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Rural Aging PENSION US Retirement Accounts Have Lost $2 Trillion (October 7, 2008)
With the downturn in the stock market, the realizable value of the private pensions and savings funds of American citizens has lost $2 trillion according to Peter Orszag, the head of the Congressional Budget Office. However, if the stock market rebounds to levels of less than one year ago much of this realizable value will be replenished. Those who cash in their investments immediately and those holding stock in bankrupt companies are likely to be the most affected. State Comptroller Takes Aim at Pension Cheats (September 26, 2008)
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently declared, "I want to make sure that only the individuals who deserve a state pension get a state pension." This statement accompanied an announcement of state pension reforms that included the establishment of a 20-person compliance unit to oversee pension reporting. The comptroller's office has recently revoked pensions or rescinded pension credits of 35 professionals statewide--most of them attorneys--and is seeking to recoup $950,000 owed to the state retirement fund, officials said. Wamu Hit to Pensions: $47 Million (September 26, 2008)
After a $130-million write off of Lehman Brothers assets last week, the Washington State Investment Board (WISB) today estimated that the loss to the state's pension and other trust funds managed by the WSIB from the Washington Mutual bank failure is approximately $47 million. Despite these huge numbers, the losses are relatively small compared to WSIB’s $78 billion total assets under management. WSIB manages 17 public pension funds and 21 other public funds. WORLD Russia: Russian Pensioners Live Beyond the Poverty Line (September 30, 2008)
(Article in Russian)
The number of pensioners in Russia has increased dramatically since 2000. However, the increase did not have any effect on their economic welfare. Many old people live below the poverty line, receiving on average about $200 per month. The gap in living age between women and men continues to increase as well. Now women live 13 years longer than men. Because of this, out of the 29 million seniors currently living in Russia, around 7 million live alone. Russia: Half of Russians are Unfamiliar with a New Pension Law (September 30, 2008)
(Article in Russian)
Starting October 1, a new law about co-financing pension savings takes effect in Russia. According to the law, those pensioners who enrolled in the program will have the government co-finance their retirement savings for a period of 10 years. However, the results of a national survey showed that only 13% of Russians are “well informed” about the new law. Greece: Rallies on Social Security System (September 29, 2008)
Trade Unions in Greece reacted strongly to the news that 133 separate pension funds will be merged to a total of just 13. Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia stressed that significant savings would be made and that policyholders would benefit by the merger. However, trade unions decided to stage a series of rallies against the move by Ms. Petralia. The General Confederation of Greek Workers President Giannis Panagopoulos stated, “We will not stop fighting for the Social Security System." Japan:
Government May Ease Pension Criteria/Exemptions for Families, Automatic Premium Reductions Proposed (September 28, 2008)
To strengthen the public pension system and to secure minimum living standards for older persons, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry in Japan is proposing significant revisions which include: reducing premiums for low-income earners without requiring them to fill out applications; shortening the minimum premium payment period for receipt of pension payouts from its current 25-year level to only 10 years and changing the age range for compulsory participation from 20-60 to 25-65 years of age. Malawi:
Government to Introduce Social Pension for Elderly (September 26, 2008)
Malawi is introducing a social pension scheme for older persons. Announcing the scheme, Clement Khembo, the Minister responsible for People with Disabilities and the Elderly, said, "Not all elderly people are struggling with life. In its initial stages, the scheme will target all those who are very poor to afford sustenance. Those in the rural areas, who have even no houses." The President of Malawi, Bingu Mutharika, is also a strong supporter of improving the welfare of older persons. South Korea: Risky Gamble on National Pension (September 26, 2008)
South Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS) President Park Hae-choon apologized to the public for mismanaging public funds. The fund recorded a return of minus 1% by investing in equities, fixed-income securities and alternative assets both at home and abroad between January and August this year. Despite the apology, the NPA has performed much better than Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), which recorded returns of minus 4.1% and 5.2% respectively in the first six months of this year. Ghana: Informal Sector Employees to Enjoy Pensions until Death (September 26, 2008)
In Ghana, members in the informal sector (or self-employed) form 80% of the working population. To ensure that old age does not become a burden for any Ghanaian, it is important that current pension reforms include the workers in this sector. The Informal Sector scheme, which is the third tier of the National Pensions Reforms, involves a monthly contribution from beneficiaries, loan facilities and all other benefits that those in the formal sector enjoy. India: Regulator Makes Case for ‘Defined Contribution’ Pension Scheme (September 26, 2008)
India is proposing to increase the exposure of a government pension scheme to equity markets. Twenty-one states in India have opted for this plan where pensioners’ money is managed by PSU fund mangers. Currently, only 15% of the fund corpus may be invested in equity markets. Under the new proposal, a pensioner can take 10-50% exposure in equities, 40-100% in government bonds and 25-40% in corporate bonds depending on his/her risk appetite. United Kingdom: Call to Reform Pension Credit (September 25, 2008)
Research carried out for Age Concern showed that more than half of older people in the United Kingdom were cutting back on essentials such as heating and food in a bid to make ends meet. In the meantime, pensioner groups have found that nearly one-third of people who were eligible for the UK Pension Credit were not receiving it, with up to £2.8 billion going unclaimed. Age Concern said that if the benefit had been paid automatically, those missing out would be, on average, £1,477 ($2,500) a year better off. Norway: More Bad News for Norway's Huge Pension Fund (September 24, 2008)
Just last year, Norway’s oil fund was being praised for its strategic and ethical investment moves. The fund, a sovereign wealth fund fueled by revenues from Norway's offshore oil reserves, is meant to finance pensions for future generations. Instead of spending the oil money, Norway has set aside most of the revenues to secure the future of the nation’s inhabitants. Unfortunately, the fund's stake in Lehman Brothers rose from 1.7 million shares to 17.5 million shares during the second quarter of this year, which is raising doubts about the management of the fund. China: Revision to Pension Plan Benefits Elders in Changzhou City (August 14, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Changzhou City has revised its pension plan. After amendments, men and women who have reached 60 years and 55 years respectively, and have lived in the city for 10 years without regular financial support, can now enroll in a new pension scheme. This will enable people over 75 years to receive payouts of between 200 to 400 Yuan (about 30 to 60 US dollars) monthly. Such payouts will ensure a regular source of income for seniors and see to their everyday needs.
HEALTH US Report: Medicare Now and in The Future (September 2008)
Virtually all people aged 65 and over are covered by Medicare in the US. However, there are policy challenges facing the program, including the financing of care for future generations, assessing the role of private plans, improving the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit and keeping the Program's benefits affordable. This report, prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, describes the present and future of Medicare and assesses the Presidential candidates' positions on Medicare issues. WORLD
Cameroon: Helping Hand for Cameroon's Lonely Elderly (September 30, 2008)
HIV/AIDS rates in Cameroon are devastating, leaving most older persons with no children to look after them in their old age. This article presents inspirational stories of how elderly women responded to critical demands made upon them in these difficult situations. Written by an officer working with Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance, the group organizes meetings for older persons that help develop a sense of community to deal with family crises. “When we sit together and talk we can forget our pains,” says Teresa Tung, whose four children died from AIDS in one year, leaving her to bring up her grandchildren on her own.
Mexico: Anaya Llamas Proposes Daycare for the Elderly (September 29, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
The Mexican senator Guillermo Anaya Llamas proposed a bill directed towards old people in Mexico to create daycare centers especially designed for them. Many seniors are victims of neglect when their children and grandchildren go to work or school. According to a study done with 430 adults over the age of 60, the most common characteristic they suffer is depression, due to the loneliness they experience. Anaya hopes that the senate will approve the proposal and that daycare centers will soon open to help old people and their families.
Scotland: Dementia Rise Prompts 'Disaster' Warning (September 26, 2008)
Like many local health authorities, the increase in cases of dementia in Moray, Scotland, is causing great concern. The local leadership fears that they have neither the skills nor the funds to effectively manage the rising number of people with dementia. Recent figures suggest that the number of people suffering from this disorder is likely to double in the next six years. With almost half of the residential care home places already filled with people with dementia, Moray is being forced to rethink its strategy for the care of older persons.
Japan: Ruling Parties Agree
to Revise Medical Care for Over-75s (September 24, 2008)
The revision of the state medical system by the Japanese government in 2006 resulted in many people over 75 years of age incurring higher insurance and medical costs. Although the government claimed that this was not the intent of the revised legislation, and many older persons have complained bitterly about the increase in their costs, no action was taken. However, at a recent meeting between the two ruling coalition parties an agreement was reached that the medical insurance program for people aged 75 and older should be overhauled by taking into account the opinions of those it covers.
Australia: Aussie Homes are Death Traps for Elderly (September 23, 2008)
Falls are the leading cause of disability and death among older persons. A recent survey of homes in Victoria, Australia showed nearly one-third of seniors had fallen, thus prompting a call for a national awareness campaign to reduce these preventable injuries. Certain hazards in the homes of older persons that can cause accidental falls can be removed. Minor improvements in the home can save the life of an older person or at least prevent hospitalization.
Australia: Music Could Help Dementia Sufferers (September 23, 2008)
According to some Australian researchers, music can be effective in tapping into the locked memories of people suffering from dementia. Dementia can cause a breakdown in communication and disrupt a relationship, especially when the person suffers from short-term memory loss. However, studies have found that a memorable song from youth can help jog memories and facilitate communication between spouses. It is wonderful to see researchers developing innovative ways of helping caregivers cope with dementia, instead of resorting to medications.
New Zealand: More Funding Needed for ‘Dementia Epidemic’ (September 22, 2008)
The number of people with dementia in New Zealand is expected to almost double in the next 18 years. A meeting of the Alzheimer’s organization in Canterbury called for more government funding to help people with the disease as well as increased resources for research. There is also a significant need to increase public understanding of dementia. One of the main reasons people were unaware of dementia was the "shame" associated with it.
Wales: Over-55s Fear Dementia More than Cancer (September 22, 2008)
A recent poll has revealed that dementia tops the list of conditions that people over 55 in Wales fear most in later life, beating the likes of heart disease, stroke and cancer. As with so many other conditions, diet and exercise are key to protecting against dementia, not least because the risk of developing the second most common cause of dementia--vascular dementia--is related to other conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Japan: A New Record for Japanese Residents above the Age of 100 (September 13, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
The “Senior Club Above 100 Years of Age” in Japan, this year celebrates the addition of 3,981 new members, bringing the total number of persons above the age of 100 to 36,276. Japan celebrates the International Day for Older Persons on October 2, which is an official holiday in the country.
France: Deep Sleep is Evident in the Early Recovery of Older Persons in Rehabilitation (September 7, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
New research results indicate that deep sleep and napping during daytime significantly benefit older persons who are recovering from heart attacks, strokes or injuries in hospitals, and assists them in restoring body
functions.
Germany: Older Persons in Germany are Healthier than the Youth (September 5, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
The health insurance company AUC confirmed that older persons in Germany become sick at a lower rate than youth and therefore do not make as many cost demands on health care. Experts in health insurance assume that the improvement of older persons’ health is due to public awareness, better medicine, early examinations and improved medical care, among other factors.
Report: Asia: Primary Healthcare for Older People - A Participatory Study in 5 Asian Countries (2008)
Asia’s aging population faces two co-existing health threats: infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases. This is also known as the ‘double burden’ facing healthcare systems. A recently conducted study documents the perceptions of older people, caregivers, and health service providers regarding active and healthy aging, access and quality of primary health care services, and the experiences of older people in managing stroke and diabetes conditions. In order to represent the variety of socio-economic conditions in the region, the 5 countries that were chosen for the study are Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Report: World: HIV/AIDS and Older People (2002)
(Report in French)
Older people are as vulnerable to AIDS as younger people. Women are even more vulnerable. However, older people tend to protect themselves less and health professionals tend to be less inquisitive when dealing with the sexuality of older patients. Furthermore, older people endure more stress and have significantly more family responsibilities than young people. Potential
solutions could be found by investing in more preventive care for older people and breaking the taboos concerning sexual activity. ELDER RIGHTS
US
The Ins and Outs of Becoming a Teacher in Retirement (September 29, 2008)
Many retirees feel that a lifetime of work has provided them with adequate experience to begin a second career in teaching. In fact, corporations such as IBM provide benefits for employees who wish to go back to school to pursue a degree in education. Despite low salaries, teaching during retirement is often a source of great fulfillment and satisfaction for many.
Forensic Skills Seek to Uncover Elder Abuse (September 27, 2008)
For decades, forensic techniques have been the state-of-the-art approach for investigating child abuse and domestic violence. Elder abuse has lagged far behind, suffering from a lack of financing, research and data. That is changing. Forensic techniques are just one of many new initiatives nationwide to protect the elderly. Medical workers, social workers and law officers are collaborating and sharing information to investigate physical and other forms of abuse of older persons.
Gov. Joe
Manchin, Robin Talbert: Program Helps Seniors Sort Finances (September 26, 2008)
The AARP Foundation Money Management Program was launched at this year’s West Virginia Governor's Summit on Aging. Using trained volunteers to help clients manage their money and pay their bills on time, the Money Management Program will reduce the chances of financial exploitation--including fraud and abuse--for those older adults who have difficulties keeping track of their financial matters. This will reduce the chances of older West Virginians falling prey to scams, fraud and abuse.
Report: Will Changing Job Demands Boost Older Workers' Prospects? (September 2008)
Fewer jobs rely on physical labor nowadays which means that more people might continue to work at older ages. However, the shift from manual labor to knowledge-based employment increases cognitive demands at work. This brief describes trends in job demands for the past 40 years and their effect on work at an older age.
Report: Are Low-Wage Workers Destined for Low Income at Retirement? (September 2008)
Low-wage workers in the US have to rely on Social Security and pensions when they retire since they do not have enough savings to support themselves at older age. However, these incomes are based on earnings. So, are low-age workers destined for low incomes at retirement? The study conducted by the Urban Institute found that, for most of them, the answer is yes.
WORLD
Belgium: Having a Passion for Traveling is Not About Age (October 6, 2008)
(Article in French)
Organizers of Zenith, the Salon of Tourism for Older People, led a study to identify new trends. The study reveals that older people tend to prefer short holidays to long ones and that they love to discover local cultures. The study also showed that Spain and Italy are favorite destinations and that cruises and cultural trips are more popular than ever among older people.
New Zealand: Older Workers Vital for Economy (October 6, 2008)
As life expectancy increases, seniors should consider working longer to sustain their financial security later in life. As experienced workers, retirees offer a seasoned and mature approach to the workforce and often achieve prominent positions in their career.
Uganda: Elderly Want Parliamentary Seat (October 5, 2008)
Seniors in Uganda have asked President Yoweri Museveni to allow five elected MPs to represent them in Parliament. Without proper representation, older persons are not able to have their concerns addressed and often suffer as the result of poverty and deprivation.
Mauritius: African Rights Body Holds Consultative Meeting on Rights of Elderly (October 3, 2008)
The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights is set to hold a consultative meeting on the “rights of older persons in Africa” for two days in Mauritius. The discussion will focus on developing a coordinated approach to protecting the rights of older persons while also concentrating on ways to improve the living and working conditions of seniors.
Saudi Arabia: How the Elderly and Sick Spend Eid (October 3, 2008)
While Eid Al-Fitr is usually a joyous occasion for most Muslims, it is not for the residents of the Charitable Housing Compound in Mecca. Many of the residents are seniors who rely exclusively upon the General Organization for Social Insurance for income; yet because of expensive medical costs, many of the seniors find it impossible to purchase new clothes for the Eid celebration.
Nicaragua: Serious Difficulties in Nursing Homes (October 1, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Agustín Sánchez Vigil nursing home houses 28 older people including, Juanita Cerda, who is 106 years of age. Old women such as Juanita cry with emotion at the sight of a rare visitor at the home since not many of them receive visits from family members. The nursing home is currently in need of governmental help and funding to remain open and in good condition.
Spain: Elderly Rights on Track, But Still Long Way to Go (October 1, 2008)
Spanish seniors who celebrated the International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday October 1, 2008 say that they have a lot to be thankful for. The officer of the national trade union federation Comisiones
Obreras, Juan Antonio Sanchez, said, however, that the majority of seniors are still disadvantaged and neglected. Access to safe and affordable housing is the most important right for seniors.
India: Elders Have their Day under the Sun (October 1, 2008)
The Pioneer Health Club has organized a function in celebration of the International Day of Older Persons in Manipur. The chief guest, MP Rishang
Keishing, observed that respect, participation in decision-making and over-all care are among the issues that most concern older persons.
Ukraine: Life of the Ukrainians is 11-13 Years Shorter than the Europeans' (September 29, 2008)
(Article in Russian)
Average living age in Ukraine is 67 years--11-13 years lower than that in countries of Western Europe. Also, 18.3% of pensioners 70 years and older need help on an everyday basis, and 82% of them take medications. In addition, 20% of the elderly who are older than 80 require specialized psychiatric care. There is no unified system of geriatric care in Ukraine, according to the report that was prepared in anticipation of the International Day of Older Persons.
Kuwait:
Al-Ataby: The Zakat House Offered Millions in Aid throughout August (September 24, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
The Zakat House received more than 2 million dinar in financial donations, which was used to address the needs of 7,958 families. Al-Ataby mentioned that the administration prepared a reception hall to receive individuals with special needs and older persons. He also confirmed that the operation of the institute will address the needs of particular groups.
India: Bangalore No More Haven For the Elderly (September 21, 2008)
Although Bangalore is considered by many to be the “Silicon Valley” of India, the downside of this growth in technology and economic development includes safety concerns for pensioners and other senior citizens. With children moving out for employment and other reasons, seniors have become vulnerable to crime. Many initiatives, including a Neighborhood Watch scheme and a phone monitoring system, have been unsuccessful. Dignity Foundation, an NGO, is running a trial system using volunteer help to try to improve the situation.
Qatar: Al-Qatari for the Elderly will Join the Upcoming October Conference (September 15, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
Doctor Hamda Al-Sleety, a member of the executive administration board of the Al-Qatari for the elderly, clarified that the institution is preparing to join the conference in October analyzing the situation of elderly Arabs. Promising to be a success, the conference was organized by the ministry of social affairs with sponsorship from the Arabic League. In addition, various institutions and ministries plan to participate.
Kuwait: The Ideal Child
Award Urges Connecting with the Elderly and Parents Especially during the Month of Ramadan (August 31, 2008)
(Article in Arabic)
The official sponsor for the award, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Baghly announced that the period for accepting applications is now closed and that the committee will begin work to select the winners. He also confirmed the committee’s decision to explore society’s role in taking care of older persons during Ramadan and in making them feel they are an important part of the community.
Report:
Canada: Family Relationship Quality after Admission to a Long-term
Facility (September 2008)
When an older person enters a residential care home, a specific form
of long term care facility, family members often feel a sense of
guilt or inadequacy, which may affect the relationship with their
loved one. This study uses interviews and focus groups to examine
the changes in relationships between the older person entering the
home and their family members. The research also investigates how
policies in these homes can improve relationships between residents
and their family members.
ARMED
CONFLICT
WORLD
Report: Myanmar: Older People and Cyclone Nargis (2008)
Based on research carried out in July 2008, the authors analyse the situation of older people 100 days after the cyclone struck Myanmar. Surveys, interviews and group discussions were conducted in 30 villages located in the damaged area. HelpAge International identified the main concerns of older people: healthcare support, food aid, psychological support and home care. Unfortunately, the study did not disaggregate data by sex.
RURAL
AGING
WORLD
Dominican Republic: The Dominican Population Older than 60 Years of Age will Double Between 2008 and 2015 (October 1, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
The number of people 60 years and older in the Dominican Republic is expected to double between 2008 and 2015. The Dominican Republic has put a plan in place that will benefit the older population by granting them access to programs that will help them receive medications, geriatric care, and pensions among other benefits. Cuba is one of the first Caribbean countries that is dealing with accelerated ageing and has collaborated with other countries to help with the cause.
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