Elder Rights: United States
Archives: 1995 - 2001
Integration of the Aging
Workforce (November 2001)
This is a thematic paper prepared by
the European Work Organization Network on the issues concerning the aging
of the population in Europe. The report argues that after years of
shortsighted personnel policy and prejudices concerning the performance of
older workers, new approaches have to be established which foster the
integration of an aging workforce.
Group Arming Seniors Against
Scam Artists (March 1, 2001)
This article, published in The Washington Post, relates stories of
old people being lured and urged to pay extra money for some services. An
organization, called Voice of the Elderly or VOTE, endeavors to help
seniors avert these tricks. Useful tips are available on the following
website: www.geocities.com/heartland/acres/8777/vote.html.
Americans see dream of retirement
fading (February 27, 2001)
This article, published in The Telegraph, reports the rising
retirement age of American workers. The bar on mandatory age retirement
and labor market are contributing to this situation.
As Taxes Rise, Suburbs Work to
Keep Elderly(February 27, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, reports a new
initiative under taken by some politicians, who tend to entice old people
to live in suburbs rather than families with children. A new perspective.
Chester Higgins Jr.'s Photographs: A
Closer Look at Age (February 25, 2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, analyzes the
concept of age, through the work of a New York Times' photographer,
Chester Higgins Jr and more generally speaking how old age is dealt in
arts. Tech ageism works
both ways (February 23, 2001)
Forget
about thinking about discrimination only against the older but begin to
think about the younger’s one. In the most cases, this “new discovered” age
discrimination is rampant in the technology industry.
Carrying This Student's Book Is Not a
Nicety (February 20, 2001)
In this article, an 92 year-old lady is a college student at the State
University of New York. She shares her a feelings about her life to a
journalist from The New York Times.
The Fountain of Age (February
4,2001)
This article, published in The New York Times, is a book
review. The book "Elder Grace" deals with old age encompassing
both texts and photographs. It questions the way old age is perceived, and
more generally speaking the book questions life.
Abuse on the Elderly
(January 30, 2001)
Information about abuse on the Elderly, extracted from USA Today.
At 40, They're Finished,
Television Writers Say (January 30, 2001)
This article raises the issue of age discrimination in the workplace
contemplating a particular example: television writers. For those in this
field, being 40 may turn out to be a big problem. The New York
Times reports.
Des centenaires américains trop
occupés pour quitter le marché de l'emploi... (January 29, 2001)
(in French) Many American older persons do not stop working and do not go
on retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the growing
process: between 1988 and 1998, the elderly over 55 represented 12,5% of
the working population (17 millions), in 2008 they will be 16,23% (25
millions). A poll, made in 1998 by American Association of Retired
Persons, revealed that 80% of baby boomers want to keep working over 65.
The Clinton Administration supported this development, along with a
growing numbers of organization. Le Monde reports.
Public Lives: An Ex-Ambassador
Samples A Simple Life (January 23, 2001)
An article published in The New York Times, which relates Mr
Felix Rohatyn's life, who left as US ambassador to France at the
conclusion of the Clinton Administration. Mr. Rohatyn recalls in
this article how he started his career in finance as an intern. He
reviewed the assets of elderly women held in accounts with Lazard.
He saw the potential of making substantial sums of money and thus launched
his highly successful financial investment career. Population
Projection (January 18, 2001)
The oldest old is the fastest growing segment of the elderly
population. The racial and ethnic diversity among the elderly is
expected to increase in the future too among the US Census Bureau.
Elder Care: A Growing Concern
(January 16, 2001)
According to a Dupont study,
this article, extracted from Business Week, shows a significant
rise in the number of employees responsible for an older relative -- and
the difficulty they have finding services.
Many Poor, Elderly Women Lack
Access to Food (January 9, 2001)
This article, extracted from The New York Times, shows that
nearly one quarter of about 1,000 disabled women aged 65 years and older
could not afford food in the USA. Despite some programs set up to help
them, a lot of older urban minority women are still in serious need.
Hints and Information About Caring
for Loved Ones Afar (January 8, 2001)
This article underscores a growing tendency among the 22 million
Americans who provide long-distance care giving. The Seattle Times
lists several examples and highlights some alternatives, such as resorting
to home care agencies. These alternatives, though, remain expensive for
round-the- clock care. Useful addresses, phone numbers and e-mail
addresses are also given in this article.
'The Full Monty' Been Around? Yep,
and Goin' (January 5, 2001)
An article published in The New York Times, reporting the story of
Jeanette Burmeister, an old lady in perfectly good health, who is still
performing on stage, and lately appearing in the well-known musical 'The
Full Monty'. Jeanette Burmeister is an extremely lively woman still
active.
Study sees Medicare Costs Rising
(January 2, 2001)
This article was published in The Washington Post, following
the release of a study reporting a substantial increase in Medicare costs,
which may trigger off a greater financial strain for individuals as
incomes tend to increase much slower. Further information can be obtained
on the following website: http://www.urban.org/publications/410253.html
On the Brink of a Brand-New Old Age
(January 2, 2001)
This article published in The New York Times pleads for a
change in mentality regarding old age. While millions of baby boomers are
going to increase the aging population's rate, the author thinks it is a
great opportunity to invest in science, technology and cultural change in
order to make life for the elderly healthier and richer.
Worker Shortage Worst In Decades
(December 25, 2000)
A gloomy report by The New York Times assesses the situation
facing America in health fields. New York City experiences the worst
worker shortage ever, more particularly, nurses seem to be the
toughest hit occupation. Not only is it observed in the vicinity of New
York City but this phenomenon is also spreading throughout the country.
Violent Patients Loose in
Homes (December 18, 2000)
This article, published in The New York Daily News, shows that
fellow residents have abused elderly patients in nursing homes. Government
health inspectors have to cite nursing homes for failing to protect
patients. Moreover, the
author reveals that residents are not the only victims. Nurses are often
hurt. The Bureau of labor Statistics ranks nursing as one of the most
dangerous jobs.
Elderly Suffer Abuse & Worse
(December 17, 2000)
This article, published in The New York Daily News, shows that
some many New Yorker elderly are neglected and abused in nursing homes
because of incompetent staff. The News reveals that some nurses
have no training to do the job and are not subjected to mandatory criminal
background. The News found that 25% of workers prosecuted for abuse
or violence had criminal records. The New York booming economy explains
the fact it is hard to find good workers for a job that pays little more
than minimum wage.
HCA: to Pay $ 95 Million in Fines (December 15,
2000)
This article, published in The Washington Post, reports a
case settlement, which pitted the nation's largest hospital chain,
the Healthcare Company, against the government after cheating federal
government health-care programs and providing some doctors with kickbacks.
Many boomers may face old age alone (December
12, 2000)
This article contemplates the likelihood of an eldercare crisis
threatening America. Owing to a mounting number of restructured families
and a greater stress on health care system, a potential impact affecting
care giving is indeed looming. USA Today reports.
Neediest Cases: During a Time of Crisis, a
Retiree Gets some Help
(December 12, 2000)
The following article, published in The New York Times, reports the
story of a seventy one year-old retiree, living in Queens, who
despite his pension and Social Security payments, does not manage to make
ends meet. Medicaid being insufficient, he had to turn to the Federation
of Protestant Welfare Agencies, supported by the New York Times Neediest
Cases Fund.
U.S. Toughens Enforcement of Nursing Home
Standards (December 4, 2000)
Following several cases of standards' violation, federal officials have
urged nursing homes to pay fines and penalties. This article, published in
The New York Times, reviews some examples of nursing homes, which
have been under scrutiny. For further information the following website
provides evaluations of most nursing homes across the United States: www.medicare.gov
Programs Help Bridge Insurance Gap (November 29,
2000)
The following article, taken from The New York Times, is about
the numerous ways of bridging the insurance gap. It will provide you with
useful information on how to get access to the different programs.
States see Problems with Care at Chain of Centers for
Aged.(November,26 2000)
In this article taken from The New York Times, a chain of centers
for aged named Alterra is under scrutiny. The journalist, Barry Meier,
assesses the numerous flaws of this chain from the inadequate or untrained
staff to the lack of safety and emphasizes the financial strains, the
managerial turmoil and labor problems, which contribute to questioning the
rules currently monitoring assisted living centers.
See a Specialist (October 15, 2000)
This article, extracted from The New York Daily News, describes
how doctors treat elderly patients’ complaints about their health
situation. The author advises to see geriatricians, who are more able to
understand older people’s maladies.
Life Stories (October 14, 2000)
As life's twilight draws near, many Americans are
writing their family history and their own life stories for future
generations to learn from.
Panel predicts Shortfalls in Care for
the Aged (October 11, 2000)
This article taken from the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical
Association) contemplates what the graying of America implies and what
kind of challenges are at stake in the forthcoming years.
Enjoying life after death
(September 11, 2000)
This article, extracted from US News, shows how widowhood has
become a new stage of an older woman’s life. As widows represent 11
million in the United States, they have led the reinvention of old age.
They cannot define themselves as wives anymore but they have to figure out
who they are as women.
Widowville, U.S.A. (September 11,
2000)
This article, published in US News, describes how widows are
organized and contribute to boom the situation of Grant City (Worth
County) in which old and lonely women are the most important part of the
population.
More Hunger Among Elderly (August 20,
2000)
This article, published in The New York Daily News, shows that
many older people cannot afford food in the USA. Despite some programs set
up to help them, a lot of urban elderly are still in serious need, because
they cannot afford both drugs and food.
PAC's intergenerational work (August
17, 2000)
Estelle Fabbri, a French intern from Global Action on Aging, met Rebecca
Hoffman, Institute for Senior Action Project Director (IFSA) in New York,
to discuss IFSA's commitment towards older people. LV
seniors vulnerable to gambling addiction (July 31, 2000)
Gambling is an invisible addiction. It is hard to
cure a compulsive senior gambler, but there are doctors and counselors who
work with people whose lives have been overcame by their quest to win the
big one..
What do you call people who
used to be old? (July 2, 2000)
Account of a "old" individual doing "un-old" things.
Studies Reveal a Rush of Older
Women to the Web (June 29, 2000)
Out To Pasture, Greener
Pasture: Older Workers are Thriving In Tight Job Market (June 22, 2000)
Malnutrition and Dehydration in
Nursing Homes : Key Issues in Prevention and Treatment (May 2000)
In This Commonwealth Fund Report, the authors
describe the high rates of malnutrition and dehydration that occur in US
nursing homes and suggest ways these rates could be reduced.
Casino
excitement attracts the elderly (March 9, 2000)
Many seniors like to gamble. For some gambling is
an addiction, a sickness just like alcoholism or cancer, that can destroy
lives.
Romance is for Seniors (2000)
Romance
does not need to stop after sixty. Seniors, as much as any youth, can feel
closeness through a special glance, a hug, or a kiss.
Sex after Sixty (2000)
Sex
over sixty is not unusual. Many
senior couples enjoy healthy love lives that keep them close. With
advancements in medication, men and women both can increase their physical
enjoyment.
Day care for Kids--And Grandparents,
Too (November 22, 1999)
This article taken from Business week discusses the positive impact
of the intergenerational exchanges through the effect of cross-age
programs.
Positive Words Put Pep in Seniors'
Step (November 2, 1999)
According to a study published in the Journal of the American
Geriatrics Society, stereotypes about getting old affect the way that
healthy elderly people walk. The New York Daily News reports.
Off the road (October 25, 1999)
This article, published in US News, argues about older drivers
and their ability to drive safely. According to an economist’s estimate,
within 15 years, there will be more elderly drivers involved in car
accident than there are drunken-driving deaths. Consequently, the author
wonders when deciding if someone is too old to drive. This question raises
elderly’ rights, because without cars the older people who could drive
will be isolated and even depressed.
Old & Hungry in a Booming City (October
17, 1999)
According to the Community Service Society, this article, published in
The New York Daily News, shows that, in 1998, 22%, or 216,00, of
the 970 000 New Yorkers over 65 were living at or below poverty level.
Despite some federal, state and city programs set up to help them, older
people are more and more victims of malnutrition.
Setting a Progressive Agenda for Social Security,
Health Care, and Care giving (September 1999)
Man Nabbed in Push-In Robberies (March 5, 1999)
This article, published in The New York Daily News, shows
another example that old people are targeted by thieves, because they are
supposed to be without defense.
Grief Over Elderly Woman's Stabbing (February
22, 1999)
Harlem residents shocked over the brutal stabbing of their elderly
neighbor. The New York Times reports.
Polite Thief Preys on Elderly (February 19,
1999)
This article, published in The New York Daily News, shows that
elderly people (and in this case older women) are always victims of
thieves, because they are supposed to be without defense.
Killings of 2 Elderly People Have Police Seeking
Pattern (January 23, 1999)
This article from The New York Times shows a possible link
between the slayings of two elderly people in Orange, N.J.
John Glenn's mixed message on aging (November 16,
1998)
This article, published in US News, shows that Americans
celebrate rapidly heroes who defy stereotypes about aging. Gerontologists
talk about “productive aging”. But unrealistic standards of vigor
could be regretful because many elderly could feel the limits of age. In
fact, the author concludes that old age means to live with both vigor and
limits.
The Remaking of a Counterculture (November 15,
1998)
Florida Files Suit Accusing Sweepstakes Company
of Preying on Elderly
( November 7, 1998)
New Sexual Education Program Launched for
Seniors (September 28, 1998)
The
National Council on Aging has put forth a sexual education program for the
seniors of America. Love
& Life: A Healthy Approach to Sex for Older Adults emphasizes that
sex can remain an integral part of an elderly relationship as well as
increasing awareness about medical solutions to sexual dysfunctions.
Mean Cabbage (September 27, 1998)
A spiritualist robbed an elderly invalid of her savings. The New
York Times reports.
Scammers Net Victims (August 2, 1998)
This article, extracted from The New York Daily News, describes
a financial scandal that hit many elderly, who invested in an offshore
bank hyped over the Internet.
Man Faces Charge of Abusing Mother and Keeping Her
in Filth (July 20, 1998)
This article, extracted from The New York Times, describes a case
of elder abuse in Newark.
A Plan to Halt Mistreatment Of the Elderly
(March 8, 1998)
This article from The New York Times describes a plan to
deal with the rising rates of violent and sexual crime suffered by the
elderly.
Are We Tarnishing Their Golden Years?
(February 12, 1997)
This article, extracted from The New York Daily News, describes
how difficult it is for older people to live in a big city. Older people
feel particularly vulnerable in New York City in which an increase in
disrespect for elderly seems to be underway.
A Visionary Poet at Ninety
(June 1996)
This review combines
biography and poetry of Stanley Kunitz. Born in 1905, he became
America’s 10th poet laureate at the age of 95:
“The way I look
at it, I'm passing through a phase:
gradually I'm changing to a word.
Whatever you choose to claim
of me is always yours;
nothing is truly mine
except my name. I only
borrowed this dust.”
The Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of Older
Persons (December 8, 1995)
A general comment on the rights of older persons by the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Break the Mirror (1987)
Japanese poet Nanao Sakaki uses his mirror to define “age.” To him, being elderly is simply accepting one’s wrinkled reflection in a mirror, accepting the physical, while not considering the role of memory and imagination in the aging process. Sakaki decides to “break the mirror” rather than resign himself to old age. His poem of that title refutes what the world considers to be “old,” showing that older people have both right and reason to preserve their youth, if only in their imagination.
Elder Abuse:
Some statistics and information from the National Victim Center.
Older women suffer most domestic abuse
This article from The Times which reports on an English study
called "the Needs of Older Women", conveys that domestic
violence against women can worsen with age.
Reports of Abuse of Elderly Are Ignored, Panel Is
Told
There is deep concern regarding the treatment of nursing home residents.
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