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Elder Rights

United States

 - Archives 2009 - 

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

End-of-Life Care in Nursing Homes: 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (October 8, 2008) 
Approximately 20 percent of all deaths in the US occur in nursing homes. Studies of the quality of life and family satisfaction with end-of-life (EOL) care of nursing home residents reveal a need for improvement in the EOL care provided to dying nursing home residents. The US Department of Health and Human Services presents a report that provides information about nursing home residents receiving EOL care. Demographics, functional and cognitive status, reported pain, medications, and diagnoses are compared for those receiving EOL care with those not receiving EOL care.

Articles

Home Care Patients Worry Over Possible Cuts (December 4, 2009)
Home care shows, in microcosm, a conundrum at the heart of the health care
debate. Lawmakers have decided that most money to cover the uninsured should
come from the health care system itself. This raises the question: Can health care providers reduce costs without slashing services?

House Engineered to Assist Senior Lifestyle (September 19, 2009)
Imagine a two-bedroom cottage specifically built for seniors that is maintenance-free for 10 years, includes a non-slip bathroom floor, two-way insulated windows and motion detectors that trigger automatic lighting. Better yet, imagine that you are 74 years old and that this $130,000 smart house, not a nursing home, is the place you call home—complete with surveillance by Carnegie Mellon University in case of medical emergencies. Here imagination meets reality as a US company tries to use technologies and services to help seniors live on their own. The company wants to build more homes that it can test and may meet low-income seniors’ need for independence.

Why Does Caring for our Elderly Parents Turn Us Back into Squabbling Children (August 13, 2009)
A woman, desperate to care for her old mother, discusses the unfortunate results of acting as a nurse for her parent. She states that the situation quickly turned her against her sister, and that their arguments concerning the proper course of action for caring for their mother quickly escalated. The writer offers a different perspective on the daunting task of caring for a sickly parent, and emphasizes the important bond between siblings and their older parent. 

Sex Bans in Nursing Homes (August 3, 2009)
Sociologist Ira Rosofsky analyzes the right of senior citizens to engage in sexual activities in nursing homes. He maintains that it is the seniors’ right to have sex. Indeed, he cites sex as a good means of recovery and of maintaining health. The main problem is the general lack of privacy in nursing homes. The Hebrew Home in Riverdale, New York, does, however recognize the right to “sexual expression” and Rosofsky hopes that this nursing home will be a model for others. 

Aging in Place by Design (July 17, 2009)
Patricia Viola and her husband Carmelo were perfectly content to move into their new Long Island home because of its suitability to meet their health issues. The house is equipped with an elevator--to combat Patricia’s osteoarthritis in her knees--as well as ramps, levers and grab bars. The Violas are particularly pleased with their new home because it offers them a place to live together, financially and with adequate accessibilty. Vincent Calvosa, the developer of Locust Cove (the community where the Violas reside) foresees a much higher demand for accessible housing in the near future. 

Grandparents’ House Becomes Kids’ New Campground (July 16, 2009)
Parents, not eager to pay the high costs of summer camps, have found a solution: send the children to grandparents for the summer. While the activities are the same (swimming, cooking, etc.), but it is virtually cost free. Another benefit is the chance for the grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren. Indeed, Georgia Hope Witkin, professor of psychology at Mt. Sinai Hospital of Medicine in New York City, sees this benefit as one of the few positive results of the recession.

When Granny is Your Nanny (June 24, 2009)
Today’s poor economy has forced many parents to turn to their parents for child-care support. According to the Census Bureau, the proportion of preschoolers cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mothers work rose to 19.4% in 2005, from 15.9% in 1995. These two-generational setups can make already complicated family relationships even more challenging due to differing child-care beliefs. However, despite disagreements on child-rearing methods, most parents appreciate the support their parents provide to care for their children, particularly during tough economic times.

Day Care for All Ages (June 17, 2009)
Judy Hamilton-Cantu’s day care not only houses young children but also senior citizens. At ONEgeneration, more than 160 elders join children in daily activities that prove to be not only entertaining but also powerful remedies to depression and disability. The day care providers do, however, attempt to distinguish between the generations and in doing so may offer a better alternative to older people than nursing homes.  

Sleepovers open Architects' Eyes on Nursing Home Design (May 27, 2009)
David Dillard, president of CSD Architects, requires architects who specialize in design for senior living to participate in the Sleepover Project. They spend a night at a nursing home as though they were a disabled resident. Throughout his stay, Dillard asked about the outdated building's deficiencies and took notes on what he observed. Architects should see for themselves what older persons require. Dillard will focus on making nursing homes that look less like health care institutions and more like homes. 

Seniors at Home in Co-Housing (May 4, 2009)
Adopting a relatively common means of living among older people in Europe, some local governments in the US are beginning to create co-housing groups. Such communities foster a sense of inclusion and involvement among the residents. One woman likened her interactions with her neighbors to those of an “extended family." Seniors find it appealing to manage the compound in any way they want. Another resident described the three plagues of aging as “isolation, boredom and helplessness,” and sees co-housing as a perfect solution. 

Accommodating Aging: Helping Your Older Patients Live the Life They Want (May 4, 2009)
The U.S. will need to increase dramatically the number of certified geriatricians within the next few years as the population rapidly ages. Many doctors believe the field of geriatrics provides them with the opportunity to truly practice the art of medicine. Dr Jerome Epplin, a family physician who cares for mostly older patients in Illinois, says, “The goal is maintaining a proper balance between treating enough to make a difference without over treating.” Tips and priorities are provided for services offered specifically to older persons.

Do the Best Nursing Homes Have to Be Expensive? (May 4, 2009)
A Genworth Financial survey of the national average cost of a nursing home concludes that the cost is $203 a day or about $74,000 annually. The survey is based on data collected from 15,000 nursing homes. A new report from “Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes” attempts to evaluate cost versus quality, using the following measures: bedsores, restraints, and chronic pain. 

Green House Concept Combines Best New Thinking for Elderly (April 14, 2009)
Two Green House homes, built primarily by donations and entirely with environmental savvy construction, were “designed to look like a home and promote what folks can do” and not focus on what they can’t do. Organizers want to deinstitutionalize long-term old age care, while medical care is provided; the homes have nurse aides that go beyond typical care by cooking, cleaning and doing laundry while providing protection and nurture for their residents. Currently, Green House residents pay about $20 more than the average skilled nursing private rooms.

Hispanics Appear To Face Poorer Quality Nursing Home Care (April 10, 2009)
Researchers at Brown University recently studied residents that live in nursing homes mainly offering care to Hispanics. They found that Hispanics receive inferior care compared to those providing care for white residents. Researchers propose more studies. These findings are particularly powerful because they follow a landmark study indicating that African-Americans are more likely to live in poorer-quality nursing homes than whites.

 Raising Grandchildren in a Recession (April 6, 2009)
While every family struggles in a tough economy, the recession poses unique problems for people raising their grandchildren and it is hitting these “grandfamilies” especially hard. Today, grandparents are raising grandchildren (6 million youngsters representing 8% of US). Grandparents provide a crucial safety net, allowing children whose parents can’t provide for them to remain in families, instead of winding up as wards of the state. But as the recession hits them, that safety net is under stress.

Youth Speak Out for Grandparents Who Raised Them (April 1, 2009)
Many older caretakers receive little support, but with the help of advocates, they are gaining more legal and financial rights for running their “grandfamilies,” the term the author uses to describe households in which grandparents raise their grandchildren. Over 6.2 million grandparents, most of whom are ethnic minorities, are responsible for their grandchildren under age 18 for reasons ranging from the parents’ incarceration to drug addiction to military deployment. Positive developments include the Congress-enacted Fostering Connections Act, which allows states to assist low-income family members to receive guardianship assistance payments to help care for young relatives who were formerly in foster care.

Care Coordination: Too Expensive for Medicare? (March 31, 2009)
Care coordination programs have garnered increased interest in recent years, linking the elder patient to his or her caretaking “environment.” Evaluation of these programs showed that patients gave a higher rating to the quality of health care. Physicians reported increased satisfaction and caregivers registered lower levels of stress. However, the cost of financing care coordination programs was about the same as the current cost of caring for older persons. The unfortunate bottom line results seem to show that this approach may not help Medicare reduce costs even though patients get better care.

Ohio May Let Elderly Have More Control Over their Care (March 8, 2009)
States and the elderly are increasingly opting for the cost efficiency and convenience of in-home care services over traditional nursing homes. While the costs to the states for in-home care rose, they were offset by smaller numbers of nursing home admissions and reduced long-term care costs. More than a dozen states are exploring that choice as a way to overcome a shortage of home health aides and to help control skyrocketing Medicaid costs for nursing home care. 

Gloucester’s PACE Program Helps Elders Stay in their Home (March 6, 2009)
An innovative program called PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly), a nationwide program with a total of six branches, focuses on maintaining and preserving the independence of senior citizens while still “meeting their physical, mental and social needs.” In total, 57 men and women participate in the program along with a staff made up of a physician, nurses, dietitian, occupational and physical therapist and a social worker. For some, the cost is covered by Medicare and Mass Health Benefits, while others pay a monthly fee. 

Putting Muscle Behind End-of-Life Wishes (February 24, 2009)
A study supports the growing concern that living wills do not provide clear enough guidelines concerning what should be done if one’s life takes a turn for the worse. Ninety percent of paramedics interpret a living will as meaning they should not save the life but only provide comfort. But in some cases people still are resuscitated despite their wishes. Last year, New York helped to resolve the confusion by creating the “Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Form” which allows a patient to clarify exactly what they would like to occur in any situation. 

How Do You Pick the Best Nursing Home? (February 2, 2009)
The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently revised their website, which includes a new rating system with an updated and improved layout that improves access to information. The rating systems are based on annual reviews of state and federal inspectors and list sectors where violations of care and safety rules have occurred. Studies found that non-profit homes on average perform better than for-profit homes. The article includes essential questions to ask when visiting a home, cautioning that persons should not choose a home based solely on rankings.

Recession Hits Aging Blacks, Hispanics Hardest Says a New Poll (September 30, 2009)
According to “Closer Look,” an AARP study that examined the effects of the recession on approximately 1,000 Americans aged 45 and above, minority elders struggle more than their white counterparts to meet even the most basic necessities. The study, conducted by telephone interviews, found that African-Americans and Hispanic elderly struggled to pay food expenditures, heating bills and basic medical costs, including prescription and dental costs. Also in comparison to whites, minorities had more pay cuts, reductions in hours and sought more affordable housing opportunities. Faced with higher rates of foreclosure and doubts of whether or not they could financially pull through in the event of a serious illness, African-Americans and Hispanics also lost more sleep due to financial stress and worry. The study focuses on the lives of the elderly impacted by the uncertainty of the recession: health, financial security, housing, transportation and comfort.

50+ Hispanic Workers: A Growing Segment of the US Workforce (June 2009) 
Hispanics represent one of the fastest growing segment of the older population. This report examines older Hispanic workers and the contribution they make to employers and the economy. It describes the older Hispanic population, focusing on its size, educational attainment, health status, and likely changes in this characteristics over the coming decades. The report also documents the work experiences of older Hispanics- the number and share that are employed, where they work, and how much they earn- and their attitudes toward work. Finally the report discusses various ways of promoting older Hispanic’s employment.

Population Aging, Elderly Migration and Education Spending: Intergenerational Conflict Revisited (May 2009)
Policy makers and politicians have begun to look at older people as a likely group to enhance economic development and add to the tax base of their communities. Recent literature on elder migration (to warmer climes, for example) tends to focus on how elders prefer States with lower taxes. Once elders move into a state, they can form a group that lobbies effectively for fund elder programs. Often funding such programs requires pulling resources from educational spending on young people. This paper examines intergenerational conflict over education financing using US state and county level data. It analyzes how preferences for education spending might vary across different elderly age groups, an analysis that has yet not been explored. 

Perceptions of Long Term Care and the Economic Recession (April 2009)
This AARP report examines people aged 45 years and over and assesses their need for long term care and the economic impact on their situation. Long term care in the US involves getting care regularly for three months or more due to an age-related health problem. The authors examine how “financially prepared” people feel when dealing with unexpected long term care. According to the authors, the number of people who expect to live at home and receive long term aid has increased this year, due to the economic downturn. While half said that they felt prepared for unanticipated long term care, about 25% confessed that had no plans for paying for long term care. 

Promoting Economic Security at Older Ages through Workforce Development (February 25, 2009)
After the wipe-out of trillions of dollars in retirement account wealth, many older workers are forced to work longer. However, those with limited education are unable to continue working into later life. They often lack the skills that employer’s value and the tools to find jobs. Congress could improve the economic security of these older adults in retirement and in the years leading up to retirement by increasing government-funded employment and training services.

Keeping the Promise: Recommendations to Reduce Elder Poverty in New York City (February 2009)
In recent decades, poverty among older Americans has steadily declined. However, elder poverty in New York City has actually risen to double the national rate. In 2007, the New York Citizens’ Committee on Aging launched its Initiative to Reduce Elder Poverty, a campaign to address the critical problem of persistent poverty among New York’s older population. The Committee offered four main recommendations to tackle old age poverty in New York. These include promoting income security and employment opportunities, expanding affordable housing and health care; and strengthening the existing safety nets to help prevent individuals from descending into poverty.

The Wealth of the Baby Boom Cohorts after the Collapse of the Housing Bubble (February 2009)
Workers have a limited number of years during their lifetime in which they can accumulate wealth toward retirement. If they save little during those years because they expect that wealth generated by a bubble will persist and grow, they are likely to find themselves ill-prepared for retirement when the bubble bursts. 

It's Not Easy Being Gray: The New Rules of Retirement (February 2009)
Declining home equity, rising health care costs, uncertain long-term care needs, low private saving rates, and rising federal deficits cloud the retirement outlook of US workers. Financial difficulties not only affect people near retirement but all older US workers. The Urban Institute suggests that effective policies that help older workers find and retain jobs must recognize the diversity of both employers and older adults and design programs to keep the older workers engaged. 

The Economic Recovery Package Will Help Poor Older Adults, but More Could Be Done (February 2009)
The economic recovery package includes only a small investment in job training and development for older workers even though many older adults must stay in the labor market longer to meet their expenses. 

A Year-End Look at the Economic Slowdowns Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans (January 2009)
How did the 2008 economic meltdown effect middle-aged and older Americans? The AARP conducted a telephone survey in order to determine the effect of the slowdown on Americans' behavior, outlook for the future and employment situation. The results show that an overwhelming majority of older Americans cut back in spending, have difficulty paying bills and express significant concerns about their ability to pay for health care expenses in 2009. 

                                          Articles

Hidden Pockets of US Elderly Said to be in Poverty (September 4, 2009)
The National Academy of Science has readjusted its formula for calculating poverty levels among older people in the US. In fact, US elders are twice the indicated rate of 10%, according to the National Academy of Science’s mathematical formula, adjusted from an inaccurate formula designed in 1955. The new rate includes costs not previously considered, such as medical expenditures, location-specific costs and other miscellaneous expenses. The NAS formula indicates that ages 65 and up demonstrate a poverty level of 18.6%, in contrast to the government formula that only specifies a poverty level of 9.7%. The current government-designed formula simply measures poverty as a numeric that is threefold one’s cost of groceries, but does not consider cost of transportation, health care, dependents and household location. Some cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have higher living costs. For instance, in New York City, implementation of the NAS formula revealed that one in three elderly US citizens falls into poverty rankings. Although poverty levels have been reduced due to federal assistance, the NAS formula reveals that many older Americans still fall into poverty due to rising out-of-pocket expenses. 

Mortgages Reversed for Elderly… Relief for Hispanics Over 62 Years (July 2, 2009
(Article in Spanish)
The mortgage reversal program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers grants through private agencies and banks to older American Hispanics This opportunity has helped resolve some economic problems facing many U.S. pensioners. Many older persons battle to survive month to month. This program gives people additional income to stay on top of medical expenses, to travel or simply to reach the economic stability they need.

Boomers May Create ‘Entrepreneurship Boom’ (July 2, 2009)
According to a Kauffman Foundation study, aging baby boomers are starting new businesses. Over the past decade, Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 had the highest rates of entrepreneurial activity of any age group. Those persons in the age 20-34 category had the lowest rate, despite the attention lavished on youthful founders of companies such as Facebook. Job trends may increase entrepreneurial activity among older Americans. 

Early Retirement Claims Increase Dramatically (May 24, 2009)
While the US Social Security Administration expected that older Americans would delay retirement in order to further build up their nest egg, the opposite is happening. Social Security reports a major increase, upwards of 25% more than last year, among US citizens claiming early retirement. Many claims are most likely laid-off workers who, under financial pressure and having exhausted unemployment benefits, decide to take early Social Security. This action will have poor consequences as their Social Security benefits could be reduced as much as 25% over their remaining lives.

Public Education of Elderly Makes Good Fiscal Sense (May 19, 2009)
The writer claims that classes for seniors can have beneficial effects no matter how expensive they are. Studies show that people who are not mentally stimulated on a regular basis are at increased risk for depression. For elders, depression can lead to a decline in physical health as well. Ongoing high-level mental stimulation for seniors leads to an overall upturn in physical health with a fair amount of frequency. While it is unlikely that traditional testing with older students will be conducted, it doesn’t mean that these educational programs are unjustifiable. Surely the economic benefits of education for older people from health care savings demonstrate the value of senior educational programs.

Not a Good Time to Be Middle-Aged (May 15, 2009)
The Pew Research Center recently released a poll of Americans that found that those aged 65 and older generally suffered less from the repercussions of the recession. Perhaps they were better insulated because many have already retired and downsized their lifestyles. For instance, about 23% of Americans 65 and older reported losses of at least 20% of their investments in the last year, well below those further from retirement. The recession appears to have affected most those in the “threshold generation,” ages 50-64. 

Rising Prices Hurt Seniors (May 15, 2009)
Many senior groups believe that Social Security increases should be based on what services or products that older Americans, rather than workers, must spend their money. The government should switch from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or the CPI-W, to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly, or CPI-E, to calculate the annual Social Security cost-of-living increases. The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that due to low inflation, seniors will receive no cost-of-living increase in 2010 and possibly in 2011, the first time in 35 years. But medical, drugs and nursing home care costs are very likely to go up.

During Older Americans Month, Let’s Focus on Keeping the Elderly Out of Poverty (May 1, 2009)
As we celebrate Older Americans Month during this month of May, consider that many older persons live in poverty, a reality disclosed by federal data. Older women are much poorer than men. Unemployment for older workers has risen sharply due to the ongoing recession, and retirement nests have shrunk dramatically. The author suggests that the government invest in programs and services that will give older persons the opportunity to live comfortably.

Tax Scammers Target Unsuspecting Senior Citizens (April 13, 2009)
Senior citizens were warned to avoid financial scams aimed at them, especially around Tax Day. The most common income tax scam aimed at seniors involves someone posing as an IRS agent who, for a fee, offers a higher tax refund. After securing a “fee,” the con artist requests personal financial information from the individual and that is used for identity theft. Older persons should be especially careful when handling financial transactions.

‘Grandfamilies’ Come Under Pressure (April 4, 2009)
Grandparents provide a crucial safety net, allowing children whose parents can’t provide for them to remain in families instead of winding up as wards of the state. However, the ongoing recession is putting a deep strain on ‘grandfamilies,’ (households in which grandparents raise grandchildren under age 18). In fact, some grandfamilies are at risk of being separated as social service authorities could take children away and place them in foster care if grandparents are unable to support them. The unemployment rate for older workers is lower than the overall rate, but once they are unemployed it is harder for them to find work in this economic downturn. Agencies that work with grandparents are seeing a spike in requests for emergency assistance to help pay their mortgages and other bills.

More Senior Citizens Forced to Declare Bankruptcy (March 30, 2009)
In 2007, older seniors living in the US who are age 55 and older accounted for 23% of the more than one million persons who filed for bankruptcy. Older persons are experiencing the sharpest increase in bankruptcy filings among all age groups. More seniors are filing at higher rates due to the declining economy, increasing health care costs and a lack of retirement savings. Furthermore, due to immediate needs for prescription medication and doctor visits, senior citizens are resorting to short-term fixes such as using their credit cards and refinancing their mortgages.

Baby Boomers ‘Under Water’ (March 13, 2009)
Many middle-aged homeowners, seduced by the rising prices of years past, failed to save for retirement and may owe more than their homes are worth. About 15% of older baby boomers between the ages of 54 and 64 are in this predicament. The near-zero level of saving and the highly inflated housing market led to the decline of overall personal wealth. Before liquidating any valuable assets or refinancing a mortgage, financial advisors recommend other less drastic actions. 

Economy Puts Seniors in Hard Spot (March 1, 2009)
Nearly half a million senior citizens living alone in California lack sufficient income to pay their basic living expenses. The findings are based on the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, or the elder index, for California. The tool measures the actual cost of basic necessities for older adults in the state’s 58 counties. For many older persons, Social Security checks are the only source of income they can rely on while the rising cost of healthcare is worsening their plight.

Recession Hits Especially Older Persons Living Alone (February 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
According to a UCLA study, about half a million senior citizens living alone in California cannot pay basic living, health and transportation costs, while another half a million seniors, who do live with others, still have difficulty covering costs. Seventy-five percent of the older persons who live alone and cannot cover living costs are Hispanics. Many hope this study will foster the passage of the Elder Economic Dignity Act of 2009 aimed at helping seniors cover the costs of living in California. 

Budget Cuts Will Gravely Affect Sick Older Persons (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Florida legislators have reduced the $13.3 million budget of the Alzheimer’s Initiative, assisting people who care for sick family members, by 4%. Due to hard economic times, other programs were cut and legislators are looking to make more reductions. Defenders of senior citizens claim the cuts to programs cannot continue without considerably affecting the population. The article includes a modest list of changes advocates are seeking. 

There Goes Retirement (February 14, 2009)
Traditionally, retirees embraced the idea of “working in retirement” to follow long-deferred dreams; however, many now take it on with a sense of urgency. More senior citizens must forego retirement to maintain, let alone salvage, their lifestyles as the Bureau of Labor Statistics has recorded an increase in the number of unemployed workers over the age of 55. The article takes a snapshot of six retirees who have re-entered the workforce across the country and offers advice to those facing similar scenarios. 

US Meltdown Hits Elderly Immigrants (February 13, 2009)
Unable to find work or receive retirement benefits, many older immigrants are ending up relying on their relatives. Federal law limits access to benefits for elderly legal immigrants, making it difficult for them to get Supplemental Security Income, health coverage or cash assistance. In addition, elderly immigrants must struggle to assimilate to a new culture and are increasingly isolated.

For Older Persons in NY the Fight Begins (February 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish) 
For Norman Siegel, a well-known civil rights lawyer, the fight for older persons has become a personal one. With 1 in 7 residents in New York (1.3 million people) above the age of 60 and 1 in 3 of them living in poverty, the proposed budget cuts are too severe and are not taking into account the welfare of its older residents. Senior citizens will have increased problems with health, living and transportation if the budget cuts and the closing of senior citizen centers continue. 

Obama Increase Likely for Low-Income Elderly (January 13, 2009)
More than 7 million poor people who are elderly, blind or disabled and receive cash benefits averaging $477 a month could get an extra monthly payment as part of President-elect Barack Obama's $800 billion economic recovery plan.

Need for Low-Income Heating Assistance Continues Despite Recent Drop in Some Home Heating Costs (January 2009)
A recent report examines heating related energy consumption and expenditures among consumers aged 65 and older. The report reveals that although home-heating costs will show a modest decline this winter, low income households will struggle to pay for heat because energy costs have increased faster than income.

Reports

Saving for Retirement: What Do You Know? (November 11, 2009)
When you picture your retirement years, what do you see? Most people look forward to relaxing and enjoying themselves. But how can you make that picture a reality? What can you do to make sure you'll have enough resources to live comfortably and reach your goals? What do the experts have to say about saving for retirement, especially if economic times are tough?

Buddy, Can You Spare a Job? (October 2009)
Aging Boomers may both need and want to work longer than earlier generations. Due to the impact of the economic recession, many Older Boomers do not have the retirement savings to support them into their mid-eighties. About three-quarters of today’s workers report they expect to have paid work after they retire. Authors of this study examine the realities of the job market and suggest ways that both job seekers competing in the marketplace and employers trying to stay competitive can find one another. Will it be a race to the bottom?

Work Status of People 65 Years and Older (September 2009)
Read this report about the work status of people age 65 and older at the national and state levels based on the 2008 American Community Survey. Work status includes both currently employed and those employed in the past 12 months. According to 2008 US Census Bureau projections, the 65-and-older population is projected to increase by 79 percent from 2010 to 2030. By 2030 nearly 20 percent of the total population will be in this older category.

America’s Changing Workforce: Recession Turns a Graying Office Grayer (September 3, 2009)
US workers are staying on the job longer. At the same time, younger adults are staying away from paid work. Why do people actually work? To earn a living? To feel useful? Analysts say that older workers remain in the labor force to feel independent or useful, not to accrue more wages. Older workers are more likely than younger workers to be content on the job. Many older workers reluctantly leave for retirement. Young people stay out of the labor force longer because they are focused on education and job training. 

Phased Retirement (July 2009)
How can older workers move gradually from full-time employment to partial- or full-retirement? Can workers enjoy a “phased retirement?” What are the opportunities? What are the constraints? This Legal and Research Summary Sheet provides specific information about older workers and employers’ experience with phased retirement

Managing an Older Workforce (April 29, 2009)
Compilers of this AARP survey reveal demographic changes in the US workforce: Across the country there will be fewer younger workers with a greater supply of older workers and tightening markets of skill and talents. Yet, these changes will provide opportunities for employers and mature workers. Advantages of mature workers outweigh slightly their higher costs in compensation and benefits. Further, workers 55 and older are more motivated, according to the survey.

Employment Support for the Transition to Retirement: Can a New Program Help Older Workers Continue to Work and Protect Those Who Cannot? (April 2009)
Many US persons work until they reach full retirement age for Social Security. Many, however, are forced to retire early because of poor health, long-term unemployment, or other events. Social Security allows such workers to claim reduced benefits beginning at age 62. On the other hand, some want policies that extend working lives and delay claims for Social Security benefits. The authors try to identify circumstances that call for expanded assistance for workers nearing retirement if early benefits were no longer available, and calls for a wider range of benefits, tailored to individual needs.

Engaging the 21st Century Multi-Generational Workforce (March 2009)
This study explores the drivers of employee “engagement”, which is defined as the positive and enthusiastic connection with work that motivates employees to ‘excel’ at their jobs. The study reports that older workers tend to be more engaged than younger workers. It also found that various factors 'drive' the levels of engagement of different groups of employees. There is no single solution to low levels of engagement.

Senior Unemployment Hits 31-Year High (January 2009)
Unlike the previous recessions, the current economic slowdown has substantially increased the unemployment rate for older Americans. The unemployment rate for adults age 55 to 64 increased to 6 percent in January 2009, the highest since April 1983.

Articles

Unemployment Jumped 70 Percent in 2008 for People Over 55-Years-Old (August 17, 2009)
Between January 2008 and January 2009, the number of unemployed workers ages 55 and older increased 70%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Recently, individuals representing social service organizations and businesses (Temple and Killeen Help Centers, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, the United Way of Central Texas, etc.) met to discuss the problems of middle aged and mature workers who face aging problems. Some do not know how to do a job search and sometimes do not use computers. The organizations focus on helping jobless people start over and find new work when they find themselves unemployed. The organizations also provide some training programs.

Age Discrimination a Growing Boomer Concern (July 6, 2009)
It has been very challenging for baby boomers to find work during the recession. Although they have experience and excellent work ethics, they have to overcome age, which has become a big barrier to employment. Complaints of age bias to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission jumped 29% last year. Baby boomers keep certain dates off their resumes to hide their age. They are encouraged to use Facebook and Twitter during job interviews to show they are tuned in to the newest forms of networking.

US Seniors Hunt Jobs as Retirement Hopes Fade (June 10, 2009)
Evidence is building that a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, the number of older people looking for work has swelled more than 120% to over 1.8 million in the last year. Among that group, those age 75 and older has increased by 80%. The US government has allocated stimulus dollars to bolster programs targeted at getting older workers onto private payrolls and less dependent on their Social Security income garnered over the earlier employment. The older worker program at the US Department of Labor is funding efforts in 50 states to employ low-income earners who are 55 and over and employed in government or nonprofit jobs that benefit communities.

Early Retirement Claims Increase Dramatically (May 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Instead of seeing older workers staying on the job longer as the economy worsened, the Social Security system is reporting a major surge in early retirement claims that could have implications for the financial security of millions of baby boomers. The ramifications could be profound for retirees, families, government and social institutions.

Longer Unemployment for Those 45 and Older (April 12, 2009)
The unemployment rate in March for workers ages 45 and over was 6.4%, the highest since at least 1948. Many out-of-work baby boomers have despaired as they consider trimming their resumes to avoid revealing decades of work experience. Others try to rejuvenate their appearance. Older workers often have knowledge specific to their companies that helps protect them from layoffs. But that background is often less useful to prospective employers. Therefore, some unemployed boomers, frustrated after months of fruitless searching, conclude that they will start over at much lower pay.
 
Older Workers to Postpone Retirement Due to Economic Crisis (April 1, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish) 
During these times of economic uncertainty, many older Americans are postponing retirement in fear of living without sufficient resources. An AARP poll discovered that 16% of people 45 years and older have delayed retirement. Currently in the United States, 17% of the workforce is 65 years and older. Older and more experienced workers tend to produce more per hour with less supervision than younger workers.

Old People Competing with Young People for Jobs (March 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It is often reported that many older people are competing with young people for entry-level positions at grocery stores, retail and fast food shops. Due to reduced retirement pensions, increasing medical costs and lack of social security, more and more old people have to look for a job to survive. The US unemployment rate has reached its highest point in 26 years, leading to fewer job opportunities for young or old people’s income security. 

Gilded Age (February 26, 2009)
In California, the areas with older populations are proving to be more resilient to the recession than others. Of the ten counties with the lowest unemployment rates, nine--including Santa Barbara--contain an above-average proportion of people aged 65 or older. Youthful Los Angeles has shed almost a quarter-of-a-million jobs in the past year. Slightly older San Diego has lost a few thousand, while considerably older San Francisco has lost none.

Elderly Emerge as a New Class of Workers – and the Jobless (February 23, 2009)
As senior citizens outlive their life savings and outspend their Social Security checks, they are forced to go back to work. However, these elders are returning to a very different workforce than the one they entered several decades ago. Among other challenges, they face a more competitive job market in a teetering economy, and many of the skills they possess have become obsolete. Members of the community, including numerous nonprofit organizations, are reaching out to unemployed seniors to provide them with skills and assistance that will make them more marketable.

Back to Work: More Seniors Forced to Forgo Retirement (February 1, 2009)
An increasing number of American senior citizens are going back to work or delaying retirement. Although the current recession has made the situation worse, 40% of baby boomers do not have any assets. AARP says that over 50% of its members work at least part time. Before returning to work, an older person should consult the Social Security Administration and a tax advisor to verify that Social Security benefits will not decrease.

Understanding the Abuse of Older Persons (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
Older people face a new reality of increasing abuse The report describes the varieties of cruelties and the warning signs that abuse is ongoing. The authors list five types of abuse of older persons: physical, emotional, negligence, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. In order to combat the abuse and violence against older persons, the report clarifies the different ways to report an abuse.

Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions (2009)
This report defines ‘elder abuse’ and provides explanations on why it happens and how to prevent it. It is easy for people to have misconceptions about elder abuse because it is a complex problem that often has roots in multiple factors. Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect. And for every case of elder abuse and neglect that is reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as five cases that have not been reported. Elder abuse is never an acceptable response to any problem or situation, however stressful; effective interventions can prevent or stop elder abuse. By increasing awareness among physicians, mental health professionals, home health care workers, and others who provide services to older persons and family members, patterns of abuse or neglect can be broken, and both the abused person and the abuser can receive needed help.

    Articles

NYC's First Elder Abuse Center Created by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell in Collaboration With Community Partners (August 11, 2009)
Leaders at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Hospital have created a elder abuse center. They want to improve intervention and treatment for elder abuse cases in the New York City area. The Samuels Foundation gave the Hospital $300,000 to help coordinate abuse interventions. The New York City Elder Abuse Center will gather clinicians, city agencies, representatives from adult protective services, the district attorney's office, a mental health provider, a geriatrician and organizations at the same table to decide on the best approach for each case and to plan a coordinated response. It is expected to begin operations later in 2009.

It’s Time to Take Notice and Help Stop Scam Artists from Fleecing the Elderly (July 16, 2009)
According to a report released by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, family friends, neighbors, and caregivers commit 55% of the fraud cases involving older persons. Authorities suspect that the recession is pushing more people to steal from well-off seniors. Victims of elder financial abuse lose an estimated $2.6 billion per yea. The typical victim of elder abuse is a woman over 75 years living alone. The article provides some red-flag warnings to help adult protective services workers spot and stop potential elder financial abuse.

Old Job Seekers Struggle to Overcome Age Barrier (July 3, 2009)
Along with many others, baby boomers have begun to search for jobs, but in vain. Despite their years of experience, they are turned away since many companies prefer hiring younger persons. Older people face discrimination regularly. In an attempt to circumvent this prejudice, some older people resort to keeping certain dates off their resumes, such as college graduation. Others submit to Botox treatments for a more youthful appearance. 

State House Moves to Toughen Elder Abuse Laws (June 29, 2009)
Legislators have proposed new bills in the Michigan State House that would address the increase in abuse of older persons (up 40% since 1998) and to respond findings of an elder abuse task force that Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed. The State House unveiled plans to provide relief to senior citizens from elder abuse. Highlights of the proposals include laws to disinherit adult children found guilty of abuse, increased penalties for cheating seniors, and the installation of a new alert system for senior citizens: the “Mozelle Alert.” 

Stiff Penalties for those who Abuse the Elderly (June 19, 2009)
As the US population grays rapidly, increasing attention needs to be given to cases of elder abuse. This week a four-month jail sentence was meted out to a woman who kept her father in squalid conditions. Her father died in 2006, a week after he was found in his room full of adult diapers, trash, soda cans and animal feces. This case is a cold reminder of the vulnerability of older persons who suffer mental and physical decline.

A Family’s Fight to Save Elders from Scammers (June 17, 2009)
An Ivy League-educated professional sent at least $23,000 to con artists, who acquired very detailed information about him, including his personal interests and financial information, over a period shorter than one year. This story is not an uncommon one given the current economic state, where people of all ages are in desperate need of financial support. Scams can be presented in a variety of mediums, including marketing frauds, fraudulent lottery schemes, and counterfeit checks. This article provides several solutions to help decrease older persons’ vulnerability to such scams. 

The Rich Aren’t So Different (May 4, 2009)
Trying to specify exactly what behavior constitutes elder abuse remains a shadowy and insufficiently investigated subject. Although elder abuse of all kinds is believed to be vastly underreported, financial or material exploitation is a variety of abuse that can be particularly hard to ferret out. Neglect and physical abuse are more likely to come to medical attention, to raise suspicion and to get reported, while financial exploitation by caregivers and family members is less visible and harder to detect. Studies have shown that financially preying on people with Alzheimer’s is common practice. The most likely perpetrators are family members, friends and caregivers. As for assessing the mental capacity of an Alzheimer’s sufferer, it’s no simple calculation. Alzheimer’s is commonly associated with memory loss, but judgment, calculation, reasoning and use of language are also affected. 

More Seniors Using Vehicles as Shelter (April 8, 2009)
Gene Sargent, 65, has spent the past four years living in the cab of a pickup in South King County, pulling behind him a camp trailer packed with his life’s possessions. With a Social Security payment of less than $700 a month, he cannot afford an apartment. His situation is becoming increasingly common. The homeless population is graying along with the general population and more older people are living out their final years on the streets.

Political Rights and Legal Actions

Reports

Older Workers: Enhanced Communication among Federal Agencies Could Improve Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Experienced Workers (February 2009)
The proportion of federal employees eligible to retire is growing. In some specific departments, 46 percent of the workforce will be eligible to retire by 2012, leaving behind gaps in leadership, skills and knowledge. Due to past hiring freezes, all have relatively few midlevel staff to help pass down knowledge and skills to less experienced employees. In many cases, older workers are brought back into the workforce after their retirement, as consultants for a short term assignments and also to train new staff. The Office of Personnel Management is assisting the government in attracting, recruiting and retaining talented workers, including older workers.

Assisted Suicide Laws (January 19, 2009)
Currently in the US, state governments determine whether to adopt a legal procedure governing assisted suicides. In this chart, see how your state defines assisted suicide under the law.

Articles

Weighing Prison When the Convict is Over 80 (October 10, 2009)
An issue related to sentencing convicts over 80 years old has arisen in the US after a Manhattan federal judge was asked to spare an 85-year-old New Jersey man from going to prison. The judge declared that prison will not serve any purpose and imposed only a fine on the convict. However, not all judges see old age as a get-out-of-jail-free card. Some consider the type of crime more important than the age of the defendant, as an attempt to deter future bad conduct. 

Montana Court to Rule on Assisted Suicide Case (August 31, 2009)
Robert Baxter, a 76-year-old retired truck driver who recently died of lymphocytic leukemia, is at the center of a right-to-die debate that could make Montana the first state in the country to declare that medical aid in dying is a protected right under a state constitution. Baxter was struggling, not for life, but for the right to die, with help from his doctor. He felt that a doctor’s refusal to help him die violated his rights under Montana’s Constitution. 

“Death Panels” Language Distracts From Real Issues for Ethnic Elders (August 26, 2009)
Paul Kleyman states very simply that he sees the topic of “death panels” to be superfluous to the more important issue of discussing end-of-life care. He says that we need guidance, and not “political and ratings-driven manipulation.” Dismissive of the current health care debate, he prefers to focus on the provisions for end-of-life care. As well as focusing on the affairs of older persons as they approach the end of life, Kleyman addresses the predicament of persons of color in old age.

Grey Panthers (July 2009)
Roger Sanjek has written a new book, Gray Panthers, a long-needed history of the remarkable movement which emerged in the 1960’s. The group worked for the dignity and rights of older people with the vision of a new society in which elders could achieve greater control of their lives by working through a model of community, partly based on mutual aid. "Gray Panthers are out to make old a beautiful thing, not something to be hidden but something to be declared and affirmed," said founder, Maggie Kuhn. "Until rigor mortis sets in," Kuhn said, "do one outrageous thing every week," and she meant it.

Funding Cuts Hit Services for the Elderly (June 11, 2009)
Senior services in a number of Boston Area communities are losing funding because they fall in the “non-essential” category. For example, one town’s Council on Aging budget was cut from $64,000 to $38,437 at the recommendation of the town’s Finance Committee. Some senior centers will lose several positions, meaning that many programs for seniors will become inefficient. Many seniors are responding by lobbying at their town halls but they rarely get to address the budget cuts with town meeting representatives.

Equal Pay for Women Denied, Again (May 20, 2009)
According to the columnist, the Supreme Court keeps finding ways to deny women equal pay and benefits. In 2007, it denied a woman’s claim for equal pay because it thought she waited too long to file it. A few days ago, the court sided against female retirees who get smaller pensions than their male colleagues because they got pregnant and took maternity leaves before Congress got around to outlawing discrimination on that basis. Justices reasoned mainly that the pregnancy leaves predated the 1978 law, and since the law was not retroactive, the discrepancy in benefits was the product of “past, completed events that were entirely lawful at the time they occurred.” The long arm of sex discrimination extends into old age.

Laws Take On Financial Scams Against Seniors (May 19, 2009)
Investigators are cracking down on shady practices such as misleading claims and underplayed risks that are targeting senior citizens. Throughout the country, laws are being passed imposing penalties for financial security violations when the victim is 65 years or older, especially as the frequency of this situation is increasing. No investors are more vulnerable to scams than older persons who depend on savings for retirement.

Serve America Act Will Help Boomers With Midlife Career Transitions (April 21, 2009)
The bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will make national service accessible and inviting for millions who have finished their mid-life careers by offering one-year management or leadership positions that will prepare them for jobs in the public and nonprofit sectors. According to a recent national survey, half of citizens over 50 years of age want encore careers that combine income and meaningful work. The Serve America Act provides a reasonable stipend to older volunteers who could invest in continued education or transfer that money to their children or grandchildren. It also encourages nonprofit organizations to create higher-impact work and service opportunities for those age 55 and up.

Elderly Immigrants Find Life in U.S. A Tough Go (February 10, 2009)
Older immigrants transplanted in the United States struggle with feelings of isolation and loss of independence, especially because many are unable to find work or receive retirement benefits after moving to the U.S. Many are forced to rely heavily on family members. Federal laws severely limit the benefits available to older legal immigrants unless they become citizens. 

Reports | Articles

Reports

US Administration on Aging Newsletter (November 2009)
The United States’ Administration on Aging has published the latest newsletter. The newsletter includes upcoming national observances including National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, to be celebrated throughout November. In addition to tracking upcoming stories, information is available on Department of Health and Human Services activity about ways to lower energy costs, and several other important updates.

Forty Years After Woodstock, A Gentler Generation Gap (August 12, 2009)
Many US people are looking at the 1969 Woodstock events to assess the differences between old and young Americans forty years after the music festival highlighted the generational differences. The writer claims that all generations now agree on the 1960’s popular music. Forty years ago, rock and roll was the most unpopular music in the country; today about 35% of US residents surveyed said that they preferred rock to other genres of music.

Older Immigrants in the United States (May 2009)
After declining steadily between 1960 and 1990, the number of older immigrants (age 65 and over) in the United States nearly doubled between 1990 and 2007. Some 4.5 million have entered the US and now account for one of every nine older persons in the country.. Immigrants make up an important part of the US older population today and will continue to grow in size in the years ahead.

The Future of Living Independently (March 2009)
The International Longevity Centre studied independent living for older persons with a multi-disciplinary perspective. The report addresses the need of older persons to live independently, which is made difficult by the absence of adequate and satisfying living arrangements. The culture of ageism also limits healthcare and care giving options. The report suggests building living arrangements that address the many needs of older people for choice, safety and control of their living situation. 

The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population (September 30, 2009)
To help cities and counties better meet the needs of their aging population, and to harness the experience and talent of their older citizens, five national organizations joined forces to identify ways to prepare for the aging of the US population. The project is being led by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, in partnership with the International City/County Management Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and Partners for Livable Communities.

                                         Articles

Older Internet Users Like Google, Facebook and Youtube (Deccember 11, 2009)
Nielsen Institute research says that older persons are using the Internet in much greater numbers. Take a look at the US: Neilsen counted 17.5 million Internet users of 65 years in November 2009, a 55% increase when compared to 2004. Likewise, the older Internet users now spend more time on the Internet--58 hours a month in average. Among their favorite activities: e-mail checking and weather forecast, or on websites such as Google, Facebook and Youtube. (And more are coming to visit www.globalaging.org every month.)

Suburbs See a Challenge as Residents Grow Older (December 4, 2009)
In just two years, baby boomers will start to retire, and by 2030 the number of older persons in the US will reach 72 million, more than double the number in 2000. Demographers expect the suburbs to age particularly quickly, as residents retire close to home. More, those who have already moved to the Sun Belt, may return to live near relatives as they grow frail. For instance, Mercer County, with its grayer population, offers a peek at the future. On the housing front, builders have seen a sharp rise in developments for people 55 years and over. Also, some adult communities are being built. County residents have seen a boom in assisted-living facilities. Last year, Mercer Community College started to offer gerontology certificate for health care providers, social workers, caregivers and others.

Lights, Camera...Last Words (December 3, 2009)
Some elderly and terminally ill individuals are filming video messages for surviving families concerning their life and disposal of their assets as a means of avoiding family conflicts and to impart lasting wisdom for future generations. Videos provide better explanations of written legal documents, and also allow individuals to leave firsthand recollections of personal histories, values and hopes--something that may be viewed time and time again. Many older people want to leave their reflections as well as rationales for wills on a video. 

More Aid for US Elderly (December 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Hit by the economic recession, more and more seniors in the US desperately cry out for government assistance to survive. Many people lost their jobs along with their retirement security. And older persons face a more severe unemployment rate compared to that of younger generations. Even in the richest country in the world, many older persons struggle just to survive.

When It's Time to Pass the Baton (December 2, 2009)
At 80 years of age, Dick Clark will again be shown on TV at America's Times Square counting down to the New Year for the 50th year, despite slurred speech from his 2004 stroke. Many have mixed feelings about his continued role. Some say his presence evokes sadness at things that once were, while others say they admire his strength and dedication. In turn, this has left many people questioning their own timing--when is it too early to retire or too late to continue? 

At 99, Bronx Woman Still Hears Life’s Joyful Noises (November 23, 2009)
Sarah Gellert’s favorite word is wonderful. Her parents and friends growing up in the Bronx were wonderful. Her two husbands were wonderful. Her friends from the company where she worked for more than four decades were wonderful. Mrs. Gellert is 99 and counting, living alone in the Bronx with little family, almost no savings, and problems with her hearing, vision and mobility. But while many others her age are consumed with their limitations, Mrs. Gellert remains upbeat, the warmest person in the room.

A New Type of Seatbelt for Children and Older Persons (November 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Ford Motor Company has introduced a new type of seatbelt that can be especially effective for children and older persons in case of accidents. However, the price seems to be quite excessive. Therefore, the new seatbelt is most likely be an option and not part of the usual vehicle package.

First Lady Highlights Health Care Reform Issues Affecting Older Women (November 13, 2009)
First Lady Michelle Obama asked women leaders over the age of 50 to tell their personal stories and thus, explore the current inequities of the health care system. Three women told their life stories and current struggles with health care. Yet, the mood was upbeat, not somber, as 130 activist women from different organizations gathered in the fight to preserve their rights in the present health care system.

Elderly, A Bit Senile, Visting Vegas—Man Was Perfect Fraud Victim (November 10, 2009)
A 78-year-old—with progressive dementia and Alzheimers—visited Las Vegas for his high school reunion that ultimately cost him over $750,000 and his financial security. While in Vegas, the man befriended an unindentified 20-something year old who over the subsequent three years after their meeting, tapped into his financial information and secured over 28 credit cards and mass debt in his name. This case serves as a prominent example of elderly abuse that will launch the campaign for approval of the Elder Justice Act. The Act, which many advocates for older persons seek to pass in order to protect senior citizens against abuse, would require over $600 million to fund protective measures for the next four years. Approximately 90 percent of all elder abuse cases go unreported; passage and funding of this Act have yet to occur. 

Quest for Long Life Gains Scientific Prospect (September 29, 2009)
During a recent conference hosted by Harvard University, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals presented its anti-aging research to an eager, aging crowd that included the likes of those cutting calories to live longer and individuals who strived to live until 120 years of age. The company spoke of its drug that mimics resveratrol—found in red wine—and activates sirtuins, which strengthens the body against the degenerative diseases that accompany aging. In order to test this drug, mice and rats were placed on a 30% reduced diet, and were found to live 40% longer. The drug, in contrast to resveratrol, is much more potent and may be issued in smaller doses. While many people are awaiting its launch on the market, it is currently still being tested in clinical trials. 

Seeing Store Shelves Through Senior Eyes (September 14, 2009)
In an effort to understand the difficulties that elderly persons face when conducting a simple shopping trip, retailers underwent an experiment that involved un-popped popcorn in their shoes to simulate limited walking capabilities, wearing yellow-tinted blurry glasses to mimic visual impairments and hand-binding tape to imitate the stiffness brought on by arthritis. As a result, this program provided retailers with new perspectives and thus, new ideas on how to meet to the needs of elderly shoppers. Expect your local grocery to become more age-friendly. 

Invisible Immigrants, Old and Left with “Nobody to Talk to” (August 30, 2009)
Experts say that America’s ethnic elderly are among the fastest-growing immigrant group, expected to reach 16 million by 2050. They are also the most isolated people in the US, due to the fact that they speak little or no English. Many city governments are reaching out to the growing numbers of elderly immigrants. However, US society is not organized in a way that responds easily to other’s cultural expectations. Nevertheless, Kashmir Singh Shahi, a volunteer at the Community Ambassador Program for Seniors, says that little things matter with regard to older immigrants. It is very important to make immigrants feel welcome in the US. 

Kennedy Helped Shape Many Laws that Affect Average Americans (August 27, 2009)
In the wake of the recent death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, many are now basking in the memory of what he accomplished during his long career and how his actions changed their lives. He helped raise the minimum wage, supported the distribution of more than 6 billion meals to seniors and the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act to provide protection against discrimination of older people. Kennedy’s actions directly affected the lives of millions of Americans, all of whom will remember him. 

An East Village Tale of Elderly Lefties Hanging On (August 23, 2009)
Jill Ciment’s novel, Heroic Measures, tells the story of Alex and Ruth, two older New Yorkers living in the East Village. The writer tells the unfortunate and rather depressing tale of the two seniors as they travel through the city, and the seemingly immeasurable odds they face, making it seem as if the whole city is against them. Although not intended to be so, the affords insight into the solitary and depressing lives of some older persons in New York City. 

Fidelity: Optimism Helps Retirement Readiness (August 21, 2009)
According to new research from Fidelity Investments, pessimistic older persons are less likely than those with a more optimistic outlook to expect a comfortable lifestyle in retirement. Therefore, they are less ready to set up a plan to achieve good retirement incomes. The glass-half-empty types don't always make for good retirement planners. GAA must note that many retirees lost large portions of their retirement income due to the 2008 stock market collapse; is it surprising that they are cautious to re-enter the market? 

Self-Defense: Older Americans Play with Their Canes (August 20, 2009)
(Article in French)
Is it a new trend or a real means of defense? American seniors do not hesitate to take courses to protect themselves from thieves or thugs. But the originality of these new lessons for handling their canes seems startling. Yes! The old are no longer afraid to use their canes!

For Athletes, Drug Question Emerges (August 18, 2009)
With the Senior Olympics underway, a new concern emerges. Observers suspect that some competitors may use prescription drugs to enhance their physical abilities. However, most drugs are prescribed to senior competitors for various conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure or asthma. Indeed, a participant states, “I don’t think anyone taking asthma medication is going to throw or run any better. I think they’re doing it because they can’t breathe.” Nevertheless, the question remains and will be investigated thoroughly.

More Happiness May Come with Age, Studies Say (August 11, 2009)
At the American Psychological Association meeting in Toronto, Canada, researchers suggested that, generally, people in their 80’s and 90’s are happier than younger people. A Pew Research Center study found that the happiest men are ages 60 to 69--except when they suffer age-dementia or other problems of mental health--while the least happy are ages 20 to 29. Older adults are usually less stressed out and have fewer negative emotions than young people. Their life experience increases their sense of well-being, and when they get older, people tend to ‘mellow out’ when facing difficult situations. Moreover, it seems that older adults are usually more focused on the positive aspects of situations they encounter.
 
Picture of the Woodstock Generation (August 10, 2009)
In an iconic photograph symbolizing the Woodstock Generation stands a couple, Bobbi and Nick. Now, forty years later, the two are still together and happily married, with two sons. In this article, they reflect on their personal experiences at Woodstock and describe how the weekend changed their lives. The two, now 60 years old, still feel the effects of the concert and hope that its 40th anniversary will inspire the world once again to reinvent itself, like it did forty years ago. 

101-Year-Old Dallas-Area Lawyer Jack Borden Honored as Nation’s “Outstanding Oldest Worker” (August 5, 2009)
Lawyer Jack Borden has been honored as the nation’s “Outstanding Oldest Worker of 2009” by Experience Works, a nonprofit group dedicated to celebrating seniors’ contribution to the workforce. Borden, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and passion for the business, was the obvious candidate for the honor. As well as being a lawyer, Borden also ran for district attorney, worked for the FBI and currently co-hosts a local radio show. 

Senior Citizens Rap: The New Old School (August 4, 2009)
Many seniors who wish to continue their musical careers and to bridge the gap between their generation and the youth of our time are now turning to rap music. Seniors who attend the “Senior Citizen Rap Class” learn how to flow, rhyme, and rap with the best of them. In addition, the participants have the opportunity to present their songs to their families in an onstage performance, thus completely validating the statement made by Aline Murphy: “You can do and be anything you want to. There's nothing you can't do. And whatever you do, just stick with it and do it well." 

Study Calls for Recognizing Contributions of Older Immigrants in US (August 3, 2009)
Writers for US mainstream media have often stereotyped immigrant elders as a drain on US taxpayers. But according to a New America Media study, immigrant elders are partners in the community who contribute to society. Most researchers have focused on native-born older Americans, and little attention has been paid to foreign-born elders, despite their growing numbers.

Senior State of “Gotta Dance” Finds Old Gold in New Moves (July 31, 2009)
Film maker, Dori Berinstein, didn’t know what she wanted to make a movie about, but she knew she wanted to include old people in it. She got her idea when she heard that NETSational Seniors Hip Hop Dancers were hosting an event in Times Square. She decided to chronicle the lives of 13 members of the group (12 women, 1 man), and the resulting documentary was “Gotta Dance.” Despite not being professionally trained, the group overcame many obstacles and finally managed to become the unlikely stars at center court. The group also overcame barriers set up by stereotypes in our society.

The Talent Show of American-Chinese Older People (July 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
More than 20 American-Chinese older persons participated in a competition hosted by DIRECTV Inc. Participants compete on the “The Grandpa Talent Show" to find out who best represents American-Chinese older persons. Contestants do whatever they can to show the best side of themselves--singing, dancing, reading, performing the sword dance, sketching, etc. University professors as well as professional actors competed.

Thousands of Older Americans Gather in Palo Alto for National Sports Competition (July 31, 2009)
Seniors aged 50 to 100 years old are gathering in beautiful Palo Alto, California, for the National Sports Competition. The Senior Olympics includes a variety of sports, ranging from tennis and running to shuffleboard. The participating seniors consider the Olympics not only a chance to prove themselves athletically, but also an opportunity to bond and to have fun.

Moms in their 60s – Oh, Baby! (July 23, 2009)
With the surge of mothers over the age of 60, Meghan Daum says that some women are overusing and overestimating reproductive technology, particularly in-vitro fertilization. While she opposes an age barrier over which women cannot have children, Daum wishes that women would impose better limits on themselves. All in all, she asks that the women who choose to become pregnant at a later age to be cautious. 

Eco-Friendly Products Catch On (July 29, 2009)
Creative entrepreneurs who want both to profit in today’s volatile economy and do some good are now turning to eco-friendly industry. Business owners say that profits on “green products” have increased incrementally in recent years. The eco-friendly industry appeals to elders who want to start a business. For example, Penny Johnston uses her talents to recycle fishermen’s’ polypropylene rope into doormats. 

Home Burials Offer an Intimate Alternative (July 20, 2009)
Due to the current financial situation in the US, coupled with the sense of disconnect during the funeral and burial processes, some families have begun to bury their deceased on their own terms, on their own land. Many organizations give advice and counseling to families hoping to have a more intimate burial, such as Final Passages. Homemade coffins, which double as coffee tables or bookshelves until needed, are much more common, not to mention cheaper, and are available to purchase. 

The End of Aging? Inside the New Hunt for a Cure to Growing Old (July 16, 2009)
In this article, Glenn Reynolds of The San Francisco Chronicle discusses the theories and practices involved in reversing aging. He contemplates aging in a systematic, subjective way, in terms of identifying a problem and fixing it. In this case, he defines the problem as deterioration of the human body. Reynolds also delves into the deeply controversial question of whether it is ethically correct to study and attempt to reverse the aging process.

Independence and the Elderly: the Road Test (July 2, 2009)
Using the increase of accidents caused by elderly drivers at a basis for her argument, Ellen Goodman examines what it means to care for old people.  She addresses the fear of being dependent, and advocates for aiding the elderly.  She refutes the “belief that there is something shameful, improper and infantilizing about "help."”

New York City: Please Give the Elderly and the Disabled Your Seat, It's the Law (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It is the usual reminder, just a little firmer than in the past. This week--as it has done every couple of years--New York City Transit is starting an advertising campaign asking New Yorkers to “please offer a seat” to elderly and disabled passengers on buses and subways. “It’s the first time we’ve really stressed this,” said Paul J. Fleuranges, vice president for corporate communications at New York City Transit, the largest arm of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Those who decline to give up a seat on request face up to a $50 fine, he said. 

Contest for Startups that Help Aging Boomers (June 18, 2009)
The Silicon Valley Boomer Venture Summit is a yearly competition calling for entrepreneurs to design products and services to help people age gracefully. Many Boomers try to defy their inevitable physical deterioration by adopting healthier lifestyles. This market, already a multibillion-dollar one, is only expected to grow. HemRX Medical won this year’s grand prize for developing a less painful treatment for hemorrhoids.

Former President Bush Parachutes for 85th Birthday (June 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Former US President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 85th birthday by skydiving over the coast of Maine. "It's a great, exhilarating feeling," he said after he was removed from his harness. "I don't feel a day over 84." He said he enjoyed the jump so much that he plans to do it again when he turns 90. He told reporters that he jumped Friday for two reasons: to experience the exhilaration of free falling and to show that seniors can remain active and exhilarated, no matter what their age.

Seniors, Disabled Could Lose TV Signals (June 9, 2009)
On June 12, 2009, television stations nationwide will shut off analog broadcasts and switch exclusively to digital signals, offering viewers better sound and pictures. Civil rights advocates say older people, who make up a large share of those unprepared for the transition, stand to lose their main source of news and emergency information. Failure to prepare for the switch could isolate seniors, who are more likely to own TV’s that operate without a digital tuner that will not work after the transition. Maybe they’ll take up reading a book instead.

Senior Citizens of Cinema are Finally Acting their Ages (June 6, 2009)
Old people in the movies generally fall into one of two polar clichés: They're either saintly dispensers of the wisdom of the aged, or they're swearing like sailors and riding skateboards. In contrast, the recent field of seniors shows remarkable depth of character. Rather than suggest that old age is an impairment to be borne or, if possible, fixed, the current crop of films celebrates those who qualify for the senior discount and gives the rest of us something to look forward to. Apparently, in spite of what some movies would have us believe, 60 is the new 20.

Gardens in Retirement Homes Help Elderly to Relive their Salad Days (May 31, 2009)
For some elderly people, the hardest thing about moving into a retirement home is abandoning their garden. They enjoy the process of planting and nurturing the plants. The therapeutic value of gardening is increasingly being recognized. One elderly woman, concerned about losing access to a garden, wrote to the retirement village where she plans to live to urge them to include a community garden as an enticement for potential residents. 

Unsafe Neighborhoods Disable the Elderly (May 29, 2009)
A recent study underscores the importance of neighborhood safety to healthy aging. Dangerous neighborhoods affect the mind and body and foster mobility disability through psychosocial or psychological processes. The authors suggest intervening with seniors to improve their perceptions of neighborhood safety at retirement age may reduce their risk of mobility disability. How about taking steps to make neighborhoods safer for everyone?

Video Can Help Patients Make End-of-life Decisions (May 28, 2009)
Viewing a video showing a patient with advanced dementia interacting with family and caregivers may help older patients plan for end-of-life care, according to a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers. Since projections indicate that more than 13 million patients will develop dementia by 2050, it is critical for patients to understand their options for end-of-life treatment and that they communicate their preferences to their physicians.

Most Middle-Aged Adults Are Rethinking Retirement Plans (May 28, 2009)
According to a national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Projects, just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they may delay their retirement. Members of this so-called “Threshold Generation” are twice as likely as younger workers--16% versus 8%--to say they never expect to stop working. The current recession is driving workers to delay retirement. This situation coincides with longer-term labor market trends. The survey breaks down its findings along racial and gender lines.

Downturn, Boomers Will Alter Everything, Va. Researcher Says (May 21, 2009)
A tanking economy and aging population will result in a new frugality with intergenerational households, changes in transportation modes and more seniors spending their final years at home, a Richmond-based researcher warns. Statistics show boomers will comprise about 25 percent of the country’s population in 15 years. The “personality of the generation” includes a strong work ethic, optimism, disavowing the status quo, belief in personal control and a sense of entitlement, and they tend to see themselves as far younger than they are. Because of those traits, Boomers would work to change society to meet their needs. The recession, combined with boomer generational traits that include focusing less on career and more on family as they age, likely will translate into less conspicuous consumption, even as the economy improves

Older Drivers: Retaining Their Independence and Mobility (May 12, 2009)
More drivers aged 70 and older are hitting the road, keeping their licenses and driving longer than earlier generations. By 2030, one out of four U.S. drivers will be 65 or older, and there are predictions about increased car accident risks. Yet, getting older does not automatically make older people poor drivers. Most are capable with a lifetime of driving experience. While decisions about a person’s ability to drive cannot be based on age alone, we need to be aware that we change physically and mentally as we age, which can affect driving skills. Reflexes slow down, and it may be harder to concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. With smart self-management, older drivers can retain the independence and mobility that comes with driving, while limiting the risks.

Would You Let Elderly Mom or Dad Move In? (May 8, 2009)
There comes a point in adult children’s lives when they must decide how to take care of their aging parents. Some choose to combine households. An online survey recently found that 70% of adult children would choose their mother over their father to move in with them if the parents could not take care of themselves. Many respondents reasoned that fathers could handle the relative isolation of a nursing home while the mothers would need a more social setting in a family household. 

In Hard Times, Generations Triple Up in One House (May 1, 2009)
The recent housing crisis and foreclosures have left many people struggling to find a place to live. According to a poll by AARP, 11% of persons 35–44 years old currently live with either their parents or in-laws. The decision to live in a multigenerational home may not necessarily be solely about money but rather a growing closeness of generations and an opportunity to develop a stronger sense of one’s culture. Home builders have been capitalizing on the trend by building grandparent suites.

Boomers Turn to Community Colleges to Launch New Careers (April 28, 2009)
Older persons looking to beef up their resumes make up the majority of community college applicants. Most midlife workers want either advice to guide their job searches or short-term certificate programs that retrain them for fields with openings. Many older students hope that education will make them less vulnerable to layoffs in a future economic downturn. 

Yes, Looks Do Matter (April 24, 2009)
This article focusing on the story of Susan Boyle (the dowdy 47-year-old Scottish spinster who sang her way to fame on “Britain’s Got Talent” TV) and shows how shallow we have become by stereotyping people into categories. We fall victim to the prejudices of ageism or look-ism, when we should learn not to judge books by their covers. Age plays a crucial role in forging stereotypes, with older people traditionally seen as “harmless and useless,” as Susan Fiske, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Princeton said. In fact, research has shown that racial and ethnic stereotypes are easier to change over time than gender and age stereotypes, which are “particularly sticky.”

More Older Americans Signing On To Volunteer Abroad (April 23, 2009)
Motivated in their youth by President John F. Kennedy’s words calling on Americans to serve their country, and now motivated by President Obama’s call for change, many older Americans over the age of 50 are dedicating retirement time to volunteer abroad. The economic crisis--resulting in layoffs and offers for early retirement--is making the opportunity possible. Applications for the Peace Corps rose almost 44% Iast year. Other programs such as Cross-Cultural Solutions and Global Service Corps offer similar experiences. 

US: Old Men Play Computer Games to Have Fun (April 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
US sociologists recently learned that more old people become interested in playing computer games after retirement. Records from some computer game websites show that people over 50 years of age account for almost half of the visitors. Computer game developers feel surprise about this development. Meanwhile, they plan to develop computer games that are more accessible to older people. 

Facebook:  A Social Network for Older People in America (April 14, 2009)

(Article in Arabic)
According to CNN, young people are not the only ones on facebook. Many older Americans have started joining this website as well as other social media sites that were previously tacitly confined to younger generations. People over the age of 55 have started using these networks to keep in touch with family members, friends and colleagues. In fact, in the past six months, the largest increase in Facebook participation occurred among women over the age of 55 whose membership increased by a striking 550% as opposed to the mere 25% increase among young people during the same period.

Obama Sent Birthday Wishes and Gifts to the Oldest Person (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
President Obama sent a birthday card and cake when Gertrude Baines celebrated her 115th birthday in Los Angeles. Baines, the oldest African-American voter in the United States, cast her vote for Obama in the 2008 election. She said on her birthday that she hoped to live to the year 2012 so she could vote for Obama again.

Staying Active Key to Elderly Independence (March 24, 2009)
Want to live independently through old age? Experts on aging agree about the need to include an honest and habitual evaluation of one’s limitations, participation in activities to break the routine, and the use of devises for senior assistance. Adjusting to change and constraints as well as proper preparation are key to living alone safely

He’s 80 and in Demand (March 13, 2009)
He loves me, he loves me not: dating at any age can be quizzical. An elderly woman asks a social columnist for advice in handling the current lull in her relationship with a gentleman friend. He answers by suggesting direct communication and confrontation as the key to keeping a healthy relationship. 

Housing Slump Changing Options for Older Americans (March 9, 2009)
The nearly frozen residential real estate market in many parts of the country has made it difficult for seniors to sell their homes after making the decision to move. Many had built up substantial equity in their homes that they expected to use in the event they needed to move into a retirement community that offers health care services. As a result, applications to the continuing-care residences are declining, and some communities are responding by providing assistance to would-be home sellers. According to a 2007 AARP survey, however, older persons are choosing to live in their current homes as long as possible.

Programs for Older Adults (March 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Sheltering Arms, a non-profit group in Houston, seeks to promote the dignity and independence of older persons by creating programs such as Health in Home and Help in Home, which sends nurses or caretakers to the homes of those who qualify. For the family of Santos Vela, a 70-year-old suffering from Alzheimer’s, the assistance is a welcome relief, allowing his wife an opportunity to get questions answered and care for him at home, while still managing to maintain a semblance of her own life.

American Dream Shattered for Older Persons Losing Their Homes in Florida (February 28, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The number of evicted people in Florida has more than doubled in the last year with a large number of them being senior citizens who may not have understood the terms of payment. At this point, a majority of those evicted move in with family members, but some describe being placed in homes alongside people struggling with drug and alcohol problems. Many of the senior citizens concerns include the fact that the recovery of the economy will take years, which they do not have. 

Grandparents Catching Up With Technology (February 16, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The percentage of older persons between the ages of 70-75 who use the Internet almost doubled within the past 3 years, up to 46%. Many southern Florida cities have created basic computer and Internet classes specifically for senior citizens. The incentives to learn the basics are numerous, as seniors realize the dependency of modern society on computers and the ease of staying connected to family members and the world. 

A Grandma or Grandpa by Any Other Name Is Just as Old (January 27, 2009)
Baby boomers are seeking more creative appellations than granny and gramps from their grandchildren. Hip and on the move, grandparents want names that describe their personalities better and do not portray them as old and graying. Meet-Glamma and Papa Doc.

Starting to get crowded in 100-year-olds' club (July 22, 2009)
(Article in Chinese) 
The 100-year-olds' club in China is no longer an exclusive society. Once virtually nonexistent, the world's population of centenarians is projected to reach nearly 6 million by mid-century. The number of centenarians already has jumped from an estimated few thousand in 1950 to more than 340,000 worldwide today, with the highest concentrations in the US and Japan, according to the latest Census Bureau figures. Their numbers are projected to grow at more than 20 times the rates of the total population by 2050, making them the fastest growing age segment.

112-year-old US Citizen Believed to be World's Oldest Man (July 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 112-year-old US man is believed to be the world's oldest living man after 113-year-old Henry Allingham of England died Saturday. Walter Breuning was born Sept. 21, 1896. He learned to read by kerosene lantern, remembers his grandfather telling him about fighting in the 1860’s US Civil War, and cast his first presidential ballot for Woodrow Wilson, who was in the White House from 1913-1921. Guinness World Records said on its web site that Breuning is the likely heir to the title and that it would formally announce him as such as soon as officials verify the record. 

The Older Audience is Looking Better than Ever (April 19, 2009)
For decades, marketers shunned older consumers because they were deemed less wealthy, less likely to try new products and less willing to change brands. Those attitudes have been changing, for a couple of reasons. One is the recession, which makes older consumers who may have paid off mortgages seem a safer bet than younger ones who may get laid off in last-hired, first-fired downsizings. Moreover, older consumers today “are not as resistant to change” as older consumers previously may have been and are eager to try out different things. Hold onto your wallet!

Fremont Offers Help to Older Immigrants Who Do Not Speak English (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Volunteers in Fremont, California, help older immigrants to integrate by offering social activities in their native tongues. The Community Ambassador Program for Seniors, known as CAPS, is a collaborative initiative with the Department of Humanitarian Services of Fremont and seven cultural and religious organizations that offer help to older immigrants. More than a dozen languages are spoken in each organization. Program coordinators find “ambassadors” to serve as liaisons between their members and their services. 

Racial Disparities in Senior Care Might Mean Separate and Unequal (March 11, 2009)
Numerous studies reveal that there is a significant racial disparity in nursing homes. Nursing home facilities that care for African-American communities tend to be located in rural areas, and admit people with mental retardation and movement problems. Of course, there are African-Americans in assisted living, but most are near the nursing home stage and live in all black, poor communities. 

Advocates for Ethnic Elders Look beyond Inaugural Euphoria (January 25, 2009)
Advocates for ethnic elders around the country are eager to see their agendas addressed by the new Obama administration, with particular focus on healthcare, jobs and affordable housing. Minority citizens 65 years or older constitute one of the fastest growing segments of the US population. Ethnic elders will triple from 7 million today to more than 20 million in 2030.

Reports 

Media Takes on Aging (2009)
The delay in aging that extends longevity is a great intellectual, social and medical achievement. However, embedded in US culture, we continue to see a fear of growing old, surrounded by negative stereotypes. Authors of this report provide journalists and others who work in the media with an appropriate body of knowledge about the aging process. 

                                          Articles 

Helping Grandpa Get His Tech On: Study (October 29, 2009)
Contradictory to popular belief, older persons are now more involved in today's electronic means of communication than ever. In fact, some of the highest users of computers, social networks, e-mail and video games include those of the ever-growing older population. Pew Research Center analysts found that broadband use in ages 65 and older swelled from 19% in May 2008 to 30% in April 2009, a three-fold increase from the percentage of elderly broadband use in 2005. While challenges remain, many manufacturers are making their products more elder-friendly, such as by making the fonts bigger, sounds louder and manipulating other features to cater to decreasing physical capabilities.

At 99, Velzoe Brown Doesn’t Miss a Beat (September 22, 2009)
When asked to offer advice, Velzoe Brown provides a complete checklist: 1) honor God 2) follow your bliss 3) keep your child’s heart 4) radiate love 5) laugh and be thankful. Brown is a 99-year-old woman with a gift—the gift of music. Playing the piano, drums and trombone since she was 16, Brown performed in an all-girl group called the Pollyannas that toured from coast to coast in the 1920’s. Although her eyesight has declined, she performs several times a week at jazz clubs, retirement communities, local dance halls and lodges with a band called the Upbeats comprised of members in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. For Brown, however, age does not matter.

More Retirees Find Facilities Speaking Their Language (August 26, 2009)
About 10% of seniors living in the United States are foreign-born. In the Washington area, which has residents from 193 countries, there are retirement homes that cater to a single ethnic group, such as Chinese or Korean, serving their native foods and hiring staffs that speak their native tongues. Now some general population facilities are also tailoring their services to an increasingly diverse clientele. 

Model Elderly Care: Mayor Bloomberg Touts Kinder, Gentler Senior Programs (August 26, 2009)
Mayor Bloomberg of New York City takes his new plans for renovating the city’s senior centers and making the city more senior-accessible to heart. Why? Perhaps because he, too, along with increasing numbers of older people in NYC, will be able to use such facilities. He plans to refurbish senior homes, transforming them into “model centers of wellness” and to ease the transport of senior citizens by creating a discount fare card for taxis and buses. 

Movie Fund Set to Close Housing Unit for the Aged (August 25, 2009)
Last Tuesday, 78 residents of a long-term-care unit and associated hospital in the San Fernando Valley - an operation that has tended generations of elderly movie stars, character actors, directors, crew members and others, along with their dependents - received word from the site’s operator, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, that it would close the two by the end of the year.

Honor of the “Millennium” (June 29, 2009)
The Lincoln Center Institute (LCI) presented its Imagination Award to the Millennium Art Academy of the Bronx this year for its programs that use the arts to explore social issues. LCI highlights Millennium’s intergenerational program that pairs students with mentors who work together to eradicate stereotypes of each other’s generation. The students create books and plays about the life experiences of the older persons, who often come from diverse backgrounds.

A Difficult Drive in a Suit Designed to Mimic Effects of Aging (June 18, 2009)
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company has created a video game to simulate the physical and cognitive limitations experienced by many elderly drivers. The author of the article has experienced it ‘for real’ thanks to a suit designed to mimic the effects of aging. Ideally, the game will create empathy for elderly drivers and spark conversations between adult children and their elderly parents about whether it's time to hang up the keys. The game's release comes at a pressing time: after a recent string of Massachusetts accidents involving older drivers prompted many to call for stronger oversight of elderly driving. Several state representatives sponsor legislation on elderly driving, although they oppose an age-based approach, instead focusing on physical and cognitive impairment.

Wisdom Behind the Wheel (June 18, 2009)
Legislation is slowly advancing to establish a commission to study cognitive impairment in older drivers in Massachusetts and to find a fair way of determining if individual drivers are still competent to operate a car. Currently, only New Hampshire and Illinois require road retests specifically for drivers over age 75. All older drivers are not alike, and some are perfectly capable of driving safely well into their golden years. It would be fairer if all Massachusetts drivers, regardless of age, were given road retests periodically, but the administrative costs would be prohibitive.

90-Year Old Woman Receives High School Diploma (June 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
A 90-year-old Chicago woman who dropped out of high school to support her family during the Great Depression has now received her high school diploma. Eleanor Benz left in 1936 during her senior year to take a job. Not finishing her school was “one of her greatest disappointments.” On her 90th birthday, Eleanor Benz finally received a diploma, wearing a 2009 gown and a cap with a 1936 tassel. Congratulations!

HHS and VA to Develop a Nationwide Program to Help Older Americans and Veterans with Disabilities Remain Independent in the Community (June 4, 2009)
Thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) comes a chance for more autonomy in the lives of the elderly. The partnership will assist the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDHCBS) to work with the Community Living Program (CLP) to keep loved ones at home. The programs will give older people more control and choice in the decisions they make. 

Crafting Stories of Seniors into Art (May 10, 2009)
For 30 years, the artist David Greenberger sat for hours in nursing homes and senior centers across America pulling together fragments of conversations from older adults and turning them into art, creating a world that comes alive in homemade magazines, books, paintings, sculptures, spoken word and musical works. He has crafted dispatches from senior citizens who have memory loss as well. He says his art doesn't fit into any categories, but it is surely delicate and human.

AARP Presents the New ‘Life Festival’ for All Ages in San Antonio May 15-16 (April 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
AARP will present the first “Life Festival” in San Antonio, a new event designed for all ages of the Hispanic community. Organized activities will include providing information on health, how to stay in good physical shape, and financial security. There will be exhibitions, complimentary medical exams, job fairs for older workers and musical concerts. In collaboration with the Alameda Museum, the festival will offer a program titled “Painting across Generations” in which children will have the opportunity to paint a portrait of their grandparents. 

Just Say No to Aging? (April 14, 2009)
Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer has written a new book, suggesting posits that people are victims of their society and their own stereotypes in regard to aging and health. By robotically believing negative cultural cues about the aging process, people form their own image and behavior. But by freeing themselves from damaging clichés, they have a greater chance to lead more productive lives well into old age. She argues that by accepting signs that aging is undesirable, older persons place a limit on living healthily into old age.

All in the Facebook Family: Older Generations Join Social Networks (April 13, 2009)
While online social networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are known hang-outs for younger adults and teenagers, older persons have been taking to the medium at a faster rate than any other age group in recent months. Facebook’s popularity is growing most quickly among women older than 55 years. Many older people use social networks to keep tabs on younger family members.

Keeping Those With Alzheimer’s Engaged (March 19, 2009)
Meet Me at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a program that began in 2009 with the goal of attaining evidence-based research to determine whether looking at and discussing art provides Alzheimer’s patients with a positive opportunity to engage in social interaction, self-expression and brain stimulation. With the help of NYU’s School of Medicine, the study contains the first scientific evidence of overall improvement for the majority of participants. The MoMA Alzheimer’s Project was initiated to help other museums create their own programs. 

Ideal House for Seniors Built in US (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
It took 15 years for a couple from Colorado to re-design their house to make it “ideal” for their age. Now Frank and Cynthia hold tours of the house and show how to make your house a safe and comfortable place to live when you are over 70 years. The heating system is controlled from a wheelchair; an elevator takes you upstairs; touching the oven does not give you a burn. These are just a few things you will see in this “ideal house for seniors.” 

Positive Outlook Cuts Chances of Dementia (January 19, 2009)
A positive outlook in life might reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s later in life. A study published in Neurology adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between personality traits, lifestyle and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers questioned 506 older people about their lifestyles and personalities. People who were calm and outgoing were 50% less likely to develop dementia.

Aging and Long Term Care Needs (January 16, 2009)
A new concept in nursing homes is gaining popularity. It is called the Green House Project. Unlike many nursing homes that tend to be impersonal, Green Houses function more like homes. Residents have their own private bedrooms and bathrooms and all units are equipped with the latest technology. Certified Nursing Assistants trained in the Green House philosophy of care run these homes, similar to a shared family arrangement where family, friends and Green House workers may join in meals and activities.

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.

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