However, a new
program has been established in an attempt to address this
problem, not by building new infrastructure, but rather by
improving upon the pre-existing system. Roughly ten of the
current health centers in the province of Homs will offer
training devoted to the medical needs of older people and
specific mechanisms for the diagnosing, treating, and
preventing of diseases. Further, by registering older
people with a special card through which they can review
these programs, the centers hope to make older people
aware of their own health rights and ensure that adequate
policies are in place for their care.
United Kingdom:
Elderly Are More Likely to Escape Swine Flu
Infection (May 11, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A Scottish
pensioner has become the second person in Britain to die
from swine flu. Scotland's medical center official
emphasized that the elderly man who died had suffered
significant underlying health problems—in common with
about three-quarters of those who have died worldwide
from the condition. Hugh Pennington, Emeritus Professor
of Bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, said,
“The evidence is still strong that the elderly will
escape the infection, but when they do get the virus it
is likely to be more serious because older people have
predisposed risk factors.”
Egypt: Older People in Egypt
Embrace Alternative Medicine (April 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
For centuries, natural herbal therapy has represented an
element of traditional folk culture, but without medical
or scientific evidence supporting this kind of treatment,
it has developed a suspicion in today’s world. However,
the United States has seen a shift back toward the use of
alternative medicines in the past decade, and now it seems
that this shift has gone global, particularly among older
people. A study of modern Egyptian herbs and grains
showing that black cumin seeds have a clear impact on
reducing the percentage of sugar in the blood of older
people with diabetes as well as the concentration of
hemoglobin in the blood of anemic older people has caused
senior citizens in Egypt to embrace alternative methods
for treating disease.
World: Calorie Restricted Diet Helped Elderly
Memory Performance, Shows Study (March, 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A German study has
found that eating less may help improve memory in older
people. The findings suggest that simply eating fewer
calories could help fend off dementia, a benefit that
has also been shown in animal studies. In the research,
people on restricted calories boosted their memory about
20%; others showed no change.
Egypt: The Temperature of Frying
Oil Generate Toxins.: the Colors in "Cola" Drinks Damage
Blood Cells (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Specialists have emphasized the serious consequences of
digestive system diseases and the direct impact of modern
food patterns on human health. Often they note that older
persons and older generations have had more powerful and
healthy life styles and lower disease rates than the
current generation.
Jordan: Follow up to Surgical
Liver Procedure (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Speakers discussed the global health concerns of
osteoporosis which affects four out of ten women. As a
result, many women over the age of 50 years suffer from
extensive bone damage and broken joints. Speakers pointed
out the importance for older persons to maintain a
balanced diet with regular physical exercise, especially
during the period of growth and to avoid accidents and
falls that lead to injuries and fractures.
Bahrain: While We Walk Around
the Building of Hae’l (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The ground floor clinic in the Government's hospital
was nicknamed “the emergency clinic for older persons,
which was managed by Dr. Bandarkar, who treated all known
diseases. Older persons can often be heard comparing past
and present treatment methods and medication herbs.
Yemen:
The Concerns of Older Persons (February 2, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Gary, who works as a driver with a tourist agency,
speaks of his courage to invite two Japanese elderly
tourists to the mountainous regions bordering the
agricultural terraces. The next day, one said: “We are
surprised that your mountainous village is empty even
though it is full of beautiful rejuvenating air and, in
particular, is good for the health of older persons."
Saudi Arabia: Old Cold: A 20-day
Warning (January 29, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Saudi capital experienced a great cold wave, named
“the Old Men’s Cold” in February. The Professor of
Geography, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, King Saud
University Dr. Fahd Alclaibi highlighted that this cold
wave is named the “old men’s cold” due to the severe
effects it may have on older persons in the community.
Older persons are encouraged to stay warm as the weather
alert continues. Alclaibi warns of weather fluctuations on
human health, especially those who apply the popular
proverb, thinking that the cold has ended.
Middle
East: Second Class Patients (January 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to health insurance policies in the region, the
company will not insure those who exceed the age of 65
years. In the developed world, this hurdle is overcome by
starting an account at an early age, making it difficult
for companies to deny coverage when the insured person
grows old and the cost of treatment is high. In many
cases, the author says that most hospitals treat older
people as second-class patients and do not welcome
them.
Jordan:
Abu-Sheikh: Balanced Meals are the Key To Health at Old
Age (January 21, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Experts advise older persons to review their food diets
and consider revising the portions and food types they
consume. Medical and nutrition experts stress the
importance of a balanced diet for older persons,
especially for preventing health complications. It is also
vital to maintain a healthy body shape; an increase in
weight at this stage plays a major role in increasing the
possibility of heart disease, clogged arteries, high blood
pressure and diabetes.
UAE: Dubai Health Organized a
Preventive Health Campaign Under the Slogan "Mid Life
Forum” (January 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Department of Community Service, in cooperation with
the Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences
at the Dubai Health Authority, organized a preventive
health campaign under the slogan "Mid Life Spring” aimed
at older persons residing in the Al Safa and Nad-Al Shia
area. The campaign aims to encourage older persons to
visit their doctors regularly to monitor their health
conditions and help detect any complications at an early
stage.
Tunisia: Alzheimer’s Disease : an Heavy Burden for
Families (January 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Due to the demographic revolution, the population segment
of persons 65 years old and above is growing. This
increase will result in an increase of the diseases
peculiar to older persons, and in particular Alzheimer's
disease. This disease directly affects the family
structure and posses economic and social consequences. As
a result, public health policy makers must urgently
propose a solution.
UAE: Video Games Improve Memory
Of Older Persons (January 10, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
There is good news for older fans of popular video games.
Research noted that playing video games exercises the
brain, often improving memory and the ability to
understand plus other mental skills of older adults. Since
only specific video games were used for this study,
further research is needed to examine the effects of other
video games.
Return to Top of Page
World
Reports | Articles
Reports
World: Perceived Age as
Clinically Useful Biomarker of Ageing: Cohort Study
(Winter 2009)
Researchers for a 2009 Danish worldwide study found that
the perceived age of people over 70 years of ago
predicts survival. Carried out over a period of 10
years, the study focused on 1,826 same-sex twins, all
over the age of 70 years. 41 assessors, made up of 20
geriatric nurses, 10 young men, and 11 older women were
then asked to report the perceived age of all the twins
after looking at a high-definition color photograph of
each one. They documented the twins’ survival rate over
the course of the study, along with the physical
fitness, strength, cognitive functioning, and leucotype
telomere length (a shorter length of which is associated
with diseases and conditions associated with aging and
death). After age, sex, and rearing environment were
controlled for, perceived age was found to have a direct
correlation with physical and cognitive functioning as
well a leucotype telomere length.
World: Packages of
Care for Dementia in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
(November 2009)
Globally, some 24.3 million people suffer from
dementia and 4.6 million new cases occur annually [6].
Scientists expect dementia cases to double every 20
years, reaching 81.1 million by 2040 along with an
increase of 100% in developed countries and of more than
300% in India, China, and their neighbors. Researchers
explain that prevalence is lower in low- and
middle-income countries than in high income countries
due to under-detection of mild cases. On the basis of
this review, the authors propose a package of care,
including the improvement of recognition and management
of conditions to get the best outcome for those
suffering dementia around the world.
World: Cash for Care: Implications for “Carers”
(October 2009)
Employing a family member as a care-giver? Many
countries have introduced “cash for care” measures.
Thus, instead of receiving services, and older or
disabled person can choose to receive a personal budget
of an equivalent value to purchase care themselves,
either from an agency, by directly employing a carer, or
even a family member. Will “cash for care” become the
new universal model for care-giving?
World: A Slow Burning Fuse (June
27, 2009)
The Economist’s special report on a range of issues
facing ageing populations in countries worldwide. Seven
articles cover Japan’s new focus on marketing products
to older persons, incentives across many countries to
increase the birth rate to replacement level, and a
comparison of pension benefits between countries. The
authors recognize that most countries are concerned
about their older population and are beginning to act.
However, there is no guarantee that their efforts will
encourage the talents of older persons or meet their
needs.
World:
Self-Directed Community Aged Care for People with
Complex Needs: A Literature Review (May 2009)
As the most recent research suggests, Cash-for-Care
programs may not provide the kind of choice that
resonates with the preferences of many older people.
There tends to be a rather large gap between older
people’s expressed interest in Cash for-Care projects
and those actually taking up the option. This report
critically reviews the literature focusing on studies of
older care recipient-directed care arrangements in the
United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. It
highlights the importance to distinguish between
Cash-for-Care and Self-Directed Care schemes.
World:
International Colloquium on the Oldest Old (80+): With
Focus on Health and Care Giving (February 9-11, 2009)
The first international conference on the oldest old
lays the emphasis on the major differences that exist
between the younger old (60-79 years) and the oldest one
(80 years and over). They do not have the same needs,
concerns, problems and mindsets. However, governments do
not take into account those differences and tend to
treat all older persons as a homogeneous group. This
report puts forward the conclusions, suggestions and
recommendations made by the delegates during the
colloquium and their impact on public policies.
World: Blind Optimism – Challenging the Myths about
Private Health Care in Poor Countries (February 2009)
The report closely examines six popular arguments that
plug the expansion of privatized healthcare in
developing countries. It concludes that scaling-up
public provision has led to massive progress despite low
incomes. Despite the abundance of arguments favoring
privatization of healthcare, most evidence and
statistics that lead up to them is unfounded,
misrepresented or skewed. The authors recommend that
donors, developing-country governments and civil society
work in collaboration to maximize access and improve the
quality of public-health care provision.
World: Your Everyday Guide
from the National Institute on Aging: Exercise and
Physical Activities (January 2009)
Scientists who work at the US National Institute on
Aging (part of the National Institutes of Health) want
to improve the health and well-being of older people.
Scientists know that regular exercise and bodily
activity improve physical and mental health. People can
reduce their risk for some diseases or disabilities
while staying independent. The writers of this guide
suggest new activities that add exercise to older
persons’ daily life. They give tips on how to exercise
easily and to eat healthy. They also share personal
stories that may inspire older people to stay active
every day.
World: Women and Health: Today’s Evidence, Tomorrow’s
Agenda (2009)
This World Health Organization’s report analyses the
situation of women and health – both women’s health
needs and their contribution to the health of societies.
It uses data to reveal what we know now about women’s
health throughout their lives and across different
regions of the world. The writers identify ways to make
faster progress in women’s health. They draw attention
to the consequences and costs of failing to address
health issues at the appropriate points in women’s
lives. In a world with an ageing population, they
suggest preventing and managing today’s risk factors to
ensure that they do not lead to chronic health problems
tomorrow. Interestingly, the researchers call for women
themselves to become key agents in health-care provision
World: World Alzheimer Report (2009)
S.cientists see that the number of people with
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are moving up.
Alzheimer ’s Disease International (ADI) commissioned
this report in order to support Alzheimer associations
around the world. The ADI wants their partners to work
with their governments on strategies to improve the
lives of people living with dementia and to increase
their research efforts.
World: Peace and Freedom Winter 2009 Article on Water
Issues (2009)
At this time, as no other in history, human health and
life are at risk from the accumulation of chemicals used
by industry, agriculture and the military that poison
air, land, water and bodies. Scientists used to consider
one chemical at a time, but now chemical combinations
and material issues such as poverty, racism, continuous
exposure, and compromised immune systems cause
cumulative impacts. They estimate that over 700
chemicals are now found within every human creating a
“chemical body burden.” Early exposure to chemical
pollution creates a “pre-condition” for disease to
develop at any time of life. Alarming new evidence shows
that a mother’s body burden contaminates the amniotic
fluid and thus the fetus. Such early exposure affects
normal, healthy development leading to behavioral and
developmental problems such as autism, hyperactivity,
juvenile diabetes, early puberty and problems of the
reproductive systems for both girls and boys. Early
exposure may also trigger disease in an older person
leading to early death, and over time to the development
of Parkinson’s disease and dementia in old age.
Articles
World: Psychological Care
of Older People after Wenchuan Earthquake (December
11, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Thanks to the United Nations Population Fund, older
people are receiving psychological care following the
tragic Wenchuan earthquake. The project aims to help
older people return to their workplaces and lifestyles
as they recover from psychological damage. The project
started in early 2009 and is entering its second year.
World: Research Taking
Care of Health of Seniors (November 27, 2009)
(Article in French)
When are we old? This question came up during a
scientific forum on gerontology organized by UNESCO in
Paris in early December. For the World Health
Organization, the answer is 65 years old, but in fact it
varies from one person to another. At a time when longer
life is a world trend, this forum raised major issues
and tried to deal with them. For instance, many
scientists have underlined the tendency to
over-hospitalize older persons and the need to develop
better home care.
World: Dementia Big
Threat for Elderly in Poorer Nations (November 27,
2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Dementia disables old people in poorer countries. This
condition, along with its high costs for society, will
likely grow rapidly as populations age, according to
medical experts. British researchers studied 15,000
elderly people in seven low- and middle-income countries
and found that, contrary to previous expert opinion,
dementia, not blindness, is by far the major cause of
poor health in old age.
World: Older Persons:
Beware of Falls Due to Drugs (November 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
Patients 60 years old and over using antidepressants are
the most likely to fall, probably due to the sedative
effect of the drug. Some Canadian researchers who
gathered the results of 22 international studies came to
this conclusion. Since one out of five older persons in
developed countries dies due to a fall, this finding
raises major issues about prescription drugs, especially
when we know that one person 80 years old and over out
of seven uses antidepressants.
World: A Few Extra
Pounds May Help Elderly Live Longer (November 19,
2009)
(Article also available in Chinese)
York University faculty say that extra body fat might
benefit older persons. Researchers point out that energy
conservation in fat helps older persons survive both
acute diseases and chronic conditions. They found that
individuals ages 65 and older with lower weight and body
fat possessed high risks of mortality. In addition, in
the age group 75 years and over, there was a 1.6
increase in mortality risk among men and nearly a three
-fold increase among women of low and normal weight.
However, these findings require additional research.
World: Regular Flu Might
Help with Swine Flu (November 11, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to US scientists, people who have been
frequently sick with flu or had regular vaccinations for
ordinary flu have more resistance to swine flu. They
found proof that the immune system can partially
recognize the H1N1 virus, similar in some ways to the
regular seasonal virus. These observations may explain
why older persons have more resistance towards H1N1.
This information does not imply that older persons are
completely protected from the virus. Doctors still say
that a vaccination would help everyone, even the older
generation.
World: More Muscle
Power Means Lower Alzheimer's Risk (November 9, 2009)
Older people with stronger muscles have reduced their
risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to peers
who have weak muscles. Dr. Patricia A. Boyle of Rush
Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago and her colleagues
found that the greater a person's muscle strength, the
lower their likelihood of being diagnosed with
Alzheimer's over a four-year period. The same was true
for the loss of mental function that often precedes
full-blown Alzheimer's.
World: Fitness
Declines Rapidly after Age 45! (November 3,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A recent study showed that physical fitness declines
more rapidly when people reach the age of 45. This
decline may be slowed down by maintaining a healthy
body, by refraining from smoking, and engaging in
regular exercise.
World: Internet
Activates Older People's Brains (November 1, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Researchers have found that use of the Internet by
elderly and middle-aged persons helps them activate the
main brain centers that control complex thinking and
decision-making after a week of browsing the Internet.
World: Scientists Try to
Keep Centenarians on Their Toes (October 20, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
On Tuesday, scientists at the University of Leeds in
northern England launched an $80 million research
project that aims to give people 50 active years after
they reach age 50 years.
World: Sex After Fifties
- First Article (October 12, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
As we grow older, sexual drives change but do not
disappear or fade, consistently accommodating to age
with its physical and health changes. Sex is not only
what we do, but also what we think and feel and how we
feel and act. It is something innate, instinctive and
natural, a source of joy. We can remain sexually active
throughout our life, however long that may be.
World: By 2015, 80% of
Older Persons Will be Living in Developing Countries
(October 12, 2009)
(Article in French)
In this article, the writer puts forward major issues
that an aging population presents. Those issues will
soon become key for developing countries, since 80% of
older persons will live in those countries by 2050. The
writer also underlines the importance of responding to
the specific needs of older persons and helping them to
age in good health. Older persons with appropriate care
and a healthy lifestyle cost less to society and can
actually be a major resource for their families and the
whole economy.
World:
Ageing Heart Can be Prevented, Say Scientists
(October 12, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Scientists in Japan said they have uncovered evidence
that shows it may be possible to delay or prevent heart
failure in humans. In a paper published in the journal
Circulation, Tetsuo Shioi, lead researcher and assistant
professor of medicine at Kyoto University Graduate
School of Medicine in Kyoto, and his team described how
they managed to suppress a variety of the P13K gene in a
group of elderly mice.
World: Scientists Discover
What Makes Muscles Age (October 5, 2009)
US and Danish scientists say they've identified critical
biochemical pathways that are linked to the aging of
human muscle. The researchers said by manipulating those
pathways, they can restore old human muscle's ability to
repair and rebuild itself.
World: The Factors
Influencing Human Longevity (September 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
This article comments on a British study about
indicators for life expectancy. For 150 years, life
expectancy has kept increasing. Will it stop one day? In
fact, the question of how long a human being can live is
very much debated and raises many major issues
concerning public policies. Life expectancy determines
the calculation of retirement age and the organization
of both pension and health systems.
World: Alzheimer’s Disease:
More than 35 Million People Affected in the World
(September 21, 2009)
(Article in French
and Arabic)
On September 21, the world observed Alzheimer’s Disease
Day. On this occasion, Alzheimer’s Disease International
(ADI) published a report
concerning this worldwide pathology: currently,
more than 35 million people live with Alzheimer’s. With
the ageing of the population, the disease--which usually
occurs after age 65--is becoming a major public issue,
especially in developing countries that are unprepared
to face this challenge.
World: Muslims Older People, Sick and Children are
Prohibited from Pilgrimage and Ommra (September 17,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Afraid from the spread of the Swine Flue, the Saudi
authorities declared that it will impose a set of
restrictions that might prevent older and sick people
with epidemic diseases from pilgrimage. These
restrictions will be extended to include pregnant and
children under 12 years old also.
World: Love May Cause Memory
Loss (September 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Memory is the most valuable treasure that everyone tries
to keep but few think about how it is works or what
affects it. A recent research stated that in some love
affairs, sexual relationships can cause a temporally
loss of memory that can last from one to eight hours.
World: Scientists Find Three
New Gene Links to Alzheimer's (September 7, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Scientists have found three new major genetic links to
Alzheimer's, affecting up to 20 percent of people with
the brain-wasting disease. They said it was the most
significant such discovery in 15 years. Alzheimer's
disease affects more than 26 million people globally,
has no cure and no effective treatment. The need for
efficient remedies is pressing, with the number of cases
forecast to go beyond 100 million by 2050.
China: Never Too Old to Be Young
(September 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Are you already old? Or are you not that old yet?
Psychological effects can have a big impact not only on
your appearance but also your health. Do not hesitate to
put makeup on or dress stylishly because you are “not
young any more .” The desire for beauty makes you stay
young and feel more alive!
China: The Importance of Sex
(August 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Sex helps us stay young and energetic. Three thousand
people between the ages of 57 and 85 answered a survey
showing that the sex life for older people can be as
active as that of younger people under suitable
conditions. In addition, people tend to be both
physically and mentally healthier if they are sexually
active.
World:
What Britney Spears Can Reveal About Alzheimer's
(August 26, 2009)
At the Cleveland Clinic, researchers may have found a
way to identify people at risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease long before symptoms develop. It
appears that people at risk of developing Alzheimer's
disease use a lot of brain activity to recognize
celebrities, whereas for others, their brains become
more excited when they see unfamiliar names. Such
studies could help to identify those most vulnerable
to cognitive decline so they can participate in
clinical trials of new drugs designed to postpone or
reduce symptoms.
Japan: Panasonic Designs a TV
Remote for Older Persons and Disabled (July 31,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Funcom Co., a branch of Panasonic Corporation, has
launched the Let's Remo-Con, a remote control for
television sets especially adapted for older persons
and people with some physical disability. The control
has five large tactile buttons that the user can use
to power the television, control the volume and change
channels easily. The buttons were designed so they can
be pressed with the fist, the chin, the foot or any
other part of the body.
World: Anemia Increases the
Risk of Death among Older Persons (July 29, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A new study indicates that a reduced number of red
blood cells, independent of other illness, may mean a
higher risk of death among older persons. The team
analyzed data of 562 people ages 85 years and older.
More than a quarter had anemia in the beginning of the
study and another quarter developed it during the five
years of clinical monitoring. Anemia was associated
with a greater risk of death during the monitoring,
and patients with the illness had difficulty carrying
out daily activities.
World: Drinking Wine
Occasionally Reduces Alzheimer's Risk (July 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study by Wake Forest University in North
Carolina presented in Vienna on Monday, moderate
consumption of wine can reduce the risks of being
affected by Alzheimer’s disease among people older than
75. However, when the subjects already had memory
problems, the risk increased among those people who
drank more than 14 glasses a week compared to those who
do not drink.
World: Fish Against the Risk
of Dementia (July 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study published in the American Newspaper
of Clinical Nutrition, regular fish consumption reduces
the risk of dementia among old people and also aids in
the reduction of Alzheimer’s disease. Older persons who
often eat fish have 20% less risk of dementia compared
to older persons who eat meat.
World: More Retirees than
Children by 2040 for the First Time in History (July
7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The worldwide population of persons over the age of 65
is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Over the next 30
years the world population of persons over age 65 will
surpass the population of children under the age of five
for the first time in history. Although the study
indicates that industrialized countries have a higher
percentage of persons over 65 years, the change in
demographics is affecting all countries in every part of
the world.
World: Degenerative
Arthritis: Some Solutions for this Disease (July 2,
2009)
(Article in French)
Degenerative arthritis is an inflammatory and painful
cartilage disease often resulting in a very poor quality
of life for patients suffering from its devastating
symptoms. At a meeting organized by Laboratory
Genévrier, a number of solutions were offered for
degenerative arthritis. The meeting aimed at revealing
new treatments to fight the disease and to relieve
patient suffering. Twenty-five years ago, arthritis was
considered a natural process, and many doctors said,
“Arthritis is for cartilage what wrinkles are for skin.”
From now on, “We do not want to hear our patients say,
‘I’ve got arthritis, but there’s nothing to do,’” said
rheumatologist Henri Lellouche.
World: Medicines and
Alcohol: Older People Are More Vulnerable (June 23,
2009)
(Article in French)
Older people are particularly vulnerable to interactions
between prescription drugs and alcohol, notably because
they frequently take several medications. Older persons
often have a stronger reaction to alcohol than younger
people with higher body weights. Also, the metabolism
slowdown of older people sometimes results in a higher
rate of alcoholism. In general, the consumption of
alcohol modifies, reduces or increases the effects of
medicines on the system.
World: Anti-Cancer Cream
Fights Wrinkles (June 16, 2009)
Cream used to treat pre-cancerous skin lesions also
reverses signs of aging, a study reveals. It improved
wrinkles, dark spots, shadows and sallowness, as well as
its intended effect of removing suspect growths from
sun-damaged skin. Patients with pre-cancerous actinic
keratoses can expect younger-looking skin as a side
effect of the treatment, the Archives of Dermatology
reports. US authors warn that some will seek to
capitalize on this cosmetic effect.
World: Hope for Test to
Measure Ageing (June 16, 2009)
Scientists are developing a simple blood test to measure
how fast the body's tissues are ageing at a molecular
level. They have found that as tissue ages,
concentrations of a protein called p16INK4a dramatically
increase. Measuring levels of the protein could
potentially provide a means of assessing how healthy the
tissues are, and how they will respond to surgery or
drugs. However, much more work in larger numbers needs
to be done to see if p16INK4a is better than the other
existing markers or indeed if it is good enough to be
useful at an individual level in predicting rates of
ageing.
World: Circadin: Long-Term
Effectiveness with No Harmful Effects for Elderly
Suffering from Insomnia (June 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
Currently about 40% of people over 75 years of age
complain that they have trouble sleeping. This is a
consequence of both physiological modifications due to
aging and the fact that people sleep less deeply as they
grow older. Last week during an international conference
about the drug Circadin (a drug used to treat insomnia),
the Israeli pharmaceutical laboratory Neurim introduced
a new melatonin pill that, in tests, has proven
effective and produced no harmful side-effects for older
people suffering from insomnia.
World: Getting Older Not an Excuse to Stop Wearing Sun
Block (June 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Parents diligently apply sun block on their kids,
fearing the damages that a day at the beach might incur.
However, older people often neglect to shield their skin
from the sun, a problem because as we age the rate at
which we create cells slows. Therefore sun damage can
have a worse impact on older skin. Doctors suggest that
older adults use the same protection as children use,
avoiding direct exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
Ultraviolet rays can cause damage other than skin cancer
that, although maybe not as detrimental, can still
provide irritation and discomfort in old age and should
thus be avoided.
World: Special Shoes to locate
Alzheimer's patients (June 13, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Aetricks Worldwide footwear manufacturers recently
collaborated with GT-X Corp., manufacturers of equipment
for online data transmission, to develop a shoe
possessing a satellite location mechanism that would
locate people suffering from Alzheimer's disease who may
be stranded or lost. The technology will help to
determine the location of the shoe with an accuracy of
30 feet at any place around the world, a useful
innovation since 60% of people living with Alzheimer's
disease have a serious accident at least once, and often
more, as the illness develops. This technology helps
both those suffering and their families who can now
locate their loved ones with just the click of a
mouse.
World: Old Age on the
Decline (June 3, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Statistics show the world’s population to be aging at an
increasing rate, so how, you may wonder, could old age
be on the decline? According to a study by the Academies
of Science and Medicine, it may be time to reevaluate
how we define “aging.” Defining old age on the basis of
three criteria: physical health (status and dependency),
social ties, and mental health, this article maintains
that the rate at which people become incapacitated by
old age is in steady decline. While we used to define
seniors at age 65, now the average age where ailments
related to aging really start to take their toll is
closer to 76 or 77 years.
World: Pets for Loneliness (June
2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Pets will not go to school. They will not graduate or
get married or move out of the house leaving their
owners behind. Some pets dress nicely, sleep in their
own rooms and go to a salon once a week. Many older
people, in particular, consider pets to be their
children. For many, pets assist people battling
loneliness after a busy and activity-filled life dealing
with career and family.
World: Health: Consequences of
Early Retirement (May 19, 2009)
Retirement is a moment of passage, constituting
transition from mid - to late - adulthood. For many
people - especially those who have had long working
careers - this passage from the "second phase of life"
(labor force participation) to the "third life phase"
(retirement) can be a crucial event. Retirement can
impact leisure activities, social networks, and
challenge self-images and ambitions. It may require
adjustment to changed material circumstances.
Assumptions, conjectures and myths mark this passage. It
is sometimes seen as a Loss, sometimes as a Gain,
sometimes as an Epiphenomenon. The author suggests that
the passage into retirement and the negative effects on
health and social networks may be less important than
the circumstances under which this transition takes
place.
World: Elderly Need More ‘Sun
Vitamin’ (May 16, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a leading concern
across the globe, with deleterious effects on the
elderly. One way to face this challenge would be to
increase sun exposure because the sun helps make Vitamin
D. Older persons are generally deficient in Vitamin D
due to their lifestyles and ageing processes. Low
Vitamin D can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome,
which can lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Trial Drugs 'Reverse'
Alzheimer's (May 6, 2009)
US scientists say they have successfully
reversed the effects of Alzheimer's with experimental
drugs. These findings are built on the team's 2007
breakthrough in which mice with symptoms of Alzheimer's
disease regained long-term memories and the ability to
learn. An HDAC inhibitor treatment for humans with
Alzheimer's disease is still many years away but this
promising research improves our understanding of memory
loss in Alzheimer's. Scientists are said to be on the
brink of finding a number of candidate genes that
increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's. It is an
ambitious project, but finding the triggers and causes
would help to prevent the disease.
World: Old Age Has a Taste
of Its Own (May 6, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Physicians say that older people over 60 years
experience a decreasing sensitivity to taste and smell.
This situation creates a public health challenge since
older people can encounter health problems related to
appetite loss and digestion. Of course, aging is not the
only reason for this change. Some drugs have a bitter
taste that alters the composition of saliva, affecting
the flavor of food. The author suggests that old people
(and those who cook for them) might add spices and
flavoring to their food. A little seasoning can go a
long way!
World: Pressure is Found Useful
to Combat Aging (April 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Appropriate pressure is found to be useful. Short-term,
reasonably stressful and stimulating tasks can help the
human body produce protein that helps restore and
recover brain cells and ensure their best function.
People making good use of their brains expand the brain
blood vessels, providing brain tissue with sufficient
blood and nutrition to delay brain aging.
World: Non-drug
Treatment Of Alzheimer's Disease? Long-term Benefit
Not Yet Proven (April 20, 2009)
Whether people with Alzheimer's disease benefit in the
long term from non-drug treatment interventions remains
an unanswered question. Small research budgets and an
underdeveloped study methodology point to the fact that
even for procedures with potential, no reliable
conclusions can be drawn and thus no proof of a benefit
can be provided. Convincing studies are lacking so far.
For individual approaches, the studies show both
benefits and harm. According to the director of the
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care,
these interventions should not be used widely without
available proof of their effects, because it would mean
accepting serious risks.
World: A Growth Hormone Helps Older People Solve
Health Problems (April 14, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to a recent study, hormone therapy may help
older people overcome muscle weakness and other
debilitating symptoms associated with the natural aging
process. As people age, they tend to lose this specific
growth hormone. Previous research has found that a lack
of these hormones can lead to the accumulation of fat
and even obesity, but this new study actually uses
growth hormones to improve muscle strength and
efficiency among older people.
World: Chronic Disease
Presents New Challenge as World Ages (April 7, 2009)
Chronic diseases such as stroke, dementia and heart
disease--which affect mainly older people--are the
biggest causes of death and disability in much of the
developing world. As the populations age, there is a
rapid rise in these diseases. Yet older people continue
to face numerous barriers in accessing primary
healthcare. User fees are a key concern, as many older
people do not have a regular source of income.
World: A Study on Napping
for Older Women: Is It Really Healthy? (April
5, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Scientists at a California
institute of medical research discuss the
relationship between napping and mortality rates among
older women. Their findings contradict previous
research as well as the common conception that taking
naps correlates with a healthier individual. Spanning
almost seven years of study covering 8,000 women over
the age of 69, their findings could prove extremely
significant for the future of healthcare for older
persons.
World : Caffeine to Reduce
Dementia (March 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
A recent Finnish and Swedish study has assessed the
impact of coffee consumption on people aged 65 and over
on Alzheimer’s disease and the risk of dementia.
According to the findings,, a few cups a day would
reduce the risk of developing these pathologies. Small
drinkers (less than two cups a day) are the more
affected by those diseases and tend to be more
depressed. The less important risk has been observed
among moderate drinkers of 3 to 5 cups a day who enjoy a
decrease in the risk of dementia by 65 to 70 % and of
Alzheimer’s disease by 62 to 64%). The risk seems to
increase again for heavy coffee drinkers.
World: Databank (February 13,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Dental health is important to digestion, helping digest
food by the process of grinding and mixing bites of food
with enzymes. Teeth begin to develop in a human fetus
during the sixth week in the womb. Teeth can be partly
or complete damaged as one’s age advances. Some older
adults who suffer from diabetes prefer to have all their
teeth removed and replaced by artificial dentures.
World: Another Potential Benefit of Cutting
Calories: Better Memory (January 26, 2009)
A recent study linked a calorie-restricted diet
with memory improvement among aging men and women. Those
subjects who cut their calories performed better on word
memorization tests than those who maintained their
caloric intake while increasing their consumption of
unsaturated fats. The memory improvement in the
calorie-restricted patients may be linked to the
decrease in insulin and inflammation. The study has
received mixed reviews from the health community.
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