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Elder Rights

United States

- Archives 2007 -

Background Documents |Care-Giving and Nursing Homes |
 Economic Focus | Old Age Employment | Neglect/Abuse  |
 Political Rights and Legal Actions  | Aging Lives | Demographics |
Promising Initiatives | Trade Unions 

Older American Act (1965)
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law on July 14, 1965. This Act aims at providing help for older persons by claiming indisputable elder rights such as adequate incomes in retirement and the best possible physical and mental health. The Act established the Administration of Aging, a federal advocacy agency to represent and protect older US citizens. This agency is empowered to oversee services and providing opportunities for older people across the Nation. The Act also authorizes grants to States for community planning and services programs aimed at older persons. Title XVIII covering Medicare and Title XIX covering Medicaid were also signed into law in 1965.

Amendment to Older American Act (2000)
The Amendment to Older American Act in 2000 added grants to Area Agencies on Aging. It also established an important new program, the National Family Caregiver Support Program. This Support Program aimed at addressing the nation’s needs of caregivers. It was intended to help hundreds of thousands of family members who care for their older loved ones. Also, the 2000 Amendment maintains the original ten objectives of the Older American Act about the protection of the older US citizens’ rights and dignity.

Reauthorization to Older American Act Choice for Independence (2006)
The 2006 Reauthorization of the Older American Act includes a project called “Choices for Independence” which promotes consumer-directed and community-based long term care options.

Violence Against Women Act of 1994
President Bill Clinton signed into law The Violence against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA).  It is enacted as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. It enhances the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women. Also the Act changes federal criminal laws by including a civil rights remedy for victims of “gender motivated violence,” a provision declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court

Violence Against Women Act of 2000
On October 28, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Violence against Women Act of 2000 as division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The VAWA 2000 continues the essential work begun in 1994 and creates new grant programs, in order to create transitional housing for victims of domestic abuse or enhance protection for elderly and disabled victims of domestic abuse among others.

CRS Report: Violence against Women Act: History, Federal Funding and Reauthorizing Legislation (October 2001)
Read this report to have complete knowledge about the Violence against Women Act.

Reports

Rights, Risks, and Restraints: An Exploration into the Use of Restraint in the Care of Older People (November 2007)
Finding the balance between elderly people’s safety and maintaining their right to freedom, dignity and respect should become a primary concern in elder care. Distressing examples of restraint methods currently used in nursing homes prove the contrary. This report examines people’s experiences, investigates why restraint was felt necessary and whether other methods could have been possible in particular cases. 

Nursing Homes: Federal Actions Needed to Improve Targeting and Evaluation of Assistance by Quality Improvement Organizations (May 2007)
(PDF format, 75 p)
This report, compiled by the Government Accountability Office, found that Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) focus their most intensive assistance to nursing homes based not on the degree to which the care was deficient but rather on a nursing home’s willingness to participate. In fact, “low performing” nursing homes are less likely to receive the most intensive assistance from QIOs. How can the staff from the Quality Improvement Organizations improve the system if the worst nursing homes are excluded from receiving support? Should such homes be permitted to decide not to participate in improvement programs? 

The High Cost of Elder Care on Families, Businesses, and the Economy (May 16, 2007)
This joint Congressional economic fact sheet reports on the costs of elder care in the USA where about 10 million Americans need some type of long-term care. Informal elder care is the greatest source of “spending” for long-term care. For instance, in 2005, the value of informal elder care was about $103 billion, or one-third of the roughly $309 billion spent for long-term care that year. Overall, the average caregiver loses $659,000 in lifetime wage and pension wealth due to caregiving. Employers and society also pay a price.

Meeting the Long-Term Care Needs of the Baby Boomers: How Changing Families Will Affect Paid Helpers and Institutions (May 2007)
This Urban Institute report speculates that the availability of family caregivers may fall over time given the changes in the family, such as the rising divorce rates, increasing childlessness, declining family sizes and rising labor force participation of women. And since few people now have and will have (projecting forward to 2040) insurance coverage against the high costs of long term care, the financing and organization of long-term care should be a focus of policymakers.

Assisted Living in Unlicensed Housing: The Regulatory Experience of Four States (April 2007)
While in most states, assisted living is licensed as a single entity that provides housing and services to residents, a growing number of states have introduced a new model of assisted living. In this model, the housing and services are separate: The building is not licensed, but it makes arrangements with licensed service agencies to provide services to residents. This AARP report looks at laws and regulations in four states ( Connecticut , Minnesota , New Jersey and North Carolina ) to assess the potential benefits and dangers for seniors living in unlicensed housing.

Racial, Cultural and Ethnic Factors Affecting the Quality of End of Life Care in California (March 2007)
This report examines the End of Life care delivery (especially hospice care) in California, the most ethnically diverse state in the nation. Not only is there wide variation in preferences for care among various racial and ethnic populations, there are significant limitations on the availability and appropriateness of care for various racial and ethnic populations.

CRS Report for Congress: Retirement Savings: How Much Will Workers Have When They Retire? (January 29, 2007)
Will you have enough savings for retirement? Many household circumstances make it difficult to answer this question. Data from the Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances indicate that fewer than half of all working households participated in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in 2004, and fewer than a third of all working households have an individual retirement account. This report estimates the amounts that married-couple households and unmarried householders with high, medium, and low earnings could accumulate in their retirement accounts by age 65. 

Does High Caregiver Stress Lead to Nursing Home Entry? (January 26, 2007)
This Urban Institute study shows how caregiver stress links to nursing home placements. Indeed, the study observes how stress among informal or formal caregivers predicts entry to nursing homes. The paper provides some suggestions for reducing caregiver stress as a strategy to keep older persons in their homes

Long-Term Care Choices: A Survey of Arkansas Residents Age 40+ (January 2007)
Read this survey to learn more about long term care choices of Arkansas residents.  Find out their specific preferences about where they want to receive care services and what financial sources they would use for it.

National Spending for Long Term Care (January 2007)
This fact sheet highlights national spending for long term care which concerns about 10 million Americans. It reveals the high cost of long-term care services in a privatized market. For example, “the national average cost of a private room in a nursing home is about $70, 900 a year.”

Care of Elderly is Very Much a Family Affair in US (September 3, 2007)
In this opinion piece, Professor Hanns Pieper argues that contrary to common perception, families provide the majority of long term care for older persons, not staff in nursing homes. According to Pieper, eighty percent of adults who receive long-term care at home get their care exclusively from unpaid family, friends and volunteers. The average caretaker is usually also an older adult, around 57 to 75 or older and female. “Twenty-three percent are wives, 13 percent are husbands, 29 percent are daughters and 9 percent are sons.” As caretakers spent 20 hours a week on average with their loved ones, or running chores for them, many feel the extra burden. Some reduce their working hours or leave their job all together, risking financial strain and “six out of 10 caregivers report declines in their own physical health.”

US: Dubious Credentials May Scam Seniors Out of Retirement Savings: Aging Committee (August 31, 2007)
Some politicians and elder rights advocates are tremendously concerned over financial fraud aimed at senior citizens. In this article, the Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Herb Kohl (D-WI) states that many individuals claiming to be financial advisors in fact have little experience in this field. People jump at these “easily-obtained titles in order to gain access to the retirement savings of older Americans.” Senior citizens pay the price by losing their life savings due to poor financial advice given their retirement needs and life expectancy. Please find a webcast of the hearing at the following link: http://aging.senate.gov/.

Man Turns to India for Cheap Care for Parents (August 5, 2007)
Steve Herzfeld, struggling to care for his aging parents, decided to “outsource” their care to India . It is no secret that nursing homes, medications, and care-giving for older persons can require large investments of time and money. These services are often much cheaper and more readily available abroad. In India , Mr. Herzfeld, who accompanied his parents to India , pays less than $2,000 a month for food, rent, utilities, medications, phones and 24-hour staffing. Mr. Herzfeld and his parents still maintain strong ties with family and friends in the US and hope they will visit them in India in the near future. 

Cherishing Seniors (July 31, 2007)
Chiquita Smith feels revolted as the government refuses to finance adequate senior care and many US citizens fail to respect older persons who must live in nursing homes. Smith, a retired staff member of the Women's Division, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, recently gave a phone interview to GAA. While outlining her dissatisfaction with nursing homes, Smith gave suggestions for specific steps ordinary people can take to improve the situation for nursing home residents.

Have a Gay Old Time: Nursing Home to Set Up Specialized Unit (July 11, 2007)
Part of a $26 million nursing home complex in Chelsea, Massachusetts will provide care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual elderly residents, establishing what could be the country’s first LGBT skilled-nursing facility. Directors of the complex hope that the unit will allow these older persons to express themselves without fear of criticism. Facility executive director Barry Berman said that such considerations are part of a current trend to “make nursing homes more home-like and less like hospitals.”

Program Helps Retirees Stay Home (July 3, 2007)
To enhance the quality of retirees’ lives, Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, or NNORCs, help older persons maintain a sense of belonging and community as they age. The NNORCs also offer reduced-cost medical services and admission to nursing homes as well as opportunities to attend special events. 

Elder Care Puts Financial Pressure on Middle Aged Workers (July 2, 2007)
Middle-aged parents are facing trade-offs between caring for their children or their parents. Increasingly, caring for their aged parents causes these adults financial and emotional stress. According to AARP, many of the 38 million “Americans who act as unpaid caregivers often do so at a financial cost.” Because caring for an aged parent is a common reason for missed work, companies like General Mills are beginning to provide flexible hours and are offering long-term health insurance for the parents of employees.

Pentagon Is Probing Veterans Home-Increased Deaths, Grim Conditions Reported by GAO (March22, 2007)
Recently, the news media and government officials are paying closer attention to the conditions and treatment of military veterans. Investigators are now looking into an Armed Forces Retirement Home after medical personnel alleged that residents may be at risk of severe health-care problems. Currently, government officials are investigating the home’s rising death rate and reports of substandard health and safety conditions. 

One of Nation's First Urban Independent Living Communities Opening for San Francisco Bay Area Gay/Lesbian LGBT Seniors (February 27, 2007)
In San Francisco, three openly gay housing specialists founded a home to one of the first independent-communities in the country for LGBT senior citizens. They wanted to “revolutionize resident life experiences for LGBT seniors.” The article shows how the new residency is conveniently situated. Additionally, there is a list of possible sites where the team may develop additional properties.

New Options (and Risks) in Home Care for Elderly (March 1, 2007)
Due to the mounting costs of long term care, patients and families look to the gray market for home care assistance. Currently, 4.2 million Americans are over 85, a number expected to grow to 5.9 million by 2014 and then accelerate with the baby boom generation. A year of custodial care can cost over $150,000 per year. The mounting need for long-term care is remaking the home-care industry. More middle class families are turning to gray-market hiring of untrained and unscreened home care aids as an  affordable way to reduce indefinite home-care expenses.

LGBT-Friendly Retirement Home Advances (January 29, 2007)
While it is easier today to be openly gay and respected in mainstream society, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transvestite (LGBT) persons feel mostly comfortable with people like themselves. Elderly LGBT persons are no exception. They have found mainstream society of their generation less open than younger generations. A LGBT-friendly retirement home is especially important for older LGBT persons. While they need personal assistance and increased medical care, they must feel comfortable and safe in their new living environment with care-providers who are aware and sensitive to their needs and identity. Stonewall at Audubon is one of the first homes built to meet this need.

Escape from the Nursing Home (January 17, 2007)
Here's an alternative to nursing home placement: Share an apartment with two of your friends. By pooling financial resources and splitting the cost of a 24-hour aide, you can save much more money. In many cases, a nursing home offers services far beyond what a patient needs. Many people only need someone to help dispense their medicines, prepare their meals and assist them get in and out of bed. Combining resources and cooperative living arrangements can enable individuals to have more control of their own lives.

The Gender Wealth Gap: Structural and Material Constraints and Implications for Later Life (September 2007)
The findings of this paper show “very clearly that, compared with men, women face a reduced ability to build up and secure a safety net of savings.” According to this study, when women do work, they are able to “better accumulate wealth than men. However they are more disadvantaged by the social aspects of their lives including marital status, their health and where they live.” 

Under the Radar: Poverty Among Elder Adults in New York City (May 2007) 
According to the US Census Bureau, 9.9 percent of older US citizens lived in poverty in 2005. Yet, the poverty rate among older adults living in New York City was twice the national rate: 20.3 percent. Unfortunately, in recent years the problem of poverty amongst older persons has become increasingly invisible. Many people believe that the vast majority of seniors are affluent. The major cause behind this misconception is the success of programs such as Medicare and Social Security, which have greatly alleviated economic insecurity among older adults.

Occupational Composition of the Elder Care Industries (May 2005)
The aging “wave” of the US population will affect US elder care industries dramatically. Looking at four industries, home health care services, nursing care services, community care facilities for the elderly and services for the elderly and disabled, this publication gives readers a glimpse into the occupational composition of such industries. 

Report: How Well Off Are America's Elderly? A New Perspective (April 2007)
This report provides a new look at America's elderly, revealing that official measures drastically understate their level of economic well-being.
The conventional measures of well-being do not adequately reflect income from wealth and net government expenditures. On the basis of the Levy Institute Measure of Economic Well-Being, which is a more comprehensive measure of income, the economic disadvantage of the elderly relative to the non-elderly appears to be less severe. Nevertheless, inequality has continued to widen within both groups. The results suggest that government policies and programs that favor the elderly over the non-elderly are misdirected. Rather than cutting back on these programs or redirecting policy, however, the authors advocate the extension of similar programs to the non-elderly, such as universal health care, as well as more generous provisions for the non-elderly in existing social welfare programs.

Report: The Role of Immigration in Sustaining the Social Security System: A Political Economy Approach (April 2007)
While some argue that the net tax revenue generated by immigrants is not significant because immigrants consume much of the benefits they produce- especially in terms of health care and education, this paper shows that migration is desirable to sustain the social security system. The flow of immigrants can alleviate the current demographic imbalance, by changing the ratio of old to young, and help to pay for the old.

Report: Older Couples’ Labor Market Reactions to Family Disruptions (April 2007)
Using data from the British Household Panel Survey, this paper looks at five different life shocks (divorce or separation, a partner’s unemployment, a partner’s health decline, and other events) and it affect on the partner’s labor supply. In general wives’ labor supply proves to be much more sensitive to shocks than husbands; for instance, a decline in a husband’s health causes the wife to reduce her working hours while husbands tend to increase their labor supply when facing a decline in wife’s health.

Report: How Economic Security Changes During Retirement (March 2007)
This Urban Institute study follows adults between the ages 67-80 to see how their economic security changes as they get older. As one would expect, many adults experience a decline in their wealth and income, but interestingly, some retirees will have significantly more income at age 80 than at 67. Some of the change in economic well-being is related to changing living arrangements, and marital, health, and work status.

Articles

How to Ensure Relatives Don't Rip You Off (November 28, 2007)
The Astor case shows how estate lawyers can write in provisions to durable financial power of attorney documents that can be easily abused.  The author provides a number of ways to prevent or limit such opportunities for abuse.  One important point:  Make these legal arrangements while you are in good health and can decide without pressure.

Aging Boomers: Me Generation's Health Concerns Expected to Propel Biotech (November 19, 2007)
This article offers statistics concerning health and financial profiles of the boomer generation. According to the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, baby boomers control 60% of the nation’s wealth and individually have a net worth of $400,000. By consuming and investing in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, this population is not only extending their lives, but also making their lives better. Boomers number 26% of the US population and account for a large proportion of health care spending. Their demands on the health care system are unprecedented. 

Free Legal Aid Sought for Elderly Tenants ( November 16, 2007 )

Some New York City elected officials and housing advocates want to protect elderly residents from eviction. On November 18, 2007 , they called on the City Government to provide free legal representation in New York City housing court to low-income elderly residents, who they said, often had trouble navigating the system and protecting themselves from eviction, particularly in the red-hot real estate market in gentrifying areas. Councilwoman Rosie Mendez wants the City to provide a lawyer to tenants 62 and older who face eviction and have household incomes of less than $27,000.

Aged, Frail and Denied Care by Their Insurers (March 26, 2007)
To avoid placing a financial burden on their families, many elders are saving for long-term care costs. Unfortunately, some private long-term insurance companies have been found to deny policyholders’ claims repeatedly in order to profit. A New York Times investigation showed that companies such as Conseco, Penn Treaty American, and Bankers Life and Casualty were denying claims to elderly policyholders without explanations or reasonable cause. The Times suggests that companies establish claims processing procedures making it extremely difficult for policyholders to pay for long-term care. Investigations of California insurance companies in 2005 showed that nearly one in four claims was denied. Some patients who have filed lawsuits have been awarded undisclosed sums when their insurers chose to settle the case. Others less fortunate died before the case could be resolved.

Social Security Going Up by 2.3 Percent (October 17, 2007)
People over the age of 65 have lost 40 percent of their purchasing power since 2000, reflecting the doubling in gasoline prices and home heating oil over that period, according to a study from the Senior Citizens League. Some 5 million seniors live below the poverty line in the US. However, this year, the US administration is only going to increase Social Security benefits by 2.3%, the smallest increase in four years. Officials base the increase on a “basket” of commodities, the Cost of Living Index, that older persons consume. As food and housing costs rise along with health care in the US, this small increase will feel inadequate to many seniors.

Aging Inmates Clogging Nation’s Prisons (October 1, 2007)
As a response to high crime rates in the 1980s and 1990s, States passed tough sentencing rates which today are responsible for the overpopulation of geriatric inmates in US federal and state prisons. Figures from 2000 to 2005 show a 33% increase in older inmates compared to an overall growth rate of 9%. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, the 10% increase in overall prison spending is due to health care costs for aging inmates who are ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid during their incarceration. Even without healthcare costs, the federal and state governments spend $18,000 to $31,000 a year for inmates, who in old age require special accommodations, such as bigger rooms and more health care. Geriatric inmates in Hardwick, Georgia, report suffering from arthritis, high blood pressure and polypharmacy. 

Groups Say Growing Senior Population is an Economic Asset (June 11, 2007)
A number of nonprofit and government leaders are pushing to recognize the assets of the growing senior population as an economic-development engine, not simply a drain on resources. They point out that older people are likely to have investment capital, and “outmigration” of this population should not be taken lightly. Many charities are dependent upon seniors’ generosity and ability to provide donations. Finally, elder persons often serve as volunteers. “That is something we simply can't put a price on,” said Gerald Brissan, vice president of development for Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit . 

Elderly Women Eating from Garbage Cans (February 26, 2007)
After seeing an older woman eating restaurant garbage, the author started studying hunger among poor old women and how the government addresses this harsh reality. It appears that, without Social Security, over 50% of older women would fall into poverty. To tackle this issue, the Clinton administration had created the so-called “President's Interagency Council on Women" whose first objective was entitled “women and poverty.” However, after being elected, President Bush dismissed this Council, making it harder for the US to reach the UN goals enacted during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Promoting gender mainstreaming was a key action in Beijing. You can access some of the former “President's Interagency Council on Women’s” reports through the links contained in this article.

US Economy Leaving Record Numbers in Severe Poverty (February 22, 2007)
According to the McClatchy Newspapers analysis of 2005 census figures, nearly 16 million Americans are living in deep or severe poverty. This rate is the highest in the last 32 years. Washington, DC, has the highest concentration of severely poor people - 10.8 percent in 2005. Moreover, all US citizens –not simply immigrants- could face this situation. Between 20 and 75 years old, people are likely to spend at least a year in poverty. Experts view this development as evidence of the deteriorating social welfare system. Indeed, “with the exception of Mexico and Russia, the U.S. devotes the smallest portion of its gross domestic product to federal anti-poverty programs.” 

Report: Older Americans Act: FY2006 Funding, FY2007 Proposals and FY2008 Budget Request (February 15, 2007)
Enacted in 1965 and reauthorized and amended several times, the Older Americans Act contains a number of social services and programs aimed at bettering older persons’ lives. This paper reports about the FY2006 Funding, the FY2007 Proposals and the FY2008 Budget Request linked with the Older Americans Act. For instance, for FY 2008, the President’s budget requests a total of $1.685 billion for OAA programs, which is a 5% reduction from the FY 2006 level.

Report: How are New Retirees Doing Financially in Retirement? (February 2007)
This issue brief from EBRI attempts to determine the levels of wealth of US retirees, using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). By examining how retirees between 65 and 75 years old are using their assets, this paper gives a glimpse into the financial lives of new retirees.

Report: How Economic Security Changes During Retirement (February 2007)
Following older American adults from age 67 (when most have stopped working) to age 80, this study by The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, assess how their economic security changes during retirement. Results indicate that typical older adults experience a decline in retirement wealth and income between ages 67 and 80. More than two-fifths of retirees will have significantly less income at age 80 than they did at age 67. Interestingly, approximately two-fifths of retirees will have significantly more income at age 80 than they did at age 67. At least some of the change in economic well-being during retirement is related to changes in marital status, health status, living arrangements, and work status. The study findings may be somewhat optimistic because of the uncertainty of promised Social Security benefits and rising health care and long-term care costs.

Bush Budget Would Cut Food For 440,000 Low-Income Seniors (February 2007)
The President’s budget proposes to eliminate funding for the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) ending CSFP food assistance for 440,000 low-income seniors. In addition this cut would put at risk nutritional aid for more than 30,000 low-income women, infants, and children. This proposed cut highlights the priorities of the President’s budget, which puts extremely large tax cuts for the most affluent
Americans ahead of the needs of low- and middle-income Americans, as well as future generations. The latter will have to pay for the much larger long-term deficits that the President’s tax cuts will produce, if it is enacted.

The Economic Impact of the Senior Population on a State’s Economy: the Case of North Dakota (January 2007)
By 2020, North Dakota senior population, with many living in rural areas, will jump from its current level of 15 percent to an estimated 23 percent. This large shift will bring increased challenges, especially in the economic arena.  This report gives us a glimpse into North Dakota and the economic consequences of its growing aging population.

Smart Retirement Shopping: High-Pressure Tactics Target Seniors’ Savings
(January 13, 2007)
Slick salesmen are tricking more and more retirees into making ill-suited financial decisions regarding life-insurance policies, complex variable annuities and living trusts. In many cases these products have legitimate uses. However, they can also leave elderly savers poorer or unable to get at their money without paying hefty penalties. Oftentimes, unscrupulous salespersons use persuasive pitches to tap into an older person’s deep-seated fears about the affordability of retirement. The National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), a self-regulatory agency for the financial industry, plans to launch a campaign to teach retirees how to protect themselves. For some advice, refer to this article.

AXA Equitable Retirement Scope Retirement – a new life after work? (January 2007)
This report from a prominent US-based financial services corporation analyzes the situation for the United States’ retirees through international comparisons. The document reports on responses from persons in various countries about their point of view on retirement and their retirement finances. AXA Equitable asked: How are they spending their retirement? Did they plan for their pension? Has health consciousness changed upon their retirement? Results showed that US citizens define retirement as a moment of leisure and freedom. They do not want the age of retirement to be raised. Read more for how a financial services corporation interprets research on older persons.

Reports

Generational Differences in Perceptions of Older Workers' Capabilities (November 2007)
A significant portion of previous research reveals negative perceptions of older worker’s capabilities. However, the situation might be changing now. More companies are gaining recognition as “older worker friendly” and more employers prefer older experts to younger ones. The study examines to what degree negative perceptions of older worker still exist at a workplace and identify whether these perceptions affect older workers’ well-being and their attitudes toward the organization.

Employment at Older Ages and the Changing Nature of Work (November 2007)
Researchers at the Urban Institute found that jobs have become less physically demanding over the last 35 years which allows older people to delay their retirement. On the other hand, the increased pace of work and work hours, rapid technology development and job insecurity can make employment at older ages problematic. How will old-age employment evolve in coming years? 

Effects of Layoffs and Plant Closings on Depression among Older Workers (August 2007)
Do layoffs or plant closings cause a greater depression among employees nearing retirement age? Authors believe that these types of job displacement might have different effects on people, varying between genders. The research shows that while men have increases in depression as a result of layoff, women experience a greater depression as a result of plant closings.

Labor Demand, and the Structure of Wages (August 27, 2007) 
“As the baby boom generation ages, the usual historical pattern of there being a high ratio of younger workers relative to older workers is increasingly being replaced by a pattern of there being roughly equal percentages of workers of different ages.” This paper argues that the increasing number of older workers will eventually lower the wage premium paid for older, more experienced workers. “Econometric estimates imply that the size of one’s birth cohort affects wages throughout one’s working life, with members of relatively large cohorts (at all stages of their careers) earning a significantly lower wage than members of smaller cohorts.” Policy makers should consider these findings while promoting old age employment. 

Are Employers Willing to Hire and Retain Older Workers? (November 2007)
Employers often have different opinions of older workers. They value their loyalty and experience but think they are less creative. Moreover, they cost more due to higher health insurance, seniority-related wage rates and their pension contributions. However, employers say that their greater productivity offsets the higher costs of older workers. The labor market and employers still discriminates against older applicants for jobs. This report contains helpful information to fight age discrimination and to claim the “right to employment” in old age. 

Should people work longer, and will they? (November 2007)
Working longer has advantages. On average, working 5 years longer boosts annual retirement income about 56%. It can also promote better emotional and physical health. This fact sheet delineates the characteristics of older male and female workers and explains how older people’s participation in the labor market has changed in the last couple of years. 

Employment Status of Workers Age 55 or Older (August 2007)
(PDF format, 12 p)
Authors of this report confirm recent findings that more persons over 55 are choosing to work. The report, released by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, also finds that older persons are more likely to work full-time and year-round than in the past. The need for healthcare coverage is a likely reason for choosing to work more, as profit-obsessed insurers in the individual market often will not cover these older persons as they begin to need more care. Older persons increasingly must obtain group insurance through an employer to find affordable coverage, therefore requiring more hours of work.

The 21st Century Multi-Generational Workplace (June 2007)
(PDF format, 12 p)
This report explores the impact of age, generation, “life stage,” and “career stage” on workplace dynamics. The author encourages employers to account for events that have affected employees of different generations and also to avoid dismissing life and career histories when assigning work. The workplace will run more efficiently and effectively if employers consider all implications of their employees’ age. 

Preparing for an Aging Workforce: A Focus on New York Businesses (May 2007)
According to an AARP New York survey, more than three in five employers believe their business is likely to face a shortage of qualified workers within the next five years. However, only one in four has consciously taken steps to prepare for the possibility of boomers retiring at the traditional age. With every worker who leaves the company, the employers risk losing important organizational knowledge, including best practices, corporate networks, client relationships, effective working teams, as well as understanding the company culture. AARP conducted the study to find out New York state employers’ perceptions of potential worker shortages and the loss of institutional knowledge, and the extent to which employers have implemented approaches to keep older workers. 

Looking Toward an Older Workforce: a Focus on New Mexico Employers (April 2007)
AARP surveyed New Mexican employers with three or more workers to assess their awareness of and readiness for dealing with the likelihood of shortages of qualified workers in the next five years. Some 54 percent of New Mexico's total workforce are currently age 45 or older. Strategies currently being used most frequently in New Mexico include providing training to upgrade skills, hiring retired employees as consultants or temporary employees, easing into retirement with reduced schedules, and offering part-time work without benefits. However, addressing the needs of an aging workforce is rated as very important to just four in ten New Mexico organizations.

Job Changes at Older Ages: Effects on Wages, Benefits, and Other Job Attributes (February 2007)
If current employment patterns continue, population aging will reduce the number of workers in the economy for every retiree, thus reducing economic growth, straining Social Security and Medicare finances, and limiting tax revenue available to fund other government functions. One potential solution is to increase older adults’ labor participation. About 85 percent of older people who worked after retirement changed occupations, and about 80 percent changed industries so the study looks at workers ages 45 to 75 who switched employers to get at the plus and minuses of such changes. The study concludes that while the median hourly wage in post-retirement jobs was less than half the median wage in pre-retirement long-term career jobs, post-retirement work was less stressful. Special attention needs to be given to the struggles of older displaced workers.

Work and Well-Being Among the Self-Employed at Older Ages (February 2007)
Overall, for US workers age 51 and above, about one in every 5 is self-employed. This AARP study reports that many older workers move to self-employment after age 50. For some it is part of their transition to retirement. Older self-employed workers value being their own bosses, having time with their spouses, and the lack of pressure. While the self-employed have greater levels of wealth than wage and salary workers, they have riskier financial assets and fewer annuities, such as pensions.

Articles

Health, Control Key to Retirees' Happiness (November 11, 2007)
With 70 million baby boomers nearing retirement, 80 percent plan to work part-time after, according to AARP. A study showed more than one-third of the baby boomer population worked for the enjoyment and fulfillment of their employment and 16 percent anticipate the possibility of developing health problems after retirement, while one-quarter of all retirees actually left work due to health reasons. Retirees who left their jobs when they were ready were much happier than those forced to leave due to illnesses or health risks. 

Sidley Austin LLP Settles Age-Discrimination Suit (October 6, 2007)
The Chicago-based law firm, Sidley Austin LLP, announced on October 6, 2007, that it has reached a settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over the treatment of 32 former firm partners. Under terms of the agreement, Sidley Austin will pay $27.5 million to the 32 lawyers. Nearly all were over age 40 at the time of their demotions.

Internships For All Ages (September 20, 2007)

US: NYC Hiring Retirees under New Program for Ex-Professionals (July 26, 2007)
The New York City Department for the Aging hopes to keep seniors active while using their skills. The department has launched a program to employ retirees part time in jobs that involve marketing outreach campaigns, guiding juvenile detainees back to school, and teaching computer skills to children. The jobs will allow older persons to “explore new facets of old skills” while helping the community, and the pay, though minimal, “dignifies the work” and shows seniors that their efforts are highly valued.

Senators Search for Ways to Keep Boomers on the Job (March 1, 2007)
The Senate recently held hearings in a special committee on aging. Employment of seniors was the focus. Workers over fifty years of age are considered less technologically savvy than their younger counterparts. Yet the US economy needs them to stay in the labor market; the country will soon face a shortage of experienced labor. Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), chairman of the panel, proposed legislation that would give employers a tax credit for establishing flexible work schedules, enabling older employees to stay on the job without losing healthcare or pension benefits.

Working Past Retirement Age (February 4, 2007)
William Freeman is 80. Like one out of five US men over 65, he’s still working to be able to pay his bills. This situation of older people who must work to support themselves began rising again in 1993 after a long decline in the 80’s. Freeman’s endurance is exceptional: Who is able to repair a 100-pound truck tire at 80 years old? A 1967 law allows workers in their 40’s to switch to desk jobs in sales or management. Some thirty companies see older workers as a resource and have joined the "National Employer Team" of the American Association of Retired Persons and promised to hire “mature workers.”

Airline Industry Questions Forced Retirement Policy at Age 60 (January 9, 2007)
How old is too old to fly? Controversy has emerged in regards to the retirement age of commercial pilots.   The disagreement is over when commercial pilots should be forced to retire. For 47 years, the FAA has stood by its mandate that once airline pilots reach age 60, they must retire. However, FAA officials may raise the retirement age to 65. Some believe age should not be the chief factor in this decision but rather the individual’s physical well being.  Airline pilots are responsible for countless lives and therefore the decision should be based on the safety of the public.

Many Boomers See Retirement as New Start, not Finish (January 9, 2007)
"Every eight seconds, another boomer turns 60 and starts contemplating the days ahead.  That's 11,000 individuals daily; 4½ million a year,” states Joan Fitting Scott, author of Skinning the Cat: A Baby Boomer's Guide to the New Retiree Lifestyles. More baby boomers view retirement as a lifestyle change and a new opportunity rather than the conclusion of a career. Anita Campbell, founder and editor of Small Business Trends, has labeled the phenomenon "un-retirement" and says boomers are the driving force toward a new balance of work and leisure.

Working Harder for the Man (January 8, 2007) 
“The pervasive unfairness in the way the great wealth of the United States is distributed should be seen for what it is, an insidious disease eating away at the structure of the society and undermining its future,” states NY Times Columnist Bob Herbert.  The Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University report that the top five Wall Street firms were expected to award $36 billion to $44 billion worth of bonuses to their 173,000 employees last month. Yet, the 93 million US production and nonsupervisory workers combined real annual earnings from 2000 to 2006 rose by just $15.4 billion, less than half of the combined bonuses awarded by these Wall Street firms for just one year. All the wile, top paid managers continue to cut back on employees’ pensions and benefits. When will the majority of the US population wise up and fight back? 

Racial Differences in Baby Boomers' Retirement Expectations (January 2007)
African-American boomers risk jeopardizing their retirement security if they leave the labor force at relatively young ages. African-Americans expect to work less at older ages than other racial groups, even after considering differences in education, health, wealth, and other factors. Possible explanations include labor market discrimination, family care responsibilities, and cultural differences.

Intimate Partner Violence among Older Women (September 2007)
According to this report on older women (65 years of age and older) living in the US reported a lifetime partner violence prevalence of 26.5%, with 18.4% of women enduring physical or sexual abuse, or both, and 21.9% facing nonphysical abuse (i.e., psychological abuse defined as threats or controlling behavior). These statistics document how older women experience the different forms and severity of abuse. Everyone should consider these issues when planning programs for the prevention of violence among older women and men.

What is the Association between Self-Neglect, Depressive Symptoms, and Untreated Medical Conditions? (August 2007)
Elder self-neglect “is primarily characterized by the inability or refusal to provide oneself with the basic care requirements for maintaining health.” It is the most common form of elder mistreatment. Although additional studies need to be done to understand the direction of the relationship between self-neglect, depression, and untreated medical conditions- does depression cause medical conditions to go untreated or vice versa- these findings demonstrate how health services for older people require simultaneous psychological and physical treatments. 

Articles

US: Response to Elder Abuse Varies Widely Across U.S. (December 16, 2007)
The US Congress calculates that every year almost 5 million American older people become the victims of physical, psychological and other forms of abuse. However, elder abuse remains the least funded social program in the US. The article reveals a continuing disparity in the way various states address the problem of elderly abuse and neglect. 

S.E.C. Accuses 26 of Defrauding the Elderly (September 6, 2007) 
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has accused a nationwide sales-representative network of defrauding thousands of older persons of their retirement savings through hotel time-share schemes. The SEC now will “aggressively seek recovery” of the millions of dollars of lost funds. The case begins a crackdown on financial fraud schemes that cheat older persons out of their lifetime savings. 

Region Ahead of the Game in Responding to Elder Abuse (August 23, 2007)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois signed House Bill 734 into law, ensuring that seniors always have access to critical elder abuse services when needed the most. To give seniors the protection they deserve, the law provides a 24-hour program for seniors to report situations of abuse such as physical harm or financial exploitation, and requires that all cases be dealt with immediately and effectively by provider agencies.

Elderly Face Housing Security Cuts (June 29, 2007)
A Boston city councilor announced that budget cuts are forcing the Boston Housing Authority to cut security at some of the elderly-disabled public housing units. This measure will affect 13 homes beginning September. The Boston Housing Authority promised to upgrade security features of 16 elderly-disabled homes to offset the lack of daytime security. But, “Cameras don’t help you prevent crime, they just help you convict someone,” said the councilor.

Study: Disney Films, TV Darken Elderly (June 11, 2007)
According to a recent study, by the time children enter elementary school they hold a negative view of older adults--and Disney films may influence these negative stereotypes. The researchers showed that aside from villains—e.g., Madam Mim in "The Sword in the Stone," Cinderella's wicked stepmother, the witch in "Snow White" and Cruella De Vil in "101 Dalmatians"—most other older characters were peripheral to the films' story and plot. Disney portrayed older females in a particularly negative light, while older male characters tended to fill authority roles such as clergyman, ruler and mentor.

Bilking the Elderly, With a Corporate Assist (May 20, 2007)
This article denounces a huge criminal enterprise throughout the US : telemarketing fraud. Thirty per cent of the victims are elderly. Companies like infoUSA sell enormous databases of names and personal information to unscrupulous operators. According to court records, major banks do nothing to impede robbers from dipping into victims’ accounts, thus facilitating the fraud. The responsibility of companies selling databases could not be disputed. As Sgt. Yves Leblanc of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said, “Only one kind of customer wants to buy lists of seniors interested in lotteries and sweepstakes: criminals…if someone advertises a list by saying it contains gullible or elderly people, it's like putting out a sign saying 'Thieves welcome here.’” The growth of such thieves accounts for the industry’s new focus on the elderly. According to analysts, older Americans are perfect telemarketing customers because they are often at home, rely on delivery services, and are lonely for the companionship that telephone callers provide. As 92-year-old victim Richard Guthrie said, “I really enjoy when those salespeople call. But when I tell them I can't buy anything now, they hang up. I miss the good chats we used to have.”

Homophobic Attack Leaves 72-Year Old Paralyzed (February 22, 2007)
An elderly man was a victim of a hate crime when a man beat him up after demanding if he were gay. The 72-year old victim is paralyzed and unable to speak after being attacked with a pipe and bleeding profusely in front of his apartment building.

Intimate Partner Abuse Affects Broad Spectrum of Ages (March 5, 2007)
An Ohio State University-led study of 370 women, aged 65 and older, found that about 4 percent of the women said they'd been abused within the previous five years, and just over 2 percent said they'd been abused within the past year. These findings show that intimate partner abuse, typically viewed as a problem only among younger women, can happen to women at any age. Yet, the study also found that only 3 percent of the women said that they'd ever been asked by a health-care provider about physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Don’t Get Hit by the Pitch: How Advisors Manipulate You (January 3, 2007)
Beware of unscrupulous financial salespeople and their persuasive ways so that you do not fall prey to an investment scam.  Over a quarter of adults have been scammed at some point in their lives, states AARP.  Corrupt financial salespeople often feign friendship, asking you all about yourself and pretending to have things in common. As they get to know you, they find ways to craft their investment pitch. Often, unethical financial advisors will tout an investment's scarcity, which makes it seem more valuable than their real worth.  For some common tactics to avoid fraudulent investment deals, refer to this article.

Political Rights and Legal Actions

Bill to Combat Elder Abuse Dormant on Capital Hill (October 27, 2007)
The Elder Justice Act would set up separate elderly justice offices in the US Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services, contribute “$400 billion into state adult protective services over four years and create a federal coordinating committee among agencies to monitor and direct the government’s efforts.” So why has Congress not passed the Elder Justice Act which was introduced five years ago with bipartisan support? Older persons need to make their government representatives accountable to make sure this legislation is considered seriously. Call your Senator and Congressional Representative. 

NYCPD: Safety Tips for the Older Person (March 2007) 
In an effort to keep the city safer, the New York City Police Department has produced a safety flyer for older persons. The flyer provides safety tips for older people in the home, and on the street.

Gay Retirees Need Protection from Discrimination (February 12, 2007)
While the gay and lesbian community has been gaining unprecedented equal rights in the last few years, it has a long way to go before it can have all the rights enjoyed by the heterosexual population. Even though gay and lesbian couples enjoy domestic partnership privileges in many states, including the extension of states’ benefits to include state employees’ partners, New Mexico does not offer such protection after retirement, which is customary for heterosexual couples. Not only that, but there are retirement homes that refuse to give gay and lesbian couples equal rights. These unfortunate incidents prompt the elderly gay and lesbian community to take legal battles against discrimination to a whole new level. See this article for examples of locations where elderly gay and lesbian people suffer from discrimination and what they are doing about it.

Report: Loss of SSI Aid is Impoverishing Thousands of Refugees (February 2007)
As a consequence of the seven-year time limit on eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the US, about 12,000 refugees and humanitarian immigrants, who are elderly or with disabilities, have lost their subsistence aid. Another 40,000 individuals are expected to lose their aid over the next decade. SSI is the only source of income for these refugees who are not able to work because of their age or their disabilities. That’s why many are urging the US Congress to review legislation to change the time limit in order to help this extremely vulnerable group.

Grandmothers Hold Manhattan Vigil to Spotlight Iraq War Deaths (January 2, 2007)
Anti-war grannies gathered at Rockefeller Center to protest the war in Iraq and read the names of some US soldiers who have died in conflict.  Just feet away, two counter-protesters with a group called United American Committee held their own signs with messages such as "We Shall Stay the Course. Keep the Promise. No surrender."  Since the war began in March 2003, the US military death toll in Iraq had climbed to 3,002, according to an Associated Press tally.  Iraqi authorities recently reported that 16,273 Iraqi civilians, soldiers and police died violent deaths in 2006.  As the War against Iraq continues into the new year, older women are speaking out in opposition.

Volunteer Transitions among Older Americans (October 2007)
Do people continue to volunteer as they grow older?  The report’s participants include both volunteers and non-volunteers aged from 55 to 65.  The researchers investigate the dynamics of volunteerism as people age:  issues influencing their decisions to continue or stop volunteer activities and the effects of changes in family status, health or employment on their volunteer availability.  

The Structure and Function of Frail Male Veterans’ Informal Networks (October 2007)
Much literature on positive aging suggests that older persons need social interactions to prevent depression or to have their psychological or physical concerns noticed and treated. This study finds that frail male veterans have relatively small social networks with families the most important. Frail veterans may find it increasingly difficult to maintain ties, particularly those that require reciprocity, and as a result, many “veterans are at risk of having no one to provide instrumental support and health monitoring.” 

US/China: What College Students Know about Older Adults: A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study (October 2007)
This study asks 227 college students from Illinois, US, and Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) about their perception of being old. The US students’ answers were consistently more individualistic, focused on freedom and the personal (personal knowledge accumulated over a life course, the personal aging or dying experience) whereas the PRC students’ answers were relationship-oriented and focused on interconnectedness (filial children, fear of abandonment, caring for grandchildren, contributing to society). For better intergenerational understanding, the writers recommend that intergenerational programming and age-mixed activities should be created and expanded.

Promoting Older Adults’ Well-Being through Internet Training and Use (September 2007)
The results from this report suggest that “elderly people who began using the Internet felt less depressed and lonely, more satisfied with life, more in control and more pleased with their current quality of life than did people who were engaged in other activities for the same period of time.” In addition, when Internet users were compared to non-Internet users, it seems that computer and Internet intervention not only enhances psychological factors important to quality of life of older people, but also prevents deterioration in these areas. 

Nonfatal Self-Inflicted Injuries among Adults, Aged 65 Years- United States, 2005 (September 28, 2007)
Although the rate of emergency department visits for nonfatal injuries from suicidal behavior is lower among older adults, the suicide rate is higher for older adults, particularly among those aged over 75 years. The findings illustrate the need for primary prevention measures that focus on the elderly such as “better identification and treatment of clinical depression by primary-care physicians and increased social support for persons at risk.”

Disability and Aging (August 2007)
The rates of old-age disability have declined in recent decades, reports the Population Reference Bureau. Two reasons for this trend are assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids, and improved medical treatments. Despite these medical advancements, this rate of decline may slow down because of a rise in obesity among this older population, and racial and educational inequalities that prevent certain groups from receiving equal medical care.

Growing Older in America: The Health & Retirement Study (June 12, 2007)
(PDF format, 108 p)
Representative of the US population over age 50, this study examines the relationships among health, income, and wealth over time. It concludes, for instance, that different patterns of savings and consumption lead to significant differences in levels of wealth in households that are otherwise similar in many respects once they reach retirement. Researchers and policymakers seeking to understand group differences and to determine causality among health, income, and wealth in US households will find this study very useful. The National Institute on Aging has been following more than 20,000 men and women over 50 for 15 years to produce this report.

Key Challenges and Ways Forward in Researching the “Good Death”: Qualitative In-depth Interview and Focus Group Study (February 2007)
In this report, researchers identify some of the challenges facing end of life research. Nearly everywhere, people (and ethics committees) regard death and dying as private, raising barriers to scientific research on end of life issues. Yet such research is essential. Researchers who conduct end of life research must do so with ethical and methodological rigor in ways that support patients, their relatives, transcribers, and researchers. The authors point out that a range of methods and approaches is needed, drawing on work from many specialties, to make the research effective and inclusive.

Articles

Pass the Parcel to the Elderly (December 18, 2007)
In the spirit of Christmas cheer, college students from Philanthropic Newbury helped the organization Tesco to deliver parcels to the elderly. Some older people can feel very alone and depressed during the Christmas season. Like these students, we must remember friends, family, and those in need. 

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Elderly (December 17, 2007)
If you think your grandparents or parents already have everything, this article can give you some good gift ideas to please them: Bake a cake, do yard work or offer to set up their record player. All these ideas can be very helpful. End of the year holidays are good times to give special attention to those who gave us so much. 

Elders Need Some Sex Education, Too (December 15, 2007)
“Getting older does not make one immune to STDs,” advocates Jane Fowler, 72, who contracted HIV when she was in her 50s. The statistics shows that the number of HIV/AIDS elderly patients in the US has been growing recently. Meanwhile, educational programs about HIV/AIDS don’t target older Americans. They continue to be the most overlooked population and remain unaware of the risks in having unprotected sex. 

Alzheimer's is her Mission (December 15, 2007)
”We could save the country an enormous amount of money, time, tears, heartaches and absolute misery by spreading the word about Alzheimer's care and diagnosis.” Jacqueline Marcell, author of Elder Rage, believes that education about Alzheimers can help older victims and relatives. This former teacher’s best selling book suggests ways to deal with Alzheimer’s disease. She became inspired to speak out about her struggle against the disease’s unrelenting impact on her parents and to teach others what can be done to delay the diseases’ most severe stages.

At 89, She Steps Lively in the Name of Volunteerism (December 14, 2007)
Mary Shalo knows how to stay young. She volunteers more than 800 hours a year. It is her way to meet other people and have social activities. She joined the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Community Service Society in 1985. Like her, many other older people volunteer and help different non-governmental organizations. 

Dementia Raises Death Risk in Oldest Elderly (December 13, 2007)
New findings suggest that Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions may have an even greater impact on mortality among the oldest elderly. A study lead by Dr. Anne Borjesson-Hanson of Goteborg University in Sweden found that the majority of deaths over 95 were explained by dementia, a strong indication of the deterioration of bodily functions. Another study has found that 95-year-olds with dementia were less likely to survive to their 100th birthday than those without dementia. 

Study Finds 1 In 3 Elderly New Yorkers Fears Going Hungry (December 11, 2007)
Is hunger a problem reserved only for a poor country? This shocking article reveals the contrary. One in every three inhabitants of New York City is hungry or fears to be, according to a new study funded by the New York City Council. This article argues for a new fully-funded program to deliver meals to the senior community of New York City .Please, see the full report here

Seniors Reach Beyond Family Ties: Fort Hunt Group Aims to Provide Services That Will Let Elderly Residents Age in Their Homes (December 2, 2007)
In Virginia, a group of elderly residents have banded together to create Mount Vernon at Home, a nonprofit providing services to their elderly members to help them age at home. Reports by AARP have demonstrated that a large number of the elderly wish to remain in their homes as they grow older. As the US elderly population continues to grow steadily, and as traditional family structures continue to change, seniors are being left to care for themselves and each other. 

Grounded Baby-Boomers Face Fear of Flying (November 16, 2007)
You fear traveling on a plane? ‘Flight without Fear’ is a course for you. This eight-week course held twice a year in Denver started about 25 years ago and enrolls up to 20 elderly people a time. Organized by the Colorado chapter of a nonprofit group, The Ninety-Nines, this international organization of women pilots helps people overcome the fear of flying. 

Love in the Time of Dementia (November 18, 2007)
Even if it is not related in songs, movies and literature, ‘old love’ exists. Former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s husband, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, is having a romance with another woman. The former Justice is thrilled because she sees her husband of 55 years happy. The O’Connors’ story, reported by the couple’s son in an Arizona television station interview, focuses on Mr. O’Connor who lives in an assisted-living center and opens a window onto ‘old love.’

Bless a Senior with Your Thanks (November 18, 2007) 
Thanksgiving is the time for greetings. It’s the time to bless particular people who had or still have a role in your life. Older persons often feel very sensitive about this kind of attention. How about taking a few minutes to thank them for influencing your life? This article details some thanks giving. 

Real Retirees, In a Virtual Village (November 11, 2007)
So-called 'Virtual villages' are on the rise in North Carolina, thanks to 'Stay Put,' a non-profit organization which aims to create tightly knit communities for seniors who wish to remain in their hometowns. The 'Virtual village' concept originated in Boston six years ago and has caught the attention of the nation, filling a crucial need for the older population, who desire an integrated community allowing them to stay put in familiar surroundings.

Study: Aging Artists Remain Resilient (November 13, 2007)

Aging artists are still active in their field when they retire, according to a new study conducted by the Research Center for Arts and Culture at Teachers College Columbia University. "Above Ground: Information on Artists III: Special Focus New York City Aging Artists” reported that contrary to stereotypes of isolated older persons, aging artists remain passionate and hold themselves in high regard. Seventy-seven percent of them communicate daily or weekly with other artists.

Heading Back to College: Universities are Doing More than Ever to Attract Older Students (October 26, 2007) 
In another example of how they are redefining old age and retirement, baby boomers are returning to school. “The number of college students ages 40 to 64 has jumped by almost 20 percent to nearly 2 million in the past decade. And those numbers are expected to keep growing as boomers--neither financially nor emotionally prepared for the shuffleboard court--retrain themselves to strengthen their employability and relive their youths.” Fortunately, colleges, corporations, charities, and governments are starting to adapt to the growing number of older students. 

Baby Boomers Pursuing Passion for New Home (November 2, 2007)
Retired people are often said to be inactive or even a burden to society. Contrary to these assumptions a recent survey shows that they want action. Many have hobbies or passions they couldn’t pursue during their professional lives. Large numbers are considering new careers and enrolling in continuing education programs.

Hidden Depression Threatens Elderly Chinese Immigrants (October 28, 2007)
Chinese culture makes it difficult for Chinese immigrants to seek help and communicate their depression with therapists and other trained medical professionals. “Researchers believe the reason many Chinese elders refuse treatment is that they are afraid to ‘lose face.’” As a result, of “those who suffer from depression, 42 percent deny being depressed,” 16 percent “say that they can take care of themselves and have no need for help,” and another 16 percent “predict that counseling will only make their situation worse.” Intervention programs designed to help the older persons must be culturally relevant. 

Seniors Try Shortcut to Romance, Friendship (October 27, 2007)
The Colorado Springs Senior Center started organizing speed dating for older people. Speed dating is a way to meet people very quickly. Many older persons are attracted by this new way of finding friendship or romance, as it is less virtual than web sites and more fun than normal “meeting clubs.” The center held its initial speed-dating night Oct. 10, the first of its kind in the area for the older generations. Organizers were overwhelmed by the response: The event attracted 85 singles ranging in age from 54 to 88 (although more than twice as many women signed up as men).

A Place in the Sun (and Close to Campus (October 23, 2007)
When a town attracts baby boomers, the local economy gets a boost. Places like Oxford , Mississippi , have attracted more than 600 retiree households since 1993. Retirees are not only drawn to the beauty of places like Oxford with its university atmosphere, but also to other less expensive cities where there are “youthful vibes,” great medical facilities, cultural and educational opportunities and sophisticated restaurants.

Out of the Work Force and Into a Classroom (October 23, 2007)
A September report from Jupiter Research said that the number of older people using the Internet would rise to 20.1 million by 2010 from an estimated 11.5 million today. Non-profit organizations such as SeniorNet and Older Adults Technology Services have particularly transformed the way retirees can broaden their technological horizons by learning computer skills. It is the ideal way to reconcile older people with new technologies. 

Volunteers Help Elderly Fight Scams and Injustice (October 22, 2007)
The Coral Springs, Florida outpost of Seniors vs. Crime is a program the state attorney general's office started in 1989. As a non-profit organization, volunteers help seniors avoid scams and unfairness. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to both. Now, there are more than 35 offices throughout the state. The Coral Springs office reported that last year it worked 152 cases, recovering more than $182,000 in cash or services.

For Aging Baby Boomer Women, Living With Friends Fills Emotional and Financial Needs (October 15, 2007)

A recent AARP survey shows a new trend that experts expect to grow as baby boomers retire: more and more women are likely to share their houses as they retire for financial and emotional reasons. Indeed, almost half of women between the ages of 45 and 59 surveyed last year consider living with a friend an attractive way to grow old and a third of women in their 60s.

Silver Alert Wasn't Activated for Missing Elderly Woman (October 11, 2007)
The Texas Legislature passed the Silver Alert law this past spring. Patterned after the Amber Alert, the new program “unleashes an informational blitz whenever an elderly person with a diagnosed mental impairment disappears.” Supporters of the Silver Alert believe that it can be a life-saving tool for the elderly, but it needs to be activated immediately and effectively in order to be successful. The article suggests that there is an age inequality when it comes to how these situations are considered and handled. 

Tough Call for Seniors: Do I Give Up My Keys? (October 6, 2007)
According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, about 26 million people 70 and older were living in the US in 2001. Of that number, roughly 67 percent were drivers. That percentage swells every day. However, the rate of older drivers killed is very high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers 65 and older and new teenage drivers have the highest accident rates per miles driven. What steps can be taken to assure that both—the teenagers and the aged—are safe drivers? AARP’s national program of driver re-training can help older persons significantly. 

Society Values the Work of Retirees (October 7, 2007) 

As the baby boomers begin to become 'papy' boomers, the larger society begins to think about this new part of the population. We see today many examples of older persons making contributions that are valued by the individuals and agencies they touch. They often enter some university's programs or volunteer in civic associations.

Aging in Place: Legislators' Goal: Keeping Senior Citizens in their Homes as Long as Possible (October 3, 2007)
The Governor of Pennsylvania signed Act 56 earlier this year into law to increase older people’s protection against elder abuse. This legislation grew out of 12 years of advocacy by legislators, organizations representing the elderly and provider organizations. This law defines assisted living residences and requires them to be licensed separately from nursing homes and personal care homes. Act 56 will allow the Commonwealth to draw down Medicaid funding to support low-income assisted living residents who would not otherwise be able to afford this type of care. These residences provide a more homelike environment for senior citizens and participate in the concept of 'aging in place.'

The Aging Boom Lowers on Boomers (September 27, 2007)
Baby boomers are redefining the way we age. Although most are surprised to learn that they are now susceptible to health concerns that come with aging, baby boomers are accepting aging differently than their parents did. Some continue living actively with many enjoying competitive running, yoga, and Pilates. Some understand that aging will prevent them from participating in the same activities they enjoyed when younger, but most refuse to age without a fight. 

What Do You See Out There? Not Much, Except Life Itself (August 18, 2007)
They often start their day early, they are mostly retired, disabled, or both, and they know everything that is going on in their neighborhoods. “Window watchers” have been a fixture in many New York boroughs observing nothing in particular and everything at once. They observe shootings and every day routines and never miss a thing. This article follows several “watchers,” aged 14-71 who say that sitting at the window is “better than being outside.”

Older, Better but Harder to Dress (May 17, 2007)
This article gives us a nice glimpse into a major challenge faced by older women: how to dress! Being older does not mean giving up a nice-looking style, but it does mean a little compromise on fashion strategy.

Surprising Herself, a Class Act Returns (April 29, 2007)
The beloved American actress Angela Lansbury is coming back onstage. After withdrawing from a Broadway musical in 2000 to take care of her ailing husband, she decided to star in New York’s new musical “Deuce.” Her story illustrates that, even in the old age, starting a new life is possible. Alone since her husband died in 2003, she bought an apartment in New York City, and recently decided to take on an exhausting role for 90 intermission-less minutes. 

Companies Must Plan to Fill Void Left as Boomers Retire (October 23, 2007)
Baby boomers’ retirements will have important consequences on the labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 43% of the U.S. labor force will become eligible to retire between 2004 and 2012. Many of the ‘older worker-friendly’ companies are aware of the coming change but according to the study not enough of them have taken steps to head off skill shortages and turnover that could hurt the bottom line.

Region Not Ready For Boom in Boomers (September 29, 2007)
Northern Kentucky is not ready for the explosion of baby boomers. That’s what the new survey from the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative shows. A lot of important infrastructure is missing, such as adequate housing or transportation. The State must also think about health and job issues for seniors. The survey drew on different sets of research, including forums and workshops to identify pressing concerns of the new generation of older persons. Mark Birdwhistell, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, explained that the region is not ready for the ‘demographic tsunami.’

Region Faces Looming Jobs Gap (July 1, 2007)
Employers are starting to realize that employee shortages are likely in the near future as retiring baby boomers begin to exit the workforce. With a relatively small population, Generation X does not have the manpower to replace these retirees. Regions that do not attract as many job candidates, like Capital, NY, will be hit the hardest. Furthermore, jobs in healthcare, government, and education will face a “labor crunch” because young people today are demanding more healthcare benefits, flexibility, and non-routine jobs than these careers offer.

How Prepared Are America’s Communities to Handle Aging Boom? (Jun 27, 2007)
The nation’s first Aging Readiness Forum titled Crossing the Line: Developing a Livable Tampa Bay Region for All Ages was held in Hillsborough County . Focusing on “creating livable communities for all ages,” the forum gave community leaders the opportunity to dialogue and plan for aging baby boomers population. Nineteen percent of Hillsborough County is 65 or older, and therefore, social collaboration is essential in order to provide a comfortable aging atmosphere. 

New Demographic Generation Gap Emerges (May 17, 2007)
Dealing with a new trend towards more racial and ethnic diversity in the US , some demographers have noticed an emerging racial generation gap. The US may turn out to be divided between a homogenous older white generation and a diverse young new one. This article takes a thorough look at the demographics of young minorities and older whites.

American Cities Brace for Huge Influx of Elderly (May 14, 2007)
The US is expecting 35 million more seniors by 2030. Consequently, American cities must review plans preparing for a major influx of older persons. Many ideas have already been proposed, such as "granny flats" in Santa Cruz , California . Architects were hired to design residential units that can be added to existing houses to accommodate older relatives.

Reports 

Adapting the Senior Center Model to Meet the Needs of Future Generations of Seniors (April 26, 2007)
(PDF format, 50 p)
Many older persons find their second home in the nearby senior center. They often seek a social life that gives them safety---someone notices if they are sick or absent—and seniors get much useful information about staying well. Many older people also take part in health and well-being services, including recreational opportunities, discussion groups, exercise classes, and a host of other social programs. With the changing needs of the aging population, policy analyst Monica Serrano reflects on the future of senior programs and services. She emphasizes that New York City senior centers must respond effectively to the needs of the aging cohorts.

Keeping Baby Boomers Volunteering (March 2007)
The generation of 77 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 constitutes a great resource for volunteer work. Authors note that baby boomers in their late 40’s to mid 50’s have higher volunteer rates than past generations had at the same ages. That illustrates how significant could be the contribution of older persons to their societies. However, three out of ten baby boomer volunteers drop out after one year.

Articles

Office Is Sought to Protect Elderly (August 8, 2007)
Kane County ’s State Attorney John Barsanti is seeking to establish an advocacy center to investigate elder abuse and exploitation. The recent homicide of an 84-year-old woman who lived with her two daughters in Kane County is not directly related to the call for the center, but it certainly illustrates the need for an official elder advocate. “It seems we are somewhat under-reacting to the [needs of the] elderly,” said Barsanti. 

Peace Corps Wants Older Recruits (June 8, 2007)
While many people believe the Peace Corps was created primarily for college graduates, one of America’s most venerable service organizations seeks to increase the number of older people among its new recruits to 15 percent. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, ‘I don’t want to go to the beach, drink Mai Tais, and put my toes in the sand. I want to serve,’” said Peace Corps director Ronald Tschetter. The organization will adapt language courses to the pace older people would be comfortable with, as well as provide extensive health care to the volunteers.

NY Prison Creates Dementia Unit as Inmate Population Ages (May 28, 2007)
The US prison system currently attends to the elderly by providing geriatric or long-term care units, but does not have specialized units targeting specific conditions. The rising aging inmate population has the Fishkill state prison in New York creating special units for the cognitively impaired – “a unique environment within a prison environment.” Numbers of inmates 50 and older are steadily climbing, and in 2006, they comprised 11 percent of the prison population. “Some of [these prisoners] don’t even remember their crimes” and require special attention. To understand how to deal with condition-related behaviors such as hostility, all workers at Fishkill prison must undergo a 40-hour training workshop. 

New Program Offers After-Hours Help for Elderly in Need (May 29, 2007)
Elderly people who need emergency help after hours in Rhode Island now have a place to turn. The state Department of Elderly Affairs has awarded a one-year $113,000 grant to Family Service of Rhode Island to operate the “After Hours Emergency Response Program for Elders in Crisis.” The new program means that when the DEA shuts its doors at 4 p.m., there will be someone answering the phone and responding to any problems that arise—a medical or police emergency or simply a neighbor who finds an elderly person who seems confused and “just not right.”

Web Site for Elderly Launches May 24 (May 24, 2007)
Coastline Elderly Services Inc. will present a web site designed to provide information on comprehensive long-term care services and education to seniors and persons with disabilities in the Greater New Bedford area. The website, Network of Care, will help elder people find the right service at the right time, educate themselves about their issues, find assistive devices, understand current policy initiatives and advocate directly to elected officials. The site is available in multiple languages, including French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Grandma Has a Story to Tell... on YouTube (May 21, 2007)
Teens, aspiring actors and people who like to show off their pets traditionally gravitate to online video-sharing sites. Now the sites attract another demographic: those people’s grandparents. One of Youtube’s rising stars, a 92-year-old musician, posted a clip of himself playing a piano that he built. According to Jupiter Research, by 2010, 20 million seniors, or half of the US senior population, are expected to be online.

Americans Start to Subscribe to Emergency Medical Alert System (May 3, 2007)
(Article in French)
In the US, the emergency medical alert system has become a marketing success story. Thanks to the alert system, dependant persons can stay at home without worry of reaching emergency medical help if they need it. Since the aging baby boomer generation makes up 75 million people in the US , this market looks solid in the years ahead.

Trade Unions

CWA Local 1180: GAA Presents Unions with Outstanding Retiree Programs
Local 1180, an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) located in New York City , represent more than 8,000 workers. Their retiree division has an outstanding retiree program, which offers benefits, year-round activities and seminars to their members. Click above to read more.  

Trade Unions: How Free Choice Act Aids Workers (May 1, 2007)
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), if passed by Congress, will give more than 3.5 million people health insurance and 2.7 million people pension benefits. The EFCA protects employees against being pressured and manipulated by their employers, thus increasing the union pool by 10 percent and allowing unions to more freely demand their rights.

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