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Elder Rights : World

Archives: 2002

World: Opinion: What the United Nations Should Do About our Ageing World: A Convention to Protect Their Rights? (2002)
The Chair of the NGO Committee on Ageing considers the 1982 International Plan on Ageing, the United Nations Principles for Older Persons adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1991 and the decision to observe 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons to be significant milestones in adapting to a greying world. However, despite such efforts, many older persons in the world are still marginalized and viewed as a burden to society. The General Comments of the Committee propose that countries pay particular attention to older women. They also suggest a need to develop measures to prevent discrimination based on age in employment, ensure safe working conditions for older workers, and promote the right to education and culture. They advise the United Nations to follow in the footsteps of the Conventions on the Rights of the Child and on Migrant Workers and envisage a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

Is the WTO Collapsing Under its Own Ambitions? (December 31, 2002)
Focus on the Global South Deputy Director Nicola Bullard argues that the WTO’s agenda has become so packed that poor nations can’t afford to hire enough staff to cover all the negotiations. As a result, rich nations have been able to dictate the key negotiations in the Doha “development” trade round. (ATTAC)

China: Problems Facing Older People (December 20, 2002) (in Chinese)

A survey showed that older people in China are facing two problems: lack of secure income support, and loneliness. 30% of the urban elderly and 60% of the rural elderly are supported by their children or other family members. Once losing support from the family, older people faces economic difficulties without proper social security system in place. Due to the lack of hobbies and social life, many older people feel lonely and unhappy. (The text is in Chinese.)

Intergenerational conflict and the prevention of abuse against older persons
Within an intergenerational context, family violence is likely to manifest itself in elder abuse. This Final Report to Health Canada explores the status of current theorizing on elder abuse, suggests that this literature neglects the importance of the ways in which parent-child relationships are constructed. Society expects that parents will nurture their young children and that these children will reciprocate with affection.

The 2002 National Survey of Latinos (December 2002)
The 2002 National Survey of Latinos, a nationally representative survey
released by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Kaiser Family Foundation, examines how members of the Hispanic community identify themselves. Nearly one-third of Hispanics asked in the report said that they or someone close to them has experienced discrimination, 8 in 10 say Hispanics discriminating against other Hispanics is a problem.

Future pensioners have been insured from mistakes (December 11, 2002) (in Russian)
An amendment to the pension legislation, adopted by Russian Duma, allows citizens to fix the mistakes they made about investing their pension savings. Everyone can now choose between state and private pension fund, and also switch from one private fund to another, but no more than once a year. Opponents says the law favors big corporate pension funds. 

Older refugees face hurdles (December 11, 2002)
Lack of transportation prevents seniors who want to attend classes to learn English and become U.S. citizens, two requirements for keeping their government benefits (The 1996 Welfare Reform Act). In Arizona, such organizations as the Maricopa County Elder Refugee Program are here to help the elderly to know their rights.

Sex change victory after 30 years (December 10, 2002)
Transsexuals in Great Britain will get the right to change their birth certificate. It is a result of a 30-year battle against the state, which determines their right for pension, and, particularly, the eligible age for retirement, by looking at the birth certificate

Israeli troops kill Palestinian woman, 95-witnesses (December 3, 2001)
A 95-year-old Palestinian woman, who is believed to be the oldest Palestinian killed since September 2000, was killed by a bullet in the back fired by an Israeli solder as she rode in a taxicab.  At the UN’s World Assembly on Ageing held in April 2002 the UN called for an international protocol to assure humanitarian protection of older persons caught in situations of armed conflict.

A Well-Wrinkled Romance (November 25, 2002)
The stars of a new Korean movie are in their 70’s. When the shooting takes place in the bedroom, conservative Korea may be surprised to “witness granny and grandpa having a romp.”

Solomon Islands Begins Implementing IMF Demand For Severe Job Cuts (November 21, 2002)
After several years of civil unrest and economic crisis, the Solomon Islands is pursuing a strict IMF austerity package that includes laying off thirty percent of workers in the public service sector. However, higher unemployment may exacerbate already-severe social tensions in the country. How will this social unrest impact vulnerable older persons in the Solomon Islands?

World: The Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse (November 17, 2002)
This 2002 Toronto Declaration on elder abuse is a call for action to prevent older persons from suffering abuse. This paper points out the crucial need of a legal framework to address the issue. As violence against women or children was considered a major issue in the 80’s, today elder abuse should be viewed as a social issue of concern to everyone.

New Older Generation vs. Young Generation (October 30, 2002)
Helen Geffen Roht from the AFICS, the Association for Former International Civil Servants, invited Benedicte Soilly as a guest-speaker on October 30. Here is the transcript of her presentation dealing with the French generation gap.

Canada’s Aging Population
Canada faces significant aging of its population as the proportion of seniors increases more rapidly than all other age groups.

Can one buy health while on a pension? (October 16, 2002) (in Russian)
After food, medicine is the second largest expense of Russian pensioners.  It can take up to one third of the amount of the average pensioner’s income. The article discusses the rights of pensioners for free and discounted drugs and notes that expensive foreign drugs usually have cheaper domestic versions.

The Economic Security of Older Persons in Japan (October 3, 2002)
Ms Michiko Mukuno presented her country's position during the International Day of Older Persons at the UN on October the 3rd.

Group highlights ageism in society (October 2, 2002)
On the International Day of Older Persons, Age Action Ireland published an official report showing how Irish elderly suffered from discrimination.

New challenges for China's elderly (October 1, 2002)
An ordinary day at an internet and English learning club for senior citizens in Shanghai. The gap between elderly in rural areas and in towns in China is becoming more and more important.

Shanghai Implementation Strategy (September 23-26, 2002)
This paper deals with the Shanghai Implementation Strategy (regional implementation strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002 and the Macao Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific 1999). Asia and the Pacific is the most rapidly ageing region of the world. A strategy on how to prepare society for the challenges of ageing is essential in ensuring that the goals of active ageing are achieved.

Learning is for Life (September 26, 2002)
Statistics from Learning and Skills Council, England, show that in the South-East region of England there are 17 per cent of 60+ learners. The oldest student is Janet Thorpe, 108, who takes Internet Technology cources and recently sent her first email.

Asia-Pacific to Deal with Challenge of Ageing (September 23, 2002)
The Asia Pacific Region just met to decide on the regional strategies to put the new international plan of action on aging into practice. With most of the  world’s elderly living in this region, their work is very important.

Manitoba conference told recruiting licensed practical nurses challenging (September 12, 2002)
Caring for Canada's aging baby boomers should be a growth industry, but licensed practical nursing faces problems attracting workers from a shrinking, aging labour pool, a national conference was told Thursday. 

Pensioner Stabbed at Her Home (August 28, 2002)
4 year-old woman survives brutal attack in her home in Warrington, Chesire. Police warn elderly women in the area to be weary for attacker is on the loose.

Social Protection: A Movement to Justice? (August 22, 2002) (in Russian)
Total amount of subsidies and compensations provided by current legislation in Ukraine exceeds 18bln grivnas a year. But the real amount available in the budget for the year 2003 is approximately 3bln grivnas (1 US dollar equals approximately 5.5 grivnas.)

China's Aging Population Expanding (August 20, 2002)
The 60 something population in China numbers in at 90 million- one fifth of the world’s total.Experts are urging government to take measures to improve social welfare for the elderly.

The endurance of Camelia Sadat (August 20, 2002)
Camelia Sadat, shown here in 1991, charmed Boston society with her intelligence and grace in the years after the assassination of her father, Anwar Sadat, in Egypt. In recent years, however, her life has been a solitary journey, an even deeper test of her character and determination

Pensioner Breaks High-Flying Record (August 20, 2002)
88-year-old UK man, Lea Salles, breaks world record by becoming the oldest person to “wingwalk” for 45 minutes on a plane flying 100 mph. Daredevil says he hopes to do this every year until 100.

Over 80s Set to Double (August 16, 2002)
Projections say UK population will peak at 66 million by 2040. With a huge increase of elderly people, organizations like Age Concern call for an end to age discrimination – giving seniors the choice to work in later life.

Afghanistan fights 'lethal combination' of ignorance, illness (August 15, 2002)
Ignorance and lack of access to health care are responsible for children dying from diarrhea, women dying during delivery, elderly people dying from malnutrition. Unfortunately , currently mark of Afghanistan are – high infant and maternal mortality and low life expectancy.

Aged but Not Alone (August 13, 2002)
Joygopal Podder, assistant director general, HelpAge India, who was in Chennai recently, spoke about the NGO's initiatives towards supporting and empowering senior citizens.

At 93, Manoel de Oliveira Makes Each Word Count (August 11, 2002)
93 year-old Portuguese legend filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira just attended the Cannes International film festival where his newest movie, “Uncertainty Principle” premiered.  

Japan Marketers Targeting Boomers (August 11, 2002)
Advertisement companies and big business are starting to pay attention to Japan’s baby boomers who are active, roman tic, youthful. These boomers offer a window to a new market focusing on a forty and fifty something crowd.

Home Dispute "Threatens Well-being of Elderly" (August 6, 2002)
Elderly of Birmingham, England fight for their rights to choose where to live. 86 care homeowners, residents and relatives are seeking to overthrow the city council’s blocking of elder residential choice.

ABD Says Asia Needs to Prepare for Impact of Falling Population (August 6, 2002)
Governments in Asia need to start planning for falling birth rates and growing life expectancies. Economies must be more efficient because of a shrinking work force and an increase in retirees.Countries may be forced to extend the age of retirement in order to accommodate the situation

Hiroshima Mayor Calls on the U.S. to 'Sever the Chain of Hatred' (August 5, 2002)
Survivors of Hiroshima remember the horrific day, 57 years later. Prayers were made and a warning sent by Hiroshima mayor, Tadatoshi Akiba, reminding the USA and the world about the catastrophic effects of nuclear war.

Japan's old shy away from retiring (August 5, 2002)
Japanese babies can expect to live longer than anyone else on Earth, according to the latest government statistics, but their extra years are more likely to be spent hard at work than in leisurely retirement.

Denmark's Hippies Hit Their Golden Years (August 2002)
The residents of Christiania, where the 1970s never died, face a very modern problem: an aging population

Easing Palestine's Humanitarian Crisis (July 30, 2002)
People in the West bank and Gaza Strip face a continued; threatening crisis. Ariel Sharon, Israel’s prime minister, asked for an international effort to help the Palestinian people. A study by the United States Agency for International Development found dramatically increased malnutrition and anemia among Palestinian children. One can only guess how miserable the condition of elderly people must be.

UN To Resume Wider N Korea Food Distribution, But Needs More Aid (July 29, 2002)
The United Nations World Food Program says it needs more foreign donations to continue distributing food to the 1.2 million North Korean teens and elderly citizens. Without donations, the program may be forced to shutdown completely.

Elderly care policy 'unfair' (July 29, 2002)
The elderly in England and Wales are receiving “unworkable” and “unfair” care provisions compared to those north of the border in Scotland. In Scotland, the elderly are entitled to receive free personal care, including dressing, washing and eating.  In England and Wales, however, personal care is not free, and nursing care is only partly funded.

10 Year Project on Aging to be Launched (July 27, 2002)
Project to be launched on aging in Pakistan in collaboration with the United Nations. Plan upholds belief that senior citizens should and can remain active participants in the economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of life.

Japan's Parliament Approves Health Bill (July 26, 2002)
Japan’s Parliament approved the Health Care Reform policy of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The new policy will raise insurance premiums for the elderly and salaried workers and will save the health care system from bankruptcy. The plan shifts the cost of medical care to taxpayers. 

Kabul Residents Struggle to Scratch Out Existence (July 26, 2002)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is encouraging the return of 1.25 million Afghan refugees. The rapid rate of return of refugees is causing overcrowding and the scarcity of resources is causing internal displacement, including many elderly.

Denmark Ranks 14th in Human Development (July 26, 2002)
The UN¹s Human Development Report 2002 ranks 173 countries worldwide in areas such as life expectancy, education, and economy. Denmark has moved one place forward to No. 14 in human development since last year. Denmark does well in income per capita and education, while the Danes¹ life expectancy is significantly lower than that of people in the countries, which top the list. 20 percent of the population in Denmark is 60 years or older, and 20 percent is 80 years or older.

Chavez Creates Floods Task Force (July 25, 2002)
The floods in Southwestern Venezuela have displaced more than 50,000 people, forcing them to live on the streets, begging for food and clean water. People are being forced to bathe in and drink water that is polluted by trash, sewage and dead animals. Hundreds of children and elderly have suffered respiratory ailments, diarrhea and other maladies that doctors blame on the fetid waters.

French Judge Nixes Papon Request (July 24, 2002)
Maurice Papon, a former Vichy official imprisoned for sending French Jews to Nazi death camps is requesting to be released on account of his age. Papon is 91 years old, and his lawyers argue that it is inhumane to keep him imprisoned because of his age and poor health.

Thieves Strike at Bavdhan Again (July 23, 2002)
Robbers disrupt piece in the mostly senior citizen residency of Ramnagar colony in India. The elders are easy prey for the thieves for it takes the nearest police up to three hours to reach the scene of crime

Faces on the street. A Photographic Social Document of 104 Women of Launceston
Ruby Gold from Tasmania, Australia, sent her photo report of women, along with short biographies, who live in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. The women range in age from 90’s to 40’s and give a poignant glimpse of life in this region of the world. It’s titled Faces in the Street.

They Fought for the Motherland ( July 19, 2002) (in Russian)
In Ukraine the life of veterans who fought for their motherland during World War II is extremely difficult now. The scanty pensions that they receive cover the basic need for food alone. Even after a 7 percent increase it remains dramatically low, at only 220 grivnas per month (1 USD equals approximately 5.4 grivnas).

Brit Municipal Strike Prompts Shutdowns (July 17, 2002)
The strike of local government workers over pay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has left many elderly without meals, normally provided by the government-employed social workers.

Vampire youth drank victim's blood ( July 16, 2002)
A 17 year old stands accused of a “vampire” killing of a 90 year old woman in a small English town. While it is clear that the woman died and authorities say that her heart was removed, no mention is made of the defense arguments.

Protecting the elderly (July 12, 2002)
Violent robberies of senior citizens in the UK foster fear within elderly communities. With statistics showing that the old are 18 times more likely to be attacked than youth, it is understandable why they feel at risk. These attacks have spurred communities to use innovative ways to connect the aging population with youth.

Without distinction attacks on civilians by Palestinian armed groups (July 11, 2002)
This Amnesty International document presents and describes the background, current situation of Israel and the Occupied territories and the Palestinian Authority. The document demonstrates attacks on civilians by Palestinian armed groups occurs without distinction. These attacks cause death of old people, children and foreigners.

Dog Helps Master to Breathe (July 8, 2002)
In Hokkaido, Japan, an organization is training “oxy dogs,” which carry the heavy oxygen cylinders of people with such ailments as pulmonary emphysema. There are more than 200,000 people in Japan who require oxygen, and Mr. Toyama’s organization hopes oxy dogs will be as popular as guide dogs.

DTC Staffer Told to Take Care of 90-Yr Old Mother (July 7, 2002)
A 90-year-old woman, Munni Dwarka from New Delhi, India recently received the help of legal aids services after her sons and an “old age home” threw her out, even after paying Rs 25,000.  She asked the local police for help, but eventually had to resort to the courts’ help.

UN claims proposed rights watchdog in violation of treaty (July 3, 2002)
An "independent" human rights watchdog body that Japan plans to set up will in fact be controlled by the government, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned in letters to the prime minister. The Japanese government plans to open a human rights commission designed to watch over domestic human rights conditions after a UN human rights conference in 1998 demanded the nation launch such a body.

Elderly 'Witches' Persecuted in Mozambique (July 3, 2002)
Traditional healers in Mozambique stir up suspicion of elderly women – branding them as witches. In a time of increasing rates of death and illness associated with AIDS, these senior women are alleged to have bewitched their dying relatives. The accused are abandoned, attacked, and in some cases murdered.

EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Personal Care Law Boost for Aged (July 2, 2002)
In Scotland, more than 75,000 elderly citizens will receive free personal care, which includes washing, dressing and counseling, in addition to nursing care.  The new system, embraced by charities, is described by the First Minister Jack McConnell as “The right thing to do.”

EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Elderly Woman Left in Lurch (July 1, 2002)
Meekulu Laina Severen of the Oshana Region in Namibia, a 93–year-old widow, was abandoned by her family in late June 2002.  She claims she was left by her great grandchildren because there was no food in the house.  She qualifies for pension benefits in Namibia, but is unable to collect them because she is unable to walk.

Evacuation in Chechnya: 86 old people were saved, 12 were died (28 June, 2002)
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">In Mozdok press conference, MES (Ministry of Emergency Situations) Chief Sergey Shoygu reported to journalists the details of evacuation of nursing home patients from Grozniy.

Senior Services (June 27, 2002)
Former Prime Minister, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen’s reaction to senior services.  He is now demanding that those pensioners who are financially well off should pay for certain social benefits, such as the cleaning of their own homes. 

Palestinians Suffer Renewed Collective Punishment (26 June, 2002)
As Israel reoccupies villages and towns in the West Bank the Palestinian population suffers the effects of widespread security measures such as prolonged curfews, house demolitions or administrative detention that amount to collective punishment, said Amnesty International today.

Population-Japan: Elderly Generation Healthiest Ever (June 21, 2002)
In Japan, the elderly are living longer, healthier lives.  The number of elderly, currently at about 18 percent, is expected to increase to 26 percent by 2015.  Japan boasts of the world’s top longevity as three-fourths of the elderly population, 65 and older, claim they do not have any physical problems that affect their daily lives. 

60plus women tackle aging (June 2002)
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Three women, Vivienne Poy, a senator in Canada, Anna Hobbs, and freelance writer, and Judy Cutler, Director of Public Relations for CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus) give accounts of their lives now that they are over 60, and how they have improved with age.

Agewell (June 2002)
Agewell Foundation is a non-government organization based in India whose endeavor is to bring about a change in the perception of old age and assist older persons to move surely but steadily from helplessness and self pity towards confidence, respect and mutual caring.

Con men's trade on the elderly (June 18, 2002)
In England, elderly people are falling prey to the exploitations of con men who have begun to trade the addresses of wealthy elderly citizens.  Con men do odd jobs around the house and yard, like cutting trees.  If the elderly person pays in cash, the house is marked, and thieves know there is cash in the house. 

Raising Farm Subsidies, U.S. Widens International Rift (June 15, 2002)
President Bush signed a new farm bill, raising subsidies for farmers.  U.S. farmers will begin flooding the European market with cheap produce and European economies will suffer, with small, individual farmers will suffering the most as they struggle to compete.  Rural area farmers are being forced off their land and into the cities in order to survive, leaving their elderly behind. 

Old people are  killed, while doing their service (June 6, 2002)  
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">In Chechnya unknown criminals killed Shaa Meshiyev, who was a chief of the pension fund in the Veden region.

EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Working differently for a humane society (June 3, 2002)
Japan should overhaul its old systems to improve the quality of life so that people can lead a ``humane, leisurely and balanced life. The system whereby society directly supports individuals is required. Basic (national) pensions should be paid in taxpayer money, and their amounts should be substantially increased to reinforce the sense of security. With the government deficit reaching crisis proportions, spending should be concentrated in essential areas such as education and welfare.

Grief must lead to change (June, 2002)
This article describes tragic experiences of common people involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Whether in Haifa or Hebron, Jenin or Jerusalem, soldiers from both sides of the conflict are targeting civilians, destroying lives and livelihoods and grossly abusing human rights. On both sides ordinary people are paying a heavy price for the escalating violence

The Danish Association of Senior Citizens: Principles and Projects
This article describes the Danish Association of Senior Citizens, an association of five out of Denmark’s six senior citizen’s organizations with a total membership of 450,000.  This is a very modern, comprehensive association providing consultancy, training, advisory and information services and arranges trips and cultural events.  The services provided include “Seniors Assisting Seniors,” telephone service, health-promoting activities, and Computer Cafés.   

Retirement Patterns in Denmark
This excellent article describes work and retirement conditions for seniors in Denmark with case examples of two of Denmark’s most significant trade unions.  The article also includes data collected from surveys.  

Note on the Protection of Refugees in Armed Conflict Situations (2002)
This article represents a background article for protection of refugees in armed conflict situations . It reflects the principles of the UN Human Rights Resolution,  20^th Conference of the Red Cross (1965, Vienna),  UN General  Assemblies (1970, 1977)and Geneva conventions protocols ( 1949)

Mavis goes to East Timor (June 2002)
Two years ago, Mavis Taylor, 86, was at the point in her life when many her age have long since retired. She had raised a family of nine children and spent years running her own textile business in the small town of Yarrawonga, Australia. It was time, Mavis decided, to close shop. So Mavis, who had never been overseas, closed her shop and took it - piece by piece - to East Timor.

Poll Shows Danish People Favor Euthanasia  (May 21, 2002)
Danes overwhelmingly support the legalization of euthanasia. Sixty-eight percent support euthanasia, according to the PLS Ramboell poll published in the Jyllands-Posten newspaper. The numbers jump considerably in the case of sick or suffering patients: 93 percent favor ending the suffering of the terminally ill, and 82 percent support it for incurable illnesses. EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"> 

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Social and Health-Care Policy for the Elderly in Denmark 
This article provides an excellent review of aging demographics and policies in Denmark. The articles also describes in good detail the social and health-care system available to seniors.

Volunteer Elderly Care Debate (May 17, 2002)
This article describes the debate as to whether the recent government proposal to integrate volunteer assistance into Copenhagen Council’s home-help program is a good idea or not.

Five people in masks robed all old people of Chechnya's Shatoy region (May 3, 2002)
About 916,000 rubles assigned for pensions in Shatoy region of Chechnya, were stolen by unknown criminals.

José Lutzenberger, Brazilian Environmentalist, Dies at 75 (May 16, 2002)
Jose Lutzenberger, one of the founders of the environmental movement in Brazil died of a heart attack at the age of 75. "He was Brazil's first internationally known environmental activist, and the fact he was chosen environment minister in Brazil's first democratically elected government in 30 years was just one indication of the tremendous mark he made in that area," said Stephan Schwartzman, senior scientist at Environmental Defense.

U.N. Food Aid to N.Korea to Be Cut (May 1, 2002)
The United Nations says it will stop distributing food to more than 1 million children and elderly in North Korea because of a shortfall in international aid, sparking fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country. Six million North Koreans currently fed by the U.N. World Food Program -- mainly women, children and the elderly -- ``may face acute and indeed life-threatening shortages of food, medicines and clean drinking water.

Ageing and AIDS in Africa (April, 2002)
This article addresses the AIDS pandemic, specifically in Africa and the effects on societal and familial life for those affected by AIDS/HIV, including the role of the elderly.

The Graying of the Globe (April 12, 2002)
A United Nations conference in Madrid has been grappling all week with the implications of a startling demographic development — a world where there will be more elderly people than youngsters in coming decades. The developed nations passed through that transition a few years ago, prompting today's concerns over the adequacy of social security retirement programs and of health care for the aged in the world's richest nations. But now the developing world, poorer and less prepared to cope, is heading in the same direction.

United Nations Says Elderly Will Soon Outnumber Young for First Time (April 9, 2002)
A million people now turn 60 every month, a demographic revolution that will mean older people will outnumber the young for the first time in history, according to the United Nations' Second Assembly on Ageing, which opened here today, 20 years after the organization's first conference addressing the issue.

Ageing Spain's Dilemma (April 9, 2002)
This is an article written by a BBC reporter, who attended the Second World Assembly on Aging in Madrid, and explored the ways old people live in a society which is so famed for its family traditions and laid-back lifestyles.

Kuwait: Statement by His Excellency Mr. Talal Mubarak Al-Ayyar at the 
Second World Assembly on Ageing Madrid, Spain (April 9, 2002)
As a general background to the issues facing older persons in Kuwait, this official presentation at the World Assembly on Ageing in 2002 details some of the key elements that Kuwait wanted to achieve at the Madrid Conference. The statement also summarizes some social protection programs available in Kuwait and the national commitment to older persons

Mideast Strife Mars Aging Conference (April, 2002)
The Second World Assembly Meeting held in Madrid emphasized the great concern about the elderly both in Israel and Palestine who have been harmed and have suffered under the intolerant situation in Mideast crises. The more fragile people are, the easier they get harmed. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says the elderly are the forgotten victims of the Aids pandemic.
(April 8, 2002)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies points out the serious situation in Africa where five million grandparents have become the primary caregivers for their grandchildren because the children’s parents died from AIDS. The federation emerges mental, physical and financial support for those elderly in Africa.

Esther "Tess" Canja, President of the AARP : "It should be given a greater attention to Elderly women" (April 7, 2002)
“It should give a special attention to elderly women because they are suffering from a double discrimination, because of their gender and age”, Esther Canja said. Society should take care of the necessities of the elderly without looking at their gender. Both elderly men and women have their own specific strengths.

The Elderly Woman as Agent of Change (April 7, 2002)
AARP presented interesting testimonies of several women from all over the world who talked about the role the elderly women have as agents of change and development, specially in less developed communities

A determined rebel's last days (April 5, 2002)
In Japan old people still tend to stick to a traditional stigma that old age is the end of their life. Whereas, Kato Shizue, who is known as one of the Japanese earliest women’s rights advocates and passed away last year at the age of 104, left her encouraging and positive thoughts to the old people as well as their caregivers in her recent book co-authored by her daughter. Ms. Kato hired the professional caretakers instead of depending on her daughter. She also kept her daily routine and some project even she was bedridden.

Housing Needs Change As Boomers Age (April 1, 2002)
In the coming years, the nation's aging population is expected to surge as baby boomers enter their senior years. They are now receiving advice from the National Association of Home Builders to start looking into where they want to spend the second half of their lives.

Gender and Ageing Briefs (April 2002)
In preparation for the Second World Assembly on Ageing, here are series of briefs discussing key issues on gender and ageing: age, gender and HIV/AIDS , participation for older men and women, humanitarian crises (hearing and understanding older people’s gendered needs)

Beijing Retirees Talk, Liaoyang Protests Flare (March 28, 2002)
About 100 retirees met with managers of an ailing car plant in Beijing but failed to resolve a dispute over years of overdue pension and health care payments. More than 200 pensioners, many of them elderly, had protested a day earlier, blocking a major thoroughfare in China's capital and snarling traffic for several hours after they went to the plant for a meeting but found themselves barred at the gates.

Torture Law. For the first time in CIS history SBU and prosecutors will be taken to court (March 26, 2002)
The article is about a murder case against law enforcement officers who tortured to death a 26 years old man in 1996, leaving his old parents without breadwinner and even without official apologies for brutality of officers.

Older people 'ignored by TV' (March 19, 2002)
According to the research done by Help the Aged and the Independent Television Commission in Britain, older people believe that producers of news and factual programmes on television ignore their views and fail to portray them realistically.