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Elder Rights: World
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Archives 2009 -
Background Documents
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.
World: Ending Discrimination Against Older Women
Through the Convention (July 5, 2002)
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women "urges that special attention be focused
on the special needs of older women." The Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women "defines what constitutes discrimination against
women and sets up an agenda for national action to end
such discrimination."
Africa
Background Documents
Tanzania:
National Ageing Policy (September 2003)
In Africa, after Mauritius, Tanzania is the second
country to have a developed policy on ageing. Older
Tanzanians face many problems including poverty and
inadequate health care and pensions. Elders lack any
meaningful participation in the important national
decision-making.
Reports
| Articles
Reports
Africa: The Rights of Older
People: African Perspectives (November 2008)
The African Union, through its African Charter on Human
and Peoples Rights, has developed a broad and impressive
framework for the protection of rights of older persons in
Africa. At the domestic level, however, most African
countries still have to develop specific policies and
legislation. Although some 25 national constitutions make
provision for rights of older persons in some form, only
three prohibit discrimination on the grounds of age. The
Report suggests developing a specific treaty that provides
a mechanism for implementation and accountability of human
rights for older people which is currently lacking.
Articles
Burkina
Faso: The International Day of Older Persons: Disaster
Victims
Honored (December 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
On November 30, 2009, the National Council of Older
Persons, along with the Minister of Social Action,
Pascaline Tamini, celebrated the International Day of
Older Persons (IDOP). The delay of the celebration--almost
two months after the actual day of the IDOP--is the
consequence of the difficulties that followed floods in
September. At this November event, Tamani announced new
government projects, including a national study on the
situation of the elderly.
Ivory Coast: Third
Age--General Pension Fund for Officials Creates Two
Centers to Take Care of Retirees (November 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
The general pension fund for officials (CGRAE) that
collects contributions and pays the pensions of former
officials with the help of states' grants, will build two
centers to care for retirees. After a trip to Europe to
study the different possibilities, CGRAE decided to build
both a geriatrics center and a gerontology center to tend
to the medical needs of older persons.
Mauritius:
Ageing With Dignity, Respect And Smile (November 13,
2009)
Here’s good news for old persons living in Mauritius. As
the fertility rate drops and medical care improves, older
Mauritians are living longer and better. As a result, the
State is insuring the rights and comfort of its older
citizens and giving them a sense of security for their
future. The Minister of Social Security views older
persons not as a burden but rather as people who deserve
the respect that the government wants them to enjoy. In
turn, the State adopted legislation in July 2005 on elder
rights. The government sees these rights as including free
transportation, old-age pensions and “The Protection of
the Elderly Persons Act,” which protects elderly persons
from verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, emotional
and financial abuse. In addition, the State set up
hotlines to report any form of abuse and formed leagues to
bring elderly persons into politics, leisure activities
and sports.
Africa: Help
Needed to Bring Up the New Generation (November 12,
2009)
(Article in French)
In a recent study, the World Bank reports that when an
active member of the household dies of HIV, the older
persons have to go back to work or to work more to be able
to provide for themselves and their orphaned
grandchildren. A UNICEF study in five African countries
shows that grandparents and especially grandmothers take
care of 40-60% of the orphans. Why? Most governments don’t
have social programs: these programs focus on people with
disabilities. Moreover, substantial administrative
obstacles prevent many older persons from accessing social
pensions, where they exist.
Uganda:
Baganda Fight for Their Heritage (November 3, 2009)
For an ageing woman with no formal education, Central
Broadcasting Service (CBS-- which broadcasts in Luganda, a
local language) has been Specioza Nakabugo's only source
of information, entertainment and companionship since she
moved to the city to live with her son a couple of years
ago.
Nigeria:
Nigeria Marks International Day for Elderly (October 6,
2009)
The National Universities Commission and the North
American-Nigerian International Coalition on Aging
(NANICA) on Monday marked the United Nations Day for the
Elderly with a message that “the society must be prepared
to take care of the elderly as the population of the
elders is increasing.”
Nigeria: One
Day International Seminar on Societal Care of The
Elderly (October 5, 2009)
Aging in Africa and indeed in Nigeria is happening against
a background of social and economic hardships. Recognizing
the challenges between the care needs of the elderly and
current provisions, the National Universities Commission
along with the North American Nigerian International
Coalition on Aging (NANICA) organized a one day seminar on
Societal Care for the Elderly.
Ivory
Coast: Muslims of the Ivory Coast Denounce the Age Limit
Demanded for the Hadj (October 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Ivory Coast government set an age limit for Muslims
who want to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam this year:
people under 13 or over 70 years old may not do the Hadj.
This excludes a large number of older persons and many
Muslims challenge this rule, especially because families
of elderly pilgrims have usually saved money to pay the
expenses for their elder parents to complete the Hadj.
This government says the risks relate to Swine Flu: it is
believed that the pilgrimage encourages contagion, and
older persons are generally more vulnerable.
Kenya:
Laws to be Amended over Aging Policy (September 14,
2009)
The National Policy on Older Persons and Aging in Kenya
proposes a new law that will amend traditional laws. This
action will ensure greater access to food, healthcare and
social welfare for older persons. The National Policy also
insists that more women be included in the council because
older women are deemed more vulnerable to the process of
aging.
Malawi: Malawi Will Improve Social Security of Old
Persons (September 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
Malawi’s President, Bingu Wa Mutharika, has created the
Bingu Silver Grey Foundation to integrate older persons
into Malawi society and to provide them with social
security. This association will build centers for old
people to give them access to some food and help. Older
people will have the chance to leave their isolation and
poverty behind, a condition brought on by stigmatization
and mistrust due to specific cultural beliefs.
Unfortunately, younger persons in the society often look
on them as sorcerer
Nigeria:
Aging Population Demands Action, Opportunity Closing
Rapidly (September 9, 2009)
The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with MERCER and
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development, reports that aging populations around the
world demand action and the window of opportunity is
closing rapidly. The report suggests considering the
opportunities in aging societies and stresses that
multi-stakeholder collaboration is required to transform
aging into a positive experience. Will stakeholders devise
new collaborative approaches for financing healthcare and
pensions for elderly populations? Stay tuned.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Older Persons Incarcerated
because of Pretended Witchcraft (August 27, 2009)
(Article in French)
In the Grand Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of
Congo, older persons accused of “witchcraft” are arrested
and put in jail where they suffer physical and emotional
injuries. Since 2006, 120 older people--men and
women--have been incarcerated in the prisons of Mushenge
in Occidental Kasai. Once they are imprisoned, they lose
all their rights and have no access to health care.
Subjected to forced-labor, older persons become slaves of
society. No one seems to be ready to protest this
injustice or to protect the rights of these older persons.
So far, neither journalists nor human rights organizations
have staged protests against this violation of people’s
rights.
Kenya:
Curtain Falls on World’s Oldest Pupil, but after
Fulfilling his Dream (August 16, 2009)
The old scholar, Stephen Kimani Maruge, passed away on
Friday at the Cheshire Home for the Old in Nairobi at the
age of 89. Known as the world's oldest pupil, he was a
symbol of the Kenyan government's success with free
primary education. Maruge's rise from a peasant Mau Mau
war veteran in his village was seen by many as a symbol of
resilience and hope for many uneducated people. His
enrollment at the local Primary School gave the village
international fame. Thanks to his big steps, many adults
who had dropped out of school went back after the
introduction of free primary school education by the newly
formed government in January 2003. For this reason, and
additionally because he enrolled in first grade at over 75
years of age, Maruge was granted a place in the Guinness
Book of World Records as the world's oldest pupil.
Mauritius
: The Links Between India and Mauritius Consolidated
(August 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and
Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institution of Mauritius
organized a meeting on the theme of healthy lifestyles and
intergenerational relationship at the recreation center
for older people of Point-aux-Sables. The Minister,
Sheilabai Bappoo, recalled the Mauritian policy concerning
seniors based on Gandhian philosophy. At this meeting, the
President of the Senior Citizens Council of Delhi, J. R.
Gupta, recognized the privileges of the island’s seniors
compared to those of the elderly living north of the
Indian Ocean.
Nigeria:
Halting Global Aging Crisis (August 11, 2009)
According to Richard Suzman, director of the National
Institute on Aging (NIA), “Aging is affecting every
country in every part of the world. While there are
important differences between developed and developing
countries, global aging is changing the social and
economic nature of the planet and presenting difficult
challenges.” Nigeria is facing two sorts of problems. On
one hand some NGOs want to reduce the increasing maternal
mortality by promoting family planning. However, this can
lead to very concerning demographic issues. On the other
hand, old people in Nigeria are not respected in the way
they once were, as cherished members of the family.
Nigerian children need to be protected as well, but not at
the expense of protecting the elderly.
South Africa:
Effort needed on the elderly: Molewa (August 8, 2009)
The Phumula Old Age Home recently opened in
Bronkhorspruit, South Africa. This community has the
highest percentage of older persons in South Africa. In
the view of the Social Development Minister, Edna Molewa,
everyone must take elder rights into account. She is
working hard to end the abuse and neglect many older
people have to endure.
Zimbabwe:
Government Mulls Elderly People’s Bill (July 31, 2009)
To address the plight of senior citizens in Zimbabwe, the
Ministry of Labour and Social Services plans to table a
motion for the inception of an Elderly People’s Bill.
Instead, the Ministry is searching for ways the government
can more adequately assist older people. Because of a
meeting with a local senior citizen, Frank Lupafya, the
Ministry recognized the urgent need for the bill to be
tabled.
Senegal: The
Endless Discussion Tree Is Threatened, According to a
Retired French Professor (July 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
On Sunday, July 26, government agents from Dakar broke the
tranquility of the elderly by clearing everyone out of the
space in which they were meeting. In Senegal, living
outside is very important for old people. “We need to go
outside to speak with others; the tents we meet in
represent the village tree that we gathered under to talk
in our culture in bygone days,” Pape Samba Sy, a retired
teacher of French, declared. “We have ten hot months out
of twelve. We cannot be confined inside like Europeans.”
Senegal: Senegal Looking at French System (July 17,
2009)
(Article in French)
On July 17, 2009, a bilateral cooperation framework
agreement between France and Senegal for Social Protection
was signed in Dakar between the Ministry of Public Service
Employment, Labor and Professional Organizations Habib Sy
and the French Ambassador in Senegal, Jean Christophe
Rufin. The agreement guarantees cooperation and technical
help in the fields of health and social security. This
partnership will help governments to “sustain some reforms
about health assurance, old people’s care and for the
social security draft code,” President Jean Marie Spaeth
said.
Kenya: HelpAge International Statement on Recent
Killings Related to Witchcraft Accusations in Kenya
(July 16, 2009)
HelpAge International and its partner HelpAge Kenya have
taken a stand on the recent killings of older men and
women in Kenya accused of witchcraft. Accusations of
witchcraft generally originate from younger community
members, spurred on by unexplainable events such as
sudden deaths or illnesses, but also by economic
motives: the younger members want to seize the older
members’ assets and property. Older people are found to
be generally the subjects of the accusations and
lynchings, often resulting in their deaths, because they
are seen as weak and helpless. HelpAge calls on the help
of the Kenyan government to combat the problem.
Nigeria: Senate Establishes
Agency for the Aged (July 15, 2009)
On July 14, the Senate passed a bill to establish a
National Agency for Elderly Persons in Nigeria. The
agency will provide welfare and recreational facilities
for the aged as well as programs and activities aimed at
the advancement of elderly persons in Nigeria. The new
agency reflects a shift in the traditional patterns of
family care for older persons in Africa.
Africa: Denied the Right to
a Dignified Life (June 26, 2009)
Traditionally, African culture dictated that older
citizens be treated with respect. However, as economic
constraints erode the extended family system and fuel
rural-urban migration, many old people languish in
villages with no one to care for them. Because a quarter
of African women have been widowed by conflicts, disease
and poverty, this article explores abuse of and
discrimination against old women in the light of
cultural practices such as widow-inheritance and land
ownership.
Senegal : Ndieme Diop,
65 Years Old, President of the Association about Elders
and Retired People (June 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
Ndieme Diop is 65 and she is the president of the Wakhou
Mack Association in Senegal. Through the Association she
defends elder rights and urges the government to donate to
older persons, increase their pensions and access to
healthcare. Some people think she is naïve and
idealistic but she knows what she wants and she is not
afraid to make strong claims. This older woman is ready to
keep fighting to improve life for elders.
Ivory Coast:
Celebration for Older Persons and Indigents: City Hall
Honors 272 Persons (June 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Ivory Coast’s Issia City Council organized a
traditional ceremony to acknowledge the contributions of
272 persons older than 50 years, along with 12 indigent
and disabled persons at the Issia city hall. For the past
six years, the City Council has honored old people and
indigents from different parts of the city. Ms. Dedi
Tapé, mayor of the city, said, “this is a way of
returning thanks to those who gave life, and this
celebration gives them happiness at least one time in
their lives.”
Senegal:
Older Persons: A Population Less and Less Assisted
(April 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The situation for older persons is a real concern.
Recognizing this emerging issue, the Senegalese scientific
community has decided to analyze what policies and
programs are needed to provide assistance to older
persons. The issue of aging will change the 21st century
society, thanks to technological and medical progress
resulting in significant increases in life expectancy. But
in our contemporary societies, aging means difficulties in
life, and the accumulation of diseases. Older persons are
more and more left to themselves; even the traditional
solidarities once found in African societies are now being
lost.
Madagascar: Older Persons
Are Afraid of Being Neglected (April 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons are breaking their silence. A number of
associations committed to defending old people’s rights
has been organized to sound an alarm to the new
transitional government. Their main concern is that the
bill on the status of older persons is still not in
effect. This bill defines the readjustment of the food
pension for older persons and the national solidarity fund
for elderly. The fund is significant particularly helps
artisans and the self-employed who have no pension.
Cameroon: long
Nursing Homes for Older persons Coming Soon (March
5, 2009)
(Article in French)
A project of nursing home construction in ten
different areas in Cameroon is currently under way.
This work comes at the initiative of a French
association, “Lumière du Monde” which works
hand in hand with its local affiliate, “Lumière
du Cameroun”. Based on the European pattern, a first
centre will open in 2010 and welcome about fifty
residents, who will be served by doctors from both
Cameroon and France.
Tanzania: Climate Change and the Fate of
Grandmothers in Tanzania (March 2009)
Environmental changes continue to spread and
negatively affect many different parts of society. In
2006, while experiencing a drought, communities within
the Kishapu district of Tanzania had drastically
increased rates of child mortality due to water-borne
diseases. Community members blamed the deaths on the
“witches” living among them, resulting in the murder
of numerous innocent grandmothers throughout this
region.
Tanzania:
Climate Change and the Fate of Grandmothers in Tanzania
(March 2009)
Environmental changes continue to spread and negatively
affect many different parts of society. In 2006, while
experiencing a drought, communities within the Kishapu
district of Tanzania had drastically increased rates of
child mortality due to water-borne diseases. Community
members blamed the deaths on the “witches” living among
them, resulting in the murder of numerous innocent
grandmothers throughout this region.
Gabon:
Associations Fight for the Rights of Older Persons
(January 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The rise in life expectancy in Gabon is increasing the
number of older persons in the society. Their situation
is very worrisome. More and more, older people feel
overwhelmed by loneliness, isolation and a sense of
worthlessness. Due to their society’s modernization and
urbanization, the “family community” in the African
sense of the expression, does not play the same
integrating role as it did in the past. Western
countries’ positive experiences may be used as models.
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Americas
& Caribbean
Background Document
Peru:
National Plan for Elderly (2002-2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Plan for Elderly was created to lay out
action steps that the government would take on aging
issues in Peru. The elderly population in Peru is 7.2% and
could reach 13% by 2025. This plan aims to integrate the
elderly in the society, by increasing the quality and
quantity of health care services, by creating policies of
food assistance and by helping old people enjoy a pleasant
life with their families and in society. Another National
Plan objective is promoting a positive image of older
persons.
Mexico:
Law For Older Persons in Mexico City (Distrito Federal,
México) (1999)
(Article in Spanish)
A new law for older persons in the city of Mexico
(Distrito Federal de México) took effect in 1999.
This law affected all persons older than 60 years old. The
law’s aimed to integrate the elderly into society and to
improve the quality of life. The law includes sections
related to health, food, social assistance, participation,
and work.
Reports
GrandFacts:
Data, Interpretation, and Implications for Caregivers
(December 2009)
This report focuses on grandfamilies, a family headed by
grandparents in which no parents of the grandchildren are
present. Little is known about skipped generation families
as a sub-group. Currently about 640,000 such families live
in the US and they face great challenges in many areas. To
understand these families better, the authors looked at
the demographics, age of the children and possible
policies regarding skipped generation families. To
illustrate the information, they highlight data from the
US Census Bureau’s latest national sample.
Chile: Older
Persons and Technology; Does Chile Consider Them (June
26, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The writer reveals the generational gap between young
and older people in Chili. Despite this gap, older persons
are beginning to get connected to technology. The
government wants them to use technology that will also
contribute to economic development. Fortunately, the
National Congress Library has initiated meetings to teach
older persons how to use the new technology.
Canada: Canada’s Aging Population:
Seizing the Opportunity (April 2009)
The Canadian Special Senate Committee on Aging recently
released a report setting out a detailed vision of how the
Canadian government, organizations and individuals can
embrace the challenges of an aging population. The Special
Committee Report offers comprehensive recommendations to
deal with an aging society from combating ageism,
incorporating research and new technology, improving
housing and transportation to pension and social security
reform. The report also studies the specific needs of
certain groups within the older cohort that need
assistance, e.g., indigenous persons known as First
Nations and Inuit seniors. The report recommends providing
them with culturally appropriate services.
Latin America
and the Caribbean: Aging and Older Persons.
Socio-demographic Indicators for Latin America and the
Caribbean (March 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The writer makes the obvious point that governments and
citizens need to know the facts about the aging process
and the material situation of older persons in order to
plan, implement and continue essential public policies.
This document offers statistical information about the
aging process of the Latin American and Caribbean
population and reveals the socio-economic characteristics
of older people and their living situation. The report has
four parts: (1) basic demographic information about the
aging process, (2) and (3) indicators about
socio-demographic characteristics and the economies of the
population, and (4) information concerning the
characteristics of homes for older persons.
Latin America: A
Report on the Status of Older People’s Rights in Latin
America (January 2009)
Few Latin American countries have human rights plans that
include sections on older persons. Most do have specific
legislation, social projects and national plans on ageing
but States lack adequate budget to implement them.
Furthermore, the large disparity in income distribution
and the focus on structural adjustment programs have made
it difficult to assure health care and pension provisions.
Since the population of older people will grow in the
years ahead, the author argues that policymakers must
implement measures to ensure the protection and well-being
of the elderly. The author recommends assessing regional
expectations for a coordinating body that would require
States to implement policies, programs and allocate
budgetary resource.
Chile:
Older Persons in Chile: Situation, Advancement and
Challenges of Aging and Old Age (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The National Service for Older Persons has produced an
excellent report that systematizes all the existing
statistical information on aging in Chile. By creating
this document, the National Service analysts have created
an instrument that will provide greater knowledge about
older persons and their lives. It explores the process of
aging and the experience of old age in Chile as well as
suggesting the need for greater social protection for
older persons.
Latin America: Human Rights and Health of Older Persons
(2009)
Experts at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
have cited the dangerous state of discrimination against
older persons in Latin America and the Caribbean. PAHO,
the UN and Organization of American States’ specialized
agency for health in the Americas, promotes and protects
the right to the highest attainable standard of health.
PAHO lays out the plight of older persons, the methods of
international and regional protection, and finishes with a
list detailing how the concerned public can help to
alleviate these problems.
Articles
Argentina:
22 Volunteers Trained to Work With Older Persons
(December 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In the Patagonia region, the Under Secretary for Human
Development is training volunteers to assist older
persons. Volunteers work as community facilitators to
assist old people with their needs. They work in 64
nursing homes, centers for retired people and municipal
clubs. The government wants to ensure proper care and
attention to the 12,000 elderly in Patagonia. Argentina
also encourages social tourism by organizing trips through
the region in January when old people can take advantage
of natural landscapes and enjoy time outdoors.
El
Salvador: 20 Years of Giving Older People Dignity
(December 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
During December, older persons in El Salvador organized
dances, music and masses to celebrate Christmas, thanks to
the help of The Salvadorian Foundation for Older Person
(Fusate). This NGO assists and supports older people in El
Salvador. They manage seven centers where older people can
receive medical assistance and free food, attend classes
and participate in entertainment. Olga Miranda, president
of Fusate, says they have influenced government decisions
on elder rights. After working for 20 years, Miranda says:
“Our greatest achievement has been to raise awareness of
the importance of the older person in El Salvador.”
Cuba: Older
People Enjoy their Rights (December 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In the province of Guantanamo, a program designed for
the elderly is helping more than 8,000 people. The
program's priority is to provide medical and social
assistance. Doctors and even specialists in geriatrics
visit various nursing homes, houses and elderly circles in
the community to promote healthy living styles, adequate
diets and exercises to prevent illnesses such as
hypertension and diabetes. In addition, the Cuban
government created the University for Older Persons where
people 65 years and more can learn about different
subjects, including their health, and establish better
social relationships. In Guantanamo there are at least 70
people more than 100 years old, which shows the positive
impact of programs for such community efforts.
Chile: Bill Seeks to Punish Relatives of Older People
for Theft (December 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
This December the Chilean Congress will vote on
legislation that would punish direct relatives of older
people who cause harm, theft or fraud to an older person.
The law would define older persons as a specific group in
the domestic violence law, currently only aimed at
children, women and disabled persons. According to the
Interior Ministry, 20% of the elderly have suffered some
kind of mistreatment, but only 1% actually report the
abuse. This initiative is very important to protect and
defend elder rights. In Chile, 13 out of 100 people are
considered older, and the oldest age group (80 years) is
growing at a fast rate
Canada: Designing Planes with the Aging Population in
Mind (November 27, 2009)
E.ngineers, planners and designers are currently coming up
with new ways to make airplanes aging-friendly so that
older persons and persons with reduced mobility may travel
more easily. They are installing wider aisles, full
stand-up lavatories, automatic overhead bins and
height-adjustable seats. These efforts result from
Boeing’s experiment as senior travelers; employees wore
bulky suits, gloves and foggy goggles, which allowed them
to experience airplane travel with a different
perspective. While trains and cruise ships have
age-friendly programs, it is up to the airlines whether or
not they will adopt these new measures.
Venezuela:
Foundation Bethania: A Gesture of Love towards Older
Persons
(November 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Foundation Bethania protects older persons in situations
of risk or abandonment and brings a gesture of love and
care towards such older persons. The director of the
foundation, Cristian Ojeda, realized that government
institutions were not taking enough steps to address
abandonment among seniors; he founded this organization to
help improve seniors’ lives. Today, Foundation Bethania
works towards creating the Council for the Protection of
Older Persons in Bolivar State.
Costa Rica: Family
Members Deceive Older Persons to Take Away Possessions
(November 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Council of Older Persons and the Association
of Gerontology of Costa Rica declared that 149 reports
related to family violence against persons 65 years and
older were filed in 2009. These organizations define
family violence as an attempt to control the possessions,
funds and resources of older persons with the intent to
obtain economic gain. How does this violence affect
older persons? They experience depression, feelings of
betrayal and loss of their material possessions.
Colombia: Lines for
Subsidies for Older Persons (November 18, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry of Social Protection launched a new subsidy
for more than 1,300 older persons in Manizales, Colombia.
The national government launched this subsidy and it is
covering an increasing number of older persons. At the
program’s inception in 2003, it covered around 700
seniors. With this year's increase, more than 6,000 elders
may qualify for the subsidy. Officials use certain
criteria to select the beneficiaries, such as level of
poverty and dependency, among others.
Mexico:
More than 26 Million Older Persons Receive Economic
Stimulus Money from the Government (November 18, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Héctor Israel Ortiz Ortiz, the governor of
Tlaxcala, launched an economic assistance plan costing 35
million pesos and aimed for more than 26 million older
persons. More than 60 municipalities will receive the
stimulus money, marking the adoption of the Attention to
Older Persons Law, in Tlaxcala. Older people are
transitioning from the paid work force to unpaid
retirement. Their dependency on third parties (family,
neighbors, the government or others) is generating
unfamiliar problems. Understanding the challenges they
face, the local administration launched this Program for
Assistance to Older Persons.
Ecuador:
Municipality of Molina Launches Buses Exclusively for
Older Persons (November 18, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Municipality of Molina has launched a new free service
to men over the age of 60 and to women 55 and older. The
service allows seniors to use the new public
transportation vehicles at no cost. The buses will take
the passengers to areas where activities for older persons
are held, such as the Center for Older Persons.
Canada and
Mexico: Rights of Older Persons Discussed (November 13,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Researchers from Mexico and Canada reported on abuse of
older persons in their respective countries at the Academy
of Quebec and called for the rights of older persons. As
they carried out their research, the professors exchanged
experiences. The conference ended with the adoption of a
project: “Model of Friendly Care: A Project for Community
Development.”
Honduras:
The Abandonment of 74,000 Older Persons (November 8,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Around 74,000 older persons live in Tegucigalpa, the
capital of Honduras. The majority of seniors do not have
opportunities to improve their lives and feel they are
destined to loneliness and abandonment. Employers
discharge some older persons at age 60 when it’s not
unusual for them to become depressed. The Law for
Protection of Older Persons states that the quality of
life of seniors needs to be improved by developing
different types of organizations. The reality is that
there are not enough programs ensuring support and
protection, especially for older persons who have no one
to care for them.
Venezuela:
The “Padre Rosario” Plan Will Benefit 3,000 Older
Persons in Trujillo (November 4, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Government of Trujillo established a social policy
plan, “Padre Rosario,” to help 3,000 older persons in the
Venezuelan state of Trujillo. The beneficiaries receive
monthly financial support as well as medical and
nutritional attention. The governor of Trujillo, Hugo
Cabezas, declared that the initiative got underway because
some older persons do not receive any social security
benefits. In general, the national government ensures
social security for older persons as a matter of
policy.
Chile: Study
Presented by Ministry of Planning Reveals the Increase
of Older Persons in Araucanía (November 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A seminar titled “Social Protection System: A compromise
for Older Persons in Araucanía” (a region in Chile)
took place at the University of Santo Tomás of
Temuco. Presenters announced the community achievements
toward social protection for older persons. Participants
also analyzed a study from the Ministry of Planning and
the National Service for Older Persons on the “Dimensions
and Territorial Expression of Ageing.” How will Chileans
respond to the coming increase among persons over 60 years
old? Their government is engaged and committed to Social
Protection, an essential first step.
Chile:
University Valparaíso Brings to a Close the Month
of Older Persons (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The University of Valparaíso ended the activities
for older persons that were organized during the month of
October to celebrate the Month of Older Persons. The
Technology Center Director at the University of
Valparaíso spoke about how important education is
for all and added that the faculty teaches students who
range in age from 18 years to 60 years in the university
classrooms. Including older students grew out of an
attempt to “create a society of all ages” and to implement
the United Nations Principles of Older Persons.
Ecuador:
Facebook Attracts Older Persons (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Neilsen market research agency revealed that the
number of Facebook users over the age of 50 has increased
more than 513% in the past six months. Older persons use
Facebook to establish friendships and overcome isolation.
Some countries, such as Spain, offer courses to teach
older persons how to use Facebook and learn how to improve
communication with their families.
Argentina:
Joint Actions to Improve Quality of Life for Older
Persons (October 29, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Institute for Social Services for Older
Persons in Argentina, along with the support of the
Ministry of Regional and National Social Development and
the National Administration of Social Security, among
others, launched a program, “Detection and Attention of
Vulnerable Populations,” with the intent of bringing
social assistance to older persons in the entire Province
of Chaco. The initiative attempts to guarantee the
principles of equality and fairness in the access of
medical and social services and to contribute to the
creation of a more inclusive state.
Chile:
Older Persons in Cabulco Integrated into Social
Protection Network (October 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Last month the Social Protection System in Chile adopted a
Program for Support of Older Persons called “Vinculo” (to
connect). The program will give a direct response to the
necessities of older persons and integrate them into
Chilean society. As a result, older persons can receive
social support, given their situation of vulnerability and
solitude, as well as preferential access to loans provided
by the network.
Argentina:
What Has Been Done With the Retirement Money? (October
26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A proposition to put retirement funds in the hands of the
multinationals and banks was made about a year ago in
Argentina. However, many preferred to leave the retirement
funds in the hands of the Government of Argentina. It
turns out that older persons may not have benefited
directly from this change. Retirement funds were used to
finance public works, to give loans in the amount of
250,000 million pesos to companies such as General Motors,
Mercedes Benz and Peugeot Citroen, as an economic
stimulus. The author asks why older Argentines did not get
additional personal credit from these funds.
Argentina:
Proposition to Declare the Program University for Older
Persons a Provincial Interest (October 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Program University for Older Persons has grown in
importance throughout Argentina. Almost 1,000 older
citizens in Argentina have benefited from the creation of
the program. The objective is to generate
intergenerational change, to train older persons and to
increase the levels of physical, mental and social health
of the older population. The initiative demonstrates that
every age has the right to education.
Mexico: Older
Persons in Search of Employment (October 20, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
More than 200,000 older Mexicans do not receive enough
pension support, and have to search for employment to
cover their basic needs. It is necessary not only to open
jobs for older persons, but to provide training for
emerging jobs in the field of technology, for example.
Some companies are helping older persons in their search
for employment. For example, one company opened a computer
classroom in the University for Older Persons that serves
1,800 older persons.
Canada:
Negotiations in the Public and Para-Governmental
Sectors: Retirees' Voices Should Be Heard (October 14,
2009)
(Article in French)
On September 30, the Quebecois Association of Retirees
introduced a legislative bill concerning the pension
system and the rights of retirees. This issue is a key one
in Quebec, where the major pension fund of public and
para-governmental sectors faces an important shortfall.
Major trade unions announced a tour throughout Quebec to
discuss the issues, underlining the need to consult
retired persons about their particular needs as part of
the negotiations.
Honduras:
No Such Thing as a Free Putsch (October 14, 2009)
The military junta in Honduras has been arresting and
torturing unarmed peacefully demonstrating civilians,
including older persons, women and children. A Honduras
congressman tried to help an old woman when the policy
attacked him and broke his arm. Dr. Juan Almendares, an
internationally renowned human rights activist, suggests
that the real reasons behind the coup are economic ones:
President Manuel Zelaya used state power to negotiate
lower oil prices and restricted the exploitation of
Honduran natural resources by transnational mining
corporations. While it is unclear who knew about the coup,
it produced a great resistance movement, uniting farmers,
older persons, teachers and students.
Mexico: Reynoso
Welcomes Older Persons (October 11, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
During a meeting with the president of the Association of
Older Persons in Mexico, Governor Luís Armando
Reynoso expressed his determination to maintain and
continue developing programs and projects related to older
persons. The government, sensitive to the aspirations of
older persons, wants to promote their permanent
participation in society through the State System for
Development of the Family.
Peru: In
February of 2010 a Municipal House for Older Persons
Will Open in Callao (October 11, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The mayor of Callao announced the opening in February 2010
of a Municipal House for Older Persons that will provide
free services to more than 4,000 older persons. The Mayor
clarified that among the services offered will be general
medicine, exclusive dining services and more open areas
for outdoor activities.
Mexico:
PVEM Calling for Establishment of a State Policy for
Employment of Older Persons (October 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Secretary of Social Communication in Mexico claims
that at least 70% of the population of 60 years and older
is currently unemployed. Therefore, the Partido Verde
Ecologista de México (PVEM) proposes a fiscal
stimulus aimed at older unemployed persons. They want to
establish a state policy for employing older persons
because one of every two older Mexicans lives in
poverty.
Mexico:
It is Necessary to Support Older Persons (October 5,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
To celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, the
director of “Casa de Día” of Cuautla, Gilberto
Palacios Flores, emphasized the need to give greater
support to older persons. Many programs for older persons
are in place in the State of Morelos; however, 80% of all
the elderly are unemployed and do not receive enough
income to support themselves. As a solution to this
problem, “Casa de Día” is demanding the creation of
more employment agencies to assist older persons in
Morelos.
Mexico:
Population with a Tendency to Age (October 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The demographic of ageing is a global phenomenon that
directly impacts people, communities and all sectors of
government and society. The Mexican National Statistical
Institute registered 32 municipalities that exceed the
national level of number of persons 60 years or older.
Both mortality and migration rates have influenced the
increase of the percentage of older Mexicans to 20% and in
some places, the percentage is even higher.
Paraguay:
Out of 500,000 Older Persons Only 85,000 Receive
Assistance (October 1, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Approximately 500,000 older persons live in Paraguay, but
only 85,000 of them receive some type of government
assistance. Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki Moon,
recently insisted that governments should adopt legal
protections for older persons. In response, Paraguay's
Department of Older Persons at the Ministry of Social
Welfare is developing a series of activities for older
persons, with the intent of creating an inclusive society.
Argentina:
Towards a Society for All Ages (October 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the
International Day of Older Persons, the President of the
International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse, Dr.
Lía Susana Daichman, revealed that for the past ten
years efforts to create a “Society for all Ages” have
increased. She called for a change in the attitudes and
policies for older persons and to consider rapid
population aging as a major challenge of the 21st Century.
Ecuador: Campaign for Better Treatment of Older Persons
(September 30, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Department of Social and Economic Inclusion
adopted a project to promote the rights and better
treatment of older persons. The program sponsors are
organizing a cultural and artistic festival promoting the
rights of older persons. What are the benefits of such a
plan? Organizers say that the program will help older
people by reducing their taxes, giving them assistance
with rent, transportation and telephones in both urban and
rural areas.
Chile: Older Persons from the Lake Region Demand Their
Rights with a View to the Bicentennial (September 29,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
More than 248 Regional Councils for Older Persons of
Latin America are gathering in Santiago. One of the
prominent propositions is the necessity to accept old age
and aging of the population as a concern not only for the
government, but also for society as a whole. The
conference will demonstrate the power and potential of
older persons as well as urge the adoption of an
International Convention or a Special Rapporteur on the
Rights of Older Persons.
Mexico: City
Council Approves Regulations for the Rights of Older
Persons (September 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The City Council of Durango approved Regulations for the
Rights of Older Persons consisting of programs and support
for older persons. The government and private and public
institutions will work together to develop these programs.
They will create a municipal council to provide attention
to the needs of older persons. This initiative can serve
as a precedent for future administrations to pay greater
attention to the challenges facing older people.
Mexico: The Federal Human Rights Commission Urges Giving
Judicial Certainty to Older Persons (September 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Federal Human Rights Commission wants to create
conditions for greater judicial certainty for older
persons. The Commission’s studies indicate that this
sector of the population suffers critical levels of
violence. Therefore, the Human Rights Commission is
undertaking programs and actions to create a new social
generational agreement intended to defend and protect
older persons.
Argentina: The Older Persons’ Association Renewed its
Board Members (September 21, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Older Persons’ Association presented a project in the
Legislature related to the regulation of Article 18 of the
Constitution, which establishes the rights of older
persons. The Association wants to make certain that
Government improves the services for older persons related
to health, accommodations and education
Argentina: A
Law to Defend Older Persons Pushed Forward (September 9,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The House of Deputies initiated a project on September 1
that seeks greater human rights for older persons. This
proposition promotes the creation of a Political Directory
for Older Persons, a Public Defender for Older Persons and
increased participation by non-governmental organizations.
According to the proposed projects, the process of aging
of the population is not limited only to the current
generation of older persons. All aspects of state and
society need to be responsibly involved in issues of
aging.
Mexico: Laws Related to Older
Persons Postponed (September 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
It seems unreasonable that although older persons are the
group of people subject to the greatest demographic change
in Mexico City, laws related to aging are postponed.
Geriatric specialists ask why seven years after the
adoption of the Law of Rights of Elder Persons, the
regulations for care centers and asylums have not yet been
published. In addition, only one of all seventeen recently
proposed initiatives was approved. To focus more attention
on the problems of older persons, interest groups are
proposing the creation of international and national
regulations pertaining to older persons’ rights.
Mexico: Forgotten People of
the Third age in Tlayacapan (September 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The elder people of Tlayacapan declared that the
current government has not paid out the usual municipal
benefits for financial and medical assistance to subsidize
their needs. Older people are now pressuring the new
administration to restore the payments.
Bolivia:
Listen to the Older Persons (September 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In the past, older persons in Latin America always
possessed authority. However, in 2009, older people
attract diminished respect. Statistics show that almost 7%
of Bolivians are 60 or older; almost half of them live in
rural areas where they experience significant shortages.
The government is trying to improve the lot of the elderly
by adopting new policies to put in place alongside the
modest social pension. Besides the assistance from the
state, older Bolivians need greater respect and attention
from their relatives.
Uruguay:
Older Persons: not Smart, not Stupid, just People with
Abilities, Dignity and Rights (September 1, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Latin-American Gerontology Network claims a
fundamental premise to support the rights related to old
age. These rights can help end the process of social
exclusion of older persons. It is important to acknowledge
that respect for older persons has increased in recent
years. However, our challenge is to educate and create
better conditions for the development of our societies and
strengthen the democracy in a way that will guarantee
justice and equality among people of all ages.
Argentina: Work Conference on Elder Rights (September 1,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Commissions of Social Development; Public Health,
Culture and Education; and the House of Deputies organized
a work conference on elder rights. Participants wanted to
regulate the function and control the establishment of
public and private geriatrics and other services, with or
without profit, to improve the quality of life of elderly
persons. One of the discussed projects was the creation of
an Incidents and Anomalies’ Register consisting of
complaints and police reports filed against service
providers.
Canada: One
Canadian among Five Takes Care of an Old Sick Parent
(August 31, 2009)
(Article in French)
Researchers at the National Council for the Elderly is
measuring how much time family caregivers give to old
people. It was found that one Canadian in five takes care
of an older sick parent, sometimes for more than ten hours
a week. The writers also point out that loneliness and
marginalization of older persons are ballooning into big
social issues in Canada. Now the National Council for the
Elderly has mandated a full report detailing the health
care situation for older Canadians and their families. But
what happens after the report comes out?
Colombia:
Cases of Aggression Against Elderly Persons in Colombia
Increasing (August 31, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Personnel at the Institute of Legal Medicine indicate
that aggression against old people has increased.
Politicians are proposing a number of projects to combat
the violence. Representative Simon Gaviria is suggesting a
law increasing the punishment of abusers of old people,
including a sentence of up to nine years in prison. On the
other hand, Senator Armando Bendetti suggests a different
approach: Give responsibility to mayors to carry out laws
affecting elderly persons in their areas. For two years,
the author says that the government has failed to enforce
existing laws enacted to protect old people.
Mexico: European Universities are Developing Projects in
Favor of Elderly Persons (August 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Some European Universities, under the auspices of the
European Union, are preparing a project to benefit elderly
persons. Research shows that until 2050 one in every four
Mexicans will be older and that Mexican institutions are
not prepared to meet the growing demand for economic and
health services. The university project will improve
services for the elderly and will advance propositions for
good public policies responding to older people’s concrete
needs.
Mexico:
The State Commission on Human Rights in the Laguna
Region Looks after Older Persons (August 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The State Commission on Human Rights in the Laguna Region
has initiated various activities to look after older
persons. Commission members want to assure that old people
have a permanent contact to help them confront any type of
authority abuse. The Commission’s work is part of a larger
goal to ensure humane treatment of older persons, who make
up an important part of Mexican society.
Mexico:
The State Commission on Human Rights Filed More than 150
Police Complaints of Abuse of Elderly People this Year
(August 24, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The State Commission on Human Rights has noted that older
people have filed more than 150 police reports for various
reasons in one of the states in Mexico. Some said that
they had been refused medical assistance; other claimed
that their families deprived them of their property and
belongings. In order to eradicate these types of abuse,
the Human Rights Commission suggests schooling and other
courses to teach the younger population to value the
elderly.
Mexico:
The Family Development Committee Will Celebrate Along
with 2,000 Elderly Persons (August 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Family Development Committee in Los Cabos (Mexico)
will help celebrate the days designated to honor older
persons with various activities. Activities will include
educational programs, health handicrafts, physical and
mental protection and nutrition programs. Interestingly,
the Constitution for Older People in Los Cabos includes
the right to social assistance and right to full
participation in social programs, without any
discrimination.
Canada:
Judges Too Old to Rule, Lawyers Say (August 20, 2009)
Recently a young lawyer identified a deputy judge as too
old for the bench. Under the Constitution Act, all court
judges must retire at 75 years; however Judge Louis
Tannenbaum is 77. Upon noticing this discrepancy, lawyers
are wondering how they could have missed this
technicality. A solution to the issue has not yet been
determined.
Colombia:
Mistreatment Hounds elderly persons in Cali (August 19,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The reporters says that rights of elderly people in Cali,
Colombia, are often violated. The government received some
314 cases of abuse during the past year. Older persons
represent 10% of the population in Cali. In an effort to
eradicate elder abuse, the Secretariat of Territorial
Development and Social Welfare initiated several social
programs to benefit its older citizens. Will the
government look at the causes of such abuse?
Mexico:
The Elderly Understand Their Rights (August 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Staff at the Commission of Human Rights in Mexico
published a booklet listing types of abuse against older
people that must be denounced. Mexican elders face human
rights violations in these areas: Poverty, lack of jobs,
abandonment and abuse from family members, discrimination,
sickness, lack of secure accommodations and many more. The
Human Rights Commission in the country now can begin its
effort to ensure that human rights regulations become
binding and enforced.
Mexico:
Mistreatment of Elderly in Self-Service Stores in San
Juan (August 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Institute of the Elderly in Mexico indicates
that 95% of older persons working as packers in
self-service stores have filed complaints of abuse against
other workers and clients. They have a major complaint
over being forced to do jobs that are not part of their
responsibilities as packers. The National Institute of the
Elderly will inspect the stores’ contracts, thus trying to
gain the trust of the elderly, assuring them that the
Institute is a resource where they can file their
complaints of mistreatment.
Costa Rica: Older People: Alone and Deprived, or the
Opposite. (August 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
One of the problems that older people of Costa Rica
face is family abuse. Women are the main victims of abuse
and violence in general. This article tells the stories of
several older women who are victims of such abuse. One of
the main reasons for the ongoing abuse is the poverty in
Costa Rica. In order to support themselves, family members
resort to taking the pensions and the savings from their
older relatives. Fortunately, this problem has attracted
the attention of public officials in Costa Rica, who will
address and try to solve this urgent problem.
Bolivia:
A Law to Create Center for Elderly with Alzheimer’s
(August 9, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
It is believed that the damage caused by Alzheimer’s
disease is more extensive if people are misinformed, yet
there exists a disinterest to include the subject in
public policies. In Bolivia, there have been two advances
in the past two years. The first, in the field of
Alzheimer’s investigation, occurred in January with the
creation of the Alzheimer’s Association of Bolivia (AAB).
Also, in May, a law was passed that called for the
Creation of Nursing Homes for patients with Alzheimer’s
and other forms of dementia. This law is the first of its
kind in Latin America, specifically addressing the need
for care for older persons with dementia.
Argentina:
Argentineans Live Longer, but with Decreased Quality of
Life (August 1, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The challenge of the aging population will be debated in
the Argentine Congress of Health XII to be held in
Ushuaia, on September 10-11, 2009. The aging population
will impact all health services worldwide and will hit
Argentina especially hard as it is expected to be the most
aged country in Latin America.
Canada: The
13th Seniors Games of Montcalm (July 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
The 13th Seniors Games of Montcalm will take place in
Saint-Liguori in Quebec on August 12 and 13. In 2011,
people older than 65 will make up 16% of the population of
Quebec, exceeding the number of young people. The aim of
the games is to fraternize and entertain. Moreover, they
provide a way for people older than 50 years to gather,
promote their autonomy and enhance their way of life.
Canada: Older Persons Believe
They Have Been Victims of Financial Betrayal (July 12,
2009)
(Article in French)
Some old people, most of them from Canada, the US or
Europe, met in Montreal to talk about the financial losses
and betrayals they suffered after the disappearance of
Bertram Earl Jones, an adviser on financial planning. The
financial trade authority declared that Jones cheated
these elders out of $30-50 million. Some victims were deaf
or almost blind; all of them particularly vulnerable
because of advanced age. One woman referred to Jones as
her executioner.
Chile:
Government Counts on Chilotean Micro-enterprises and
Older Persons (July 9, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Regional authorities visited the city of Castro on
Chiloé Island to meet with beneficiaries of
micro-enterprises, including older persons. The Regional
Secretary for Planning (SEREMI), Armando Pérez and
the Regional Director of the Fund for Solidarity and
Social Investment (FOSIS), and Eugenio Pérez,
accompanied them to three micro-enterprises that improve
the lives of the island’s residents. They also learned
about projects that help older persons enjoy their lives
and maintain their working vitality.
Chile: Age Presents No Obstacle to Driving a Car (July
6, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Of the more than 71 million people who obtained or renewed
a driver’s license in 2009, less than 700 of them were
over 61 years of age. That is to say, older persons are a
minority on the roads. Nevertheless, discrimination exists
when older persons are behind the wheel. Having the
ability to drive is beneficial to the aging population. To
drive and travel allows for an improved quality of life.
Canada: Purple Balloons to Prevent Any Abuse Against
Older People (June 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Quebec, 4% to 7% of people over 65 years old are
victims of abuse. That is why members of a Group for
Intervention decided to release purple balloons on June 26
during the International Day to raise awareness on elder
abuse. The group is responsible to prevent physical,
psychological or financial violence against older adults.
This initiative also wanted to break the silence about
incidents of abuse.
Argentina:
Global Action on Aging Interview with Mónica
Roque (June 26, 2009)
(Article also available in Spanish)
GAA recently talked with Mónica Roque, a global
leader in the field of aging. GAA’s President, Susanne
Paul, has stayed in touch with Ms. Roque since they first
met at the “First Follow-Up Meeting of the Brasilia
Declaration on the Theme of Human Rights for Older
Persons” held in Rio de Janeiro. Ms. Roque is the National
Director for Older Persons at the National Department of
Childhood, Adolescence and Family of the Ministry of
Social Development for the Republic of Argentina.
Cuba: Cuba is
Going to Have the Oldest Population Among Latin
American
Countries (June 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish and in
Chinese)
According to a report by Cuba National Bureau of
Statistics on June 22, in the following decade, Cuba’s
population is going to shrink along with a rapidly growing
aging population, making Cuba the most aging Latin
American country by 2050. The report also said that by the
year of 2050, the number of people 60-and-older will hit
2.9 million, 1 million bigger than current figure and
account for 26% of the whole population of Cuba at that
time.
Cuba: Cuba Predicted to be the
Most Aged Country in Latin America by 2025 (June 22,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Cuban population will decrease in the upcoming years
while the number of aging persons will increase. The
increase is predicted to accelerate to the point that Cuba
will become the most aged country in Latin America by
2025. The Office of National Statistics is anticipating a
26% growth in the golden age population. However, the
increase is not expected to affect the quality of old age
of Cubans negatively.
Canada:
Hundreds of Older People Die Because of Neglect (June
15, 2009)
(Article in French)
After an analysis of the Quebec coroner’s files,
sociologist Louis Plamondon estimates that one out of
three deaths is caused by some form of neglect. He
explained also that there were 394 cases of suicide,
possibly caused by untreated depression.
Mexico: 16% of Older Persons in
Mexico Suffer From a Type of Abuse (June 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A recent study found that 16% of older persons living in
Mexico suffer from some type of mistreatment, almost
double the average in Latin America. Women over 74 years
old represent the principal victims of this abuse. While
the most common and prevalent type of abuse is
psychological in nature, many cases of physical, economic
and sexual abuse occur as well. As opposed to Europe or
the US where the aging process is gradual, in Mexico aging
has occurred rapidly, leaving little time to respond to
changing demands.
Costa Rica: Older Persons to
Travel for Free by Just Presenting Identification (June
10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
San Jose lawmakers enacted a new program to make public
bus travel available to seniors at either no cost or
largely discounted. The seniors will need only to present
a form of identification to receive the discount. Older
persons benefiting from this resolution will be able to
travel all routes that operate within the country. For
distances less than 25 kilometers there will be no fee.
Fares for travel exceeding 25 kilometers will be largely
reduced.
Canada: Senior Citizens of Cinema
are Finally Acting Their Ages (June 6, 2009)
Older people in movies are usually shown as either the
wisdom dispensers or as swearing sailors. But this
depiction is slowly changing and older people are now
being depicted as fun and adventurous and comfortable with
aging. The current crop of films, including “Up,”
celebrates aging and helps everyone look forward to –
rather than fear growing olde r.
Canada: Quebec Sending in the
Clowns (May 21, 2009)
The provincial government has signed an agreement with a
non-profit group to use so-called 'therapeutic clowns' in
nursing homes, even though critics say basic care for the
elderly is woefully inadequate. Hundreds of private
nursing homes as well as homes for the elderly are without
properly trained staff, according to patients' rights
groups. They contend that the elderly can go days without
being washed in nursing homes. They are often left alone
to eat and they receive inadequate care for some of their
most basic needs.
Canada: A Retirement Spent at
School (May 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
Because of economic conditions, some workers are going to
retire early. Some them might choose to go back to school.
Universities have developed many programs specifically for
people who, despite their age, still want to learn. There
are several ways to finance this return to school. An
efficient way consists of investing more in the registered
savings-retirement system. Another possibility is to
establish a personal registered savings-studies
account.
Ecuador: “We Need Health
Education” (May 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Rafael Velasco Teran, a psychologist and geriatrician,
speaks about the current approach to problems facing older
people. He believes that we should not depend on our
families or governments but that we should act
preventatively, especially by focusing on four simple
things: nutrition, exercise, eliminating alcohol and
cigarettes, and specialized treatments. Everyone should be
educated about old age.
Argentina: Technology and Old
Age (May 5, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Being older is much easier these days, the writer claims.
A team of investigators from the University of Newcastle,
England, has designed a series of gadgets with the goal of
using technology to improve the quality of life for old
people and prolong their independence.
Latin America: Dilemma Over Private
Pensions in Latin America (May 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Recently, both Chile and Argentina revised their pension
systems. While still maintaining its private pension
system, Chile apparently cleared up many problems with the
existing system. Argentina, on the other hand, eliminated
its private system and transferred its pensions back into
a public system. Although neither of the countries
resolved the problem of inequalities, their citizens will
receive better benefits. The remaining Latin American
countries will likely update their pension programs in the
near future.
Argentina: Those Who Chose to Work
to Remain Active in Old Age (May 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
It’s estimated that 15.6 % of people over the age of 65
currently are economically active. Many experts believe
that it is a good thing because older persons should
retain their social role in society. Work should be done
because of personal interests, not economic need, which
can be detrimental and stressful for the health of an
older person.
Canada: Quebec to Pay $ 500,000 to
Elderly Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals (May 2009)
(Article in French)
The Quebec government will deposit more than a half
million dollars for projects encouraging respect for gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual older people.
Marguerite Blais, the Minister responsible for seniors,
believes that homosexuality among old people is considered
taboo in Quebec. According to her, the general population
needs to be sensitized and informed about the struggle
against stereotypes and prejudice.
Argentina:
‘Teleassistance’: A Noble Gesture for Our Older Adults
(April 30, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A new system will insure that older persons no longer have
to fear being alone, which will allow them to live with
greater independence. The device called Atempo consists of
a bracelet wirelessly connected to a telephone similar to
an alarm clock. The elderly owner simply has to push a
button to communicate with a team that has information and
access to family, friends and emergency services.
Canada: Neglect Would Have
Killed 800 Older Person in Three Years (April 30,
2009)
(Article in French)
Among all deaths of people over 65 years old between
2005 to 2007, 2,370 have reached a coroner’s inquest.
According to the investigator Louis Plamondon from the
Montréal University Institute of Geriatrics, a
third of these cases are linked to neglect. Homicides,
suicides, drowning in the bath or even food poisoning
are causes linked to neglect. An action plan will soon
be proposed whereby the government will inject $4
million each year to deal with these issues.
Ecuador: Older Persons Gain
Strength in Comprehensive Development (April 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Departments of the government signed agreements between
the Ministry for Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES) and
other organizations committed to the work of older
persons. They started a process to strengthen the rights
of older persons, categorizing them as a vulnerable group.
There are nine plans dedicated to approximately 400 older
persons in the different regions of the Loja province.
Barbados: Respect The Elderly–We’ll all Get Old Some
Day! (April 19, 2009)
The author says that abuse of elderly persons is
increasingly being brought to light. She describes the
truly sad and disheartening reality, and lists the
different kinds of abuse the elderly are facing. No one
disputes the fact that caring for an older person can be
tiring and at times frustrating, but abuse never should be
allowed to happen. Nevertheless, we should remember to
give due credit and praise to those who put the time and
effort into making the remaining years of older persons as
enjoyable as possible.
Chile: Most People Are Willing to
Pay Tax For Services Required By Older Adults (April 17,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The University of Chile recently revealed the results of
their study, “Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Elderly in
Chile,” which provides a detailed explanation of the
views, expectations and evaluation of Chileans about
senior citizens in Chilean society. Key findings include
the conclusion that 57.5% of respondents would pay a tax
to provide services needed by older adults. Researchers
emphasized that Chile must become more aware of their
politics and policy regarding older people.
Chile: Start Your Application
for a Funded Project for the Elderly (April 15,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Service for the Elderly is searching for
initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of
older men and women. This is an opportunity for them to
offer support to established organizations that have
served the needs of the elderly for years while
encouraging the development of new and innovative
ideas.
Mexico: The First Senior-Citizen
University was Founded in Mexico (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The average education level of older persons in Mexico is
low. This partly contributes to the disadvantaged position
older Mexicans are in and makes it challenging for them to
enjoy their old age. The first Senior-Citizen University
was founded in the capital city of Mexico to present a
more pleasing way of living to older Mexicans.
Mexico: Mexico Opens University
for the Elderly (April 9, 2009)
Mexico is opening its first University for Older Persons
to respond to the gradual aging of the population. The
school is very elder-friendly with ramps, elevators and
escalators, and will offer courses from language, law,
music and history to yoga and environmental education.
Canada: Old Man Held Funeral Party
to Hear Compliments in Advance (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 59-year-old Canadian street artist--after he was
diagnosed with cancer--held a funeral party so he could
hear praise and compliments about him from relatives and
friends. Those who will attend the artist’s real funeral
were all invited to the party. He performed banjo,
acrobatics and comedy for them and said goodbye in
advance.
Mexico:
A University for Older Persons is Open (April 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
It has been two weeks since Mexico City opened a
university designed for older persons in response to the
gradual aging of the urban population. The curriculum
includes math, English, French, economics, finance,
financial accounting and basic information systems,
among other subjects. It will also offer courses and
seminars on caring for older persons. It is estimated
that the national level of persons over 60 years will be
1 out of 10 citizens in 2010 and 1 out of 3 citizens in
2050.
Argentina: There Is Life After Retirement (April 1,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Department of Social Welfare Medical University
(DAMSU) initiated an innovative program called “Program
to Prepare for Retirement. Nobody Retires from Life.”
Its aim is to create a space for people to socialize and
interact along with having access to a team with
multidisciplinary talents. The program seeks to generate
a balance to enrich the lives of people entering the
next stage of life.
Argentina: Life Expectancy is
75 years (March 29, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Argentine life expectancy is on the rise and is expected
to continue, with estimates that those born in 2008 will
live an average of 75.1 years. This phenomenon can
partially be attributed to the relatively new field of
geriatrics. Best advice from the experts: Be in good
health with a healthy lifestyle during your youth and
the aging process will be significantly delayed.
Mexico: Opening of University
for Older Persons (March 26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The first university specifically tailored for senior
citizens in Mexico already has the capacity to serve
around 800 people. They can take a wide variety of
classes. The university is located at a site
specifically chosen due to its large population of older
persons in the region. When establishing the new
university, the delegation incorporated many aspects of
other successful programs throughout the world while
striving to dignify the lives of senior citizens.
Canada: Aging Newcomers at Loss
for Jobs (March 24, 2009)
Finding a job can be hard for immigrants in Canada but it
is especially hard for older immigrants. Most immigrate to
reunite with their sons and daughters and grandchildren,
but face language and age barriers. They think they are
too old to go back to school but too young to retire. Laws
also restrict government benefits for elderly newcomers,
who for the most part are sponsored by their children.
Quebec: Elders Swindled, Old
and Vulnerable (February 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
Quebec, like many parts of the world, has a very quickly
aging population. Two decades from now, persons aged 65
years and more will make up 25% of the population. Older
persons are more and more likely to be victims of frauds
and economical abuses of all kinds, and family members
commit about 80% of that abuse. Victims are often
reluctant to denounce their family because of emotional
dependence and a reluctance to break the link between
them. Sometimes offenders do not hesitate to resort to
maltreatment and psychological blackmail.
Quebec: No Age Limit to
Learning (February 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
In the years to come, the number of retired people will
increase. Retirement does not necessarily mean inactivity.
The thirst for knowledge is very present among older
persons. This is the reason why a university devoted to
people over 50 years old will open next September, with no
diploma prerequisites and with courses adapted to their
students.
Argentina: Social Policies for
Older Adults (February 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry of Social Development created new policies
focused on the protection and promotion of older persons.
The objectives include concentrating on welfare, medical
care and cultural, recreational and social activities for
those older than 60 years.. Many citizens in the isolated
region of Jujuy live alone; the new plan makes many
workshops and activities possible for older citizens.
These new opportunities will re-socialize them and
demonstrate the importance of older adults in the
community.
Canada: Pilot Project of
Patronage for Older Persons (February 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
To break down the loneliness of old people, a pilot
project has been launched in Montreal. Volunteers will
visit older persons living alone in private nursing homes.
The initiative is a welcome development and deserves to be
expanded to the whole country. Only autonomous or
semi-autonomous people are eligible for the visits because
there is no follow-up care for people suffering from
Alzheimer’s disease, for instance. Due to the common
mistreatment of seniors, the selection of patrons will be
very rigorous.
Argentina: Retirement at
the Universities (January 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Officials of the universities in Argentina are debating
making changes to the retirement age for professors. While
some prefer to maintain the retirement age at 60 for women
and 65 for men, others advocate reducing the age to 57 for
women and 60 for men. In addition, professors would have
the option of working up until the age of 70.
Mexico: Seniors Forgotten in a
Nursing Home (January 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s are no different
for older people living in nursing homes in Mexico. They
wait by the door hoping that one of their family members
will come to see them. Everyone celebrates another year,
but for the residents it means another year without
family. Their needs are taken care of, they have even made
a few close friends, but what they hope for this New Year
is to see their families.
Return to Top of Page
Asia
Pacific
Background Documents
India:
National Policy for Older Person (1999)
The Indian National Policy on older persons attempts to
assure the well-being of older Indians as well as to value
an age integrated society. Against that background, the
national policy is based on principles of financial
security, health care, shelter, and welfare, among others.
Reports
Australia:
Experience Works: The Mature Age Employment Challenge
(July 2009)
The new report has found unemployment in older
Australians goes unnoticed. Because unemployment in their
demographic is too often considered as early retirement,
mature workers are often overlooked in jobless figures.
Compared to other countries Australia is not very
disciplined when it comes to employing older people. Older
persons are victims of discrimination and their
contribution they can make in the workplace is often
underrated. This report is dealing with aging issues at
the workplace and with employment of mature people. It
shows the difficulties that older workers face, such as
underemployment, training barriers, aged-base
discrimination, etc. This report is also giving good
mature age employment policies that have been implemented
in different countries and that are promoting a better
integration of older persons in the workplace.
South Asia: Demographic Prognosis for South Asia: A
future of rapid ageing (July 2009)
Population ageing that had, until the turn of the
century, remained a phenomenon largely exclusive to the
developed countries is now manifesting itself in an
increasing number of less developed countries. A new
study, “Demographic Prognosis for South Asia: A Future of
Rapid Ageing,” points to the emerging number of older
persons in that region. Writers identify the issues and
describe some recently introduced government programs and
policies. And they suggest other ideas to assure older
people’s health and dignity.
Asia:
Critically Understanding Asian Perspectives on Ageing
(July 2009)
People living in Asian countries are experiencing a
demographic transition from a young to an increasingly
older population. The ageing of populations is unfolding
against a backdrop of persistent poverty, gender
vulnerability, economic strain, constricted public
resources, and limited civil institutions to support the
elderly. This paper identifies the gaps that exist in our
understanding of ageing in Asian developing countries. It
discusses the key issues, tensions and perspectives that
characterize current debates at local levels and their
implications for development in many Asian developing and
some transitional countries. The paper urges recognition
of ageing and development as part of poverty reduction
strategies.
Australia:
Ageing Well, Ageing Productively: The Essential
Contribution of Australia’s Ageing Population to the
Social and Economic Prosperity of the Nation (June
2009)
Australia is preoccupied with its ageing population and
the potentially adverse effect it may have on its health
and social systems. The government is now urging older
people to stay at work longer due to the projected cost of
its increasing population over 70, retired and chronically
ill category, which is emerging as a major challenge for
governments and private insurers. This report offers an
alternative view of Australia’s ageing population while
highlighting some of the assets of its older populations.
This report also suggests an alternative view of the
phenomenon of ageing that incorporates elements such as
flexible working arrangements and the application of new,
enabling technologies. This approach to Australia’s ageing
population dilemma is dependent on a concept of lifelong
learning and social participation along with better
preventive and early intervention systems of health
care.
China: Childcare, Eldercare, and
Labor Force Participation of Married Women in Urban
China: 1982−2000 (June 2009)
The following report employed data from the three most
recent Chinese population censuses in analyzing married,
urban women's labor force participation decisions in the
context of their families and residential locations. The
researchers are particularly interested in how the
presence of preschool or school-age children, elderly
and/or disabled in the household affects women's
likelihood of engaging in work outside the home. They find
that the presence of older persons in the household (any
parent, parent-in-law or any person aged 75 or older)
significantly increases prime-age urban women's likelihood
of participating in market work while the presence of
pre-school age children significantly decreases it. The
negative effect of having young children in the household
on women's labor force participation is substantially
larger in magnitude for married, migrant women than for
married, non-migrant urban residents. This appears to be
explained, in part, by the practice of married, female
migrants leaving their children in the care of relatives
in rural areas in order to facilitate their employment.
Taiwan:
Co-Resident Grandparents and Grandchildren’s Academic
Performance in Taiwan (April 2009)
While some worry about the effect of modernization on
family structure, Taiwan, the authors say, still follows
the Confucius tradition of filial piety. Younger
generations give undivided respect to their elders and
ancestors. This report uses Taiwan as a case study to look
at the effect of grandparents and grandchildren who live
together on children’s academic performance. Results
reveal that in general, long-term co-residence confers the
most educational benefits to the grandchildren.
Grandparents act as academic tutors and role models for
their grandchildren. Furthermore, intimate adult-child
relationships help a child develop a sense of security to
adjust to school.
Thailand:
National Policies and Programs for the Aging Population
in Thailand (January 2009)
Thailand established the National Elderly Council in 1982
to begin to address issues impacting the elderly. Nine
years later, in 1991, as the United Nations Assembly
recognized elderly rights with respect to autonomy,
involvement, care, self-satisfaction and esteem Thailand
established the “National Committee of Senior Citizens,”
culminating in 2002 with the Second National Plan for
Older Person (2002–2021). This plan focused on the
development of policies and programs to support older
persons. Some successful program activities are
highlighted: promoting a positive attitude toward elderly
persons, promoting health for the elderly, and social
protection for the elderly. The Second National Plan for
Older Persons in Thailand is being successfully
implemented and progress has been made at many levels
toward building an aging-friendly society. The Thai
government needs to continue to play an active role in
facilitating the implementation of the plan and, as
importantly, there needs to be commitments from all
participating sectors (public, private, municipalities) in
order to achieve the identified aims set forth in the
plan.
Asia: Research
Notes: Ageing in Asia Trends, Impacts and Responses
(2009)
By the middle of this century, Asia's older population
will reach 922.7 million, and its share of population 17.5
per cent from just 4.1 per cent in 1950. Asia is poised to
become the oldest region in the world. Governments and
citizens in Asia must create policies and effective
structures and institutions to address this challenge.
They face a huge and complex undertaking that requires a
big head start. The author analyses the impact that aging
is having in Asia and examines the policy options,
pointing out that different sub-regions may require
different responses.
China: China’s Long March to Retirement Reform (2009)
China’s Long March to Retirement Reform signals that the
aging of China’s population could usher in an era of
slower economic growth and possibly social stress. The
sheer magnitude of China’s age wave—by 2030 China will be
an older country than the United States—would alone pose a
serious challenge. What makes the challenge even more
daunting is that the age wave will arrive while China is
still developing and modernizing. The authors outline a
plan for a universal poverty floor that would protect all
Chinese against an uncertain old age. This system would
allow China to care for a much larger number of older
people without overburdening its smaller working
generation.
Report: China:
Population Ageing, Labour Market Reform and Economic
Growth in China (2009)
The dramatic fertility decline since the beginning of
1970s has decelerated the growth of China’s working age
population. Beginning in 2015, this growth will turn
sharply negative, resulting in a declining labour force in
China. Some wonder if this development will interrupt
China’s economic growth. This author believes that a more
efficient allocation of labor between sectors will counter
the negative effect of populating ageing. Simulation
results show that removing the current discrimination
against rural workers who want to work in urban areas,
will shift workers from agricultural to non-agricultural
jobs. Such a policy will reduce the adverse effects of
population ageing by raising not only the total output but
also household living standards.
Articles
China:
Older Persons Appreciate Traditional Holidays (December
30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
While Chinese young people are increasingly celebrating
Western holidays, older persons continue to preserve
traditional holidays in China. A study reveals that people
of 65 years or older tend to set great store on
traditional holidays. Older generations play an important
role in passing along Chinese traditions.
China: The Huge
Gap between Supply and Demand in Senior Service Industry
(December 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China has 160 million senior people. According to
professional estimates, by 2050 senior people will count
as one-third of the total population. The current senior
service industry cannot meet the growing demand. The
Beijing municipal government has designed a strategy for
serving seniors. To fill the gap, the government is
promoting the establishment of a public-private welfare
organization and providing training to senior service
industry employees.
China: The
Potential of Senior Market (December 23, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
As of March 2009, the city of Shanghai had 143,000,000
senior people. Surprisingly, this number is higher than
the total population of Russia. What's more, this number
has been increasing by 3 percent each year and will be
doubled by 2050. A new study has been published regarding
its market potential directed toward older people.
Japan: Older
Persons Remain in Workforce (December 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Many Japanese continue to work after they retire. Older
persons can be found as cleaning staff, taxi drivers or
safety guards for elementary students. Although some may
voluntarily continue to work, the reality is that many
older people find themselves short of sufficient funds in
retirement.
China: Blog Boom
among Older Persons (December 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Blogging has become increasingly popular among older
persons in China. Among the older persons who responded to
a survey, 54% said that blogging had become an important
part of their lives. Of that percentage, 38% say that they
devote a large amount of time and energy to blogging, and
33% indicated that the number of visitors is relatively
important to their blogs. Older bloggers are making a much
larger impact on the Chinese internet market.
Japan: At
Japanese Cliffs, a Campaign to Combat Suicide (December
17, 2009)
The towering cliffs of Tojimbo with their sheer drops into
the raging green Sea of Japan, are a top tourist
destination. Yukio Shige had no interest in the rugged
scenery. Instead, he walks along the rocky crags searching
for something else: a lone human figure, usually sitting
hunched at the edge of the precipice. Shige, a 65-year-old
former policeman, has spent his five years since
retirement on a mission to stop those who come here
intending to jump.
China: Aging
and Real Estate Market in China (December 11,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
As family and social structures change, lifestyles of
older persons are changing. Many Chinese no longer rely on
their children to support them when they age. With the
one-child policy, the traditional family structure is
vanishing. Older people are spending money to ensure their
happiness in life, such as buying homes.
Bangladesh:
Little Social Security for the Vulnerable (December 9,
2009)
With a growing number of older people and a large
impoverished population, Bangladesh needs to improve
social security support for the country's most vulnerable
groups, experts say. Over 6 percent of the population or
7.2 million people are aged 60 or over, according to the
last census in 2001. About 80,000 people are added to this
older population every year, which is projected to be over
17 million people by 2025, growing at a rate faster than
that of Europe, according to government officials.
China: 80-Hou
Parents (December 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
80-Hou is a term to describe young people who were born
between 1980 and 1989. Because they grew up and witnessed
China's rapid economic growth and various social changes,
they are considered special. However, this population
group is suffering the most from the economic recession
and emerging social tensions in China. However, parents of
80-Hou, entering the last stage of their lives, tend to
suffer even more than the 80-Hou's.
China: Older
People - Not All Government's Job (December 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Many critics focus on the government's failure to provide
better services to old people. However, the public forgets
that the government is not solely responsible for older
persons' well being. Each family member is responsible as
well. Citizens should not consider the government the only
provider of care for parents or grandparents.
China: Who Can
Read the Bitterness of Their Hearts? (December 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Many parents dedicate their lives to raising their
children. They never complain. They never give up. But as
they age, they find themselves alone. Children give a
million reasons not to make a phone call or visit their
parents. Here is the simple math: Assuming your parents
have 20 more years of life, if you visit home twice a year
it means you would get to see them 40 times in total. If
they live 30 years, the visits would total 60 times.
Considering these numbers, do you still find it in
yourself not to schedule visits?
China: Moral Support Is What
Older Parents Need the Most (December 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
What do older persons want from their children? In a time
of rampant consumerism and materialism, a survey reveals
that moral support means more than anything else, such as
a house, money, or clothing from working children. So make
some time to call or visit your parents. It means more
than anything else to them.
Japan: Seniors Are Afraid to Be
Left Behind (December 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
In September 2009, the Democratic Party of Japan (PDJ) won
an historic victory in the legislative elections after
more than half a century of domination of the
Liberal-Democratic Party (PLD). This victory is partly due
to defending the interests of retirees and older persons.
The Japanese population pyramid is reversing because of
exceptional longevity combined with a deep decline in the
birth rate. This change raises many major issues, such as
solidarity between generations. For instance, older people
don’t want to lag behind the active population. The
government is urging seniors to stay employed longer and
pay more of their medical expenses.
China:
Nursing Homes Should Not Be Ultimate Destination
(November 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Although 42% of 2,900 older persons in Shanghai said that
they were willing to live in nursing homes, the author
claims that such homes should not be older parents'
ultimate destination. The writer demonstrates how
Confucian teachings about regarding respect and caring of
parents still holds sway among many in the Chinese public.
China: Developing Elderly
Friendly Products (November 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Many companies are developing products and services to
make older people’s lives easier. For example, cell phone
companies are promoting phones with bigger screens and
buttons for older persons to ease using them. Some search
engines allow people to hand write instead of typing. Such
changing attitudes among various industries are an
encouraging sign for a more friendly elder society.
Japan: Woman
Records Oral Histories: Project Has Spanned 100
Biographies Expressly For Families of Elderly (November
28, 2009)
Kikimo Akiyama, 66, has undertaken an extraordinary task.
She interviews older persons and collects their oral
histories, which she then publishes as their life stories.
Her writings have taken seven and a half years of work and
she has produced over 100 books. She continues her
recollections today, in remembrance of her parents-in-law.
While each story differs from the next, they bring joy to
the people who both tell and read them.
China: 70 Percent
Willingness, 20 Percent Market (November 19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a survey, 70 percent of older persons in
China want to travel. However, they often find that they
have very limited options. Many trip planners do not
necessarily consider what needs older persons might have,
although the planners claim to be senior friendly. There’s
still room for improvement in senior travel throughout
China.
Australian
Drove Nine Hours to Buy a Newspaper (November 18, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
An older Australian who missed a turn, drove 600 km in the
wrong direction, while out to buy a newspaper. He said
Wednesday that time was on his side and he wouldn't get a
GPS to help with navigating. His adventure began in Yass,
in New South Wales, and ended up in Geelong, Victoria.
China: Five
Things Obama Can Learn from China (November 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Both Chinese leaders but also ordinary Chinese people
welcomed US President Obama during his first trip to
China. TIME magazine writers noted lessons about issues
that President Obama can learn from his visit. China and
the US both face ever-aging societies. Will China find a
better way to tackle this issue?
China:
What Older Parents Need is Understanding (November 15,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Adult children tend to spend money on their parents. They
try to make their parents’ lives more comfortable and
happier. However, Chinese parents often “complain” about
their children “wasting” money. They say they “complain”
because they care. And mostly, a little bit of
understanding from the children would make them happy
enough.
China:
Developing Senior Trips (November 9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China has not yet successfully taken advantage of its huge
market made up of senior citizens. Senior travelers only
account for 20% of China's domestic tourism, whereas
seniors make up 50-69% of tourist business worldwide.
China has lots of room to improve its approach to travel
for senior citizens.
India:
Bollywood Joins Hands for Cause for the Elderly
(November 9, 2009)
While traditionally older persons lived with their
children, this is no longer the case in India’s big
cities. Many older persons opt to live on their own. In
turn, the non-profit organization HelpAge India, tries to
uplift and assist elderly persons in living on their own.
Bollywood artists recently sold their paintings to raise
funds for HelpAge India. The organization wants to assist
the vastly growing elderly population that is expected to
double by 2026 to 173 million.
China: Older People Getting
Married Fast (November 6, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Older Chinese are starting to use websites and agencies to
find the “right ones.” Formerly, middle-aged people were
the main customers at “romance” and “marriage” websites.
However, the under-25 and over-60 age groups have been
growing rapidly. In addition, older couples tend to have
higher success rates compared to younger ones.
Laos:
Grandmother Khamsone, “The Spirits Don't Want to Be
Here” (November 6, 2009)
The government has already resettled some 6,000 people to
make way for a controversial dam in central Laos. The Nam
Theun 2 Dam, the country's single largest infrastructure
project, will produce electricity for Thailand, and
domestically. The Aheu, a minority ethnic group, are
reluctant to move because of their spiritual connection to
the land, but started to do so beginning in April 2008.
China: China's
Consumer Army (November 5, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Older persons in China used to lean more toward saving. On
the other hand, markets have always considered younger
people their “richest” customers. This prospect is
changing. Due to decreasing birth rates, baby products
have been losing consumers while silver consumers are
becoming big drivers for the Chinese economy.
China: Parents
Miss Their Children in Spain (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
When children go abroad, family reunions become much more
difficult. Parents often cannot travel to visit their
children as often as they would if they lived in same
country. It is not as simple as getting on an air plane.
Chinese citizens have to apply for a visa. The process can
be time consuming and foreign governments often deny such
visas. As parents grow older, they tend to miss their
children even more.
China: A New
Model for Elderly Care (October 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In a small town called Lucheng in Wenzhou Province, elder
care started as a community responsibility and effort.
Lucheng has nearly 110,000 older persons. The local
government encourages local businesses to get involved in
this movement. It is particularly important to reach out
to the older ones with limited mobility and no one to look
after them.
Japan:
Increasing Concerns about Its Aging Society (October 29,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Japan has the fastest aging population in the world. Many
believe that the country’s sustainability is at a great
risk. As the number of people retiring and depending on
pensions increases, with less and less workforce to
support older people, the country’s economy may be
jeopardized.
China: Demonized
Aging People (October 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
How to support a rapidly increasing older population has
always been considered a troublesome issue. The question
is whether having more children is the solution. If social
and family support were comprehensive and reliable, aging
should not threaten our societies. The writer suggests
that aging should be an integrative project to engage more
people, agencies and businesses.
Japan: Seniors
Don't Like "Sunset Red" (October 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
"Sunset Red" is a Chinese saying which refers to seniors
that have hope, enjoy beauty and possess power even when
they are old. Seniors in Japan are now developing a strong
interest in shopping for burials for themselves. The total
budget calculations include everything from the headstone
selection to an epitaph to pictures. Everything involved
in this process becomes a source of happiness for them.
China: 437,000,000
Older People to Feed (October 27, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
More than 437 million people Chinese over the age of 69
will be living in China in 2050. How will the government
support these elders who will have contributed so much to
the society? Today, many older people are left alone due
to the absence of government programs, a floating
population from rural to urban areas among young people
seeking jobs and the inability of adult children to take
care of the elders. Modeling the initiatives of its
neighboring country, Japan, China must address issues such
as national security and economic growth to respond to its
rapidly aging society.
China:
Making Ageing Issue a Priority (October 27, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China still very much relies on its traditional way to
support older people: their family. Many Chinese expect
their children to take care of them when they grow older.
However, China's one-child policy and a rapid increase in
the longevity threaten this formula. Lacking nursing
homes, porous pension systems and government delays in a
comprehensive approach may result in harming older
peoples’ later years.
China: Inner
China Is Aging Fast (October 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Chinese coastal areas became rich first. With fast-paced
urbanization and a large population and resources flowing
into the big cities, many older people in the interior
areas became isolated. Many of these areas are aging
faster than the government expected, so China urgently
needs better policies to address the issue.
Australia:
91-Year-Old Rocks Australia's Biggest Outdoor Art Show
(October 26, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic)
A 91-year-old woman won the top prize at Australia's main
open-air art exhibition at Sydney's Bondi Beach for a
granite carving she completed 13 years ago. May Barrie's
sculpture beat 113 other artworks at the Sculpture by the
Sea Festival, Australia's largest annual outdoor public
display of art, expected to draw half a million visitors
over the next fortnight.
China: China
Honors its Older Persons (October 26, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
China honors its older population with a celebration at a
traditional festival. The celebration will acknowledge the
contributions of older generations in one of the most
populated countries in the world. It is estimated that by
the year 2050 older persons will represent one third of
the Chinese population. Therefore, it is urgent to include
older persons in future development plans.
China:
Double Ninth Festival - A Traveling Peak for Older
Persons (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Double Ninth Festival is observed on the ninth day of the
ninth month in the Chinese calendar. It is a traditional
Chinese holiday also known as Senior Citizens Day. Some
people visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their
respects. In fact, traveling has been popular among older
persons during this time period in recent years. More than
70% of people traveling on the Double Ninth holiday this
year are between 55 and 70 years of age.
China: 34-Year
Passion for Clean Environment by 59-Year-Old (October
21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Tiande Zhang has been a street cleaner for 34 years. He
loves to drive his car to work and spends three hours a
day cleaning the area that is his assigned responsibility.
Zhang has had chances for promotion, but he said he enjoys
what he is doing and so has remained at his job as a
street cleaner for 34 years.
China:
92-Year-Old Retiree Loves To Play Stock Market (October
21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Baolin Zhang is 92 years old has been playing the stock
market every day for 16 years. When his daughter bought a
computer, he learned how to buy and sell stocks on line,
which means that he doesn't have to get on an overcrowded
bus every day to pursue his hobby. When he makes a small
profit, Zhang often asks his wife to buy some delicious
Chinese sweet treats to celebrate.
Taiwan:
Exclusive Trip for Senior Citizens (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Taiwanese government proposed a tourist plan for
retired senior citizens in mainland China. The theme of
this tourist plan is “walk a little bit slower, eat a
little bit softer, cook a little bit better, and see a
little bit deeper.” The government of Taiwan is eager to
bring more mainland Chinese citizens over 60 years old to
know more about the beauty of the island.
Japan:
Thriving Funeral Businesses (October 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The funeral industry is “hot” these days due to Japan’s
aging population. The death toll was 140 million in Japan
last year. The number is expected to increase to 166
million in 2040. Many companies have already spotted an
emerging potential market.
Cambodia:
An "Epidemic" of Evictions (October 13, 2009)
(Article in English)
About 700 police and soldiers in riot gear arrived early
one morning, waking 58-year-old Teth Neang with a baton
and forcing her into a truck. After they bulldozed her
home, they drove her to the outskirts of the capital. She
alleges they then dumped her - and 1,000 other families -
in an open field, and drove off.
China:
Luxurious Nursing Homes (October 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Hotel-like interiors, fancy restaurants, 24-hour
professional nursing services, etc., typify the luxurious
style of nursing homes that represent a new trend in China
. However, not every Chinese older citizen can afford to
live like a celebrity. The majority of older people need
day-to-day care and belong to middle- or low-income
families. What's more , some investments in nursing homes
unfortunately have turned instead into real estate
developments due to lack of state regulations.
Nepal:
Phuleko Jawani (Gray Youth) (October 5, 2009)
The Geriatric Center in Nepal organized a program of
poetic recitations entitled, “Gray Youth” (Phuleko Jawani)
to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Day of
Older Persons celebrated on October 5, 2009. Seventy-four
renowned poets recited their poems.
China: Don’t
Let the “Good Old Man” Pass By (September 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
While the majority of older people desire marriage to ease
their loneliness and fulfill their lives, the actual
percentage of successful remarriages is very small in
China. Older women, in particular, often complain about
the difficulty of finding the “right one,” without
noticing that sometimes they are so eager to save face
that they overlook the good qualities of a potential
companion.
China: Why
Do Older People in China Choose Not to Remarry?
(September 14, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In China, many older people tend to avoid marriage.
Although sometimes they need someone to look after them or
simply long for companionship, instead of registering as a
legally married couple they simply choose to move in
together. What is the outlook of society and family
members towards remarriage or co-habitation of older
people?
India:
"Facebook" for 50-Somethings Woos India's Web-Savvy
Seniors (September 8, 2009)
In India, Ishita Sukhadwala launched Verdurez.com, a
social networking website for the elderly. This new
website, a “facebook” for people of ages 55 and above,
aims to fight loneliness among seniors. As society changes
with older persons less likely to live under the same roof
as their children and grandchildren, new initiatives are
needed to keep them involved in their communities.
China:
China’s Budget Allocation for Public Education Only
Accounts for 2.4% of GDP (September 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Despite its high literacy rate, China has a very small
budgetary allocation for public education. It accounts for
2.4 % of China’s total GDP, which is only half of that in
the US. On the other hand, Chinese personal investment in
education is higher than not only the international
average but also many other developing countries. China’s
working population will start decreasing after it reaches
its peak in 2015. Facing an increasingly aging society,
promoting education will be a necessary preparation to
tackle China’s growing issues.
Australia:
“Forgotten Generation” Will Not Be Forgotten Again
(September 5, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Australian government said that it would deliver an
official apology to Forgotten Australians. About 10,000
Forgotten Australians arrived through the now-defunct
child migrant scheme between 1938 and 1968 and have now
entered their twilight years. For many of them, the
Australian plan inflicted emotional pain that has never
faded away.
China: Half
of Older People Home Alone in Tianjin City (September 4,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The number of older persons living alone has increased in
Tianjin, an urban Chinese city. As a result of rapid
urbanization, 54% of old people in Tianjin city live
alone. Interestingly, a survey revealed that the richer
the families are, the more isolated older people become.
In many cases, older people experience depression.
Japan: Aging
Society Ties Down Japanese Economy (September 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Japan’s Lost Decade may last longer than just a decade due
to its aging society and lack of social security. The
growing aging population in Japan has decreased its work
force and also the Japanese consumer market. The
traditional Japanese employee systems continue to keep a
large number of older generations at their posts, leaving
little room for younger people to enter. Without a
reliable safety net and a stable job market, younger
generations lean more toward savings nowadays than
spending money on cars, houses and raising children.
China:
How to “Feed” A Hundred Million Older People (September
3, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China’s elderly population above age 65 reached 100
million as early as the year 2007. By 2040, the number
will increase to 320 million. As a country that has grown
old before it became rich, how will China meet the
enormous demand for nursing homes, pension annuities and
moral support for the elderly? It certainly will be one of
the biggest challenges of the country.
China: “Big Kid” Worries About
Going to School (September 3, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In China, children in junior high and high school face
tremendous challenges to pass entrance examinations.
However, even old people must fight for a top school these
days. In Shanghai, due to limited availability, some
people line up at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning on a
registration date to get into schools they want. The
elderly often show great eagerness to fulfill their
lifelong desire for a better education. However, society
has fallen behind in this population shift. Hopefully,
China will expand its educational opportunities for
everyone, both old and young.
New
Zealand: Older People Hidden Victims of Power Price
Rises – Age Concern (August 27, 2009)
It is winter in New Zealand, and Age Concern (a charity
working with and for older people) has noticed that senior
customers are already struggling to pay their electricity
bills. These seniors are the hidden victims of power price
rises. "I know of older power consumers who have reduced
their consumption so many times to adjust for price rises
that they're now left in cold and dark houses,” Age
Concern New Zealand's national President Liz Baxendine
said. Their health is threatened. According to Age
Concern, electricity should be much more affordable,
taking into account the low incomes of vulnerable
people.
Japan:
Robotic Bear Nurse to Help the Elderly in Japan (August
27, 2009)
A new product named RIBA (Robot for Interactive Body
Assistance) seems to be another step towards solving
Japan’s shortage of nurses in the midst of its rapidly
aging population. RIBA can aid nurses in lifting and
transporting patients. It can also recognize faces and
voices, for a more realistic and efficient process.
China:
China's Aging Approaches the Peak (August 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Chinese citizens celebrated the 10th anniversary of
China’s Aging Day throughout the country on August 26,
with eighteen universities taking part. China is quickly
approaching its peak population of older persons.
China:
80-Year-Old Chinese Man Compiled and Edited Spoken
English Handbook to Guangzhou Asian Games (August 26,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In Foshan City, Guangdong Province, 80-year-old Tang
Zaixing, spent his own money to print pamphlets in spoken
English, beginning in 2005. Tang started learning English
when he was only six years old. After retirement, he
educated himself in English, and has written three types
of booklets for people in different industries. Some
schools ordered them for their students. His "200 English
sentences for Asian Games" has been recommended to the
Organizing Committee of Guangzhou Asian Games as a
language reference book.
China: Older
People Want To Go “Home” (August 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
What does it mean for older people to live in a foreign
country? Would living with their children be the best
thing for them? Home and a sense of belonging seem to mean
a lot more as we grow older.
Kazakhstan:
Kazakhstan’s Population and Mortality Rate (August 17,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Kazakhstan’s population is at high risk. Low birth rates
and relatively high mortality have become a bottleneck
issue for the country’s sustainable development. Male
mortality in Kazakhstan is three times that of females.
Additionally, the average life span of the Kazakhstan
female is 10 -11 years longer than that of the male. Thus,
not only has the country become an aging society
(beginning as early as 2002); Kazakhstan faces a severe
gender imbalance that cannot be ignored.
Singapore: Wellness Programme
Popular with Singapore's Ageing Population (August 17,
2009)
Singapore launched a Wellness Programme for senior
citizens recently. Government leaders aim to turn physical
activities into social experiences and at the same time
help older people maintain a healthy lifestyle. Next year,
various associations will run this program. Sabrina Ow
Yong, coordinator of a Wellness Centre, said: "Social
connection and networks are important for our senior
citizens... it is a pull factor for them to come to our
centre for activities." Seniors have responded to this
initiative and these very successful Wellness Programme
centers. The government will build new centers over the
next few years in other parts of the city-state.
Philippines:
Pasay Mulls Shelter for the Elderly (August 13, 2009)
There will soon be a haven available to homeless, abused,
and neglected senior citizens in Pasay City. About 10% of
the senior population of the city is homeless and
wandering the streets, says Janet Protacio, head of the
Office of Senior Affairs (OSCA). Many old people were
abused and neglected by their own families who confiscated
their pension cards so they had no money to buy medicines
or food. The shelter hopes to solve this problem.
Japan: Life
After Retirement in Japan (August 12, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Older Japanese believe in the "live and learn" slogan.
Even at age 80, people engage in a variety of remedial
classes in the classroom. Considered a treasure of talent,
Japan's elderly have gained more self-confidence and
vitality. Japanese society values older persons. They are
the "experienced labor" with useful life experience and
technical expertise. Also, they have more leisure time and
money and help fuel the consumer market.
India:
Agewell Launches InteractWell – A Social Networking Site
for Senior Citizens (August 10, 2009)
The Agewell Foundation recently launched InteractWell, a
social networking site for older people. The new program
will enable older persons to come together and interact as
well as share their views regarding different spheres of
life. For women who are not internet-savvy, there will
also be a phone chat option. InteractWell will be a part
of AgeWell’s web site of www.agewellfoundation.org, and
will offer many services to older Indian people.
China: Older
Persons in Hong Kong Like to Stay in Dongguan Late in
Life (August 9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
More and more old people from Hong Kong are moving to
Dongguan in Mainland China to spend time there in their
later years. For older persons in Dongguan, this trend
also demonstrates a change in the way of life. More than
ever, old people are willing to care for themselves in
their own homes or to live in nursing homes, including the
ones established by the private sector.
China: China’s Future Will
be Hobbled by Old Age (August 6, 2009)
(Also Available in Chinese)
Applying the one-child policy in China has both national
and international significance. To the world, it has
slowed down the increase of the global population and
helped delay disastrous climate change, but to the nation,
it has placed extra burdens on its citizens. With the
rapid process of aging within the country, fewer workers
are available to care for increasing numbers of the old.
Thus, China may have to face serious challenges, such as
labor shortages, slower growth and higher taxes.
China:
China's Looming Problem: How to Look After its Millions
of Old People (August 6 2009)
China’s economic miracle of the last decade amazed the
world. Now, many wonder whether or not the Chinese will be
able to help lead the world out of the recession. However,
China has a looming problem of its own: it will be the
first country to grow old before it grows rich.
Japan: Robotic
Suit Aims to Aid Mobility in the Elderly (August 5,
2009)
(Article also available in French)
A new Japanese invention may help seniors who have
difficulty with mobility. HAL (hybrid assistive limb) was
developed to read brain signals directing limb movement
through the skin. It acts, in a way, as an extra muscle.
Japan developed this greatly needed product due to its
rapidly aging population, but HAL has attracted interest
in world markets as well.
China: Survey Finds Shift in Care for Elderly (August 3,
2009)
A survey has found that modern Chinese are caring for
their elderly relatives in different ways. In the past,
the whole family lived together, and it was very common
for grandparents to live with their grandchildren. All
that has changed.
China:
85-Year-Old Granny Elected Leader of the Village’s
Female Work Sector (July 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Usually at the age of 85, senior citizens enjoy a relaxing
family life. In the Liuyang City Town Village however,
Zonghuai Xu, 85 years old, still serves as head of the
local women’s group. For 56 years, she has been dedicated
to protect the rights of rural women. Last year, the
villagers elected her to be in charge of the female work
sector.
China: The
Old Like Online Shopping (July 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
For young people, e-shopping is a very common way to make
purchases. However, older persons also shop online. A
nearly 80-year-old man was reported to shop and also pay
bills electronically. The news about the older man’s
e-shopping experience surprised many people and they
called him "the online shopper of history."
India: Who
Cares About Elder Abuse In India? (July 28, 2009)
Indian older people face both the threat and the fact of
abuse in every state of India. Reporters say that such
abuse occurs in both rural and urban settings. They say
that evidence suggests that incidents of abuse and neglect
of older people are increasing by the day, both within
families and institutions. Aging advocates point to a
particularly disquieting trend with the vulnerability of
aged women to oppression in various forms. Old women face
denial of their “independent” social and economic
resources. While researchers say it’s very difficult to
measure accurately the extent of this national problem
because most families deny that such abuse takes place
within the four walls of their homes. Only recently has
the UN’s Committee to Eliminate Discrimination against
Women (CEDAW) taken up requiring UN Member States to
report on the human rights violations of “older
women.”
South
Korea: Report Says that the National Actual Retirement
Age for Men is Over 70-Years Old (July 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a recent report released by the Institute of
Labor, although the South Korean official retirement age
for men is 60 years old, the actual average retirement age
is 71.2 years.
Japan: The
Aging of Japan's Population Seriously Affects the Its
Status among Asian Countries (July 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Japan has the world's most serious aging population.
Japanese citizens who are 65 years and above, account for
21.5% of the total population. Despite this aging issue,
the Japanese population as a whole is shrinking. With a
lower birth rate, by 2050 Japan's population will be
reduced from 127 million (the current population) to 89
million. This development is positive for the environment;
however, Japan will have to meet the challenge of caring
for its older population.
China:
Shanghai Encourages Eligible Couples to Have Second
Child to Deal with Aging Issue (July 23, 2009)
(Article in Chinese),
(Article
in French)
The Shanghai Population and Family Planning Commission
said it would make use of community family planning
service stations to provide more comprehensive releases of
relevant information to local communities. As part of new
family planning policies, couples would be provided with
guidance that would encourage them to have a second child,
responding to trends in aging.
Japan:
Women’s Baseball Team Still Pitching at 70 (July 15,
2009)
In Japan, women are proving that age does not deter them
from doing what they love. The Osaka Silver Sisters, once
professional women’s baseball players, have not given up
their passion for the sport due to age. They play their
hardest, at a level that surprisingly rivals the younger
professionals, and despite the pain, they get as much out
of the game as they did in their youth.
Report of OECD: Korea will be the
Oldest OECD Country by 2050 (July 15, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Two reports of the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicated that in
2050, 38.2% of the South Korean population will be 65
years old and over. Interestingly, South Korea’s rank will
displace Japan as the oldest OECD country by 2050. In
addition, among the 30 OECD countries, South Korea has the
biggest wage gap between male and female workers, twice
the rate of the OECD average level.
China: Chinese
Older Population Increased by 5.96 Million Every Year
(July 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of
its founding in 2009. It is the tenth year since China
phased into an aging society in 1999. In addition, 2009 is
the tenth anniversary of the “International Year of Older
Persons.” Qing Chun Yan, vice president of the China
National Committee On Aging, stated that the older
population of Chinese increased by 5.96 million every year
and hit its peak in 2050.
Singapore:
HPB Launches Dementia Awareness Campaign (July 8, 2009)
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) conducted a survey that
showed that most Singaporeans could only identify one out
of 10 symptoms of dementia. The board is therefore
launching a campaign to raise awareness about this malady
which affects the elderly. Among the participants, some
80.5% expressed interest in receiving aid from a
healthcare professional to deal with dementia.
Australia:
Nitschke Expands on Euthanasia Beliefs (July 8, 2009)
Euthanasia pioneer Dr. Philip Nitschke announced to a
crowd of older people that he believes that voluntary
euthanasia should be available to them as well as others.
He explained that voluntary suicide could help older
persons avoid incapacitation and debilitation, and would
entail a peaceful death. Nitschke advocated using the drug
Nembutal, one that veterinarians use to “to put down”
animals.
China:
Demolishing one child policy would not mean population
explosion of China (July 7, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
For many years, China’s one-child policy pressed for
economic prosperity. On the other hand, China still
remains a low-income country. Its GDP in 2008 was just
one-ninth that of the US By 2050, one-third of China’s
population is estimated to be over 60 years of age. Each
elderly person would only have 1.6 young persons to
support them by then instead of 5.4 currently. Big family
ties in the traditional sense have vanished along with low
birth rates and floating populations from rural to urban
areas. Furthermore, many Chinese are now used to having
fewer children and more disposable income. Therefore,
eliminating the one-child policy may not be an immediate
rescue to China’s aging society.
China:
A Country Full of Old People in the Future (July 6,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In China, there are fewer workers to take care of an aging
society. China and Western countries are facing the same
demographic squeeze, but the difference is that the “One
Child Policy” has accelerated the transformation process
in China, and the government is not prepared to deal with
the consequences. "The problem is that when aging comes in
China, the country is still relatively poor," said Richard
Jackson from the Washington Think Tank and Strategy Center
for International Studies. The impact of the challenge is
far-reaching.
India: Only 5% Get Treated for Dementia in State (July
6, 2009)
There is a treatment gap of more than 90% for dementia
patients in Goa. A study in Goa has revealed that only 51%
of patients with dementia are taken to a doctor. The study
notes that although dementia is widely recognized, the
condition is not thought to constitute a health problem
and is construed as a normal part of aging by both primary
health practitioners and family members. A home-based
intervention is the proposed solution, as it would reduce
caregiver burden, promote caregiver mental health and
reduce behavioral problems in elderly persons with
dementia.
Australia: Aussie Research Shows
Importance of Boomer Travelers (July 4, 2009)
Baby Boomers are becoming the most frequent and wealthiest
travelers. More than younger generations, older persons
have more time to travel, resulting in longer holidays,
and often have resources to spend money on travel.
Australian elders are also more likely to travel to
western English-speaking nations, while younger people
want to see Asia and South America.
Japan: Toyota Has Just Set up a Wheelchair Controlled by
Thought (July 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Recently, Toyota presented a new wheelchair system
controlled by one’s thoughts. The market for this
innovation could be huge, especially in Japan where the
number of older persons has exploded. The inventors aim to
increase autonomy of elders with a wheelchair. The
commercialization of such a system is not immediate, but
research keeps moving forward. More and more older persons
who may look to the wheelchair as part of their future.
China: China to Become a
Country of Seniors in the Near Future (July 4, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
China's senior population is increasing faster than ever.
By 2026, China may become the country of older persons,
say researchers from the National Demographic Institute of
France. In addition, the aging crisis may be worsened by
the growing imbalance between the number of men and women
in the country. Researchers estimate that by 2020 almost
32 million Chinese men will age alone.
China: Getting
Old Before Getting Rich (June 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Japanese article recently stated that China is going to
be the first “super developing country” entering into an
“Aging Society.” According to UN statistics, China will
enter that population category around the year 2024. This
pace is mimics Japan. However, China’s gross domestic
product per capita is less than $4,000. In other words,
China’s “Demographic Dividend” will end before it becomes
a rich country. China will face an unprecedented challenge
of “getting old before getting rich” which other counties
have not encountered.
China: Beijing
Creates First Counseling Help Phone Line for Older
Persons in China (June 29, 2009)
(Article in Spanish and
in French)
The first help phone line dedicated to treating the
psychological problems of older persons in China was
introduced on Sunday in Beijing. Currently, an average of
more than 100 older persons (over the age of 55 years)
commit suicide each year in China. Creators hope that the
new phone line will resource elderly who need care in
their homes.
China:
Majority of Young People Find It Hard to Support Their
Old Parents (June 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
About 70% of 3,144 Chinese young people quizzed during a
study by a Chinese youth daily newspaper find it difficult
to support their parents because of the combination of
pressures at work and demands of modern life. More than
52% said that it was financially challenging to take care
of their old parents. Du Peng, director of the Gerontology
Studies Center attached to the University of the People of
China, said, “the government has to adopt measures to
provide subsidies to institutions that look after older
persons.”
China:
Experts Say it is Unrealistic for Children to Care for
Elderly; Old Age Social Pension is the Trend (June 24,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In China, the family is a mainstay of traditional culture.
However, with changing demographic structures, having
children take care of older persons after retirement seems
to be unrealistic. Future pension demands from the aging
population in China will become a burden on the young
people. The development of a social old-age pension could
be a solution to this issue, with the government,
communities and the markets together offering long-term
public pension services.
India:
India’s Marathon Man Hits 92 (June 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
India’s grand old marathon man, Ashis Roy, has completed
his 92nd long run with another record in his bag, becoming
the first Asian above 70 to run four marathons in seven
weeks. With an eye on reaching his century of runs by
2010, the long distance runner from New Delhi now plans to
participate in the Massey Ontario North marathon on July
19.
Singapore:
Singapore’s Total Population Grew to 4.84 Million in
2008, up 5.5% over Previous Year (June 17, 2009)
Singapore continues to face the long-term challenge of low
fertility and an aging population, according to its latest
population report. But the record number of foreign
residents in the country has helped raise the total
population to 4.84 million in 2008 (an increase of 5.5%
over the previous year). Foreigners now make up about 25%
of the total. The National Population Secretariat
confirmed the need for the country to press on with
efforts to build a sustainable population, even as the
economic downturn drags on. Given the country's aging
population, experts also declared that Singapore must
press on with efforts to grow its population.
China: The Population of 65 Years Old and Over Has
Reached One Million in Tianjin City (June 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to the “2008 Demographic Development Report of
Tianjin City” recently released by the Tianjin Statistics
Bureau, the population of people 65 years old and over has
reached one million for the first time in history,
accounting for 11.88% of the entire population in Tianjin
City. However, this number still remains lower than those
of Shanghai and Beijing.
Australia: Call
to Halt Financial Abuse of Seniors (June 15, 2009)
Seniors are ripped off a total of about a million dollars
every year. Perpetrators are usually adult sons or
daughters. The fraud is largely unidentified, making it
difficult to respond to the fraud. According to Lifeline’s
Elder Abuse Prevention Unit, a systematic approach should
be set up to track this financial abuse.
China: Many Factors
Lead to the Low Retirement Age in the City of Tianjin
(June 15, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Last week, Xiao-Yi Hu, vice president of China’s Ministry
of Human Resources and Social Security, responded to
questions about retirement age extension in China when
interviewed by reporters from the Chinese Government’s
official web site. According to Mr. Hu, whether or not
China should extend its retirement age is a complicated
issue, and one that should take into account the
attributes of different industries and regions. This topic
remains controversial among citizens of Tianjin. As the
real retirement age is already lower than what policy
states, a further extension would prove difficult given
the current economic situation.
China: Money and
Rights Should All Be Taken into Account for Older
Persons When Seeking Reemployment (June 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a survey conducted in Nanjing City, currently
48% of retirees ages 60-70 would like to work again.
Reemployment would not only help older people stay active,
but would also facilitate the passage of knowledge and
skills from older people to their young working
colleagues. However, because of lack of legal protection,
older people may be facing challenges to their rights by
returning to the work force.
China: “We Did Not Do Enough on Population Aging”:
Interview with Professor Angela O'Rand from Duke
University (June 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
As early as 1979, Shanghai City phased into an aging
society, and aging will increase its tempo in the coming
twenty years. China confronts a tremendous challenge while
it is still a developing country. Is the experience and
practice in “developed” countries helpful to China?
Professor Angela O'Rand, who works at the Duke University
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development,
recently addressed this question in WenHui Newspaper
during a recent Shanghai visit.
China: 67-year-old Taiwanese
elderly defends master's thesis in Wuhan (May
28,2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Xu, Boyi, retired professor of Providence University in
Taiwan, defended a master's degree thesis in Wuhan, China,
at age 67. He has been undergoing psychological treatments
for more than 20 years and found that the psychological
treatment for mental patients could be more effective if
combined with drug treatments. He decided to pursue
studies for a master's degree at Wuhan University so his
knowledge of drug treatments would benefit other
people-even after his retirement.
China:
Population of Over 65's to Reach 109.56 million (May 25,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
The report of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China
showed that as of the end of 2008, China had a population
of 109.56 million who are 65 years old and above. This
accounts for 8.3 percent of the nation's total population.
The government is undertaking urgent measures aimed at
improving care services for seniors nationwide.
China: Older People
Surfing the Internet has Become a Trend in China (May
22, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In China, surfing the Internet has become a trend among
older people. They are now spending more time on the
Internet for news, e-mail, online chatting and games.
Experts on Internet use say that older people represent
the most rapidly growing population of net surfers.
According to researchers at the University of California
Los Angeles, modest Internet surfing could help older
people preserve brain function and keep their memories
sharp.
Singapore: MOH
Expands Facilities for Elderly with Mental &
Psychiatric Illnesses (May 20, 2009)
To prepare for an aging population, the Ministry of Health
(MOH) is building more nursing homes and community
hospitals, and more facilities for persons with mental
illnesses and dementia. Singapore’s psychiatric care
facilities are currently operating at full capacity; with
an ageing population, demand for such long-term care
services will go up. Besides building facilities to care
for Singaporeans in their old age, the Health Ministry is
also studying how to help people save for such care. MOH
is also exploring collaborations with foreign universities
to develop degree upgrade opportunities for graduates in
selected allied health professions.
China:
People Rely on the Son For their Golden Years… (May 19,
2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study by Chinese and English Researchers
published at the beginning of April by the British Medical
Journal, the unique child policy and practice of selective
abortion--even though illegal in China--are accountable
for an extra 37.2 million males under age 20. Poor
families living in rural areas rely generally on males for
their golden years because a girl, after her wedding, is
supposed to contribute to her in-law’s household. Another
factor is that having no son is considered dishonorable
for parents.
New Zealand:
Govt. Urged to Address Ageing Population Issue (May 18,
2009)
In New Zealand, around 11% of the population is over 65,
but in 2051 the number will rise to 25% and the government
will have to address the issues of an aging population. A
retirement investment specialist in New Zealand feels that
his country should learn from the Australian retirement
policy. In Australia, the pension eligibility age has been
increased. In addition, tax benefits for the higher paid
individuals have been reduced.
China: China’s Old Population
Ratio Surpasses America’s By Year 2003 (April 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A US report said that in 2003 China’s old population
percentage caught up with the US at 24%. In 2005 there
were 16 old people out of every 100 adults of working age,
a rate expected to reach 32% in 2025 and 61% in
2050.
China: Shanghai’s
Life Expectancy is 81.28 Years Old, Topping the Nation
(April 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai’s life expectancy tops the nation’s at 81.28
years old . Shanghai went ahead of all other cities in
China to become an aging society as early as 1979. In
2008, older persons over 60 years old totaled more than
300 million, almost 22% of all households registered. The
proportion of Shanghai’s old population is close to twice
that of the nation’s average.
Japan: Japan Recruits Foreign
Nurses to Care for Elderly (April 30, 2009)
In response to a nursing shortage, Japan eased its
immigration policies in order to accept foreign nurses for
employment. In May, around 300 nurses from the Philippines
will arrive to assist with basic care, especially needed
due to the aging population of Japan. The foreign nurses
are not arriving without controversy however. Japanese
nurses fear the new recruits will take jobs away from
them, while the nurses from the Philippines fear they will
not be given high-skill jobs and will be looked upon
simply as cheap labor.
China: Old Single People Club in
Ning Bo City (April 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A networking club in Ning Bo City is the city’s first
non-government group to focus on old single people’s
issues. Old single people join together in different kinds
of activities and make friends with each other to cope
with a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The club is free
to all old single men and women. Since its establishment
in 2008, there have been 202 members, with about equal
numbers of men and women. The oldest is 81 years old and
the youngest is 51.
Sri Lanka: Court Order Case no. B/827/9 (April 27, 2009)
This legal order highlights the dire situation facing
older persons in Sri Lanka. Many seniors have died due to
starvation and malnutrition and with no special care,
despite their advanced age. The report states that more
than five deaths occur on daily basis in the Internally
Displaced Welfare Centers, due to starvation and
malnutrition. In the absence of proper caring mechanisms,
older persons are dying. Moreover, their bodies are not
removed in a timely fashion, causing additional health
problems. Where are the human rights to protect older
people, as well as other internally displaced people, from
malnutrition, starvation and a terrible death?
Korea:
Population Aging and Elderly Abuse in Korea (April 24,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In Korea, elder abuse has become a social problem as the
population ages. Statistics indicate that in 2000 the
proportion of elderly population in Korea exceeded 7%. The
Korean National Public Pension launched in 2008 only
benefited 3% of the aged population. Most elder Koreans
depend on their families, especially their female
offspring. The traditional patriarchal family model no
longer dominates; however, family members are still
responsible for supporting the old people, making elder
abuse an inevitable problem that must be addressed.
China: China
Begins to Address a Coming Wave of Elderly (April 21,
2009)
An increasingly aging population is becoming a far greater
challenge than the current recession for China.
Policymakers urgently need to increase the social safety
net and expand retirement benefits as well as healthcare.
By 2050, for every senior citizen there may only be two
working people compared to the current ratio of 1 in 13.
Chinese tradition places a strong emphasis on familial
obligation to care for their old. The government can help
out by expanding pension plans and building more
facilities for older persons.
India: No Room at Home for Elderly in India (April 18,
2009)
After her husband died five years ago, Rita Sikand's
daughter and son-in-law moved into her home in New Delhi.
It wasn't long before they took control of her bank
account and car and confined her to her bedroom. As
India's population pushes past 1 billion, Sikand's
situation highlights a challenge facing this country: in
many family homes, there's no longer room for old people.
Estimates suggest there will be more than 100 million
Indians aged 60 or older by 2013; the country has only
4,000 old-age homes.
Japan:
Aging Population with Fewer Children—Japan Ranks the Top
of the World (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
April 17, 2009, the Japanese government released the 2009
Japanese “White Book” on “Aging population with fewer
children”. The “White Book” indicates that 22.1% of the
Japanese population is 65 or older, while 13.5% of it is
children and teenagers are between the ages of 0 and 14.
The“White Book” also warns that Japan ranks at the top of
the world on “Aging population with fewer children”. To
maintain sustainable medium-to-long term development, the
Japanese government should reform the labor market to
attract more youth, females, and older persons.
China: The
Second Old People’s Supplies Fair Opened (April 17,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Second China Chang Chun Old People’s Supplies Fair
opened in Chang Chun City on April 12, 2009. This fair
lasted 8 days, with more than 260 suppliers showing
thousands of products catering to old people’s life,
study, entertainment, etc.
Japan:
Solution to Japan’s Jobless Problem: Send City Workers
Back (April 15, 2009)
Currently, Japan is experiencing the worst recession since
WWII. As a result, many unemployed are turning to farming
as a possible new career. The Japanese government invested
$10 million into programs to train young workers from the
cities to become farmers in hopes that they will renew the
rapidly aging farming population. At present, 2 in 3
farmers are 65 years and older. Without the recruitment of
young workers, agriculture in Japan will disappear
quickly.
China: 160
Million Seniors as Shanghai Becomes the Oldest City in
China (April 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Recent Chinese statistics show that at the end of 2008,
the country’s population over 60 years numbered 159
million, or 12% of the population. Shanghai has become the
“oldest” city of the country with one person out of five
being a senior, twice the national average. According to
forecasts, Chinese seniors could number more than 248
million by 2020 and 435 million by 2050.
China: More than
159.89 Million Old People Aged Over 60 (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
At the end of 2008, the number of old people aged over 60
in China accounts for 12% of the total population. The
number is estimated to increase by 8 million per year. The
rapid speed of population aging and the growing need for
social security for old people in China makes a universal
pension system an urgent priority.
China: China
Is Committed to Improving the Service System For Older
People (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The State Plan of Action on Human Rights 2009-2010, passed
recently, states that by the end of 2010 China will
increase the number of beds available to older persons,
the disabled and youth at risk by over 2.2 million.
Additional beds will be installed at centers for rural
residents with five guaranteed provisions: food, clothing,
shelter, medical care, education and burial expenses.
Further, another 800,000 beds will be provided in towns
and cities for older persons who have no living relatives.
China: Older
Persons High on the Agenda! (April 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
As the population ages, the government is launching
programs to assist older persons. In 2009, there were 160
million people over 60 in China, i.e., 12% of the society.
This may appear low, but within two generations seniors
will represent more than 40% of Chinese people. The wave
of older persons from the “baby boom” encouraged by Mao in
the fifties is arriving.
China: Son and
Father Lecturing Filial Piety Across 7 Provinces in One
Month (April 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A retired university professor and well-known calligrapher
has driven 8,000 kilometers to seven provinces along with
his 92-year-old father to give lectures on filial piety.
Since retiring from the university, the professor has
given free talks in colleges, institutions, corporations,
etc. on taking good care of parents and the virtue of
respecting old people.
China: Free
Medical Examination Given to 0.1 Billion Old People
(April 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
At a press conference on April 10, a spokesperson for the
Ministry of Health said that about 0.1 billion old people
over age 65 will receive free medical examinations in the
years 2009 and 2010. A newly reformed medical program will
include setting up standard resident health archives and
giving people 65 years and over health examinations on a
regular basis.
Japan: Japan
Taps Jobless Autoworkers For Aged Care Jobs (April 9,
2009)
The Japanese government is attempting to transfer
unemployed workers from the manufacturing industry to the
rapidly growing and understaffed nursing home and care
sector that in the next two years will have over 120,000
job openings. Although the plan does seem to have its
merits, the government is encountering difficulties
teaching manufacturing specialists geriatric care, and the
turnover rate is extremely high due to poor working
conditions and low.
Singapore: The
reemployment rate of the elderly rising in Singapore
(April 5, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
More and more older people in Singapore are entering the
labor market. According to a new survey conducted by the
Singapore Department of Human Resources, June 2008 marked
the highest rate in history for reemploying senior
citizens. Economic concerns contributed to this trend
substantially. Among those reemployed, most went to work
in administrative, janitor and security guard departments.
China: Senior
Lawmaker Urges Gender Equality in Recruitment Age (April
4, 2009)
A senior lawmaker is pushing hard to revise differential
retirement ages for men and women in China. Male public
servants are asked to retire at 60 years of age whereas
the female employees have to retire at 55 years. According
to the lawmaker, who is also a woman, getting women civil
servants to retire at 55 years is a waste of human
resources, particularly for those who have Masters or
Doctorate degrees.
India: Mediclaim Booster for
Senior Citizens and the Sick (April 2, 2009)
After many court orders and recommendations, the renewal
rules of health insurance policies have been changed to
increase the level of transparency among the companies.
The changes require that an insurance company must renew a
health insurance policy irrespective of how much it has
already paid out in claims. Unless the policyholder
participates in fraud or misrepresentation, the company
must renew a policyholder’s policy.
Japan: A Kingdom
of Long Lives (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Over 20% of Japan's population are seniors. It is
estimated that every third person will be in his/her
retirement age in Japan by the year 2050. Japan can truly
be called a “kingdom of long lives” with an average age of
83 years for women and 79 for men. So, what should you do
to live longer? Eating healthy, staying financially
independent and having your own hobbies are the main keys
to long life, says the Japan Medical Association.
China: Hong
Kong’s Population Aging Trend Continues and Gender
Imbalance Increases (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The aging trend in Hong Kong's population has continued
for the past ten years, with the median age rising to
forty years, according to latest population census
results. Another trend is the rapidly increasing imbalance
between the men’s population and that of women. The gender
ratio has fallen from 905 men per 1,000 women in 2007, to
898 men per 1,000 women in 2008.
Singapore: Prevention for
Senior Pedestrians (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The government estimates that 9% of people over 65 years
walk on Singapore roads. Officials have launched
preventive action on behalf of senior citizens to avoid
pedestrian accidents. Older persons represent a high-risk
category of the population because their perception may be
blurred or their mobility may be impaired. An impact with
no serious consequences for a younger adult may become
very severe and lead to dramatic consequences for a
senior. In Europe, 8,000 seniors die each year on the
roads. According to forecasts, by 2050 one third of deaths
happening in car wrecks will involve people over 65 years
if no appropriate measures are taken.
China:
Association of Serving Old People Founded by College
Students (March 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In Nan Ning City, college students founded the first
association for serving old people. This association
encourages college students to take advantage of their
free time. They are helping the increasing numbers of
empty nest older people in the city. College students go
to local communities and talk with older persons, read
newspapers to them, walk with them to the hospital, do
housework as well as organize trips and networking
activities. They even help the elders write
autobiographies and teach them computer skills. So far,
more than 400 college students have applied to join the
association.
China: “Green
Card”—Free Pass to All Community Service for Old People
(March 19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A local community in Beijing issued service cards to old
people above 60 years of age. With this “Green Card” old
people can enjoy easy access to all community services. A
year ago, the welfare service in the community signed
agreements with local gas stations, barbershops,
restaurants, household business companies and more than 30
other service providers to offer easy and quick community
service to the old people in the community. Since then,
gas, free haircuts, monthly pension distribution and other
services have been made available for thousands of old
people. A good idea!
China: Tai Yuan
City Puts up Video Ad on Aging for Downtown Screening
(March 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Office of Aging in Tai Yuan City worked with an
advertising company to make a video advertisement about
aging and have it shown it on a 7 x 17 meter screen in the
city’s downtown area. This video advertisement, with music
soundtrack, aims at intensifying publicity and education
about aging issues, appealing for respect and help for old
people, especially from young people. The area is a hub
that averages more than 200,000 young people hanging out,
shopping, eating and spending leisure time every day. Will
the video encourage them to relate more to their parents
and grandparents?
India: 1.43 cr
Elderly Will Be Forced to Work (March 17, 2009)
According to a Planning Commission report, approximately
140,000,000 senior citizens will be forced to work, mostly
as casual laborers, to meet their basic needs. The worst
hit would be older persons in rural areas despite the
government’s much touted flagship schemes focusing on the
hinterland. This report emphasized increased central
funding and state-sponsored old age pension, plus health
coverage for elder workers. However, the projected
increase in the senior citizen workforce suggests a
long-term failure of government policy towards the old
people since Independence.
Japan: Japanese
TV Broadcast Hired 105-year-old Women as News Hosts
(March 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Japanese local broadcast recently used a 105-year-old
woman and a 92-year-old woman as hosts in its newly
created news program. The broadcast president said that
the purpose was to encourage knowledgeable and experienced
older people to introduce and report on topics that they
know well. These two women once interviewed the Japanese
Prime Minister when he was running his election campaign
in their local city.
China: Australia and New Zealand College for Seniors
Joint Chinese Old People’s Education (March 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Chinese International Training and Education Institution
signed an agreement of cooperation with Australian &
New Zealand College for Seniors on February 25, 2009. The
two parties are going to work together on developing
holiday study programs for old people in China, Australia
and New Zealand. They will research old people’s demands
in such major areas as education and tourism, and will
provide professional training to the program’s directors
and instructors.
Japan: Ageing Japan Cuts Cost of
100th Birthday Gifts (March 3, 2009)
(Article also available in Spanish)
The Japanese have a tradition of presenting silver cups to
all their citizens over the age of 100. Last year, 19,769
people reached triple figures in the world's most rapidly
aging country, compared to only 153 in 1963, the year when
the cups were first presented. Japan now has so many
people over 100 that it is cutting costs by reducing the
size of silver cups it presents to those who reach that
age.
Australia:
107-year-old Australian Lady Still Working (March 2,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
An Australia women, 107 years old, is still working in a
local hospital. This woman works in the mail room in the
hospital and found this job when she was 100 years old.
She spent her 107th birthday on the job in the hospital.
She attributes her good health to walking instead of
riding.
China: Experts
Suggested that Retirement Age should be Raised for both
Male and Female Employees (February 27. 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China’s rapidly aging society calls for a reform in the
current retirement system. At “China’s Retirement System
and Holiday Reform Forum,” Prof. Fan Ming from Henan
University of Finance and Economics presented an
alternative reform strategy: raising the retirement age of
female employees up to 55 years old by 2014 and to 60
years old by 2017; raising the retirement age of male
employees up to 65 by 2022; eventually raising the
retirement age for female employees up to 65 by
2026.
China:
105-year-old Mother-in-law Enjoying First Grade Nursing
Care from 77-year-old Daughter-in-law (February 26,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 77-year-old daughter-in-law learned nursing care and has
been offering standard first-grade treatment equivalent to
hospital care to her 105-year-old paralyzed mother-in-law.
Since 2006, when the mother-in-law suffered from paralysis
as a result of a hip fracture, her daughter-in-law started
taking care of her, washing her entire body twice a day,
cleaning her diapers and changing her sheets daily. The
daughter-in-law even moved her bed to her mother-in-law’s
bedroom and turned the room into a family nursing room by
taking turns with her husband day and night to look after
her mother-in-law.
China:
Worrying Medical Condition of Countryside Empty Nester
(February 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A recent report issued by the China National Committee on
Aging shows that nationwide there are 32,880,000 families
of old people without children living in rural areas. Many
older persons have no family to care for them. Sixty
percent of them do not receive any form of medical
security.
Taiwan:
Taiwan Government Criticized over Elderly Care Program
(February 24, 2009)
The newly created long-term older person care insurance
program will cost over NT $50 billion but will reduce the
burden on family members. Critics believe that rather than
increasing taxes to fund programs, the government should
first use the available revenue to create a care structure
and recruit staff. Although many details remain unknown,
currently beneficiaries must be unable to perform 3 out of
6 daily activities, including eating, dressing, bathing,
going to the bathroom, getting out of bed and/or chair and
walking.
India:
Recession Impacts Indians’ Plans for Early Retirement,
Pilgrimages (February 22, 2009)
The global economic crisis has had a major impact on old
people in India. It has pushed back voluntary retirement
plans, tightened medical expenditures and has led many
people to postpone pilgrimages. In states where the food
shortage is acute, older people have started reducing
their meal size or skipping meals to save money.
China: Shen Yang
City Sets Up Electrical Calling Device for Old People
(February 1, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Since 2008, the Shen Yang City Department of Civil Affairs
has begun setting up an electrical calling device for
about 10,000 poor and aged people. This year the free
device will arrive at some 20,000 households of older
persons without children and those who live on very low
subsistence allowances. The electrical calling device will
ensure elder access to all emergency systems when asking
for help. By just dialing one telephone number, a call
will reach their children’s cell phone as well as the
community and health services at the same time. By 2010,
Shen Yang City will have installed this electrical calling
device with 50,000 older people.
China: Chinese Red
Cross Foundation is Funding Three Public Senior
Citizen’s Apartment Complexes (January 29, 2009)
It is expected that three senior citizen’s apartment
complexes funded by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation will
be built in Beijing, Jiang Su and Zhe Jiang. Besides the
Foundation’s support, other financial sources come from
local enterprises, individual donations, etc. The vice
chairman of the foundation said they are planning a
120,000-square-meter apartment complex in Jiang Su, a
137,000-square-meter facility in Beijing and a
75,000-square-meter one in Zhe Jiang. The Foundation will
be responsible for managing the complexes when they are
completed. It will also work with the China National
Committee on Aging, medical care institutions and arts
organizations to serve the elderly people in the best way
possible. The construction of more apartment complexes in
Su Zhou, Xi’an and Cheng Du is now under discussion.
China: An Hui
Province Put Nursing Home Building into Government’s
Public Livelihood Project (January 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Nursing home building were added to An Hui provincial
government’s 2009 Public Livelihood Project. In 2008, An
Hui province allocated about 48,000,000 RMB for building
nursing homes, the most ever. By the end of last year,
56,423 additional beds were added, and the total number of
beds in nursing homes increased to over 100,000.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Administration and the
Office of Finance included spending on nursing homes and
staff in the government’s budget.
China:
Pleasure at Senior Citizen’s Apartment Complex in
Earthquake-Stricken Area
(January 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Aged widows at the senior citizen’s apartment complex in
Lue Yang County, Shan Xi Province, one of the regions
worst hit by the 5.12 earthquake in China, happily
celebrated their first Chinese New Year after the
earthquake. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the director of the
Office of Civil Administration along with other government
officials visited all the residents in the nursing home
with food, wine, clothing, and New Year money. After the
earthquake, old people were moved from the damaged nursing
home into a new apartment complex reconstructed from a
local government building in 2007.
India: Look After
Your Parents and Senior Citizens in Punjab or Go to Jail
(January 19, 2009)
The Punjab Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act
passed requiring the wards of senior citizens to provide
proper maintenance of old people. Senior citizens can
legally receive sustenance from their wards, and should
that fail to occur, one-member tribunals will be set up to
evaluate the situation. Punishments can include fines up
to Rs 5,000 and/or 3 months of imprisonment, in addition
to a monthly maintenance allowance for the older person
needing care.
China: Shanghai
Veterans’ Chorus Group Has Been Performing New Year’s
Songs for A Month (January 14, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
During Chinese New Year celebrations, the Shanghai
Veteran’s Chorus Group gave seven performances in
different districts in the city, extending their best New
Year’s wishes to thousands of older persons.. Concerned
about the care for older people, the chorus not only
re-performed award-winning songs, but also composed new
ones catering to different preferences in different
districts. This city chorus, established in 1986, has
participated in hundreds of large and small activities and
earned many awards.
Asia: Asia Forum
on Aging 2009 Convenes in Singapore (January 12, 2009)
International experts met for the inaugural Asian Forum on
Aging to discuss trends and developments in the care of
older persons in the face of a rapidly aging population.
It was an effort to help guide policy makers in making
decisions on housing and community care for older persons
in Asia.
China: Only
20,000 social workers serving-old-people are qualified
(January 12, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
At the 4th National Nursing Home’s Presidential Forum on
January 6, the Vice Chairman of China’s National Committee
on Aging said that so far there are 321,600 social workers
serving old people in the country but only 20,000 of them
have received formal training and earned professional
certificates. With an estimated 153,000,000 old people,
including 23,500,000 with disabilities, the gap is
formidable. The presence of insufficient, unqualified
social workers who have low status and low incomes pose a
serious challenge to the efforts of dealing with old
people.
China: National
Sports Game for Old People to Be Held This Year (January
8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The chairman of the National Old People’s Association of
Sports said that the 60th year of the founding of the
People's Republic of China is an appropriate time for the
National Sports Game for Older Persons to be held. He
emphasized that old people are the backbone of nationwide
body building. Also he made clear that developing sports
for older persons and improving their health are effective
ways to cope with an aging society. Awareness of the
importance of older persons’ exercise and health will
influence the entire society.
China: A Canadian
Old Man Came to Ji Lin Province to Run Free Nursing Home
(January 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Quebec native old man came to Ji Lin Province and
started running a free nursing home along with a Chinese
young man, taking care of disabled older persons and aged
widows. The Canadian, 68 years old, studied Taoism in
northeastern China from 1994 to 2004, when he decided to
dedicate his time and effort to running the nursing home
and training staff to continue this philanthropic work.
India: Greedy
Realtors are the Greatest Threat to Elderly (January 4,
2009)
Atrocities are routinely committed against the elderly by
realtors in India, all for property. In Delhi, out of the
total number of reported crimes against the elders, 60
percent were related to property. This has partly been
aided by the realtors’ access to property information.
Australia: $50 Million Plan for
Cheaper Seniors Travel (January 4, 2009)
Beginning January 1, 2009, seniors will pay less to travel
on public transportation outside their home states. The
government’s subsidy of $50 million provides better
benefits to the elders and promotes the tourism
industry.
Korea: Korean Women
Pray for “Nest” to Live out Days (January 2, 2009)
In the town of Anjung-Ri, women who were once forced into
prostitution as a result of the Korean War (1950-1953) now
face even more problems than social rejection and
alienation. The women, who can barely afford their current
rent, will soon be completely unable to afford housing,
due to US soldiers who are relocating into the area in
nearby Anjung-Ri, thus swelling housing rices. Therefore,
the Sunlit Sisters’ Center, created by Soon Duk Woo to
offer care and support to these women, hopes for funds to
provide the impoverished women with permanent housing so
they are not pushed back onto the streets.
Return to Top of Page
Europe and Central Asia
Background Documents
Serbia:
National Strategy on Ageing (2006-2015)
Serbia has adopted a strategy on aging for the period up
to 2015. The strategy encourages the development of a
society for all ages where stakeholders as well as the
citizenry give attention to the needs and contributions of
older persons. The Serbian population is one of the oldest
populations in the world, numbering 1.2 million
individuals, a sixth of the population.
Reports
United
Kingdom: Older Workers: Employment Preferences, Barriers
and Solutions (2009)
The Policy Studies Institute and IFF Research were
commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission
to explore the needs and preferences of older people in
relation to work. The study examines obstacles to the
achievement of those preferences and the means by which
those obstacles may be overcome. The study is based on a
survey of 1,494 older individuals aged 50–75, as well as
interviews with stakeholders and employers, and a review
of good practices by employers. In reviewing the
employment related aspirations and experiences of older
people, a number of themes have emerged, including: job
preferences, flexible working arrangements, opportunities
for promotion and downshifting, caring, health, job
quality and retirement intentions.
Turkey:
Influences of Intergenerational Support in Life
Satisfaction of the Elderly: A Turkish Sample (2009)
Changes in Turkey's demographics have brought about
increased numbers of older individuals. This increase is
projected to continue into the foreseeable future.
Industrialization and urbanization have also changed
social lives and living circumstances of older people,
some of which have negative implications for this
population. Using an intergenerational support model, the
authors of this report examine the quality of life in a
sample of elderly persons in Turkey. They focus on the
impact of intergenerational support on elderly persons’
total levels of perceived life satisfaction. Some 200
persons aged over 60 took part in the study that revealed
a negative relationship between older men’s and women’s
life satisfaction and the amount of help they received
from their children. In other words, the more help the
children gave their elders, the more the older persons’
life satisfaction levels went down. Surprising!
European Union:
Economics and Active Aging (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The President of the Progressive Retirees’ Union at the IX
National Conference of the Organization of Older Persons
along with of the Government of Spain and the Ministry of
Equality, addressed how economics coincides with active
ageing. The report explores, among other topics, the
possibilities of converting the aging of the population to
a motor that will generate jobs. It also examines the
level of rents and poverty among European countries to
understand the economic situation of older persons. The
report concludes with ideas to improve the public pension
system and expand the services for older persons, among
other suggestions.
Europe:
Grandparents Across the Ocean: Eastern European
Immigrants' Struggle to Maintain Intergenerational
Relationships (Winter 2009)
Many contemporary immigrants belong to transnational
families—families that maintain significant contact with
two or more countries. These families relate to a number
of environments and situations, dealing with great change
over extensive geographical space. This paper has two
major aims: 1) to understand how today's immigrant
families act in their intergenerational relationships
across significant distances and 2) to learn more about
the understudied population of recent immigrant
professionals from Eastern Europe into the United
States.
United Kingdom:
Voice of Older People Annual Report 2008-2009 (November
2009)
Dame Joan Bakewell’s report became available in November
2009 from the UK Government Equalities Office. She
listened to older persons in Britain speaking out about
domiciliary care, Council Tax and local government, modern
technology, treatment of the old and end-of-life care,
retirement age, pensions and sheltered housing and care
homes. Photocopies of letters and emails are pasted into
her report and highlight the worries that older persons
face in Britain. Dame Joan Bakewell also addresses the
common abuses that threaten the lives of older persons in
Britain.
Russia:
Latest News from “A Kind Action” (November 2009)
(Report in Russian)
The head of a non-profit organization, “A Kind
Action,” Eduard Karuhin, describes how his organization is
arousing political activism among the older generation.
For example, in one of the districts of Karelya (a
north-western region of Russia), his organization arranged
a meeting of older rights activists with local government
officials. The older activists raised questions about
older people’s rights and asked what officials were doing
to help. In another region of Russia, “A Kind Action”
initiated a special school for older people where they can
study, for example, new regulations in the constitution
affecting retirees. According to Karunin’s study, some 89%
of retirees feel they have no influence or control over
officials who implement the constitution. Retirees must
become more politically active so that they can secure
progressive changes in regulations and better
implementation.
Europe: Employment Report 2009 Shows Lower Employment
Levels for Older Workers and Women (November 2009)
(Report also available in French)
In November 2009, the European Commission adopted its
21st annual Employment in Europe Report. The report shows
the overall situation of employment in the European Union
(EU) and is the basic resource for EU policymakers to help
Member States. This year, the Employment Report looked at
the quite exceptional economic circumstances that revealed
the severity of their impact on certain groups of workers
such as those aged 50+. For instance, the employment rate
for people age 55-64 is more than 30 percentage points
lower than for those age 25-54 with less than 46% of
persons aged 55-64 working compared with almost 80% of
persons aged 25-54. European workers are feeling the
challenges of globalization, technological change, ageing
societies and climate change. The writer says that the
economic crisis has heightened the need for policies to
help people of all ages keep their jobs or to get back
into employment quickly.
United Kingdom: Attitudes About Age in Britain 2004-8
(October 2009)
The ageing population presents a pressing policy
concern in the UK and internationally. Government policy
and public responses to that policy reflect people’s
experiences, perceptions and assumptions about age and age
differences. Yet there is little systematic evidence about
the nature of these perceptions or their implications.
This report examines age differences in perceptions, how
stable the patterns of attitudes are over time, and
whether various demographic variables affect perceptions
and attitudes about different age groups.
Europe: The Demands of Older Persons in Europe
(September 30, 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Euro barometer Flash gathered information, between
September 2008 and March 2009, related to the needs of
older persons in the 27 country members of the European
Union. Thinking about an aging society, the Europeans have
declared to pursue policies to maintain older persons’
health and income and to improve intergenerational
relations.
Europe: Report of the Ad Hoc Expert Group on the
Transition from Institutional to Community-Based Care
(September 2009)
Commissioner Vladimír Špidla convened
independent experts in February 2009 to address reform of
institutional care. Many people, including older people,
children and persons of all ages with disabilities live in
residential institutions that tend to segregate them from
the larger community throughout Central and Eastern
Europe. Due to population ageing, persons requiring some
form of long-term care will grow steadily over the next
decades. The authors favor a transition from institutional
care to community-based alternatives and underline several
key challenges in the de-institutionalization process.
They say that the costs of this new kind of care will be
comparable to institutional services. Finally, the authors
recommend that Member States take the main responsibility
for action.
United Kingdom: UK Older People’s Day 2009 (September
2009)
The UK Office for National Statistics recently
released a bulletin on the September 30th Older People’s
Day. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
and the wider Government Statistical Service (GSS) show
that there are increasing numbers of older people in the
population. They are increasingly taking an active part in
the labor market and have increasing levels of pension
income. However, while people are living longer, the extra
years may not necessarily be in good health.
United Kingdom: The Patient Association Listening to
Patients Speaking Up for Change (August 2009)
This report is denouncing how older people are victims
of neglect and abuses within the National Health Service
(NHS) in Great Britain. This report is made up with
various testimonies about awful stories that happened in
Hospital. Older persons can be very vulnerable and it
appears that many of them have been victims of bad
treatments. Letting a man in dirty sheets until he dies
because of infections, letting a woman without food and
water during few days because her operation was postponed,
are some examples of what older people are facing nowadays
in Great Britain. This report is not supposed to
generalize the situation in Great Britain and of course
the NHS is not entirely corrupted but it shows how
preoccupying is the situation in some hospitals.
Europe: The European Older Person’s Platform Study
(July-August 2009)
Europeans are trying to reduce growing tensions
between young and older citizens. The authors list and
describe initiatives underway to enhance dignity and
quality of life of old Europeans. The European Council,
the European Commission and the European Parliament are
developing legislation to guarantee social cohesion and
“protect” older people. The European Older Person’s
Platform wants to build a society where all generations
can make their contribution to society.
Latvia: Age Structure of the Population of Latvia (July
17, 2009)
Even though in 2008 the largest birth number since
2000 (20248) was registered in Latvia (23948) it still
lags from death indicator in the result of which the
balance of natural increase is negative. In its turn, it
causes unfavorable changes in the age structure of the
population and, the same as in Europe, population aging
process is also continuing in Latvia. The new statistics
may shed light on the government’s decision in June 2009
to cut current pensioners benefits by 10% and pensions for
those still working by 70% as a direct result of the
increased number of older persons.
Europe: Social Protection Expenditure in 2006: EU27
Spent 26.9% of GDP on Social Protection. Highest Ratios
in France, Sweden and Belgium" (June 2, 2009)
In the EU 27, social protection expenditures accounted for
26.9% of GDP on social protection in 2006. This ratio was
27.1 in 2005 and 2004 and 27.2 in 2003. But this EU 27
average continues to mask major disparities between member
states. The disparities reflect differences in living
standards, but also indicate the diversity of national
protection systems and of the demographic, economic,
social and institutional structures specific to each
Member State. In the EU 27 in 2006, expenditures on old
age survivors’ benefits accounted for 46% of total
spending on social protection benefits.
World: The
Relationship between Women’s Work Histories and Incomes
in Later Life in the UK, US and West Germany (June 2009)
How do women’s work histories impact their personal
incomes in later life in the UK, the US and West Germany?
By using data from three different welfare regimes, the
researchers analyzed the interaction between the life
course, pension systems and women’s income in later life.
Most women in these countries depend on their husbands to
to support them financially in old age. Why? Architects of
the pension systems link a married women’s benefits to her
husband’s contributions, a system that may no longer be
appropriate. Reporters conclude that women in West Germany
are the most disadvantaged in old age while UK women are
least disadvantaged. However, these results vary depending
on whether the job was part-time or full-time.
Germany: Transfers, Consumption
and Income over the Lifecycle in Germany (May 14, 2009)
This paper seeks to quantify all public and private
inter-age monetary flows in Germany by applying the
National Transfer Account method. Germany's lifecycle
deficit is shaped by long periods spent in education,
early retirement, and low labor force participation rates
among the older work force, resulting in a rather short
surplus period. Germany is a picture book welfare state.
Over the last century the government assumed functions
that the family would once have tried to absorb. During
the long dependent periods of childhood and old age, the
main expenditures-including education for younger people
and pensions and health care for older people-are publicly
financed. Private consumption is low for these items. In
contrast to public in-kind transfers, public cash
transfers are highly skewed to older persons. Special
emphasis is placed on differences in East/West lifecycle
deficit patterns.
Europe:
AGE General Assembly final Declaration (May 8, 2009)
(Report Also in
French)
On the occasion of its 2009 General Assembly, AGE members
adopted a Declaration to guide their policy work in the
coming years. Members agreed on broad policy directions
which AGE will take as it addresses pension reforms,
employment, social inclusion, health and long-term care,
active civic participation and older people in emergency
situations over the coming years. AGE called for a ban on
mandatory retirement ages, the establishment of mandatory
European quality standards for long term care and a EU
Year on active ageing and intergenerational solidarity in
2012. They noted that the changing age structure in
populations will impact the dynamic between the
generations. AGE says that intergenerational solidarity
and cooperation will need to be re-invented and sustained
by appropriate policies.
Europe:
Meeting the Challenge of Demographic Ageing in the
Context of the Current Crisis: A Plea for Greater
Intergenerational Solidarity (April 29, 2009)
(Report also available in French)
On the occasion of the first European Day for Solidarity
and Cooperation between generations, the NGO AGE review
some of the existing initiatives or those that should be
implemented, at the local, national as well as regional
scale, to help each generation support the other and live
together avoiding conflicts. The demographic reality
combined with the current economic crisis is leading many
people to re-think economic, fiscal and social policies.
The urban environment and public transportation systems
have to adapt to the changing needs in society. Current
social policies don’t necessarily meet families’ needs.
Supporting dependent persons (both old and young) poses
problem due to changes in the demographics of societies.
Clearly, the current economic crisis makes the
intergenerational solidarity more important and valuable
than ever.
United
Kingdom: One Voice: Shaping Our Ageing Society (April 7,
2009)
Authors of this recent report present a comprehensive
perspective on the issues facing older people in the UK:
poverty, age discrimination, isolation, lack of care and
support. The report recommends that the government take
action to outlaw mandatory retirement ages, to ensuring
equal rights to citizens, give automatic payment of
benefits to pensioners, assure “age proof” employment, and
work towards a convention on the rights of older people.
Sweden:
An Interview Study with Healthy Elderly Couples in
Northern Sweden (April 2009)
How do older people want to be cared for, particularly as
their physical capacity changes? The authors conducted
interviews with twelve Swedish couples who were age 70 or
older. Most wanted to maintain themselves in dignity until
the end. When minimum help was needed, they wanted a
partner or nursing staff to care for and support them. If
dependent, they wanted nursing home care. All wanted to be
seen as an individual in all stages of their lives and
sought care that would give them dignity to the end.
European
Union: Intergenerational Solidarity (April 2009)
Demographers in nearly every EU country say that the
population is progressively becoming older: birth rates
are declining while life expectancy is rising. Profound
social changes will accompany this demographic evolution,
in terms of social protection, housing and employment, for
example. However, the EU population’s gradual ageing
process is also strongly impacting conventional
relationships between generations. Therefore, solidarity
and building more links between younger and older
generations must not be seen in strictly financial terms.
This report analyses the fieldwork of the Flash
Eurobarometer of Intergenerational Solidarity conducted in
March 2009.
World: Weathering the Downturn: What is the Future for
Lifetime Neighborhoods? (April 2009)
UK researchers are identifying ‘lifetime neighborhoods,
revealing a growing recognition of the interlocking roles
of the built environment, infrastructure, housing,
services and space in determining quality of life.
Lifetime neighborhoods are those that “offer the best
possible chance of health, wellbeing, and social, economic
and civic engagement regardless of age.” This paper draws
on the views of many experts to turn this vision into a
reality. It also emphasizes the respective roles of
government, public sector agencies, local authorities,
housing associations and the voluntary sector.
France:
Elderly Tutor: How Can We Do Better? (March 2009)
(Report in French)
In France, the employment rate of people between 55
and 64 years old is around 38%. This report underlines the
different issues about how seniors can communicate their
knowledge about their job to others. Senior workers who
tutor others seem to integrate better and to keep the
knowledge and competencies within the company. Moreover,
tutoring may be one of the ways to fulfill the Lisbon
Strategy goal: an employment rate of 50% for people
between 55 and 64 years old.
Europe: AGE Open Letter to EU Extraordinary Summit on
the Financial and Economic Crisis (February 26, 2009)
AGE, the European Older People’s Platform, aims to voice
and promote the interests of older people in the European
Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern
them the most. The director wrote a letter to EU Heads of
State and Government who attended the Extraordinary Summit
on the financial and economic crisis so that they address
the needs and hardships of older persons in today’s
deteriorating economy. She called for Member States to
change pension schemes to guarantee adequate income in old
age as supplementary pensions that are market-dependent
cannot substitute for the responsibility of the state in
pension provision. She also advocates for the installation
of financial supervision mechanism and for the need to
strengthen social and health services and assist people in
need. Finally, AGE urges Member States to establish
measures to support older workers and those who cannot
work.
Belgium:
Disabled and Older Persons Housing in Belgium (February
2009)
(Report in French)
The researcher for this report describes the exodus of
many older or disabled persons from France to Belgium.
This exodus, which can to some extent be explained by the
high quality of Belgian nursing homes, also underlines the
gaps in the French system to assist persons with special
needs. To conclude, the author of the report calls for
collaboration between the French and the Belgian
governments.
France: Assistance to Dependent Older Persons (February
2009)
(Report in French)
The French ‘Cour des Comptes’, the body in charge of
supervising the Treasury, published its annual report last
February. As part of a follow-up to a 2005 report about
assistance to dependant older persons, the French body
deplores that ‘its recommendations do not seem to be
followed by many effects’ and underlines ‘much
procrastination’ concerning assistance and funding.
Indeed, the Cour des Comptes noted increasing fees for the
families and the State, a lack of assistants and a lack of
available room in nursing homes.
Belgium: Disabled and Older Persons Housing in Belgium
(February 2009)
(Report in French)
Many older or disabled persons migrate from France to
Belgium as the quality of nursing homes is higher in
Belgium. This also underlines the many gaps the French
system faces, especially when assisting people with
special needs. The author of this report calls for a
stronger collaboration between the French and the Belgian
government on this matter.
Europe: When is a Person Too Young or Too Old to Work?
Cultural Variations in Europe (February 2009)
Reporters show the varying attitudes among citizens from
different European countries on such issues as the age of
adulthood, middle age, retirement age and the age at which
people are too old to work. This data reveals that
different societies have differing appetites for work with
direct implications on productivity and ability to compete
in the global economy. These findings also reveal how
employers might relocate into societies that are more or
less work-oriented. For example, at the age of 55, French
people might want to retire, but in Sweden they would want
to continue working.
Ireland: Open Your Eyes: Elder
Abuse Service Developments 2008 (February 2009)
In this report the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals
an increasing number of cases of elder abuse in Ireland.
Nearly two thirds of all victims were female and most of
the cases involve psychological abuse, neglect, financial
matters, and physical assault. The alleged abusers were
mainly people with the closest relationship to the older
person, such as a child or a spouse. The most common
person to report an abuse was a public health nurse or
hospital member. The HSE also participates in an annual
‘Say No to Ageism’ campaign that challenges negative
stereotyping and attitudes towards older people.
France: Which Employment
Protection for Older Persons? (January 2009)
(Report in French)
In France, the employment rate of people aged 55 to 64
years old is inferior to that of most OECD countries
despite the various efforts the French government took to
protect senior employment. The “Delalande” plan, enacted
in 1987, was one such effort which aimed to over-tax
lay-offs of people over 55. Many pernicious effects were
noticed however, such as a decrease in the number of older
persons hired and an incentive to anticipate redundancies.
It is scheduled to dissolve by 2010 after having been
amended several times. Various options are now being
considered, including increasing the legal age of
retirement and loosening regulations for senior
employment.
Europe: Joint
Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008:
Social Inclusion, Pension, Health Care and Long-term
Care (January 2009)
(Report also available in French
and in Spanish)
This leaflet summarizes the European Commission and
Council joint report on social protection. Member states
agreed to cooperate to secure greater social protection
and social inclusion among their citizens. The report
highlights the need to reduce the stark inequalities in
health outcomes. The writers identify the older population
as the main challenge to EU social protection systems. The
population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by
77% by 2050. Because older workers are leaving the
workforce, the social protection systems face deficits.
Nations will have to come up with new means to finance
elders’ later years.
Spain:
Determination of Social Environment and Active Ageing
(2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The President of the Progressive Retirees’ Union
reported to the IX National Conference of the Organization
of Older Persons in collaboration with the Government of
Spain and the Ministry of Equality. His report describes
how support and social networks can be built and how they
can encourage active ageing. Of course, the participants
had to learn the basic terminology and how they can expand
Spanish social networks. This report offers
recommendations about improving communication policies in
social networks so that they work better.
Spain: Influence of Intergenerational Relations on
Active Ageing (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Organization of Older Persons presents the concept
of intergenerational solidarity (to know, to listen and
pass on) and ways to improve intergenerational relations.
Authors say that developing good intergenerational
relations will contribute to a better active ageing. It’s
essential to promote good interactions among different
generations. The Government of Spain and the Ministry of
Equality collaborated on this study.
Ireland: The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing
Societies (2009)
This report explores the role and potential
for migrant workers to care for older people in Ireland.
The proportion of migrant carers assisting Irish older
people has increased over recent years, reflecting a
broader global trend in care worker migration and thus, a
highly competitive global market for migrant carers.
However, the report says that little effort has been given
to understand the implications of these cultural changes
in the care workforce.
France: Older Persons and Housing: Precariousness is
Back (2009)
(Report in French)
Politicians and news writers regularly
overlook housing issues for aging persons; it’s deemed
unimportant. Indeed, writers and activists both tend to
see older people as an homogeneous population. In reality,
major income inequalities exist among those who are 60
year years old and over. The first chapter of the Abbe
Pierre Foundation’s report deals with Inadequate housing
for older persons in France in 2009. It highlights the key
issues concerning elder housing and the government’s
policies. To read the full chapter on older persons in
France click here.
Spain: State Council on Older Person's Rights: Aging
and Participation (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Madrid State Council wants older persons
to have greater opportunities for better health,
participation and security, all measures that will improve
the quality of their lives. The Council wants older people
to participate in society as they age. In addition, the
Council created a Work Group to analyze the phenomenon of
the aging. The Group has already outlined a National Plan,
calling for greater participation of older persons in
their society.
Spain: Large Meeting on Projects to Assist Older
Persons and their Families 2010 (2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The Obra Social Caja Madrid is preparing a
large meeting, scheduled for 2010, to promote projects to
improve the quality of life of older persons. These
projects affect social activities and aging infrastructure
to be carried out in Spain. The report presents some of
the events and other projects that meeting-goers will
encounter. The Caja Madrid will establish certain norms of
control, follow-up and justification, in order to insure
the technical and financial procedures for putting the
projects into service after the Caja Madrid ends.
United Kingdom: Older People's Commissioner for Wales
Releases "Putting Older People at Our Heart"
(2008-2009)
The Older People's Commissioner for Wales -
and new IFA Director - Ms. Ruth Marks published her Annual
Review on the status of older people in Wales. She reports
on her consultations with older Welsh people about elder
abuse, transportation, community issues and housing. She
also sets out future priorities, including changing elder
abuse laws and re-organizing the National Health System.
Articles
Russia: From
the Stairway to the Automobile (December 29, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Even though retirees are protected by the law in certain
cases, in practice this is not so. For example, a retiree
described who is handicapped needs to obtain fifty
signatures to have a ramp on the staircase in his house,
whereas by law there is no need to collect signatures.
Another example is a handicapped woman retiree who is
allowed to wait in line along with other retirees to
receive a free vehicle as a social benefit. However, she
has waited for seven years with no luck. Alternatively,
she could have received partial monetary compensation for
a vehicle, yet there are many conditions on who can
actually obtain such compensation.
Russia:
Protection from Poverty (December 28, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Aleksandr Konovalov, a Minister of Justice, declared that
the government is about to pass a law providing free legal
services to people in the lower strata in society, i.e.,
elderly
people, the handicapped and veterans of the war. Until
now, this group of people had no resources for retaining
the services of a lawyer in extreme cases whereas under
this new law they will have access to legal services. One
of the reasons for this law is not just to help poor
people but also to fight against corruption by making
people more aware of their rights and enable them to
defend their rights using legal ways rather than bribery.
The government is hoping to accomplish two important tasks
at the same time.
France:
Mobile Phone with Big Keys Appeals to Seniors (December
7, 2009)
(Article in French)
Last September, Orange and SFR, the two largest telephone
companies in France, launched a similar offer: a mobile
phone with big keys compatible with hearing aids, and a
24/7 remote alarm service accessible through an emergency
button. These phones are aimed at persons aged 70 years
and over. Only 37% of this age group own mobile phones.
With the aging of the population, seniors form a growing
market.
Russia: 'Good Tsar'
Putin Revels in TV Role (December 3, 2009)
(Article also available in Russian)
Prime Minister Putin appears to be very popular in Russia
with a popularity rating of 55 to 70% or 6-10% higher than
those of his more liberal counterpart, Medvedev. Putin
keeps popularity ratings high with skillful use of
national TV programs. Since mostly older people watch
television for more than four hours every day, it's not
surprising that Putin still has such a high approval
rating among them. He uses “optimistic” news reports about
retirees. In a recent four-hour “marathon” on December
3rd, the Prime Minister tried to appeal even more to
low-income retirees by saying that rich people with
expensive cars are in no way “better” than the rest of the
population.
France: 200 Nursing Homes
Illegally Administered (December 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
After finding cases of mistreatment in nursing homes in
Bayonne, Nora Berra, the Minister for Older Persons
launched an investigation charging the homes of catering
to dependent older persons without being authorized by the
State. The investigation showed some alarming practices:
more than 200 nursing homes do not have a legal
administration. If these nursing homes don't comply with
regulations, they may be closed beginning March 31, 2010.
France:
France Télécom Looks After Its Seniors
(November 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French company Télécom signed an
agreement with four trade unions on older workers. This
compromise emerged from contradictory demands: on the one
hand, the government is asking all companies to promote
retaining seniors and, on the other hand, many older
workers want to retire early. In this context, unions and
management agreed to allow workers over 57 years old to
work part-time during their last three years before
retiring with 80% of their wage. This measure, which has
already attracted 6,000 employees, will cost the company
700 million euros over the next three years.
Uzbekistan: Has the Era of
“Woodcutters” Begun? (November 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
In the center of Tashkent (a capital of Uzbekistan), the
Revolution Square, the church of Alexander Nevsky, and the
monument of the Defender of the Homeland are being
abolished to erase the “colonial past”. Yet why put down
the multi-century park located in the same place? What the
government does not seem to understand is that it is
offending the honor of many Uzbeks who died in the
Homeland War and those veterans who are still alive and
risked their life trying to defend their country. Also,
why spend money on abolishing the park that all older
people liked? In a country with a very low social
protection, this money could have been spent on the older
people’s and veterans’ Fund.
Kyrgyzstan: Social
Democrats Demanding Government to Renounce Decision to
Increase Prices for Electric and Heating Energy
(November 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The opposition party in Kyrgyzstan's parliament is
demanding that the government renounce its decision passed
to increase prices of electricity and heating energy five
times over the period of two years from 2010 to 2012. Such
a decision will hit older populations the hardest.
According to the opposition party, this decision is
unconstitutional despite the government's promise to pay
monetary “compensation” to retirees, which it will likely
not pay. Also, the increase is not commensurate with the
real wages or income of the people, especially retirees.
If the law is passed, it may lead to massive protests from
the entire population as well as from the older sector.
France: The
Mailmen Will Help Older Persons (November 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
Because of the decrease in the amount of paper mail, the
French Post Office wants to increase local services, for
instance, by installing remote alarms in the houses of
older persons or persons with disabilities. Thanks to
those alarms, the elderly will be able to call for help
24/7 in case of a problem. Moreover, the French public
service is looking at other ways to help older persons by
delivering their medicines or books they borrow from the
library.
France: The Future in an
Aging World (November 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French newspaper La Croix examined the consequences of
aging, especially the generation gap, in its recent
publications. The French population is aging: current
elders live longer and the baby-boomers are now 60 years
old and older. What will be the consequences on different
generations? The generation gap is increasing: the young
are poorer and unemployed more than seniors. Moreover,
older French at 60 years old, mostly enjoy good health.
How will France meet this generation gap successfully for
all its citizens?
France: “The
Older We Get, the More We Are Made to Feel Like a
Burden” (November 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
In this article, Francois Bellanger, Chair of the French
Confederation for Retirees, underlines the situation of
older persons in France regarding discrimination. Indeed,
seniors now have a negative image in French society; they
are no longer perceived as old and wise. Bellanger
emphasizes the many forms of discrimination that older
persons face in France: an increase in tariffs for private
health insurance, difficulties in finding a job and
limited access to credit. Thanks to the HALDE (High
Authority for the Struggle Against Discrimination and for
Equality), some progress has been achieved but there is
still a lot to do.
UK: Older Persons' Rapist
Charged in United Kingdom (November 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
On November 16 the British police finally arrested a
rapist of older persons known as the “Night Hunter.” For
seventeen years this man attacked and raped hundreds of
older persons, many between 68 and 93 years old. A reward
of 44,000 Euros was offered to anyone with information
leading to his capture.
France: The Sexuality of
Older Persons is Often Denied (November 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Sexuality among older persons is a taboo subject in French
society. Moreover, in most of the nursing homes, some
common administration practices such as letting the rooms’
doors ajar or entering without knocking at the door are a
form of mistreatment. Furthermore, because of the social
pressure, older persons tend to deny their sexuality. This
is a form of violence.
United
Kingdom: Simple Computer Created for Older Persons
(November 11, 2009)
(Article also available in Arabic
and Spanish )
Wessex Computers, together with a Discount-age (website
for older persons) Developer, created a new simplified
computer for people 60 years or over, who are new to the
PC or the Internet. The computer has only six buttons that
can be used to complete simple tasks. The idea of such a
simple computer was born when designers realized that many
seniors neither have a computer nor have used the
Internet. This easy to use computer will help older
persons to overcome digital exclusion.
France:
Housing: What Seniors Want (November 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
Researchers at the French National Institute of Statistics
and Economic Studies (INSEE) reports housing trends for
older persons in Europe. The findings: 62% of Europeans 50
years old and over live in a house rather than in an
apartment; in 80% of the cases they own their house. INSEE
emphasizes that older persons tend to look for
middle-sized houses or apartments built on one level
because it eases mobility and cleaning.
Russia:
Older Generation's Question (November 10, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The administration of the Ivanovsky District in Moscow
finally decided to recognize the sacrifices of war
veterans as part of the upcoming holiday: the 65th
anniversary of WWII. One hundred and seventy-five veterans
from the district received free trips to rehabilitation
facilities (Russian-style 'sanitariums') and some had
their household utensils replaced. The administration also
created special computer classes for veterans so they do
not lag behind the younger generation in technology.
Veterans participate actively in the life of the district
as well, taking part in a patriotic club where they can
discuss social issues. This initiative is a good start,
but it needs to continue after the holiday. Every year the
numbers of war veterans decrease; they deserve much more
for all the sacrifices they made.
France: Legal Support
Obligation and Alimony: When Children and Grand-Children
Pay for their Old Parents (November 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, the government is taking care of dependent
older persons but seniors still have to pay for their
housing in specialized centers. When they don’t have
enough money, the local governments may require the family
to pay for them. Indeed, dependent older persons receive
an allowance from some family members. The third-party
payers can ask the family members to contribute for
housing as well. Thus, even if the total amount is still
low, the number of legal actions from third-party payers
towards the children or grand-children of dependent
elderly are increasing.
Russia:
Entombment Costs: Whose Money Basket Grows from Another
Person's Sorrow? (November 4, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Despite the universal state guarantees of a free plot of
land for burial, the government is lending some graveyard
plots of land in cities like Krasnoyarsk to private
companies. The companies now begin to monopolize burial
services; they receive state funds not only for funeral
services but for maintaining the grave sites. Since this
problem is most acute among older persons, i.e., retirees,
the question is how they will pay for these services?
Considering their negligible pensions, retirees will have
difficulty paying for a grave site when it's supposed to
be affordable for all retirees.
France: Seniors:
Companies Have Two Months to Avoid a Sanction (November
3, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, the employment rate of older persons is
increasing too slowly: 1.2 points in five years compared
to the EU rate of 5.6 points. Consequently, last spring
the government asked companies to sign trade union
agreements about employing older people. If by January 1,
2010, companies don't set a specific goal for retaining
workers over 55 years of age or recruiting persons over 50
years, they will be taxed. However, this measure, even if
it is a first step towards more jobs for older persons, it
has a lot of limits and pernicious effects.
Spain: 5% of Older Persons
Suffer from Family Abandonment or Abuse (November 2,
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
María Teresa Bazo, Sociology Professor at the
Faculty of Economics, reveals that negligence cases in
dependency situations are more frequent, while the cases
of physical and psychological abuse are fewer. The
researcher found that family members’ physical and
psychological negligence makes up the main form of abuse
of older persons. However, the abuse of elder persons is
rarely publicized. It is urgent to increase the social and
political awareness of this abusive situation.
Russia: When the Russian
Police Force Choose the Wrong Target (October 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Russia, the government attaches importance to security.
Recently, the government focused on training exercises for
Russian security forces to demonstrate their capacity to
control demonstrations. The government developed some
exercises aimed at Russian retirees who called for a
pension increase. Those videos provoked a debate that
ended with the media agency changing its story. “The
police forces were not scattering a group of retirees but
a crowd of people responsible for mass chaos.”
France:
The Future of the Elderly (October 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
Sociologist Claudine Attias-Donfut calls for global
thinking on the consequences of aging. In France, because
jobs are not available, pension funds are facing deficits.
Despite government policies to help older workers remain
active, strong age discrimination and some social
standards prevent them from finding jobs. Consequently,
France will need many migrants to renew the active
generation. For all those reasons, a large, public debate
is needed to raise awareness about aging issues and to
create standards to benefit all generations.
Russia:
A List of Foreign Countries Known for the Best
Retirement (October 22, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
From the magazine Forbes, the best countries to retire
based on safety, medical and financial services, good
climate, rich culture, and visa issues are Austria,
Thailand, Italy, Australia, Panama, France, Malaysia,
Spain, Ireland and Canada. Even though these countries are
in the top rating for retirement, each has some
disadvantages that retired people need to explore before
moving into their preferred country. For example, Thailand
is known for its political instability;Canada for its cold
climate; Spain for its long fiestas. For Russian retirees,
however, the option of traveling to different countries is
unrealistic at the moment, considering their pension
level.
Uzbekistan:
After Demolishment of Houses the Only Hope Remaining: To
Be Treated like Humans (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Most people think that corruption and unlawfulness is out
of control in Uzbekistan. Unfortunately, it hits retired
people the most. The local administration decided to
demolish all the private and public houses on one of
Tashkent’s main streets to build an entertainment center.
The administration offered compensation to the displaced
people that fell much below the official price level. This
writer describes how the retired people who lived in the
houses cannot get an official appraisal of the property,
because it costs three times the amount of their pension.
On the other hand, the administration distrusts retirees
who find the money to set a value for their house; they
say the homeowners bribed the appraisers to make a high
estimate. Retirees have appealed even to the president,
but no answer has yet come.
France:
Demography, the French Exception (October 20, 2009)
(Article in French)
France faces the aging of its population. The increase
of life expectancy and the post-war baby boom are the two
major causes of this aging. Consequently, the balance
between the different generations will be changing: today
there are four middle-aged persons for each older person;
within 50 years there will be only two persons of
middle-age for one older person.
European Union: AGE Calls on Member States to Guarantee
a Minimum Pension to Prevent Poverty Among the Most
Vulnerable Older People (October 16, 2009)
On the occasion of the International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty, AGE underscored the need to
provide the most vulnerable older people with a minimum
pension. AGE, which is the European Older People's
Platform, identified older women, older single persons,
older migrants and disabled older people as those who are
in a particularly precarious financial position. Moreover,
in its report, AGE calls for adequate pensions for
everyone in the EU--a shared responsibility for
society--to index pensions to general wage increases and
to prevent poverty among people as they age. To read the
Open Letter click
here and click
here for the report.
Belarus: Human Rights
Activists Ask President Lukashenko Not to Kill the Gypsy
(October 15, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The UN Committee on Human Rights is asking Lukashenko to
postpone execution of a condemned man until it completes
investigation of the case. The Supreme Court of Belorussia
condemned the 30-year-old gypsy Uzepchuk to death for the
murder of four elderly women during a robbery. Uzepchuk,
however, says he didn't murder the women, and that the
police forced him to acknowledge the murder by torturing
him and threatening his family. The United Nations
Committee also points out that the Supreme Court of
Belorussia did not abide by all the rules for the court
procedure. For example, Uzepchuk was not allowed to call
in witnesses who could have supported his alibi. The UN is
calling for Belorrusia to abandon the death penalty. A
larger question, however, is whether a death sentence
should be a penalty for the murder of older people.
France: The
Social Entrepreneurs of Ashoka Create Value and Jobs
(October 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
Ashoka, a worldwide association created 29 years ago by US
Bill Drayton, provides social and environmental
entrepreneurs with financial support and advice. The
French association “Siel Bleu,” has also developed
activities first initiated by Ashoka, services such as
prevention of work accidents in corporations. Siel Bleu is
self-financed and now focuses on a primary activity:
giving gym classes to older persons in nursing homes to
prevent them from falling.
France: Seniors Leaving the Employment Market in Masses;
In Coming Years Huge Numbers Will Reach End of Careers,
Raising Concerns (October 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Through the example of a small area in France, the
Vaud, the writer underlines a major challenge: the
retirement of baby-boomers. About 40% are still working
and will retire within the next ten years. This cyclical
effect can be positive in some areas where there is a job
shortage. However, in other areas, companies will have to
find a solution to avoid the loss of years of knowledge
and skills, especially in sectors such as health.
Kazakhstan: Who Needs Such a
Show-off? (October 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
For the International Day of Older People, the government
and corporations where older people used to work decided
to make a “gift” for retirees in the amount of 1000 tenges
( 7 dollars) to some, 500 tenges(4 dollars) to others, and
post-cards to the rest. “Older people do not need
compliments; they need a real help”, says the writer of
this letter. Such a “show-off” is embarrassing because
what can one buy for 1000 tenges? Moreover, why are older
people only remembered on two occasions: this holiday and
May 9th (the victory in the Great Homeland War)? Retirees
who are considered a “second sort” of people are almost
left helpless after they retire.
Russia: A Retiree Becomes a Business Woman (October 7 ,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
Svetlana Trubnikova, a former high school dean, has worked
as a businesswoman for five years since her retirement.
She thinks that if an older person has a special skill or
expertise, it is better for him/her to start his/her own
business rather than work for someone else. In her
opinion, despite competition from big business, the
government helps small businesses more than formerly.
Svetlana also says that any retiree can potentially
achieve success in business if he/she is mobile and finds
the new business opportunities.
France:
Serious Mistreatments in a Nursing Home in Bayonne
(October 7, 2009)
(Article in French)
This writer emphasizes a neglected problem: mistreatment
of the elderly. A recent example was cited. Thanks to a
nurse who alerted authorities of the abuse, the manager of
a nursing home was arrested in the South of France for
serious mistreatment of older persons.
Russia:
Bashkirian Retirees Prove in Court the Illegitimacy of
Suspending Rights to Discounted Transportation Prices
(October 6, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The Supreme Court of the Republic of Bashkiria has
satisfied the petition of the lawyer Evgeny Kareev about
the illegitimacy of the resolution by the Republic of
Bashkiria to suspend the rights of retirees to discounted
transportation prices. Retirees won this victory after
massive protests. The victory can also serve as a
precedent for other republics and regions of Russia to
protect the rights of old people.
Kyrgyzstan:
People Tired of the Campaign Struggle for the City
Council (October 3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Days before elections were held in the local Kyrgyzstan
municipalities, retired people were thoroughly annoyed by
the campaign. Many candidates were 20-year-old students or
formerly unemployed people. The campaign was ferocious.
For example, many retirees received monetary gifts (about
$11) as compensation to vote for certain candidates.
Another campaign strategy involved blasting loud music in
front of buildings (where many retirees
live) and urging their votes for certain candidates. This
hypocritical and obnoxious campaign strategy occurred when
many older residents had no access to electricity or hot
water in their homes.
France:
Population Aging: An Opportunity for Growth (October 1,
2009)
(Article in French)
According to National Institute of Statistics and
Economics Studies, people over 65 years old are the
happiest people in France. They have time, money and
health. Baby boomers will drive the growth of the care and
health products sectors, but also pharmacies, cosmetics,
biotechnologies and home services. Moreover, current
seniors have a major role in society as they participate
in associations and help their families with financial
support. However, this practice may not last, due to
unemployment, the financial crisis and shrinking pensions.
Therefore, the writer argues, that the government must
look into changing the pension systems.
France:
French People Want to Age at Home (September 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The majority of French people prefer home care service to
nursing homes, according to a recent European survey.
Likewise, most think that management of care for older
persons is insufficient or poor. Most people underlined
the lack of information on topics related to the elderly,
especially those concerning home services, even while they
recognized that the State cannot pay for every service
they need.
Netherlands: Euthanasia:
UN Bashes Netherlands (September 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
The UN Human Rights Committee reported in its 96th meeting
concluded last July that some countries were not
respecting Human Rights. Surprising though it may seem,
the Netherlands is one of those countries. Indeed, in this
country, euthanasia is legal and does not seem to be
controlled carefully by the Justice Department. Jean
Léonetti led a French mission that confirmed the
high degree of autonomous power given to doctors and a
lack of control or supervision. More old Dutch citizens
are moving to Germany because they are afraid of an early
demise at the hands of the medical profession.
Germany: In
Bielefeld, Seniors Citizens Are Not the Forgotten People
(September 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
Bielefeld, Germany, is pioneering with adapting its
infrastructure to the aging population. Authorities have
designed urban space for public convenience and made
transportation accessible to the disabled. Moreover, the
Federal Secretary of Labor is funding a program called
‘Generation Gold’ that helps people over 50 years old to
reintegrate into the labor market.
United
Kingdom: Lifelong Learning Requires Investment Now in
Older People (September 22, 2009)
According to research from the UK Future of Lifelong
Learning, current funds spent on education for individuals
25 and under far exceed the funds available for any other
age group, particularly older persons. The report divided
the general population into four age groups: 18-25, 25-50,
50-75, and 75 and over, and estimated that the present
expenditure ratio for the four age divisions is,
respectively, 86:11:2.5:0.5. In lieu of this contrast,
researchers recommend the ratio shift to 80:15:5:1, so
that while most funding concentrates on the 25 and under
age group, funds double for the 50-75 and 75 and over
groups. They recommend such an increase based on the
argument that “the right to learn throughout life is a
human right.” Researchers also note that by the year 2020,
the number of people under age 25 is expected to fall by
9%.
France: The Pacs at Every Age (September 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
PACS (Civil Pact of Solidarity) is a form of civil union
between two adults (same-sex or opposite-sex) that gives
some of the rights of marriage (inheritance, insurance,
lower taxation) to couples that are not actually married.
In this article, the journalist explains that even if most
of the people who ‘get pacsed’ are between 20 and 30 years
old, more and more older persons tend to use this form of
union. Pacs is a convenient approach for the older persons
who want to start their life over, without getting married
again, because it provides them with some rights,
especially concerning inheritance.
Germany:
The Gray Hair Democracy (September 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Germany, older people have a major impact on elections:
One-third of voters are over 60 years old. The elder lobby
is powerful and determined to improve the pension system
and secure better health insurance. Some older persons
live below the poverty line in Germany. The next election
cannot be won without elders’ votes.
Switzerland:
Dying at Home, an Unsatisfied “Strong Desire” (September
14, 2009)
(Article in French)
A recent Belgian survey underlines the fact that most old
persons would prefer to die at home. However, the right to
choose where we want to die is not respected. Indeed,
hospitals and medico-social centers do not have efficient
palliative home services to provide the elderly all the
support they need at the end of their life.
Switzerland: Go on
Vacation with Welfare Benefits! (September 10,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
After you read this, you will probably want to move to
Switzerland to pursue happiness in your retirement. The
cradle-to-grave welfare system makes sure that you have
enough financial support to receive education, give birth,
and overcome times of loss of job as well as illness. You
may find it a perfect place to raise your children and
grow old with a promise for an active and healthy
life.
Ireland:
Lisbon Protects Rights of Elderly – Labour (September
10, 2009)
Labour Member of the European Parliament, Proinsias De
Rossa, believes the European Treaty of Lisbon could be a
very good model for the rights of elder persons. The
Charter of Fundamental Rights, preventing any form of
discrimination based on age, would become legally binding
if the treaty is adopted. Advocates want the Irish
Government to vote yes in Lisbon, instead of using their
vote as a protest measure. The protection of human rights
is at stake.
France: A Café
Attentive to Old Migrants (September 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Ayyem Zamen Café showcases an example of a
successful social initiative directed towards old persons,
especially old migrants. Most old migrants are isolated
and poor and need help in their everyday life and in
paying their bills. Ayyem Zamen helps them to join into
the social, cultural, political and economic French life
by welcoming them and offering some food and advice.
Russia:
The Government of Ufa Tries to Prevent Organization of a
Meeting in Defense of the Rights of Retired People
(September 3 , 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The local police in Ufa arrested 67-year old Rinat
Gabidulin for distributing leaflets for a public protest
on September 3 for the rights of retired people. That same
day, Dmitry Chuvilin, the organizer of the protest, was
also taken to a police station for interrogation. The
police told him that the protest could be allowed with the
condition that it not criticize the federal
government.
United Kingdom: Volunteer
Work and Making life Longer (September 1, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
In Europe there are always chances to make your
life longer. Old people in the United Kingdom keep their
vitality and up to date appearance as if they are in their
twenties side by side with their unlimited enthusiasm for
volunteering and social service. Scientists indicated that
loving people and volunteering is a main reason for being
healthy and have a long life.
Denmark: Danish
Nursing Homes (August 31, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Danes stopped building nursing homes 20 years ago.
Denmark has chosen to mobilize its society, municipalities
and volunteer associations to promote solidarity towards
older persons instead of gathering them into “rest homes.”
The government assures abundant free services and other
assistance to older people to make their life easier while
preserving their autonomy. This avant-garde policy seems
positive and successful; Danish retired citizens say they
are “the happiest people on the planet.”
Russia: Red
Cross Delegation Comes to the City of Pskov (August 31,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
A German Red Cross delegation will come to Pskov to
discuss further cooperation on several projects aimed to
assist seniors in Russia. One of the projects now
underway, with support from the German Red Cross, provides
full assistance to many seniors in Pskov, including
purchasing medicine and organizing regular cultural
events. What a great initiative!
Réunion
Islands: Another Look at Older Persons Thanks to a
Humanist Philosophy of Life (August 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The staff at the Association Saint-Francois d’Assise
nursing home that opened three months ago is experimenting
with a new philosophy of health care: ‘Humanitude.’ This
is a humanist way of taking care of older people created
by Yves Gineste and Rosette Marescotti twenty-five years
ago. This approach involves teaching some 150 techniques
to caregivers to help them have contact with older people
without causing stress and/or a feeling of aggressiveness.
“There is a way to take the hand of a patient,” Yves
Gineste explains. However, sometimes caregivers create a
poor atmosphere, leading to bad feelings among older
United Kingdom:
Pete Townshend Working On a Rock Opera Focusing on
Elders (August 27, 2009)
(Article in French)
Pete Townshend, 64 years old and a famous guitarist of the
British rock and roll band, The Who, is currently working
on the creation of a rock opera focusing on elders,
cross-generation relationships and death. When he was 20,
Pete Townshend used to sing, “I hope I die before I get
old,” but 44 years later it seems he is not ready to give
up his career. Age does not matter any more.
Granada:
An Intelligent System Helps Elderly or Memory-Impaired
to Remember Everyday Tasks (August 27, 2009)
The University of Granada has created a system that
notifies older people or memory-impaired people about
certain everyday tasks it is vital for them to remember.
This system, using the technique of Artificial
Intelligence, is looked upon favorably since it does not
modify the lives of the user. It is a relatively easy
system to use and to live with, and it also fosters the
independence of the user.
United
Kingdom: Ninety-Year-Old British Man Plays Ballet
Character (August 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The 90-year-old British WWII veteran, John Lloyds, has
taken up a new interest. Now, what surprises everybody is
that John has fallen in love with ballet. He has a daily
routine to keep his body in top form and often
participates in ballet performances. Recently, John
appeared as an actor for the Austrian composer Johann
Strauss's "Artist's Life" ballet adaptation. His dancing
caused a sensation.
United Kingdom:
A British Retiree Grew A Chrysanthemum with Double
Colors (August 25, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 73-year-old former British truck driver grew a
chrysanthemum that was half yellow and half white.
Scientists explained that it resulted from genetic
mutation.
Germany: The First Care
Society for Muslims Older People in Germany (August 24,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Statistics of the Family Affairs ministry in
Germany indicates that the number of the immigrants older
people will increase in the next twenty years to be 3
millions. Muslims Elderly people in Germany after 60th
were suffering from the unavailability of a care society
house that provides them with services that reflect their
cultures.
France:
France Remains Champion of Fertility in 2008 (August 24,
2009)
(Article in French)
In 2008, France remained the European birthrate champion:
France and Ireland are the two EU countries where the
fertility rate is highest. This rate keeps rising. In 2008
the medium pregnancy age was 30 years, whereas it was 28
twenty years ago. In addition, free unions are more and
more common in France; distinctions are no longer made
between a ‘natural’ child and a ‘legitimate’ one. However,
despite this demographic dynamism, France remains an aging
society where 5.6 million people are older than 75 years
among 64.3 million inhabitants. Why? Life expectancy that
has reached 84.3 years for women and 77.5 for men.
Interestingly, French women have the highest longevity in
Europe today.
Russia:
Seniors at Retirement Homes in Russia Often Abandoned by
Their Own Children (August 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to Russian law, homes for the elderly can only
accept those seniors who have no living relatives to take
care of them. However, adult children are increasingly
abandoning their parents, sending them to nursing homes
“to vacate apartments” they have been occupied all their
lives. In addition, relatives are physically abused older
family members and ripping off their monthly pensions. In
these cases, older people may find a retirement home a
shelter from the violence and poverty they face in their
own families.
United
Kingdom: Have Yourself A Glamorous Afterlife (August 22,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Has life become less exciting for you since you started
feeling older? Do you have a difficult time facing the way
your life changed after retirement? This article takes a
look at how old people in Britain spend life to the
fullest. There are sparkles in everyone’s eyes.
United
Kingdom: British Affectionate "Romeo" Sent His Wife a
Rose Every Day for 60 Years (August 22, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Tom, an 87-year-old British man, married for 60 years,
places a fresh rose at his wife’s bedside every morning,
and wakes her up with a kiss. At night, he kisses her good
night. They are simple acts of love, but Tom has been
doing them for 60 years.
France:
International Day of Older Persons (August 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons
to be held under the aegis of the United Nations on
October 1, 2009, the International Federation of Little
Brothers of the Poor will rally across the whole of France
to launch the operation "Flowers of the Fraternity” to
increase public awareness of the living conditions of
elderly people suffering from isolation and poverty.
United
Kingdom: Scheme to Improve Diets of Elderly in North
East Wales (August 19, 2009)
In Wales, some 11% of adults over the age of 65 are
malnourished. This amounts to over 5,800 adults. In order
to combat this dire problem, Dietitian Tony Burgos will
lead the Prevention of Malnutrition Project in a search
for a community tool to prevent malnutrition. This project
is the first of its kind in Wales, if not the UK.
Spain: The Government of Spain Invests for the Elders
(August 18, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Government of Spain is fighting tooth and nail so
citizens do not lose the social rights they have gained
after many years of struggle. These rights include
universal health care, basic education for all, and
pensions. But, older people see some gaps in support for
older and disabled persons.
France: Blame on Seniors (August 17, 2009)
(Article in French)
Road accidents involving older persons have been reported
regularly since November 29, 2002. This day was tragic as
five volunteer firefighters were mowed down near the
bridge of Loriol in the Drôme region by an
81-year-old driver from Lyon. Since then, measures like
the introduction of a compulsory medical examination every
two years for 75 year-olds or over were discussed but
never implemented. With each new incident, the same debate
resurges.
Spain: New Technologies
More Accessible for Older People (August 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Words such as “software” or “hardware” no longer sound
strange to older persons uninitiated to the world of data
processing, thanks to a project called Formative Courses
of Access to the New Technologies, designed and set up for
elders in Burgos, Spain.
France: A Bomb
in Havre: 2300 Evacuated Persons (August 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
Recently, construction workers discovered a British bomb
dropped in 1944 on site under construction in Havre.
Although the bomb was “neutralized, local residents had to
evacuate the dangerous area. For people who live in Havre
this is not unusual; however a nursing home, very close to
the area, complicated the evacuation. Some 109 older
persons live in the Villa Saint-Nicolas. Six of them went
to a hospital, and others--31 in wheelchairs and 28 with
Alzheimer’s disease—got transport to facilities with
medical beds, bathrooms and nursing care.
France: Roommate Living Arrangements Attracts More and
More Seniors (August 12, 2009)
(Article in French)
At one time it was believed that an arrangement of sharing
living space was reserved for students like those in the
film, Pot Luck by Cédric Klapisch. Not true! It
seems that this practice of living together now extends to
retirees, supported by non-profit organization or
websites. With the aging population, the financial
difficulties of families and the current economic climate,
this is an interesting alternative to placing people who
are still self-sufficient into retirement homes. Already
well established in Belgium and Germany, roommate living
arrangement for old people is expected to expand
significantly in France, pending the retirement of baby
boomers.
France: Banks
Prefer the Elderly in Sales Recruitment (August 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
Business recruitment continues even in times of crisis for
banks and insurance companies in France. Stimulated by
companies in search of an effective sales force, this is
an area where companies are always hiring. It is a great
opportunity for young graduates, but also for experienced
"seniors" who are increasingly recruited by businesses.
France: When
Hospitals Become a Vacation Resort for Older Persons
(August 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
A new summer phenomenon has appeared in France. In the
same way dogs are abandoned along the highways from the
beginning of July, older persons, too, are abandoned by
their families upon the arrival of sunny days. Considered
too troublesome to participate in holiday activities,
families do not hesitate to find alternative care for
their elderly parents. Two solutions exist: either book a
bed in advance in a retirement home, or hospitalize the
grandparent with a prescription from their physician for
them to be admitted for medical services. This new trend
tends to have psychiatric and physical consequences on the
older person.
United
Kingdom: Thousands Mourn Britain’s Oldest Warrior
(August 6, 2009)
Harry Patch, age 111, was Britain’s oldest living survivor
of World War I before he died last month. Born in 1898,
Patch was drafted in 1916 into one of the most destructive
battles of the war, Passchendaele. Hundreds of civilians
attended the funeral, as well as representatives of the
Royal Family. The cathedral bells pealed 111 times in
honor and in memory of Patch.
United
Kingdom: London: The Police Are Escorting Old People
(August 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
Like Paris, another large European city is offering police
protection services to older persons. To protect old
people withdrawing cash at the ATM, policemen escort them
to their homes in different areas of London. In 2005, a
British study pointed out that more and more retired
people feared being attacked while using cash machines, so
this new initiative should reassure older people.
Granada:
90% of Public Accommodations for Older Persons in
Granada Already Occupied (August 4, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The majority of the 1,699 available accommodations for
older people in Junta, in the Province of Granada, are
already occupied. One can only find vacancies in rural
areas. Older Granadians have two options: 1) obtain
accommodations in a rural area or 2) wait at least three
months for one located in an urban area. The Province has
invested 8 million euros to reform the system and provide
more accommodations designated for older persons.
United Kingdom:
British 89-year-old Man Stands on Wing over English
Channel (August 3, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Tom Leckie -an 89-year-old man- recently traveled by
standing atop an antique aircraft wings at a top speed of
160 kilometers per hour. He flew over the 40 km wide
English Channel.
France:
“Sharing”: An Exhibition Involving Artists and Old
People in Saint-Cernin (August 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
A cross-generational, multidisciplinary and artistic
experience took place in Saint-Cernin in the Lot region. A
group of artists worked for seven days in a collaborative
effort with older people to produce an exhibition of
beautiful works of art. The works will be on display until
August 31.
Italy:
This Old Nice Italy (July, 2009)
(Article in French)
Italy is the European country with the highest proportion
of elderly: one Italian out of five is older than 65.
Older persons are now a clearly visible element of the
population at all levels of society. In Italy, retirement
is usually at around age 58, and many grandmothers and
grandfathers are assigned the role of baby sitter—caring
for grandchildren after school or during vacations. In
Italy, it is not common for old people to go to nursing
homes, instead, they often live with their children or are
assisted at home by various professional care providers.
France:
Weightlessness with Up (July 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The film Up, produced by Pixar Studios, just came out in
France. This film tells the story of Carl, an old and
grumpy 78-year-old man who decides to go and live all the
adventures he has always dreamed about. A stowaway--a very
dynamic boy scout--comes with him. The riskiest part of
this movie was to take an old man as the main character.
“We have been told that it was dangerous. This film is a
tribute to older persons that we too often ignore and that
we have so many things to learn from,” the movie director
Pete Docter declared.
France:
Priorite-seniors.fr: To Help Firms to Act for Seniors
Employment (July 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
The network ANACT (National Agency for the Improvement of
Labor Conditions), has just set up a new website,
Priorite-seniors.fr, that aims to help firms promote
employment of seniors without penalty. This website
provides tools to help the companies to set up employment
opportunities for seniors, along with ways to maintain
those jobs.
United
Kingdom: One Third of Retired Workers Live under the
Poverty Line (July 27, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The latest Eurostat data shows nearly one-third of
retirees in the UK live under the poverty line. Most
British retirees live on their income from their savings
account. Unfortunately, due to the financial crisis, the
saving rate has fallen substantially.
France:
The World's Population Will Accelerate Aging (July 24,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The global trend of population aging is accelerating and
is particularly prominent in developed countries. Research
shows that among the current global population over the
age of 65, the number of older persons has increased
rapidly. Projected out to 2040, the total will be more
than 1.4 billion, accounting for the increase of the
proportion of the world's elder population from the
current 7% to 14%. At the same time, the proportion of
elder population growth rate in 2010 will also speed up.
Martinique: Older Persons Facing Hard Times (July 20,
2009)
(Article in French)
On Sunday, July 19, various associations met in Fort de
France in Martinique for a conference dealing with the
status of older persons. The presidents of many senior
associations considered major issues, such as low
pensions, health-care access or home-help services for old
people. In addition, the conference detailed the feelings
of loneliness that old people experience and the abuses
they often suffer.
France:
Older French People Drive across Europe and Asia: "The
RV Is My Home Wherever I Go" (July 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Rather than taking a flight, seven old French people drove
from Paris, across West and Central Asia, to Xi'an,
crossing the Eurasia continent. They are energetic,
skillful drivers. These seven elderly people state that
they will continue to drive to other major cities in
China.
France:
Corsica: Older Persons’ Heaven (July 17, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study done by Muriel Auzanneau for INSEE
(the French Institute on Statistics and Economics
Studies), Corsica ranks first in France in welcoming
retired persons. In 2006, there were 4,000 newcomers. Only
1.400 planned to leave. The fertility rate among young
Corsican women is rather low, adding to Corsica’s
designation as the second oldest region in France.
France:
Older Persons’ Employment: A Circular States Contents of
Agreements (July 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, the employment rate among people aged 55 to 64
is about 38%. The European objective is to reach 50% in
2010, which is why the French government decided to
penalize firms that do not promote employment among old
people. The Ministry of Labor’s recent circular deals with
the contents of the agreements and the different action
plans that firms must put into place. Those agreements
should take into account recruitment, better working
conditions, know-how, etc.
Spain: World’s
Oldest Mum Dies in Spain (July 15, 2009)
In 2006, a Spanish woman became the oldest mother in the
world when she gave birth to twin boys at the age of 66
years. The mother, Maria del Carmen Bousada of Barcelona,
beat the former oldest mother by 130 days to claim the
title. Sadly, she passed away after contracting cancer
soon after the births of her two sons.
United
Kingdom: With Help, Conductor and Wife Ended Lives (July
14, 2009)
Conductor Sir Edward Downes and his wife ended their lives
on Tuesday in Zurich after drinking a lethal cocktail of
barbiturates provided by the Swiss group Dignitas, which
helps to arrange suicides. Although it is recognized in
Britain that assisted suicide is often used for terminally
ill old people, what makes the Downes’ case outstanding is
that Sir Edward was not ill; he simply wished to die with
his lifelong partner. It was Sir Edwards’ wife who
suffered from a malady.
France: 78-Year-Old
“Dancing” Woman Awarded “Super Grandma” in France (July
14, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Anne-Mary Zimmerman, 78 years old, was awarded the
designation “Super Grandma” in the 2009 Super Grandma
Contest. Held every year, the contest encourages old
people in France to live an active life after retirement.
What is the Judge looking for? Key criteria include the
person’s impact inside and outside family life,
outstanding contributions to the community and society in
general and their efforts to lead a healthy and productive
life. All the finalists are, to some extent, super
grandmas.
Spain: “En
Activo” is Born, a Newspaper Dedicated to Older Persons
for Social Dialogue (July 14, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Federal Counsel of Spanish Retirees recently presented
“En Activo,” a magazine already accessible on paper and
through the Internet. Designed to inform older persons
about issues of particular interest to them, the authors
urge its use as a platform for social dialogue. The
publication that’s distributed quarterly deals with
concerns affecting of older people.
Sweden: Sweden
Plans to Open First Nursing Home for Homosexual Older
Persons (July 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Germany opened its first nursing home for homosexuals in
Berlin last year. Now Sweden plans to follow suit with
“gay friendly” nursing homes. Although the homes will
welcome gays and lesbians, they will be open to all older
persons and likely be ready within the next two years.
United
Kingdom: Couple Married at Age 81, 65 Years After She
Rejected His First Proposal (July 7, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
They say that true love never dies. That certainly seems
to be the case for one pair of newlyweds. Michael Fitter
and Mary Oaten first met in a London church during the
final years of the Second World War and enjoyed a brief
romance. But after Michael proposed Mary rejected his
proposal saying it was too soon. Now 65 years later the
couple has finally tied the knot, both at the grand age of
81 years old.
France: An
International Network to Promote Accommodation Sharing
Between Old and Young People (July 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
Cross-generation housing began in the late ‘90s and
continues its gaining popularity. Representatives of nine
countries (Australia, Germany, Portugal, UK, US., Ireland,
Italy and France) who are working on developing this
project met in Paris July 3-5 for the first international
congress on the topic. The congress formulated an
international network and a charter. The country
representatives agreed that this new form of solidarity
had a very important impact on old people, families and
students.
Ireland: Nursing Home Standards
May Cost €1.2 Billion (July 6, 2009)
Projected costs by the Department of Health for upgrading
public nursing homes amount to €1.2 billion. This cost
accounts for the reparation of the infrastructures and
units. In addition, € 12 million is expected to go to
training care staff. These renovations are expected to
take place over the next six years.
Spain: 135 Older Persons
Over 60 Years Utilize Assistance Service in Galdako
(July 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Some 135 persons over 60 years of age in Galdakao, Spain,
now benefit from a telephone assistance program that’s
been installed recently. Older persons can use the service
24 hours a day every day of the year. They see that their
quality of life has improved and that they can enjoy some
modicum of independence and security. Also, telephone
workers create and manage the agendas of the users,
provide medical consultations, clarify questions about
consumption of medicines, make appointments and supply
information about the existing social resources available
to older persons.
France: Old Age:
Nora Berra Presents Priorities During Her First Visit
(July 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Nora Berra, French secretary of State in charge of older
persons, presented her priorities last Friday. “One of the
main projects underway concerns the issue of social
equity,” she said. Older people should be welcomed to
retirement homes even when they do not have enough
financial resources. Another priority focuses on helping
older persons at home. “One of the main goals I have is
putting old people back into the very center of our
society and recreating a link between generations,” she
stated.
Russia:
89-Year-Old Veteran Participates in an Online Project
(July 1, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Few websites in Russia target people over age 50 as their
audience. Three years ago, Russia launched a special
online project for seniors called “Third Age.” Now the
website attracts 3,500 regular users; the site gives older
persons regularly updated news on healthy aging, beauty
and style, finances, relationships and law. One of the
oldest users has just turned 89 years old this year.
United Kingdom: No Need for
Elderly to Sell Home to Pay Care Bill (July 1, 2009)
Elderly people who previously sold their homes in an
effort to pay the costs of care have a new option. They
can now pay the expenses starting at a younger age, in
anticipation of their old age when they might need the
care. This takes form in either a tax paid through one’s
career, or a payment of £12,000 at retirement or
death. The government is looking favorably on these
proposals, since the previous system robs the people of
their savings, and is, simply, unfair. This change in
opinion and policy is due, in part, to an anticipated
£6 billion funding gap in the next 20 years for
care.
Ireland: All Nursing Homes,
Public and Private to be Subject to Independent and
Transparent Inspection Regime (July 2009)
Beginning July 1, all nursing homes in Ireland, both
public and private, are subject to inspections. This press
release states that the Chief Inspector of Social Services
will inspect all designated centers for older people. As a
result, older people who can no longer live in the
community because of their high levels of dependency and
complex care needs can have the reassurance that the care
they are given, and the environment they live in, will
have to meet the highest standards.
France: Older People: Are you
Ready to Drive? (June 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
For older people, driving represents an essential freedom
and autonomy. But sensory, physical and cerebral abilities
decline with age. Decreased vision and coordination of
movement may restrict driving reflexes. It is very
difficult to accept the reality of decreased abilities and
to decide to stop driving at the right time. Adequate
public alternative transport would help.
France: A New Secretary of
State Dedicated to Old People (June 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
For the first time, a Secretariat of State especially
dedicated to older persons has been set up within
Sarkozy’s government. Henceforth, Nora Berra, a doctor and
a politician, will be in charge of issues on aging. This
secretariat will work on financing the loss of autonomy
among old people. It also will take into account a
specific classification of seniors by differentiating
between the traditional persons who keep their social role
in the society and those who are more vulnerable, or who
lose their autonomy and those who want to stay “young.”
Spain: Diet of Older Spanish
Persons is More Balanced than Rest of the Population
(June 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The results of the National Health Survey show that older
persons in Spain eat a more balanced and healthier diet
than the rest of the population. For example, 82.4% of
older persons recorded that they eat fresh fruit daily.
Also, one-third of the older population answered that they
believe aging is more a reflection of health than age. The
well being of the aging population is evident in the low
percentage of Spanish people who require assistance for
transportation, eating or dressing themselves.
Spain: More Than 72 Percent of
Older Persons in Spain Care for Their Grandchildren
(June 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Six out of every ten older persons have daily contact with
their children. Along with some Mediterranean countries
such as Greece and Italy, Spaniards have much more contact
with their families and live in closer proximity than
older persons in other European countries.
Russia: Russian War
Veterans Still Cannot Move into Single Apartments (June
22, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 52,000 Russian veterans of WWII, finished 64
years ago, still don't have an adequate place to live,
i.e., they either live in communal apartments or don't
have enough living space at home. From the example of St.
Petersburg, one can see how ineffectively the government
handles this problem. In 2008 more than 17,000 veterans
applied for single apartments in St. Petersburg, but only
7,000 remained on the list in 2009 because some categories
were canceled, such as those who have lived in the city
less than 10 years. Moreover, new houses with single
apartments don't have the necessary infrastructure
(transportation, elevators, etc.), meaning that in
practice veterans cannot move to their new apartments even
though on paper it says they can.
France: Let’s Begin by
Giving Jobs to Older People (June 22, 2009)
(Article in French)
In this period of high unemployment and social planning
especially focused on people over 55, is it really
necessary to continue working? France has the worst
employment rate in Europe for older people. Consequently,
putting back the retirement age makes no sense. Moreover,
it will penalize those who began to work when they were
very young.
France: Nadine
Morano for Developing Intergenerational Housing (June
22, 2009)
(Article in French)
Nadine Morano, the State Secretary for Family Issues, is
trying to develop the concept of intergenerational
housing. This concept aims to anticipate and stop older
people’s loneliness, increase their security with a
reassuring presence, offer them the possibility of an
eventual income supplement and facilitate student access
to housing. There is a real need for communication to
explain this concept to older people. It will never be a
“global” solution but will certainly help a lot of seniors
and students to live a better daily life.
Spain: Older Persons Over 65
Also Blog (June 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In Spain, older persons at least 65 years of age
participated in the first Older Persons National
Competition with the initiative of producing creative
blogs. The contest sought to recognize initiatives that
promote the inclusion of older persons in the Information
Age, to help older persons become more comfortable with
computer programs and to eliminate the fear and
intimidation sometimes associated with the use of high
technology.
France: Maintaining Homes for
Older People: A Conference on Legal Rights (June 19,
2009)
(Article in French)
The local gerontology center in Douaisis (a region in
northern France) organized a conference to discuss care
for vulnerable older people. They explored whether an
older person who is no longer able to prepare meals or
tend to sanitary needs should be legally prohibited from
staying at home without any help.
Russia: Saratov Region to Pilot a Seniors Support
Project Together with UNFPA (June 18, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
One of the regions in Russia will pilot a collaborative
project with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
aimed at providing quality social care to seniors and
implementing gender research in the region. Issues among
seniors will be researched in the context of social care
reform, the demographics of aging and development of civil
society in Russia.
France: Prevent Daily
Accidents (June 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
Every year, accidents in day-to-day life injure 4 to 5
million people and cause 20,000 deaths (4.5 times those
suffered in driving accidents). While accidents for people
over 65 years old represent a small percentage of this
total (about 13%), they result in more fatalities. For
this reason, Luc Machard, president of the Consumer
Security Commission (CSC), declared that in 2010
accidental deaths would become an “important national
cause.”
France: Checkmate: The Residents
of a Retirement Home Compete Against Young Champions.
(June 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Lyon Olympic Chess Club and the retirement home of the
Rotonde decided to organize a special day of chess when
students and young champions came to the retirement home
to challenge the residents. The tournament aimed at
opening the home to non-elderly people and to raise
awareness for the need for older persons to give their
brains a workout every day. Cerebral activities are very
good for memory and to fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Spain: Older Persons Learn
Computer Skills and Demand More Courses (June 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
This week, the first group of older students received
diplomas from a school in Murcia, Spain. The classes
offered included data processing and the Internet. The
same recent graduates are demanding an extension of the
classes in September. The courses were so popular that
more have been organized in order for the graduates to
continue their education.
France: Mistreatment of
Older People: A Frightening Success for 3977 (June 14,
2009)
(Article in French)
The number of a new phone assistance mistreatment platform
set up in February 2008 in France is 3977. The platform
has received more than 63,000 calls in 15 months while the
Afbah Association (Association for the Good Treatment of
Older and Disabled people) which manages the platform
expected only 10 to 15.000 calls a year. Nowadays, the
centre receives 6 times more than expected, or some 170
calls a day. According to Sandra Sapio, a psychologist on
the association, in most cases calls concerning
mistreatment are more the result of neglect than
deliberate action s.
France: Vacations: A Third
of “Non-Travelers” Are Retired (June 12, 2009)
(Article in French)
Contrary to what some people think, not all seniors are
“rich and in good health.” Researchers looked at
traveler’s checks and found that only one-third of
vacationers are retired. However, there are some programs
that provide low cost opportunities to help elders take
vacations.
France: Senior
Employment: Professional Check-Up for Employees Over 45
(June 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
French companies may be required to offer a professional
check-up to their employees before the end of age 45. The
objective is to encourage employees to check their
knowledge, qualifications and desire to work at an
important moment of their working life. This assessment
could lead to training for employment in another sector,
perhaps at an increased salary. Each employee would be
free to refuse this check-up. Nevertheless, every company
with more than 50 employees would be required to do the
assessments.
France: New Department
Plan For Older People: Getting Old in a Good Way in
Vendee (June 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
Linked with 200 people in the field (professionals,
volunteers and elected people), the new program, Getting
Old in a Good Way in Vendée (Western French
region), has set many goals for the next five years. At
the same time, 602 new places for old people affected by
Alzheimer’s disease have been created, meaning that
capacity has doubled in four years. Moreover,
professionals will have access to training in how to care
for Alzheimer’s patients.
France: Retirement Age: “Not a
Taboo Question" for Fillon (June 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French First Minister Francois Fillon stated on June
15 that pushing back the retirement age "is not a taboo
question." He said that the retirement age is being pushed
back in all the European countries. Brice Hortefeux,
French Minister for Employment, Social Relations, Family,
Solidarity and Cities foresees three different ways to
reform the retirement pension: decrease the pensions,
increase the contribution period or push back the
retirement age.
France: Old People: 700 Million Evaporated (June 6,
2009)
(Article in French)
The President of the ADPA (Association of CEO’s serving
older persons) Pascal Champvert confirmed that 700 million
euros collected on the Solidarity Day for Old People in
June 2004 have completely disappeared. Part of the money
was used for other than authorized purposes. Champvert
explained that 500 million euros were used to construct
new buildings, whereas the money should have been used to
increase staff.
France: Anno Health: Dependents
Don’t Have to Give Up Comfort (June 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
With an aging population, problems of medical dependency
increase. In France, A. Wambrechies, Thomas Lambert and
Christophe Perez created a company specializing in selling
and renting medical supplies. Their firm will work with
CPAM (the public health fund) and administer their
clients’ health files, another service in a developing
market.
United Kingdom: Phyllis Self,
Britain's Oldest Boss Who Still Works at Age 101 (June
4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Company director Phyllis Self still works six days a week
and manages the bustling garden center business she opened
in 1969. She started the business from scratch out of some
unused barns on her husband’s farm. She’s now organizing
its 40th anniversary and enjoying the heights of success.
She believes that keeping busy, never smoking and taking a
whisky and ginger nightcap is the secret to her long life.
She has no plans to slow down.
Ireland: Campaign to Cut Number
of Older People Killed on Roads (May 27, 2009)
In Ireland, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it would
distribute 200,000 free high-visibility vests in an effort
to promote road safety. The campaign will heighten
awareness of vulnerable road users, in particular older
pedestrians who are over-represented among those killed
and seriously injured on roads in Ireland. Almost one in
three Irish pedestrians killed are over 65 years
old.
France: Gerontexpo – Old People Have Their Own Living
Room But No House (May 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
More than half of the French population has a negative
attitude toward nursing homes. The 700,000 current places
are not sufficient. Many from the baby-boom generation
will be in a dependant situation in another by 15 years.
The Gerontexpo show is a gold mine for professionals who
want to find out about new health techniques. Ergonomic
cell phones, ‘intelligent’ medicalized beds, and tactile
screens are some of the innovations in equipment that are
presented here.
Russia: Desperate Russians Won’t
Turn Up Their Nose At Expired Food (May 25, 2009)
A market in selling spoiled food was around even before
the worldwide economic recession. Supermarkets represent
an “impossible dream” for Russian older persons trying to
survive solely on their pensions. Many younger persons are
losing their jobs and supermarkets are attracting larger
crowds. Although selling spoiled food is illegal,
shopkeepers claim their produce always “passes inspection”
and that they are providing a valuable service for many
who need it.
Germany: Berlin Launches
Research Project to Facilitate the Lives of Older People
(May 25, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Berlin may be the youngest city in the world, but it
nevertheless remains on the forefront of elder care. A
German university located in Berlin recently launched a
large-scale project to use modern technologies to help
older persons in everyday life. Twenty-nine companies from
the fields of research, industry and medical care joined
to help implement this plan that uses new technologies in
their development and teaches those technologies to older
people. The Ministry of German scientific research granted
about 25 million euros to fund this project over the next
three years.
Spain: World's Oldest Blogger
María Amelia López Soliño Dies (May
22, 2009)
This article highlights the beautiful story of the world's
oldest blogger, a 97-year-old Spanish grandmother
introduced to the internet by her grandchildren two years
ago, who died a few weeks ago. Maria Amelia Lopez’s posts
touched on many aspects of her long life, from political
memories of the Franco era to intimate musings on her
increasingly fragile state of health. She wrote frequently
of the benefits of the online community she had created,
and became an unlikely campaigner for digital rights for
older people.
France: Senior Employment:
Companies That Do Not Do Anything Should Have to Pay
(May 22, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Government has hesitated to push its policy to
encourage workers to delay their retirement. Officials
felt that they must focus on unemployment of all workers
rather the elder category. Now the government will enforce
a policy to fine companies 1% of their paid wagess if they
do not have an action plan in place to support employment
of seniors. The law exempts companies with less than 50
employees and will come into force on January 1, 2010.
France wants to encourage longer workforce participation
as a means to strengthen its social security system.
France: Lille. A Bracelet Helps
Watch Over Older People (May 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
The grey watch bracelet, launched in 2003 by Vivago, a
Finnish company, automatically sets off the safety lock of
the main door when a resident is coming too close. The
bracelet is equipped with a button that allows the
residents to call for a nurse but at the same time it
tells the staff when a resident is experiencing faintness
or uneasiness, is hypothermic or when the bracelet is
taken off. The bracelet also sets off an alarm when the
health situation of a resident is degraded compared to the
past two weeks.
France: Paris and Toronto
Exchange Seniors... For a Good Reason (May 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
In an exchange organized by The Little Brothers of the
Poor, with the support of the Parisian town council, some
20 Toronto seniors visited Paris and about 20 French
seniors are preparing to go to Toronto from October 6-15.
This program allows older poor people to have the
experience of travel abroad.
UK: 104-year-old likes
Internet surfing and has 4,800 online friends (May 18,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Eve Bean, 104 years old, has a hobby that differs from
other women of her age. She likes Internet surfing and
chatting with strangers online. She has her own profile
pages on Facebook and Twitter and writes her own blog
online. In two years about 4,800 people have joined her
friends' list. Some online games also attract her as well.
Croatia: UATUC: Campaign Against
Crisis: Defend Retired Persons’ Rights (May 18, 2009)
The Retired Persons’ Trade Union of Croatia (SUH),
affiliated with several other organizations, began their
campaign in defense of the rights of retired persons and
to preserve their dignity. The initial phase of the
campaign includes the distribution of promotional leaflets
with the “fighting list,” a compilation of 32 demands that
express the objectives of the SUH.
United Kingdom: How Britain is Coming to Terms with
Growing Old (May 18, 2009)
A dramatic 'age quake' is shaking Britain as the country
grows older: for the first time ever the number of people
over 65 exceeds those under 16. This article is the first
of a new series looking at the profound financial,
emotional and practical issues faced by a rising number of
Britons. The article reports on the best places for
retired people to live across the UK. According to a new
survey of nearly 14,000 older people in the UK the
happiest are those who are living in the country already,
and the people who aren't think they would be happier if
they were. As a rough rule, the further from big centers
of population people lived, the happier they were, with
the West Midlands, Manchester and London all ranking as
both unpopular and with pretty unhappy older population.
France: Alzheimer’s Unit: The Gers
Is Doing Well (May 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
With the increase of older people affected by Alzheimer’s
disease and other related pathologies, a new approach
called the “Alzheimer’s Care Unit,” has been set up in
nursing homes. These accommodations are present in big
cities and in rural areas. According to Geneviève
Broussy from the organization Alzheimer France, older
persons are also well taken care of in rural areas such as
Gers, in the South West of France. The region offers
approaches well suited to their clients’ profiles.
France: Too Many Old People Poorly
Housed (May 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The proportion of poor older people is more significant in
Brittany than in many other places in France. Women are
especially numerous as they tend to live more in rural
areas. According to the French Statistical Institute
(INSEE), 600,000 poorly housed families could fall under
the Dalo law. This law recognizes the right of people
living in poor housing conditions or those who are
homeless to file a case against the concerned authorities
to receive decent lodging. Some 72,000 people filed a case
since the law enacted in January 2008. Among those filed
cases, only 8,000 families have been accommodated.
United Kingdom: 300,000 Older
People Deprived of the Right to Die in Their Homes Each
Year (May 14, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to a report issued by the Public Accounts
Committee in the British House of Commons, roughly 300
thousand British senior citizens are deprived of the right
to die in their homes each year. This reflects a gross
lack of coordination between health and social services in
the nation. The government is now attempting to address
the issue to favor protecting the rights of its older
citizens by training medical professionals to address
chronic illnesses and hospice care more adequately.
Germany: German Companies Give Up on Older Workers
(May 14, 2009)
(Article
in Arabic)
German Bank of Commerce research shows old age to be a
“problem” for many employers, who gradually reduce their
reliance on workers as they grow older. Failing to invest
in older workers through increased vocational training and
promotions could create serious economic difficulties for
Germany as its workforce ages further.United
Kingdom:
France: Retirees: Operation
Good Treatment (May 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
Seven months after the broadcast on channel 2 of the
documentary, “The Infiltrated” showing scenes of
insufferable mistreatment, the State Secretary of the
Solidarity Valérie Létard presented on
Wednesday the main focus of her ‘’good treatment’’ plan.
Mistreatment in nursing homes is not inevitable. According
to data collected since setting up a hotline 13 months
ago, one case out of six is happening in an institution
for older people.
Ireland: Nursing Home Quality
of Life Needs Improving (May 13, 2009)
According to a study by NUI Galway researchers, not enough
attention is being paid to the quality of life of older
people in nursing homes. The researchers found that to
improve quality of life, the sense of identity,
activities, the care ethos and connections with others
were the main issues that operators of residential
facilities must take into account. It has been shown that
residents involved in the decision to move into care tend
to be happier.
Europe: EU Project Empowers
Elderly to Live Independently (May 11, 2009)
The goal of EU-funded PERSONA (Perceptive Spaces Promoting
Independent Aging) is to further the development of
technologies that will allow elders to remain independent
and maintain a better quality of life. In addition, they
aim to make the products affordable, easy to use and
commercially viable. The focus is on four areas: safety,
mobility, communication and autonomy. The technologies
created will be tested in Denmark, Spain and Italy.
France:
T-Seniority: When Television Takes Care of Older People
(May 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
The aim of this television project is to reach older
people with reduced mobility, those in a lonely situation
or simply those who are still curious but don’t know how
to use a computer. This project has two options, depending
on whether the person lives in a nursing home or at home.
One of the major points of this project is to offer useful
content to older people. Consequently, the professional
network with its knowledge of the field and of older
people would be the most appropriate to offer a range of
services. Two types of services would be presented to
older people: generic services and personalized
services.
United Kingdom: Elderly
Turn to Wartime Thriftiness During Recession, Says Age
Concern (May 10, 2009)
Seventy percent of those aged 50 and older say that they
are using money-saving strategies learned from past times
to weather the recession. Nine out of ten older people
also believe that their experience could help younger
generations endure the current situation. While these
skills are extremely beneficial, it’s important for the
government not to forget about older people and to
continue to implement a system for the automatic payment
of benefits.
France: Accommodations and
Services for Older People With the MARPA Project in
Saulty (May 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
A fourth MARPA is preparing to welcome rural older people
into a new facility providing accommodations and services.
It is located in Pas-De-Calais in partnership with the
mutual insurance system. It is not a nursing home. Indeed,
the residents feel right at home with their own furniture.
The home will be able to welcome a maximum of twenty-four
residents.
Russia: Victory
Day: Less and Less Veterans (May 9, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
On May 9, Russia celebrated Victory Day celebrating the
defeat of the Nazis in World War II with Annual Parade No.
64. It was also the time for the country to honor its
veterans. “On one hand, it is sad that less and less
veterans are able to attend the parade. On the other hand,
people become more and more attentive and friendly to
those veterans who have lived up to these days,” says
Boris Korotun, 84, a World War II veteran who attended the
Moscow parade this year.
Ireland: Elderly Care
Compromised by Staff Shortages, Nurses' Conference
Told (May 7, 2009)
Because of staff shortages in care facilities for old
people run or funded by the Health Service Executive
(HSE), there are huge gaps in physiotherapy and
recreational activities for residents. Six facilities in
particular were rated highest priority for extra
staffing after examining the number of medication errors
and slips, trips and falls by patients, injuries
reported by staff and complaints made by relatives of
patients over a five-year period. According to the
deputy general secretary of the Irish Nurses’
Organization, staffing shortages correlated with higher
levels of all of these problems.
France: More
Older People, Fewer Resources (May 7, 2009)
(Article in French)
A circular letter forecast savings for maintaining
services in residences for the elderly. The scorching heat
of 2003, killing 15,000 people, highlighted the lack of
staff in nursing homes and created severe trauma. Six
years later, those casualties seem to have been forgotten,
and the 2009 budget reduces the resources allocated to
nursing staffs. To avoid the layoff of staff and other
personnel, French nursing home operators will have to
increase their prices, already prohibitive for many
families.
Europe: Aging: New
Jobs for European Seniors (May 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
In 2060, about two-thirds of the European population will
be more than 65 years old and it’s predicted that only two
people will be in the workforce for every retiree. The
European Commission wants to reactivate various job
projects for people over 55 years. According to the
Commission, expenses linked to aging will increase to 4.75
points of GNP in 2060. The Commissioner of employment and
social cases, Vladimir Spidia, says that continuing the
present retirement benefits will not be feasible and
recommends developing more job possibilities for older
people.
Germany/Turkey: A
Refuge for the Aging Turkish Population of Berlin (May
4, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
This article
looks at the residents of the first (and only) older
people’s home in Germany specifically for Turkish
people, despite the fact that roughly 350,000 of the 3.2
million Turks living in Germany are of retirement age.
Incorporating cultural elements of Turkish life,
including places to pray and a staff that speaks the
Turkish language, this retirement home represents an
attempt to address the status and well being of older
immigrants within their new country of residence, a
challenge that’s becoming increasingly common in a
globalized world.
United Kingdom: Old People
are Abused in Their Own Homes, Says Action on Elder
Abuse (May 2, 2009)
According to a leading charity, the British Government
fails to protect older people from abuse in their own
homes. Less than one in ten older people who experience
neglect, psychological, physical or sexual abuse is
referred to a local adult protection services. In 2007,
the Department of Health calculated that 3.9% of people
aged 66 years or above had experienced abuse in the
home. The number of older people who are not getting
support is likely to be higher because the study did not
include adults who live in care, nursing and other
residential institutions.
Ireland: There's a Lot of
Living to Be Done in So-called Old Age (May 1, 2009)
The author looks at society’s deeply ingrained views of
the aged, such as the assumption that “anyone over 50 is
slowing down, putting on a robe and slippers, obsessing
about health problems, the weather and preparing to
die.” These ideas translate directly into the workplace
and society. Age discrimination and bias may range from
something as subtle as refusing an employee’s training
course request because they might not be around much
longer to outright abuse due to the person’s age.
Throughout “Western” society, many people have hang-ups
about aging; older people are often invisible or
ignored. According to a recent survey, 80 is the new
old, not 65, and so there’s a lot of living to be done
in our last 30 years. The author suggests that that we
all question our attitudes and try to determine what
older people contribute to society, business and in
personal lives.
Europe: The Price Of Aging
(April 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the 2009 report on aging of the population
from the European Commission, the recession is stalling
Europe’s commitment to aging issues. During the last few
months, European countries have injected billions of
euros into their economy to counter the recession but
have nothing budgeted for the problems of aging. Also,
incomes will decrease with the decline of working people
while pensions will increase with the aging of the
population. According to the report, by 2060
expenditures will increase to 4.7% of the GDP.
Europe: European Day of
Cooperation: Joint press release AGE, AIEP, AIM,
CECODHAS, COFACE, EWL and YFJ (April 29, 2009)
EU citizens of all ages don’t consider older people to
be burden. A large survey revealed that people who care
for dependent relatives don’t get enough support. The
European Youth Forum has called for a fair
re-distribution of wealth and responsibilities between
generations. The Forum is urging an intergenerational
debate on the sustainability of pension systems in
Europe. All organizations welcomed the European
Commission’s announcement to launch a propose that 2012
be declared European year of Active Ageing and
Intergenerational Solidarity.
France: Seniors Taking Part in France’s Got Talent
(April 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
Did the example of Susan Boyle, the dowdy Scottish
spinster who sang her way to fame on “Britain’s Got
Talent” show inspire the High French Authority for
Fighting Against Discrimination and Promoting Equality?
Be that as it may, the organization directed the TV
channel M6 to open the famous program to older persons
after an older woman was prevented from taking part on
the show because of her age. The president of the
organization regarded it as professional discrimination,
prohibited by French law.
Spain: Administration Puts
Aside 920,000 euros to Help Older and Disabled Persons
(April 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The government allocated 510,000 euros to support older
persons and 410,000 euros to benefit the disabled. The
appropriation will assist in eliminating barriers in the
home that create hazards resulting in falls. It is also
aimed at programs for people who have been socially
excluded.
United Kingdom: Bill Set to
Expose Gender Pay Gap (April 27, 2009)
A new bill that will ban age discrimination will also
require firms with more than 250 employees to publish
the hourly wage of men and women they employ. Many in
the UK are determined to make the country a more equal
place to live because too many people face
discrimination based on a variety of reasons. The
Minister for Equality and other officials want older
persons to pay for insurance based on actual risk in
contrast to an arbitrary age-based cost.
United Kingdom: Elderly
Targeted By Boiler Room Gangs (April 27, 2009)
Boiler room tactics are rapidly increasing as financial
crime is on the rise. Over the last year as many as 12
million adults have been contacted by con artists, more
than a third of the targeted people over the age of 65.
Forty-one percent of pensioners revealed they did not
know their identities could be stolen. The Financial
Services Authority is now providing to older persons
tips, pamphlets and lists of legitimate and illegitimate
companies so they can more easily protect themselves
from these predators.
United Kingdom: Wartime
Sweethearts Plan to Marry 65 Years After First Meeting
(April 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Two young British lovers’ hopes were dashed when the man
was called up to serve his country as an air gunner in
the Second World War. After 60 years apart, they are
head over heels in love and are finally planning to tie
the knot. They said that they both had happy marriages
and do not regret being separated as young lovers, but
are thrilled to have found each other again.
France: A Smart Accommodation
to Watch Over Older People (April 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
A smart house full of detectors designed by a researcher
of the Sofia Antipolis Technopole will help keep an eye
on the elderly at home. These detectors are spread over
strategic places in the residence and allow nurses to
observe the activity of the elderly and detect signs of
weakness or pathologies of aging. With the agreement of
the older person, a signal can be sent to a close
relative, a doctor or a house assistant. In 2008, 14
volunteers over 65 years old in perfect health tested
the system. Another experiment using the device in
hospitals will follow in 2010.
France: Getting Old and Driving (April 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
Today, more than 8 million older people drive in France.
They represent 20% of the 40 million drivers. The number
of older drivers should double in 40 years. In France,
older people do not need to renew their driving license
through a medical exam. However, the system might change
with the new European driver’s license.
Many French old people disagree with the creation of a
compulsory medical visit to renew your driver’s license.
Although most Western European countries have
legislation to regularly control the health status of
older drivers, France is still behind on this issue
Russia:
Nursing Homes are Russia's “National Shame” (April 21,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
“Nursing homes in Russia are its national shame,” says the
author of the article. State-run care homes experience
fatal fires every year, killing many older people.
Oftentimes such institutions are in need of major repairs,
lack medical personnel and equipment, and are unable to
provide essential clothes and food for seniors. “Older
people are a used material, not needed by the society,”
explained some local authorities about their attitude
towards pensioners.
United Kingdom: Drive to
Break Down Age Barriers (April 20, 2009)
With the generation gap widening, the government has
pledged to spend £5.5 m to strengthen ties within
the communities. The goal is to encouraging finding
“common ground” between the young and the old as well as
break down stereotypes and conflicts between the two age
groups. This will be done through intergenerational
activities to help older persons stay active and make
new friends and younger people to have positive role
models and access to experience.
United Kingdom:
MI5 Recruited Old Women to Fight against Terrorism
(April 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
MI5, the UK intelligence agency, has launched hundreds of
recruitment ads for old women and new mothers to tackle
terrorist threats. The security service is advertising to
raise the number of female surveillance officers,
believing that they could monitor potential suspects more
effectively than their male counterparts. Security chiefs
are particularly keen to attract older women aged over 70
years as anti-terrorism spies.
United Kingdom:
86-Year-Old Welsh Woman Beats A 26-year-old Burglar with
her Crutch (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
An 86-year-old widow used a crutch to bring down an
intruder and beat him until he cried. The man then buried
his face in his hands and wept as she made him sit on a
stool and stood guard over him until the police arrived.
The widow of 20 years says this proves she is able to take
care of herself and hopes that the incident will make
people not look down on old people anymore.
Germany:
Education After Retirement (April 16, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 20,000 students at German universities are
people over 60 years. During the past ten years, the
number of seniors in German colleges has grown fast.
Seniors pay a small amount of money and have an
opportunity to attend classes together with all the other
students. Harmut Hautzel, 69, majored in pedagogy 45 years
ago and is taking pedagogy classes again now: “It is
interesting to me to see what innovations appeared in the
field of pedagogy during such a long period of
time.”
Europe:
Companion Robots To Improve Elderly People’s Quality Of
Life In Smart Homes (April 16, 2009)
An initiative that is part of the European Union 7th
Framework Program aims to create a robotic companion to
provide assistance to older persons in their homes,
allowing them to remain independent for a longer period of
time. In addition, the robot will be able to perceive and
sense emotional states, with the ability to contact health
and social services for support or video-conferencing, as
well as maintaining therapeutic care and treatment.
France: Paris: More Than An Half
of Pedestrians Killed in 2008 Are Seniors (April 15,
2009)
(Article in French)
According to the latest data published by the Paris Police
Headquarters, some 29 pedestrians (among them 17 older
persons) were killed in the streets of the capital in
2008, or an increase of 37% from the year before. The city
of Paris, well aware that older persons represent an “at
risk” category of the population, organized a series of
free conferences last December to discuss road safety and
older persons.
UK: Women & Ageism - Discrimination - Equality Bill
(April 13,2009)
Joan Bakewell, a former British journalist and broadcaster
has accepted a government invitation to become the 'Voice
of Older People.' This nomination coincides with a new
Equality Bill in the UK. In this country, ageism is the
most commonly-experienced form of discrimination, with 23%
of adults reporting that they have suffered from it (three
times more than any other form of discrimination),
according to figures provided by British charity, Age
Concern. It looms especially large for women, who, on an
average, live longer than men do and make up a bigger
proportion of the elderly population. Women also run the
greatest risk of curtailed professional careers and
reduced pension rights. The Department of Health has
commissioned research, showing age discrimination in the
provision of health services could be expensive to
eradicate. Age Concern is also concerned that the new law
could take time to implement. While welcoming the changes,
Age Concern is concerned that for some elderly people, who
have already waited long enough, they will be too late.
Holland: The “City of the
Ancients” (April 12, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Holland has built a residential complex equipped with all
the services an older person may want. The directors say
that it can be a model for future senior residential
complexes, especially as Europe faces a greater proportion
of older persons in the coming years. The city within a
city gives its residents opportunity for greater social
contact. They can opt for independent living or permanent
care should they need more assistance. This system allows
the government to reduce its costs while ensuring the
welfare of their older citizens.
France:
Financing of Dependency: Solidarity Will Have to
Wait…(April 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
The question of financing social security has been put on
hold several times in the past. The majpr candidates
during the last presidential campaign supported a policy
covering a wide range of supports. For more than a decade,
people concerned about handicapping conditions or aging
have rallied and petitioned the government. Eventually
those responsible for making decisions will realize the
importance of the challenge.
United Kingdom: Britain’s
Homecare Scandal (April 9, 2009)
Panorama, the world’s longest running investigative TV
show, went undercover to investigate some of Britain’s
largest homecare suppliers and discovered a serious lack
of training on the part of the caregivers. Those
undercover investigators encountered an older person
care sector filled with administrative errors, missed
appointments and lack of quality care. Currently the
private sector makes up about 70% and 1 billion pounds
of the older persons’ care industry, making it a
lucrative business. Actions must be taken to improve the
current system.
Armenia: Seniors Constitute
12% of Armenia's Population (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Yerevan, capital of Armenia, hosted a three-day
international conference on aging, gathering
representatives from Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and
Ukraine. Members of the conference discussed social
challenges faced by aging societies as well as the
design of social and economic policies to accommodate
the needs of seniors in Armenia.
France: For More Respect of
Older Persons: Call for Projects by The French
Foundation (April 8, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Foundation wants proposals aimed at promoting
respect of the rights of choice and respect for older
persons. The January 2, 2002, law concerning older
persons’ autonomy represents a major step, but the
principles it stipulates are often contradicted by the
facts and practices. Older persons are often looked upon
and treated as children.
France:
Petit Bateau©: An Award for Its Intergenerational
Campaign! (April 8, 2009)
(Article in French)
Petit Bateau, the famous brand of T-Shirts and underwear
for all generations, has received the 24th Association
Award for its intergenerational advertising campaign
devised by BETEC Euro. The Idea: No matter how old you
are, you will be comfortable wearing clothes from this
brand. It is an excellent concept of communication that
stigmatizes no one. Everybody is on an equal footing, with
no difference between ages or sexes.
France:
Indicators to Choose A Good Nursing Home (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the French Hospital Federation, the number of
medical staff in nursing homes is inadequate to take care
of all the residents. The French Hospital Federation
presented a new tool to evaluate the quality of services
offered to older persons in its 1000 organizations. A
guide will be available in November to the selection
criteria more comprehensive..
United Kingdom: 98-year-old Man
Raises Money by Sky Diving (April 6, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A nonagenarian Englishman says he truly enjoyed jumping
from an airplane to raise money for the Royal National
Life Boat Institution. George Moyse of Bournemouth, who
turns 98 years old Wednesday, said following his inaugural
10,000-foot leap he will likely enjoy the thrill of sky
diving again. Details about how much money Moyse raised
through his recent daring activity were not reported.
France: Seniors Employment:
Sanctions for Companies Postponed Indefinitely (April 6,
2009)
(Article in French)
French law foresaw a high penalty in 2010 for companies
that do not put in place a policy in favor of older
persons’ employment. But due to the rise of unemployment
and the current financial crisis that the, the French
measure now seems untimely. The Government has abandoned
the idea of implementing this law. Within the current
context, the unions have not challenged the decision.
France: Indicators for
Choosing a Good Nursing Home (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
A male geriatric nurse has just published a damning
story highlighting the high dependency rate of nursing
home residents, resulting in more difficult care and
fewer people available to provide care. Persons who
look after older persons are not necessarily
qualified. Because of the absence of funds, lack of
employees or simply a wish to make money by any means,
mistreatment is commonplace in many institutions for
older persons. The French Hospital Federation reckons
that the average number of care assistants per
hospital is insufficient and has recently presented a
measurement tool to assess the quality of care for old
people in 1,000 institutions.
Russia: “Seniors
Rights” Delegation from Russia Travels to Britain (April
3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
“Seniors Rights,” the coalition of organizations
protecting the rights of old people in Russia, visited
their partner organization, Age Concern England.
Delegations exchanged experiences, shared ideas on elder
rights protection in Russia and England and discussed the
UN mechanisms of protecting human rights. The Russian
delegation also paid visits to various volunteer
organizations aimed at fighting social isolation among
seniors.
Belarus:
Belarus' Nation is Rapidly Aging (April 3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 14% of Belarus' population is older persons; the
number of young people able to support the retirees is
rapidly decreasing. “The aging tendency is irreversible so
the society should urgently find the ways to improve the
quality of life of retirees,” says Tatyana Gaplichnik,
representative of the UN Population Fund in Belarus.
Belarus' national strategies aim to integrate seniors into
social life and offer more opportunities for their
independent living.
European Union: European
Parliament to Extend Anti - Discrimination
Legislation (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The European Parliament voted to reduce discrimination
against people on the grounds of disability, age,
sexual orientation and religion in the fields of
social security, health, education goods and services.
The new legislation will, for example, secure health
care for all the seniors and allow people with
disabilities to enjoy greater access to goods and
services.
Europe: AGE Welcomes Strong
Signal From European Parliament to EU Member States
that EU Legislation Is Needed to Protect Citizens From
Discrimination in Access to Goods and Services (April
2, 2009)
The European Parliament voted strongly in favor of
legislation to advance the creation of a new EU
anti-discrimination directive forbidding discrimination
in areas other than employment. In the past, age,
disability, religion and sexual orientation barriers
kept citizens from equal consideration for jobs. Now,
the EU intends to extend the ban against discrimination
in access to goods and services. Congratulations to
those MEPs who voted for this report. It’s an important
step to eliminating all forms of discrimination.
Finland: Population Aging
in Finland Results in Demographic Changes (March 30,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The ratio of people aged over 65 years or more has for
the first time exceeded that of people under 15 years
old. The share of population over 65 years has risen
from 16% in 2006 to the current 16.75%, whereas the
population share under 15 has decreased to 16.73%.
Finnish society is aging more rapidly than most other EU
countries. The average life expectancy is 74 years for
men and 80 years for women.
Kazakhstan: The Oldest Person
in the World 130 Years Old (March 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It has been been discovered lately that the world's
oldest person is a woman from Kazakhstan, 130 years old
this year. The Guinness Book of Records will recognize
her as the world’s oldest living person. Her date of
birth was authenticated in both her former Soviet Union
ID card and an ID card issued by Kazakhstan. Born on
March 27, 1879, she made her entrance in the same year
as Albert Einstein and Joseph Stalin.
Europe: Help lobby for the Buitenweg Report on Equal
Treatment (March 27, 2009)
Wednesday, April 1, the European Parliament will hold its
plenary vote on the Buitenweg Member of the European
Parliament’s Report on the proposed EU Directive about
equal treatment of older people. According to AgePlatform,
adoption of this legislation will combat discrimination
that older persons face in Europe. Click here for a template
letter you can use to urge your representative to the
European Parliament to support this Directive.
Lithuania:
Hungry Lithuania (March 26, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Experts say that one in five persons in Lithuania lives in
poverty and tens of thousands of people are considered
undernourished. According to the director of the largest
volunteer organization that feeds about 30,000 poor
Lithuanians every year, the situation is getting out of
control. Twice as many people apply for free food when
their income sinks below the poverty line. Retirees are
very vulnerable in this recession. Formerly they received
help from their children. However, many young adults have
now lost their jobs or taken salary cuts. Many people who
apply for free food used to be middle class. Retirees,
however, do not lose hope. They volunteer and assist
people coming for help, spending their last bit of money
on food for these people.
France: A Network to Help
Women Over 45 to Find a Job or to Start their Own
Business (March 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
During this time of crisis when seniors are confronted
daily with difficulties when looking for jobs, a network
called “Force Femmes”--created in 2005 by a female
CEO--tries to help women applying for jobs take the right
steps in their search. Its aim is to allow women over 45
years to find a job or to start their own business. The
women are often victims of a double discrimination: one
due to age and the other due to gender. “Force Femmes”
wants to show that women over 45 years can represent
strength for a hiring company.
Netherlands: One
100-year-old Dutch in Every 10,000 (March 25, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Netherlands National Bureau of Census released a
report on March 23 stating that in the past 30 years the
number people over 100 years of age has almost quadrupled.
Right now there is one 100-year-old person per 10,000
people.
United Kingdom:
Grandparents ‘Should Be Paid For Looking After
Grandchildren’ (March 24, 2009)
During the recession, parents are more likely to ask
grandparents for help in terms of childcare, providing at
least €3.9 billion of childcare a year. A charity called
Grandparents Plus campaigns for grandparents to be paid
for looking after grandchildren and for them to be given
up to two weeks of “granny leave.” While most grandparents
do not wish to be paid, they would appreciate more support
and acknowledgement of their importance as childcare
providers.
Europe: Is the Crisis So Out of
Control That EU Leaders Had to Cancel the Employment
Summit? (March 24, 2009)
Several outcomes that have disappointed critics of the
Spring Summit include the cancellation of the Employment
Summit as well as no approval to institute a regulatory
system of control and oversight of financial institutions.
Many believe that the current income situation of
vulnerable groups, such as older workers, requires much
more decisive and useful policies.
France: Lyon: Seniors: A
Population with a Future (March 24. 2009)
(Article in French)
The City of Lyon is trying to find concrete solutions to
approach its older citizens. In France, a 29% increase in
the senior population is forecast for 2020. Older persons
have specific needs that require consideration. The city
is modeling its programs on a World Health Organization
(WHO) project called “City friend of old people”
introduced in 2005. A large majority of elders are fit
enough to enjoy retirement. They have time and are a “real
pool of intelligence, resources and voluntary
participation.” Lyon would like to implement long-term
policies and prioritize two areas: renovating
accommodations and preventing isolation.
France: Which Kind of
Solidarity between Generations? (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The city of Grenoble has held innovative meetings,
undertaking interesting experiments in a search for
improved relationships between citizens, civil society
members and representatives. The last meeting focused on
intergenerational relationships. Inhabitants’ stories and
accounts of personal experiences have revealed diverse
points of view and the many faces of intergenerational
experiences.
France: A
Mission to Anticipate the Consequences of Ageing on
Housing (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Secretary of Housing has announced that the government
has launched a mission to consider the effects of aging on
housing policies. The main goal is to “explore the more
innovative solutions that would allow accommodations to be
adapted to demographic changes.” The report will deal with
housing issues related to autonomy, in-home support or
access to services. Demographic change and aging
consequences in terms of dependency have been studied in
the past. But housing issues require even more study.
Researches must take into account the increase in the
senior population and to integrate the intergenerational
dimension into the overall study.
Russia: Families
for Lonely Seniors (March 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Seniors left and forgotten by their own relatives find
support in “foster families” – a new trend in social care
in Russia. Young couples take seniors in their homes
providing care and fighting social isolation and
loneliness among the seniors. The article tells about
successful stories of the pensioners who found “new”
families.
Russia: “School
of Future Pensioners” Opens in Perm, Russia (March 18,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
An unusual institution called “School of Future
Pensioners” was opened in Perm this year. The schools will
teach anyone who is interested in the system of pension
calculation and its indexation, wants to learn about
different types of pensions and other issues important to
retirees. The first graduation class includes pensioners,
medical personnel, veterans and social workers. Future
retirees say such classes are very useful and should
become more regular. A great idea!
France: Experiencing ageing: a
Conference which Expresses the Revolution of Ageing,
Column from Serge Guérin (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
On the occasion of a recent international and
multidisciplinary meeting, world researchers from gathered
to present and compare their views, work and investigative
fields on the theme of ageing. The author would like for
this area to get greater attention.. Ageing is
polymorphous: getting older in urban or rural area,
getting older when you belong to privileged classes or the
one more economically fragile. Ageing is not a linear and
univocal process leading to decline, but should rather be
regarded as a wide range of possibilities able to generate
multiple strategies, reversals and adjustments.
France: Folk Memories’ Carriers: Intergenerational Links
(March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
A repertory company has led a new artistic experience
consisting of transcribing oral memories from nursing home
residents. The children born between the two World Wars,
now in their eighties, tell their childhood memories. Once
old people’s trust has been won, amazing tales come out,
even among persons with Alzheimer’s who have a limited
immediate memory but are able to recall the keepsakes from
the past.
France : Partage-seniors.net, a
New Contributor to Senior Roommates (March 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
Why are old people willing to live with roommates? There
are many reasons: they lack money, have low pensions, fear
loneliness or want to share housework. In France, more
than 13 million persons over age 60 live alone after a
divorce, death of their spouse or feel distant from their
family circle. Thanks to the Baby Boomers who are now
reaching retirement age, the number of elder French will
be grow to 18 million by 2015. Partage-seniors is a new
website created to assist seniors interested in finding a
good roommate. France comes very late into this field;
sharing flats among older persons is much more common in
Northern Europe, in countries like Sweden, the
Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg.
France: Seniors and
Accommodations (March 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
A recently published
survey concerning older persons and accommodations
revealed that about 30% of the working population
moves upon retirement. Different criteria are taken
into consideration: geographical proximity of close
relatives, practicality and adaptability of the
accommodation, climate and sunshine of the area, peace
and quiet of the place, beauty of the landscape,
return to the area of origin and living space of the
accommodation. In absolute terms, the dream house of a
senior would be a new house where he or she would be
the landlord, located in the city center and out of a
subdivision. Additionally, the survey highlights that
old persons are quite open to new experiences such as
living abroad, the renovation of villages or living
with roommates.
UK: 80-year-old
Catwalk Model up on 《Fashion》 Magazine (March 11, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
UK’s 80-year-old model was recently put on the cover of
《Fashion》Magazine. This woman also takes on catwalk shows
for worldwide well-known fashion designers and appears in
commercials of cosmetics. Just by working for magazine
commercials, she sometimes earns as much as $1,000 a day.
UK’s newspaper, 《Daily Mail》, called her “the oldest
catwalk model in the country.”
France: An Unemployed Person
in His 50’s Offers a 50.000 € Bonus to Find a Job
(March 11, 2009)
(Article
in French)
A former chief financial officer unemployed for
several months who tried everything he could do to
find a job offers a bounty for his potential future
employer. The economic crisis limits hiring
opportunities for seniors even more. Will this
marketing strategy be successful?
United Kingdom: Mandatory
Retirement Age Should Be Put Out To Grass (March 8,
2009)
Currently, the debate in Britain is whether the
government should continue to allow employers the
right to force older workers to retire once they reach
the age of 65--a law that the European Court decided
was legal just last week--or to abolish the law. More
people over the age of 65 live in Britain than those
under the age of 16, creating concerns that the
mandatory retirement age is outdated.
Spain: The Mistreatment of Older Persons, Suffering in
Old Age (March 5, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Recent studies highlighted that over 60,000 people over
the age of 65 in Spain are victims of maltreatment in
their own homes, many times by their own spouses and/or
children. Six out of ten of the abused are women. The
Center of Royal Research established five categories of
abuse of older persons. The government aims to continue
steps to eliminate mistreatment of its senior
citizens.
United Kingdom: EU
Judges Back UK Retirement Age (March 5, 2009)
Age Concern brought before the European Court of Justice
(ECJ) a case questioning the legitimacy of a UK law which
allows employers the right to force employees to retire at
the age of 65. To the serious disappointment of
campaigners, the ECJ declared it “legal if it had
legitimate aim related to employment and social policy.”
In response to continued outcry, the British Government
said they would review the existing law in 2011 and
perhaps make changes at that time.
United Kingdom:
Millions of People to Delay Retirement (March 4, 2009)
A report from Prudential revealed that 2.2 million UK
adults plan to delay their retirement until 2012 or beyond
because of the global economic downturn and a fall in the
value of their investments. The research also found that
one in four people fear that they may never be able to
afford to retire.
United Kingdom:
Fighting On the Home Front (March 3, 2009)
Major changes regarding the way nursing homes run are
being implemented, including the Fair Deal, aimed for
passage in the coming months. This initiative will end the
distinction between private and public facilities.
Currently, reports of older persons being moved to new
nursing homes against their will are being circulated.
Authorities condemn these actions--believed to be
motivated by cost factors—because of the traumatic nature
of forcing older persons to leave their familiar
surroundings.
France:
Grandpa at the Wheel: Don’t Touch my Car! (March 3,
2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons are often accused of being a danger to the
public when they are driving. Compulsory medical
examinations and training courses remain delicate
questions. The Traffic Control Association and the French
Federation of Insurance Companies published a study
highlighting that driving means autonomy for old people.
They should not be prevented from driving due to
unjustified reasons. Rather than arbitrarily banning
seniors from driving, the report suggests that they should
be helped to remain mobile as long as possible.
France: Yes, Old and Poor at
the Same Time, it Does Exists! (March 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent report from the Abbé Pierre
Foundation, a huge number of seniors live under the
poverty rate. Poor housing condition is also a very common
phenomenon among older persons in France The stereotype
view is to oppose wealthy and privileged old people rather
than the poor and victimized younger generation. However,
the reality is different. Inequalities exist much more
within a generation than between generations.
France: Golden Hook: when
Grandmothers Knit “in Solidarity” for Younger
Generations (February 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
This article deals with a promising initiative of “Fair
and Intergenerational Trade.” Grandmothers use their
knowledge in needlework to knit wool hats that they sell
online. The project wishes to bring generations closer
together but it is also a good means to provide additional
income for these older women with low income. This
initiative is a smart idea: combining seniors’ traditional
and ancestral know-how and the modern world.
United Kingdom:
Care Fund Proposal for the Elderly (February 25, 2009)
A charity, Counsel and Care, suggests that the
implementation of a “care duty” on estates could
immediately fund long-term care costs and generate up to 3
billion euros a year. About 60,000 old people sell their
homes every year to pay for care cost, but through the
proposed plan they would pay more through inheritance tax.
The extra money would be used as social insurance to pay
for senior care.
France: Seniors
Followed on the Internet Thanks to GPS (February 24,
2009)
(Article in French)
An emergency phone strap provided with a GPS chip named
“Alarm Touch” allows an older person’s caregiver to locate
them in real time on the Internet. In case of a dizzy
spell, pressing a button is enough. The device may also be
used as a phone. Seniors are an obvious market, especially
for people suffering Alzheimer’s disease. Many similar
services may be available. However, many old people are
overwhelmed by the new technologies, hence the advantage
of developing machines that are easy to use.
Russia:
Newlyweds after 60 Years of Living Together (February
24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Victor, now 82, and Claudia, 80, met during World War II
and fell in love. The war and the Soviet Union regime did
not allow them to marry since Victor was German and
Claudia was Russian. It took them 60 years to prove their
feelings and finally celebrate their wedding among their
children and grandchildren. The article tells a beautiful
story of love, struggle and hope that two loving people
had through 60 years of their lives.
Ukraine: How to
Find a Job after Retirement amid Economic Crisis
(February 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More and more pensioners are applying for jobs at local
employment resource centers in Ukraine. In January 2009,
the number of people over 50 years looking for jobs has
almost tripled. The author of this article tries to find
out whether it is possible for a pensioner to get a job in
the midst of the economic crisis and what help they may
receive at their local employment resource centers.
France:
In Nursing Homes, Mistreatment Indicators (February 23,
2009)
(Article in French)
The French Hospital Federation plans to establish
“indicators” of mistreatment in nursing homes. According
to the founder of the project, huge opposition rests on
the fact that the issue is regarded as a financial rather
than a human problem. The funds raised by those
establishments from the French Department Councils are
strongly linked to the degree of dependence of the retired
persons. This explains the advantage of avoiding
encouraging their autonomy and the “artificial creation of
bedridden persons.” There are five supposed pertinent and
objective indicators to introduce and to communicate
regularly, allowing control in the long run that is much
more efficient than random controls.
United
Kingdom: Elderly Britons Given Lifeline Out of Zimbabwe
(February 18, 2009)
Due to worsening economic conditions in Zimbabwe, hundreds
of older and vulnerable British citizens received
resettlement packages to leave. To be eligible for the
program, one must be a British citizen over the age of 70
and living in a residential or nursing home. The British
government estimates that only about 500-1,500 older
persons will be eligible for the plan. British citizens
will pay for their flights and any hotel stays but they
will qualify for state benefits and support workers to
assist in their resettlement.
Romania:
76-year-old Man’s College Dream Ultimately Came True
(February 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 76-year-old Romanian man just became a freshman at the
University of Danube in Romania. Having graduated earlier
from a technical school, he had worked as an accountant
for the local Department of Road and Forest for his entire
life. However, he always dreamed of going to college, even
20 years after retirement. He worked so hard that he was
finally admitted to the Department of Law and was the
oldest college student in the city.
France:
Disabled People, Elderly, and French People Attracted to
Belgium (February 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
French older persons turn more and more to Belgium where
they find places in nursing homes after retiring. In
France, the senior population is increasing faster than
the number of vacant places, despite the current efforts
to provide more facilities. But this explanation is not
the only one: Belgian nursing homes are renowned for
offering a warm welcome and a convivial atmosphere.
Russia:
Dangerous Shelter (February 12, 2009)
(Atricle in Russian)
On January 31, a fire swept through an apartment building
for the elderly in a small village in Russia, killing at
least 23 senior citizens. After the tragedy, it was
learned that the institution did not have any official
status, was not funded by the government and was a shelter
for those elderly who had no other place to go. The
question was raised about how many such “nursing homes”
are scattered around the country and what danger they
present to their inhabitants.
France: Older
Persons and Housing: Back to Precarious Arrangements
(February 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
The 2009 report on older persons and housing has just been
released. The report states that since older persons are
more vulnerable they often end up in precarious housing
situations. This is often underestimated; images of older
persons living in comfortable situations are deceptive.
The situation of elder people is far from homogeneous.
Huge disparities exist, allowing the most vulnerable to
receive less coverage.
France: Housing
Conditions for Seniors are Deteriorating (February 3,
2009)
(Article in French)
Precariousness of the elderly is a phenomenon often
under-evaluated, and inequalities are likely to increase
in the years to come. Their standard of living has been
improved from 1970 to 2005, but the baby-boom generation
will be retired soon and this will reverse the trend. A
lot of elderly people will be left under the threshold of
poverty. Following a profile of the seniors concerned and
an explication of the different causes, the Abbé
Pierre Foundation’s general delegate put forward his
suggestions to remedy these difficulties.
Spain: An
Active and Occupied Mind (January 31, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A day care center specifically catering to older persons
has opened in Spain. Seniors can fight the boredom that
may come with retirement by being entertained while also
continuing to develop skills and activities. Professionals
running the center plan multi-disciplinary activities,
including exploring the internet, reading the newspaper
and completing mental exercises, engaging every interest
while striving to maintain the mental alertness of their
clients.
France:
Traveling Seniors on Holidays (January 27, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since 2007, the French National Agency for Holiday Checks
offers people over 60, regardless of their employment
situation, a week of holidays worth 350 Euros,
transportation non-included. The humblest families can
benefit from an extra 170 Euros. In 2009, the Agency’s
target is to enable 100,000 departures against 80, 000
last year. From January on, individuals will also be
allowed to register for this program previously limited to
groups.
Gabon:
Associations Fight for the Rights of Older Persons
(January 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The rise in life expectancy in Gabon is increasing the
number of older persons in the society. Their situation is
very worrisome. More and more, older people feel
overwhelmed by loneliness, isolation and a sense of
worthlessness. Due to their society’s modernization and
urbanization, the “family community” in the African sense
of the expression, does not play the same integrating role
as it did in the past. Western countries’ positive
experiences may be used as models.
Russia: In
Belgorod, School of Third Age Has its First Graduate
Class (January 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The first graduates of the School of the Third Age in
Belgorod have received diplomas. All of them are seniors
who studied English, Computer Science and Social
Psychology at the School. Now they will be able to apply
this knowledge as the diploma allows them to teach classes
to other seniors.
Spain: Some
50,000 Aragons 65 Years and Older Live Alone in their
Homes (January 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The discovery of an older women found dead in her home for
over a month without anyone knowing shocked the local
region of Aragon in Spain. Currently, 19.7 % of the
population has reached retirement age and over 6.2 % of
the population are over the age of 80 years. The community
is struggling to adapt to the new needs of these citizens.
Plans put into action include, a better assessment of a
patients’ health, care after surgery taking place at the
hospital as opposed to the home, and a recruitment
campaign for more geriatric doctors.
United
Kingdom: More Retired People Opting to Work Abroad as
Volunteers (January 3, 2009)
When Brian retired as a science teacher, he could have
spent his time enjoying his comfortable home and his
eleven grandchildren in the United Kingdom. But at 72, he
is preparing to make another trip to Tanzania, where he
has helped to establish a technical college.
Return to Top of Page
Middle East and North Africa
Reports
Iran: Quality of Life in Elderly
People in Kashan, Iran (April 2008)
Researchers examined the quality of life of elderly people
in Kashan, a medium-sized town in Iran. The study looked
at their physical, social, and emotional health, as well
as whether they felt high levels of chronic pain. It also
looked at literacy and marriage rates. The authors
compared their results to other Iranian cities and posted
a comparison.
Articles
Middle-East:
Institution of an Arabic Day of Older Persons (December
22, 2009)
(Article in French)
During the celebration of the International Day of Older
Persons, Mrs. Leïla Ben Ali, wife of Tunisia's
President, called for the creation of an Arabic Day for
Older Persons to reinforce their role in society. The
Council of the Arabic Ministers for Social Affairs adopted
unanimously an Arabic Day for Older Persons, to be
celebrated on September 25. The Arabic ministers want to
maintain efforts to help integrate older people into
society and assure that their rights are respected.
Egypt: A 94-Year-Old
Egyptian Researcher Gets his PhD (November 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The former Muslim Brotherhood leader Farid Abdelkhalek--94
years old--got his PhD with honors from Cairo University
to become the oldest researcher in history to receive his
doctorate.
Syria: Old Visually Impaired
Professional Manufacturing Bamboo Products! (October 28,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Ahmed Amsha is 66 years old and blind, but he is a top
professional in the manufacture of handcrafts, especially
bamboo chairs. Amsha is married and has 7 children.
Iraq: Baghdad Dressmaker:
In 50 Years of Work He Witnessed the Majority of Iraqi
Contemporary Leaders (October 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
During his fifty years as an Iraqi dressmaker, Kadder
Sadek witnessed a large number of the leaders of Iraq
while remaining faithful to his profession, despite
advancing age and changing conditions. The walls of his
shop recite the history of seven decades and ten
presidents who ruled Iraq.
Morocco:
Expectations that Older Persons will Constitute 15% of
the Population by 2030 (October 16, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Moroccan government plans to implement a new strategy
for the care of older persons that will include
maintaining their rights for compensation, health, housing
and decent living conditions.
Syria: In preparation for
launching an elder friendly city, Hammat presented
procedures and taken arrangements (October 12, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
At a stakeholders meeting at the Ministry of Health, Abdul
Razak Alkotaini, the governor of Hammat, reviewed the City
Council’s arrangements and preparations for the launch of
Hammat, the first Arab Older-friendly city that ranks 34th
in the world for its care of old people.
Tunisia: Because of
Potential for Swine Flu, Pilgrimage Is Postponed
(October 7, 2009)
(Article in French)
The government of Tunisia has postponed the pilgrimage
rite because of swine flu. The unavailability of the
vaccine before the end of October, the conditions required
by the Saudi authorities and the sanitary risks associated
with the pilgrimage have led to this decision. Finally,
the writer underlines the success of an awareness campaign
about the health threats with the population.
Tunisia: Celebrating the
International Day of Older Persons by Listening to the
Elderly (October 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
This year, Tunisia focused on the subject of the
protection of older persons with specific needs during its
celebration of the International Day of Older Persons. On
this occasion, the government reaffirmed its intent to
promote social integration of older persons by helping
them stay active as long as possible. Moreover, the
government set up a specific health policy aimed at
improving life for the elderly.
Algeria: Over 20,000 Algerian
Pensioners to End Their Days as Migrants Who Cannot
Return Home (August 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
When the clock strikes the hour of retirement and thoughts
turn to a final resting place, Algerian migrants to France
struggle to assure and keep their French social rights if
they decide not to settle in France. Indeed, if Algerian
migrants want to maintain their French-based pensions and
other benefits, they must stay for a minimum period of
time on French territory to avoid losing these benefits.
This constraint discourages many Algerians from returning
to their home country.
Algeria: Decision Concerning Hadj
for People Older than 65 Years Postponed until the
Beginning of August (July 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
The religious decision about forbidding older people to do
the pilgrimage to Mecca for health reasons will be taken
up next week, according to the National Office of the
Hadj. Due to the swine flu epidemic and general issues of
sanitation, vulnerable people could be eliminated from the
Hadj list and could not make the pilgrimage to Mecca. It
is possible that people older than 65 years will be
restricted from participating this year in the religious
journey.
Saudi Arabia: Elderly, Young Face
Mecca Pilgrimage Bans to Contain Swine Flu (July 23,
2009)
People over the age of 65 years and children under the age
of 12 have been banned from the pilgrimage to Mecca for
fear of spreading swine flu. While these exclusions have
not yet been ratified by the governments, Hussein Gezairi,
WHO director for the Eastern Mediterranean, expects that
they will be.
Tunisia: Early Retirement in
Tunisia to Create Job Opportunities (July 7, 2009)
The Tunisian government put forward a new law allowing
early retirement for public employees and making more jobs
available for young people. According to existing laws,
employees must reach the age of 60 before they can apply
for retirement benefits, except in cases of chronic
illness or physical handicaps. The legislation aims to
solve the high unemployment rate, ranging between 13% and
14%. Older people welcomed this initiative to improve the
lives of younger persons.
Morocco: The Touring Exhibition on Population Is Calling
at Marrakech (July 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
This year, the 26th edition of the International Congress
on Population (September 27 to October 2) will take place
for the first time in an African-Arab country, in
Marrakech. NGO’s, associations, public departments, UN
agencies, researchers and academic people will attend this
exhibition. The Congress will sensitize citizens in
general, especially young people and women, about many
different issues related to population, such as
demographics changes, emigration, aging issues, health,
unemployment, etc.
Bahrain:
Provision of Care for Older Persons without the Need for
Private Hospitals (June 21, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
In an effort to address the nation’s commitment to the
International Plan of Aging adopted in Madrid in 2002,
Bahrain has recently begun to further pursue the
establishment of health services directed exclusively at
older persons. “Health and well-being” of older people
represents one of the most important topics covered in
Madrid, and the ministry of health is working to provide
these services to older people outside of private
hospitals, through increasing mobile units, providing
nursing services and care for senior citizens in the
community and establishing clinics exclusively for people
over 60 years old. Also, by stressing the importance of
preventive programs, the ministry hopes to preserve the
health of older persons to enable them to remain active
participants in the community and raise their overall
quality of life.
UAE: Female Students Gain
Access to Education Late in Life (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Often society forgets older people in its allocation of
educational resources. However, over the past decade, we
have witnessed a rise in educational opportunities for
senior citizens. This article reports on one such
opportunity in the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2000,
the Nad al-Sheba center for women’s education implemented
a program of study directed specifically at older women
covering basic education, supplementary literacy and adult
education. As the program grows in size and success, it
hopes to begin implementing secondary educational
opportunities. By offering both basic education and more
advanced levels of schooling, the center illustrates how
learning can truly begin and grow at any age.
Israel: Elder-Abuse Reports
Up, Due to Higher Awareness (June 16, 2009)
Public awareness of elder abuse has sharply increased,
allowing welfare and health services a better way to
tackle the problem, according to a report published by
Eshel, the Association for the Planning and Development of
Services for the Aged in Israel. The study found that
while reports of abuse increased over the past year, this
was mainly due to the heightened awareness of those caring
for older people and the willingness of the victims to
report the abuse against them. Every fifth elderly person
in Israel suffers from abuse; more than half of the
abusers are family members, and about 75% of them are men.
Gaza: Creating Employment
for Older People Through Agricultural Relief (June 9,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Beleaguered Gaza recently began hosting an agricultural
relief project targeted at creating jobs for older
persons. This project serves only older farmers (over
fifty years of age) whose land is located in the hazardous
border area with Israel. Through farmers reclaiming
agricultural lands destroyed in the region and removing
remnants of recent attacks with aid from Help Age
International, Gaza citizens hope to feed their own
neighbors who have suffered staggering economic losses
while simultaneously creating more food sustainability
within Gaza.
Lebanon: Lebanese
Parliamentary Elections: Overcrowding and Skirmishes
Lead to the Deaths of Two Older Citizens (June 8,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Sunday's elections in Lebanon witnessed an unusually high
voter turnout, given the highly charged nature of this
year's race. The sheer volume of the unexpectedly high
number of people waiting in lines at ballot boxes created
a level of human congestion and confusion for unprepared
security forces. The heat of the day further aggravated
the situation. Many people had to wait out of doors for
several hours or more. According to this article, these
conditions proved disastrous, particularly for older
persons. One man suffered a fractured hand; two died of
heart attacks while waiting. Others had to be medically
removed by emergency crews. This incident highlights the
importance of security forces for crowd control and the
particular vulnerability of older people in such
situations.
Qatar: Creating a Society for
All Ages within a National Framework (June 6, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and
Development in collaboration with the United Nations
Population Fund and United Nations Programme on Ageing met
recently. The conference examined in detail how the
world's changing age structure affects all aspects of
society and social welfare, from economics to health care
to housing and immigration. In the political sphere, older
people have an impact on the result of voting and
political representation. Thus, governments should pay
closer attention to understanding these demographic
transformations within the framework of national policies.
Qatar:
A New Vision for Strengthening the Role of the Family in
Elderly Care (June 4, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A recent symposium held in Doha by the Supreme Council for
Family Affairs in conjunction with the United Nations
Population Fund discussed in detail many issues facing
older people around the world, paying particular attention
to Qatar and the policies developed at the national level
to provide them with the care and social protection they
need. Highlighting the special needs of older women as
well as older people with disabilities, the symposium
recognized that the transformation of the nuclear family
in recent years has shifted the balance of traditional
forms of care for older people in Qatar, leaving them
without a safety net. They determined that this new
situation needs to be addressed, including strengthening
family care for older persons. Through building
partnerships between the state, civil society
organizations and the private sector, Qatar hopes to
create an enabling environment supportive of all ages.
Saudi Arabia: The Establishment
of the First Sport and Entertainment Club for Saudi
Older Women (May 27, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The first health center intended exclusively for older
women’s care was recently established in Saudi Arabia as
part of a larger campaign aiming to secure cooperation
between relevant agencies on behalf of older women’s
rights. This health center aims to provide both physical
and psychological well being for older women in the
country. The campaign also includes education for older
women to eradicate illiteracy, and entertainment events
such as classic movie nights. All exclusively for women,
these social services fill a void in the country due to
the enforced division between the sexes that exists
throughout Saudi Society.
Israel: Israeli Seniors Suffer
from Loneliness and Abuse (May 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to the recent poll, 45% of Israeli seniors over
57 years suffer from loneliness. The survey also revealed
that 12% of respondents feel “totally isolated from life”
and 5% “have neither relatives nor friends.” Another
survey held in Israel this year also showed that every
fifth pensioner in Israel has suffered some form of abuse
in his or her life. What actions will the Israeli
government take to assure that seniors get the care and
treatment they need?
Israel: Saying No to Abuse and
Neglect of Older Persons (May 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Last Tuesday, the first conference on the phenomenon of
violence against older persons in Jerusalem took place,
entitled "No to violence against the elderly." Over 100
municipal and religious leaders and professionals attended
from all disciplines working in the field of aging,
including social workers, doctors and nurses from clinics
and various medical centers of the region. It included a
number of lectures designed to educate participants about
kinds of violence against older people particularly in
Jerusalem and its environs, where roughly 25% of older
people admitted to experiencing either verbal or physical
violence.
Gaza:
Meet the Parents… and Grandparents (May 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Society for Charitable Works in the Cordoba province
of Northern Gaza organized a special meeting last Tuesday,
entitled "Meet the Parents and Grandparents.” This meeting
attempted to bring policymakers face-to-face with those
encountering social problems related to aging in the
region and in so doing, to help improve their situation.
The security and comfort of older people is not often a
priority in volatile regions such as the Gaza Strip. This
meeting attempted to address the problem, underscoring
that day-to-day comfort and engagement of older people
must always remain a concern.
Kuwait:
Older People Ask for their Rights in 2009 Elections (May
17, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Both the general aging of the Kuwaiti population and the
ease of the voting process for older people has led to an
increase in the number of older Kuwaiti voters and has
transformed aging into a hot topic for the 2009 elections.
Due to various developments, including disability services
and other methods of social inclusion, older people
participate in the election process at higher rates,
prompting candidates to discuss issues of social welfare
as well as the economic and health status of older persons
in the country.
Morocco: Older People Represent
15% of Morocco’s Citizens (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The number of people in Morocco over the age of 60 has
drastically increased from 2.4 to 5.8 million people
according to a survey. At a recent conference organized to
address this level of growth and devise a national
strategy for older people, researchers stated that senior
citizens now make up 15% of the population. However, a
very large number -- 83-87% -- of them do not read or
write and therefore have little access to healthcare and
social benefit programs, as they are quite simply unaware
of their rights.
Saudi
Arabia: Should the Nation Adopt Higher Education
for Older People? (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A Saudi electronic forum found that increased
opportunities for higher education among older people has
become an important issue in the country. Participants
were torn between criticizing the current weakness of the
education system for older people and praising those
institutions that do accommodate this group. By providing
a more comfortable environment physically for older people
as well as by altering the traditional youth-oriented
dynamic of university life, schools can provide an
enriching experience, not only for senior citizens but
also for those who can learn from their vast knowledge and
experience.
Algeria: Depression: The
Illness that Could Kill 60% of Older People (April 29,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to the head of the Algerian National Assembly on
Aging, more than 60% of older, disabled people have
thoughts of suicide due to depression, disability and the
psychological pressures that haunt them everyday. This
sense of isolation and psychological turmoil is amplified
by the fact that older persons live in disastrous
condition with little or no mental health or psychological
support or attention to be found in retirement homes
across the country. While long possessing the means to
improve the situation, the Algerian government is only now
becoming aware of the dire position of its nation’s older
people and what needs to be done about it.
Kuwait:
Engineering a Better Society for Older People (April
25, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The
Kuwaiti Society of Engineers recently announced a plan
to help older people and those with special needs. In
conjunction with the ministry of social affairs, they
hope to present much needed support systems for these
groups, particularly through the provision of
facilitating technologies. Responding to the growing
phenomenon of rejection and social isolation older
people witness in Kuwaiti Society, they hope to generate
social inclusion and respect, using technology to bridge
the gap between older people and the rest of Kuwaiti
society.
Yemen:
Old Age in Yemen…Bodies Along a Sidewalk of Despair
(April 16, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
In
Sana, Yemen’s capital city, time has no mercy. Due to
expansive poverty, the traditional forms of social
caregiving have broken down, leaving many older people
in the country alone and on the streets. An official in
the ministry of social affairs indicates that the ratio
of older people comprises up to 4% of Yemen’s total
population and only eight official organizations working
on behalf of this group currently exist. Officials
stress the need to provide an accurate database for a
national strategy on behalf of older people and the
development of a national framework for their
care.
Israel:
Older People in Tel Aviv Encounter Oppression,
Violence, and Isolation (April 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
New
figures on violence in Israel show that the most common
cases of aggression against older people come from
within the family unit. Strikingly, while the overall
rate of violence in the nation has declined over the
past year, the number of attacks on older persons has
increased to over 2,000 cases, most occurring within the
domestic sphere. Police cite increasing drug use and
overpopulation due to immigration as potential reasons
for this phenomenon.
Bahrain:
Bahrain Human Rights Society Reports Violations of
Older People’s Rights In Bahrain (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Bahrain Human Rights Society recently reported a
series of violations of human rights taking place
against older people in Bahrain. The report specified
how older people in Bahrain often live under severe
conditions, are neglected
and frequently suffer from violations of human rights.
In this respect, Faisal Foulad, Secretary General of the
Bahrain Human Rights Society, stressed that these
practices against older people in Bahrain violate the
international agreement signed in Vienna in 1982 that
established clear guidelines to ensure the protection of
older persons.
Qatar:
Improving the Image of Aging in the Media (April 7,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Ever wonder why there are so few articles on aging
in the Middle East? We do too, and apparently so do
leading scientists on aging in the region who gathered
last week in Doha to discuss “old people and challenges
of the future.” Discussing a range of issues relating to
older persons and the concerns they face given
globalization and the current economic crisis,
researchers criticized the Arab media for failing to
report information on the reality of aging. In addition,
what little information the media does report often
projects a harshly negative image of older people.
Tunisia: Tunisia Turns
to Tourism for Seniors (April 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Tourism Department and a large organization of
Austrian retired people--former secretaries, deputies,
representatives and other important personalities—have
agreed to attract 18,000 retired persons to Tunisia
between 2009 and 2010. The tourist industry is currently
facing difficulties in these lean years.
UAE: Minister
of Education Announced the Names of the Schools
Granted the Joint Curriculum Programs (February 9,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Minister of Education noted that the new schools
joined their first session of volunteerism. The
volunteer program aims to promote social solidarity and
civic responsibility among the citizens of the state.
The program projects focus on health, environment, and
education with those who have special needs and older
persons.
Qatar: Primary Schools
Top Attendance Record (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A large number of independent schools, particularly at
the primary level, recorded high attendance on the first
day of the second semester. A new curriculum focuses on
human rights programs, and is particularly geared for
students to understand the rights of older persons,
children, women and persons with special needs.
Qatar: Electronic Device for Purification Before Salat
(February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Have you ever thought you would make “wadou,” using an
electronic device? Instead of the traditional form, you
can get ready for prayer electronically. The device
operates through sensors that make it possible to
control various functions. The device aims to aid older
persons, persons with special needs and children. The
product was launched only after receiving wide approval
in addition to consulting with the Ministry of Awqaf and
Islamic Affairs in Qatar.
UAE:
Disabled Persons, Older Persons and Students Demand
Concessions in Bus Fees (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Zayed Higher Foundation for Humanitarian Affairs,
along with spokespersons for disabled and older persons,
advocated for an exemption of bus fees for special needs
people in Abu Dhabi. The Department of Transport intends
to apply a discount in the Principality at the beginning
of March for special groups amounting to more than 50%
of the bus fee.
Yemen: In His Visit to the
Central Region and a Number of Installations in Marib,
President says: Keep the Unity and Fight against
Separation (February 5, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh
confirmed the scourge of terrorism and its harm to
indigenous development, security and stability. In
addition, he renewed his emphasis on the importance of
maintaining unity. Today, we have educated and mature
young people who are aware of widespread terrorism.
Older persons have the advantage of audio-visual media
to keep up with current events.
Jordan: Forum on Older
Persons in Shabib (February 5, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Shabib Organization for Culture and Art set up a
forum on older Jordanians. Regardless of age, people can
realize the positive contributions old people have made
to society . In a lecture entitled “The Success Story of
Older Persons,” Dr. Muhammad Mamsr spoke of the
achievements of Jordan's older Jordanians in the
academic and literary fields, as well as in the Senate
and House of Representatives and elsewhere.
UAE: Barakat Al-Avichat...A
Poet and A Proud Grandfather of 24 Grandchildren
(February 2, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Discussions of poetry and loneliness often surface as
complimentary subjects of old age. Older people use
poetry as a genuine love for the environment, often
crossing vivid and transparent borders of humanity as
part of its expression..
Iraq: The Kurdistan Regional
Government Pays Special Attention to Old Persons in
the Sulaimaniyah Area (January 26, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
As people reach an advanced stage of human life—the
so-called older adult or senior citizen category—many
struggle with loneliness and turn to nursing homes. The
number of financial beneficiaries averaged 30 women and
men in 1997, with the current number at 80. However, the
harsh social and economic situation threatens the
ability of Iraqis to obtain free nursing care.
Gaza: In Collaboration with
the National Commission for the Support of the
Palestinian People (January 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Fatima Al Balushi, the Minister of Social Development,
presented the charitable Dignified Gaza festival in
collaboration with the National Commission for the
Support of the Palestinian People. The Bahraini
government affirmed that the Palestinian issue is a
crucial cause that it will not hesitate to endow. Khalil
Bohazza pointed out that non-profit organizations are
struggling to provide comprehensive services and
programs for older persons. In addition, there is
limited funding for establishing appropriate
rehabilitation programs for elders that match their
abilities. Older persons need closer relationships with
their family members and a deepening interaction with
their social surroundings.
Iraq: Iraqi Police Will be
Escorting Older Persons to the Polls (January 22,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Sources in the Fallujah police vowed to take strict
security measures with the approach of the provincial
elections, saying that it will provide vehicles to
transport elderly voters to the polls.
Return to Top of Page
Global
Reports
World: World of Work Report 2009:
The Global Jobs Crisis and Beyond (2009)
The jobs crisis is far from over as some pundits suggest.
This ILO (International Labour Organization) report
highlights the patterns of the current job crisis and the
need for finance policies. For instance, the report
estimates that almost 43 million workers are at-risk of
exclusion from the labor market. Experience from earlier
crises suggests that this risk is especially acute for the
older workers. Moreover, durations of job search are
likely to rise dramatically and to persist very long for
older workers.
World:
Witness to Climate Change: Learning from Older People’s
Experience (December 2009)
Climate change and ageing are two of the major issues
facing humanity this century, yet explicit links between
the two are rarely made. HelpAge International is calling
for the voices of older people in developing countries to
be heard. This paper reveals older people’s experience of
climate change, their awareness of it and how it makes
them vulnerable. It highlights older people’s exclusion
from climate change debates, identifies opportunities for
influencing policy-making at the national level and makes
recommendations for including older people’s perspectives
in discussions and adaptation strategies.
World: Why it’s Time For a Convention on the Rights of
Older People (September 2009)
This study introduces some of the provisions in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and
demonstrates how older people’s rights are being violated.
HelpAge International calls for an international
convention and a special rapporteur at the United Nations
on the rights of older people to provide legal protection
to older people. It concludes with recommendations on what
would need to be done to reduce age discrimination and
ageism across the world.
World: What’s Your Aging IQ? (August 2009)
We all know someone "old." It might be a grandparent,
a neighbor, or maybe the person behind the grocery store
counter. But do you really know what it means to be "old?"
What are older people concerned about, what health
problems do they encounter, what is “normal” aging? This
booklet, which offers several very short stories, each
followed by a few related questions, will help you to
answer these questions. We can also learn how much we know
about growing old so that we can actually do something
helpful for older persons.
People’s Voices: People Impacted by the Economic Crisis
from Around the World Gather to Give Voice to the
Forgotten, Marginalized (June 20, 2009)
On Saturday, June 20, 2009, an international coalition of
working people and their non-governmental organizations,
including Global Action on Aging, will meet in a public
forum to deliver their message on the current economic
crisis to world leaders. They will describe the
unacknowledged impact of the economic crisis on people in
developing countries as well as the severe consequences
affecting working men, women, the jobless, youth and older
persons in every country. The forum will call for a more
stable future and suggest ways to overcome the current
crisis. World leaders gathering at the UN Conference on
the Economic Crisis beginning Monday, June 22, will hear
the people’s voices as they assert their demands for
economies that serve all the people, and not the richest,
most privileged few. To read the agenda, click here.
World:
Event: Decent Work for All Roundtable (June 3, 2009)
A “Decent Work for All” Roundtable will be held in Prague
on June 25, 2009. The Roundtable will discuss the issues
and findings from HelpAge International’s study on older
workers in Bangladesh, Peru and Uganda. While millions of
older people in developing countries have jobs, they
suffer exclusion from policies and programs relating to
decent work. The Roundtable will discuss the need for
immediate action to assist the 1.2 billion older people
who will be living without secure incomes by 2050 if no
changes are made.
An Aging World:
2008 International Population Reports (June 2009)
The world is aging, not only for most developed
countries but in developing countries as well. Readers can
consult many graphs and statistics on different countries
and regions and take a close look at aging throughout the
year 2008. Learn about nine trends that capture the
challenges of an aging global population, including
patterns of work, retirement and changes in family
structures.
World:
Global Aging and Fiscal Policy with International Labor
Mobility: A Political Economy Perspective (May 2009)
This paper uses an overlapping generations model with
international labor mobility and a politically responsive
fiscal policy to examine aging in developed and developing
regions. Migrant workers change the political structure
composed of young and older voters in both labor-receiving
and labor-sending countries. Numerical simulations show
that developed regions benefit more from international
labor mobility through the contribution of migrant workers
as laborers, savers, and voters. Developing regions
experience significant growth in all specifications but
benefit more under international capital mobility.
Restricting political participation of migrant workers in
developed regions produces inferior growth results.
World:
Well-Being over the Life Span: Semi-parametric Evidence
from British and German Longitudinal Data (April 2009)
Using data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS)
and the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), the
analysis shows common, quite similar, age-specific
patterns of life satisfaction for both Britain and Germany
over three age stages. In the first stage, life
satisfaction declines until approximately the fifth life
decade. In the second age stage, well-being clearly
increases and has a second turning point (maximum) after
which well-being decreases in the third age stage. Authors
discuss several reasons for the three-phase pattern.
World:
2009 AARP- United Nations Briefing Series on Global
Aging (February 3-4, 2009)
AARP and the United Nations Programme on Ageing
organized a series of briefings on February 3-4, 2009.
Participants heard proposals on how to protect elder
rights in society. Currently, there is no legally binding
document at the international level that safeguards the
specific rights of the older people. Much could be done at
the national level as well to protect older persons
against abuse and discrimination.
Europe: Correcting Gender
Inequality in Pensions: The Experience of Five European
Countries (February 2009)
Owing to lower workforce participation, women earn smaller
pensions than men. The increase in divorce and non-marital
unions means that a growing number of women who are not
widows will live alone during retirement. Their incomes
will therefore depend more on their own accrued pension
rights. This report studies how five countries in Europe--
Germany, Italy, the UK, Sweden and France--are developing
mechanisms to recognize women’s income rights, such as
pension splitting and caring credits.
Europe:
The Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons in
Europe: A Legal Perspective (January 2009)
A recent European study demonstrates the need for an
International Convention on the rights of older people as
well as a separate European Convention on the rights of
older people. It is not unusual to have a regional
counterpart to global treaties. Authors believe that a new
Convention would transform the image of older persons from
one of passivity and neediness, to entitlement and full
participation in society. While it is important to protect
the rights of older people, it is also important to
protect their right to participate. The emphasis in both
international and European law and policy has been on
rights of provision, such as pensions and social care,
without equally emphasizing their participation
rights.
World:
The Rights of Older Persons in Asia (January 2009)
Asia, the fastest ageing region in the world, is home to
half of the world’s older people. In the coming fifty
years, two-thirds of the world's older population will be
residing there. In most Asian countries, States have taken
measures to provide legislative protection and policy
provisions for the enjoyment of elderly rights. Using a
human rights framework to address the violations faced by
the elderly has now become an imperative. Human rights
contain powerful language demanding state accountability
to protect older people’s rights. The language of rights
also links older persons to universal standards.
World: Working for Life:
Making Decent Work and Pensions a Reality for Older
People (2009)
Very little data exists about older workers in the
informal sector. HelpAge International conducted research
on older people and work in Bangladesh, Peru and Uganda.
Among findings was the lack of pensions available to older
persons within the informal employment sector, including
90% of workers in Uganda. A universal pension for older
people would enable them to have a greater choice of work.
It would provide them with money to travel to work, giving
them access to loan schemes or simply allowing them to pay
for basic goods or services such as food or healthcare.
World: Global Aging Report
(2009)
This report portrays the realities of populations around
the world and calls for an intergenerational and lifespan
perspective. It covers countries including the USA, Japan,
France, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, India,
South Africa, Argentina, the Netherlands and Israel. This
report analyzes the profound consequences of population
aging and advancing longevity.
World:
Population Ageing. Towards an Improvement of the Quality
of Life (2009)
The present book was based on presentations made at the
2007 international conference of the Belgian Platform on
Population and Development.
Unlike popular perceptions, population aging is a global
phenomenon and not limited to the developed world. For
example, a country might not be able to provide health
benefits or a universal pension due to very low economic
standards. African countries are a case in point. They
must confront HIV/AIDS, hunger, disease and poverty and
lack the capability to deal with an aging population and
to provide pensions that are urgently needed. The authors
urge international programs to help poor nations deal with
‘population ageing.’ With the Millennium Development Goals
in place, we can expect lower fertility and a shift in the
age composition in the future.
World: When I'm 94:
How to Fund Care for an Ageing Population (2009)
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) engaged citizens in a
debate about social care. It revealed that few are yet
willing to face up to the challenges around costs of care.
Three principles as essential components of any future
system of social care, they are: fairness, sustainability
and simplicity.
Articles
World:
The Wooden Bowl (2009)
The author, Ramona Moreno Winner, wants to convey a very
powerful message--that of respect and love. She’s
convinced that it is important to respect older persons
and help them when they need support. The book informs the
reader that intergenerational solidarity exists between
seniors and children. “The Wooden Bowl” is a lesson in
respect for all ages.
World:
Study Suggests Improving Work Environment for Older
People (November 10, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
British and Swedish scientists suggested improving the
work environment conditions for older people if
governments and companies wish elders to contribute to
economic development.
World: With
the DSi LL, Nintendo is Positioning Itself in the Senior
Market (October 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
The latest Nintendo game console has a bigger screen
because it is mainly aimed at seniors. Indeed, the senior
market for video games is growing quickly and has become
very attractive to manufacturers. According to a US study,
23% of older persons were playing video games, mostly on
computers at the end of 2008. Manufacturers will need to
adapt their game consoles to the specific needs of the
seniors.
World: High Tech Electrical Appliances - Over the Heads
of Older Persons (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The words on TV remote controls are too small to read.
Microwave instructions are too “profound” to understand.
Sometimes, high tech electrical appliances do not make
life easier, at least for older persons. It can be hard
for young people, too, as functions increase and
instructions become more and more complicated. Special
efforts should be made to enable everyone, including the
older people, to enjoy the benefits of modern technology.
World: Beyond
Romance – Embracing Love as You Grow Older (September
11, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Love stories are certainly not only for young people.
Older people fall in love and produce great love stories.
They may not seem as glamorous or romantic as young
people’s stories, but love becomes more natural and warmer
as it grows.
World:
Population of Older People Set to Surpass Number of
Children (July 22, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The world will cross a demographic landmark of huge
social and economic importance, with the proportion of the
global population 65 years and over set to outnumber
children under five for the first time. A new US Census
Bureau report highlights a huge shift towards not just an
aging but an older population, with formidable
consequences for rich and poor nations alike. The
transformation will challenge families and policymakers,
ranging from how to care for older people living alone to
assuring income support for unprecedented numbers of
pensioners – more than 1 billion by 2040.
World: 1.3
Billion Older Persons in 2040 (July 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study published July 20, 2009 by the US
Census, in 2040 the number of people older than 65 in the
entire world will reach 1.3 billion, while there were only
506 million in 2008. The global population is increasing
less and less, but life expectancy is rising. Therefore, a
widening gap requires a different look at issues such as
birth rate, life expectancy, old-age pensions, health
costs and disparities between continents. Every country is
looking at these predictions and trying to deal with this
population.
World: More
Than a Million Suicides Occur Each Year Worldwide (July
7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
More than one million suicides take place every year
worldwide. Numbers of suicides exceed deaths caused by car
accidents. Who decides to take such drastic action? The
majority of suicides occur among older persons over 65
years of age. Older generations tend not to seek
assistance for their health problems. They are not
accustomed to discussing their problems, or using
telephone programs to ask for help from a stranger.
World:
Developing World Faces Age Crisis (July 2, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
New research warns that the proportion of older people is
rising in the developing world faster than in the
industrialized world. The concept of people living longer
sounds good. It may also mean that the governments of
developing countries, already strapped for cash, only have
a few more decades of enough people of working age to pay
taxes to set up practical retirement finance schemes.
Otherwise, millions of seniors will live in absolute
poverty very soon.
World: One Sixth
of the World Population Will be Over 65 and Older by
2050 (June 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Demographers at the US Bureau of Census said that one
sixth of the world’s population will be 65 and older by
the year 2050, bringing new challenges to many countries,
including the US. Statisticians revealed that currently
the 65 and older populations in Germany, Italy, Japan and
Monaco are about 20% and rank as the highest in the world.
The US has some 13% of its population over 65 years and it
will double this percentage in the mid 21st century. Some
conservative pundits predict financial crises resulting
from global aging and economic downturn.
World: Older
People Face Difficulties Browsing the Internet (June 7,
2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Older people and disabled persons are denied access to
many electronic sites, not through physical exclusion or
firewall protection but from an inability to access the
web pages. Some complain of impairment due to small font
sizes or the poor construction of the sites, while others
remain unable to understand much of the language used in
the sites. This article underscores the importance of
thinking about those with disabilities when designing
pages. Unfortunately, a recent German University study
found that 60% of web surfers do not have the slightest
idea that these groups are unable to access many internet
web sites.
Being Pro-age
is the Antidote to Anti-age Marketing (June 6, 2009)
Debra D. Bass explains why she adopted a pro-aging policy.
“Aging gracefully is a much different animal than not
aging at all costs,” she writes. The stereotype is that
people grow old, isolated, sick and depressed, but that's
not necessarily the reality. Age should bring a gradually
increasing acceptance for people of who they are. As they
become better acquainted with themselves, they are happier
with who they are.
World: Microsoft Designer
Creates a Mouse for Old People (June 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Mike LaManna, a Microsoft design specialist, invented a
computer mouse adapted for use by old and disabled people.
Beyond practical computing, many old people face new
difficulties when they manipulate the mouse (hand shaking,
osteoarthritis, finger suppleness, etc.). LaManna had the
simple but ingenious idea of putting a ring on the mouse
in order to keep the user’s finger in the right
position.
World:
Challenges of the Global Aging Era (May 25, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
On May 23, 2009, an international academic net workshop,
Challenges of the Global Aging Era: International
Practices and Shanghai Choice, was presented as a
collaborative effort by Shanghai University of Finance and
Economics, the Sociology Department of Duke University and
the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development at
Duke. Experts from China, the US, Japan and Singapore were
invited to the workshop for in-depth discussions about the
latest research developments on the issue of global
aging.
World:
How Stereotypes Defeat the Stereotyped (May 9,
2009)
A new study published in the journal Experimental
Aging Research shows how old people are
vulnerable to the phenomenon called “stereotype
threat.” Apparently older persons perform worse under
the stress of being stereotyped. Read how
stereotyping compels people to work against
themselves. The study shows that merely reminding
people that they are members of a stigmatized group
(in this case, older Americans) reliably dampens their
performance. Similar people who were not reminded of
their status did significantly better on the tests.
People can be persuaded to believe either positive or
negative stereotypes with, a real impact on their
performance in life.
World:
The Future of the World Wide Web in the Hands of Older
People (April 27, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Older persons represent the fastest growing group of
internet users. Currently, approximately 45% of Americans
between the ages of 70 and 75 use the web compared with
only 26% three years ago. However, this phenomenon does
not exist only in the United States. The world’s
population is aging, and with it, so are the ages of
internet users. Physical difficulties experienced by many
older people including problems with hearing, eyesight,
and arthritis may prove potential obstacles that experts
say websites will have to start adapting to.
World: The
Elderly Drive Internet Usage, Experts Say in Madrid’s
Congress (April 20, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Use of the Internet by persons 70 years and older has
expanded rapidly. Primarily, older persons use the
technology to communicate and to find information like
directions, but many have not developed online shopping
habits or addictions to social networks. Experts emphasize
that with the growing aging population web sites must
adapt by adjusting the font, creating larger spaces and
more contrast to make it easer for older persons to
use.
World: In The Next Decade,
The Negative Effects of Aging on Developed Countries
Will Outweigh Effects of The Financial Crisis (April
9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The IMF estimates that from 2007 to 2014 the average
national debt liability ratio will rise to 25% for
industrialized countries among G20 world economies.
Although this is a heavy burden, the IMF said that the
cost of this financial crisis would only be as much as 5%
of the population aging cost. “For most of the developed
countries, the most threat to the government’s long-term
solvency would come from negative demographic change.”
World: Old
People Population Three Times Bigger by Year 2050 (March
19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The United Nations Council of Population and Development
revealed in a recent report that the world population is
aging quickly. The population of people over 60 years old
is expected to be almost three times larger than the
present by the year 2050. Developed countries now see a
1.9% annual increase of old people and will expect a
growth from the present 264 million to 461 million in
2050. In developing countries, the population of old
people is increasing by over 3% every year and it is also
expected to go up from the current 475 million to 1.6
billion in the year 2050.
World:
Valentine's Day: The Coldness of February and the Warmth
of Valentine (February 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The beauty of love lets us all steal moments of youth.
Valentine’s Day provides the opportunity of persons of all
ages to enjoy the company of loved ones. Older men often
find themselves buying gifts for their partners on this
enchanting day.
World: By 2050
Seniors Will Outnumber Children, Says the UN Report
(February 12, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to a U.N. report, the number of people over 50
will triple by 2050 and will outnumber children under the
age of 15, constituting 22% of the total world's
population. Such a correlation will put big economic
pressure on a young work force that may not fully cope
with providing financial support for the seniors. The
report lists global aging populations and low fertility
rates as the main causes for the demographic change.
World:
“Demographic Bombs” of the Future (January 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to a report prepared by the Center of Strategic
and International Research in Washington D.C., the
twenty-first century will be marked by “hyperaging” of
world superpowers, leading to economic stagnation. Russia,
with its current male life expectancy of 59 years, will
face a rapid population decline. The report also notes
that by 2050, the US will be the only developed nation
represented in the list of 12 countries with the largest
population in the world.
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