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Health: World Watch
Archives 2004
Kenya: The Elderly Groaning Under Burden of
Aids (December 28, 2004)
Over 500,000 older persons may be taking care of their grandchildren.
About 1,500,000 children are orphans because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Bringing them up and feeding them is a real burden for these elderly who
reached old age. Besides, they are too poor to support more than
themselves and now must buy expensive AIDS drugs. Finally, the national
HIV campaigns do not target older persons, even though they take care of
ill children and influence their behavior. Elderly themselves may be at
risk due to the traditional practice of wife inheritance in some areas.
Ukraine: Prices for Medicine Keep Rising (December
27, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
Among the negative outcomes of the Orange Revolution in Ukraine are the
price increases for medicine. First of all, imported products are affected
and the prices have gone up 3%. The situation with Ukrainian medical
products is different. Their prices have gone up but without any economic
reason. The author of the article thinks that some pharmacy industry
officials just profited from the current political developments. Elders
and pensioners are the main victims since they can hardly meet these
medical expenses.
Cambodia: The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Older
People in Cambodia (2004)
This report grew out of a small-scale indicative study in 15 rural
villages in Battambang Province to obtain information on the roles of
older people in HIV/AIDS affected households. It identifies potential
interventions to meet their financial, psycho-social and other support
needs.
World: Annual Review of HelpAge International
2003/2004
The 2003/2004 Annual Review from HelpAge International highlights older
people's poverty, particularly the impact of HIV/AIDS. It summarizes the
progress made through practical and policy development work, towards
reducing the poverty of older people in line with the Millennium
Development Goal to halve extreme poverty by 2015.
UK: The Parliamentary Ombudsman Report 2003-2004
The Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Health Service Ombudsman undertake
independent investigations into complaints about government departments, a
range of other public bodies, and the National Health Service. They
investigate complaints that injustice has been caused by bad
administration on the part of the government departments or other public
bodies. Here is the Second Parliamentary Ombudsman annual Report where we
can see different complaints against the Department for Work and Pensions:
failure to follow procedures, misdirection about retirement pension, etc
France: Choosing a Nursing Home Needs Time (December
10, 2004)
(Article in French)
Many people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s have full and rich lives and are
able to run their own households with little or no assistance. But others
have physical or emotional disabilities or are frail; they often require
the kind of care beyond the capacity of family or professional home care
aides. They need the 24-hour attention that is available in a nursing
home. It's best to start researching such facilities before an emergency
arises to avoid making a pressured and less ideal choice.
Tanzania: Tanzanian Elderly 'Increasingly' at HIV
Risk (December 2, 2004)
A HelpAge International report discovered that today older people are the
new victims of HIV/AIDS. Indirectly, older persons must support and care
for their ill children and, when they die, the grandparents look after
their grand-children who often are HIV positive. Older women spend 88% of
their time looking after orphans or invalids. Directly, older persons are
increasingly exposed to the virus because of their sexual behavior, their
ignorance about the disease and how to protect themselves. Customs such as
polygamy and sexual favors in exchange for basic needs make older women
very vulnerable to HIV.
Tanzania: The cost of love: Older people in the
fight against AIDS in Tanzania (November 2004)
This report presents the key issues facing older women and men affected by
HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, including their role in providing care and support
to their sons and daughters living with HIV/AIDS and to their
grandchildren. It draws on participatory research with older people,
community leaders, government officials and young people in five regions
of Tanzania.
Taiwan: Taking Care of Elders at Home Using New
Technology Gives Elders More Medical Protection (Nov25, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
The new biomedical engineering technology with information, broad-band,
and wireless telecommunication technology will add medical protection for
elders. The collaboration of these fields will improve the quality of the
medical system for the elders.
Shanghai:
Shanghai People’s Committee Suggest That Elders Pawn (borrow money) on
Their Housing in Order to Get Health Insurance (Nov 24, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Administrators of the Environmental Protection Committee of People’s
Committee suggest new regulations to the Shanghai Housing Management
Pension System. They urge that new methods be explored to permit older
residents to pawn (borrow on their housing) at the Housing Management
Office to pay for medical insurance.
Latin America: Elderly Women’s Sexuality
(November 22, 2004)
There are many myths concerning the elderly and sexuality. This article
clears up a good quantity of them. Undoubtedly, old age is the phase in
life associated with the most diverse pathologies. Modern medicine
contributes in many cases to improving the quality of life, sometimes with
undesirable effects on sexual activities. Both the illnesses as well as the therapeutic and
secondary effects of medications can hinder a healthy sex life. Both
therapists and doctors must study and learn how to treat these cases of
sexual dysfunction and understand how they can be cured. Nonetheless, the
sex drive among the elderly is latent and present, despite myths that try
to indicate the contrary.
China:
The Elders at NingBo
Will
Enjoy the “Six in One” Health Service System (
November
16, 2004
)
(Article in Chinese)
HangZhou
– Based on news from Modern Gold Newspaper, the journalist from the
National Rural Aging Conference said that
NingBo
government will provide the elders in rural areas with extra physical
examinations. And by the end of 2007, the government will provide the
rural elders with the “six in one” health service system.
China:
Cataract Cases on Plateau on Rise (November 11, 2004)
Help is on the way for the five million plus elderly cataract sufferers in
China
, whose ranks are swelled by 8 to 10 percent every year. Now, after
similar programs ranging from
Beijing
to
Shanghai
, over 30,000 cataract patients in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
are receiving free treatment within the course of an year for their
vision-clouding ailment. Long Zhihua, chief of the Social Welfare and
Affairs Department in the Regional Bureau of Civil Affairs, says the 48
million yuan (approximate USD $5.78 million) needed to fund this rescue
effort will come from the public benefit fund of welfare lottery sales in
China.
France: Launching
of the Eleventh Reunion of the Parliament “Longevity and Management of
the Risk” (November 2, 2004)
The subject of this symposium, “Longevity and management of the risk”,
shows very well the vast questions posed by longevity’s revolution and
demographic ageing in France. The term “management of the risk” is
quite inappropriate to talk about the organization required to meet this
new demographical deal. Some specialists estimate that one child in two
who is born today in France will live more than a century.
Hundred-year-old persons, numbering 6,000 today, could be 150,000 in forty
years. Life expectancy without disabilities increases more quickly. But
can human longevity go on without limit ?
World: Super Bugs, Bird Flu Worry Experts (November 1,
2004)
Experts fear that bird flu, in fact avian flu, and human flu could
exchange genes which could launch a pandemic avian flu transmissible
between humans. No vaccine exists to protect people against the avian
strain and only drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors work as treatments.
The World Organization of Health held a summit on November 11, 2004 for
flu-vaccine makers and nations to prepare to face a possible flu pandemic.
Australia: Menopause Remedy to be Put to the Test
(October 25, 2004)
Complementary medicine researchers from the University of Western Sydney
are about to start a study on 100 women to test the real impact of
traditional Chinese medicines. "Significant numbers of Australian
women are turning to complementary medicine to relieve their menopausal
symptoms but until now there's been very little research done to test if
it works," Ms Patching, a researcher, said. Herb preparations could
alleviate symptoms caused by menopause such as hot flushes and night
sweats which are felt by 70 to 80% of menopausal women and improve bone
mineralisation as well.
The Aging Trend Need not be Frightening: The Younger
Generation should Give its Parents more Emotional Support (October 22,
2004)
(Article in Chinese)
China is very quickly becoming an aging society. Being born, getting old,
suffering sickness and passing away affect every human being. A People’s
Daily journalist interviewed Di Wang, Chairman of the China Population
Research Committee. Di Wang said that getting old is not scary. But the
younger generation should give its elders more emotional support.
China: Shanghai Elderly People Lack Companions (October
21, 2004)
Traditionally, older Chinese persons live with their children who take
care of them. But this practice is changing with the country's economic
development. Today, just over 23 percent of old people live alone in China
and, according to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau, 11,500 seniors live
with disabled children or grandchildren under the age of 18. The
government would like to attract more volunteers to take care of older
persons; it will likely have to find many other ways to respond to the
loneliness and isolation that face older Chinese.
France: To Bound Undesirable Effects of Medicines
for Older Persons (October 2004)
(Article in French)
A campaign against iatrogeny or mixed medication has been launched in
France. The iatrogenic effects of medicines particularly menace the older
persons because they are often over-medicated. Actually, undesirable
effects due to a wrong mix of medicines cause 20% of elderly’s
hospitalizations. These effects can be uneasiness, digestive troubles,
balance troubles that cause falls, confusion, and more.
France: The French Government Plan Against Influenza
(October 14, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French Health Minister explained on October 13, 2004, the main
measures to take if a new kind of influenza virus appears for which the
population is not immunized. Experts think that a world-wide epidemic of a
modified influenza virus is possible and could produce a disaster.
Nevertheless, Matignon (French Prime Ministry) doesn’t want to terrify
people without any reason. During the conference, Mr Douste-Blazy, the
French Health Minister, appeared comfortable and self-confident.
World: After the Recall, Merck Talks About a Successor
to Vioxx (October 14, 2004)
Merck & Company, which removed its painkiller Vioxx from the market
because it could cause heart diseases, just announced on October 13, 2004
that Arcoxia, its successor, was subjected to tests which have been
conclusive. Arcoxia is a medicine from the same family than Vioxx : COX-2
inhibitor. So more research is needed to be sure that all the COX-2 drugs
don’t provoke heart diseases.
France: Geriatrics and Gerontology :
Specialists Work on Ageing in Paris (October 13, 2004)
(Article in French)
Around 1,000 medical doctors, specialists on health, researchers and
students, from France and Africa, began meeting October 13, 2004, for an
intensive 25 day course from the French society of geriatrics and
gerontology. These meetings take place in the French capital. Specialists,
who succed each other on the platform, discuss diagnostic and therapeutic,
epidemiology and public health, Alzheimer’s disease and aging.
France: Midsummer Heat: Five to Nine Months of
Lost Lifes (October 13, 2004)
(Article in French)
More than 14 800 persons, mainly old and ill, died during the midsummer of
August 2003. How many weeks, months or years of life was shortened of by
this heat wave? Professor Alain-Jacques Valleron, the epidemiologic research and
information sciences at the National Institute of Health and Medical
Research or INSERM, explained during a meeting at “College de France”
October 12, 2004: It was only in June 2004 that the mortality increase of
August 2003 has been balanced by a decrease in deaths from January to June
2004.
World: Problematic Behavior of Dementia Patients
Exacerbated (October 11, 2004)
Dutch researcher Marjolein de Vugt explained that family’s state of mind
often shapes how successfully an older person deals with their dementia.
Family’s members often adopt one of three strategies counter to the
patient: The ‘non-adaptive strategy' which exacerbates the patient's
hyperactivity, the 'caring strategy' which treats the person as a child
and the 'supportive strategy' which is the more efficient to help the sick
person.
Scotland: Healthcare Braced for the Agonies of
Old Age (October 11, 2004)
Global life expectancy has more than doubled over the last 140 years and
this trend is continuing. This article examines how ageism—age
discrimination—figures in current Scottish perceptions of health care
rationing. Whose life is valuable? All too often, ageist ideology portrays
older persons as users of resources, not as contributors.
World: Old Age 'Treated Like an Illness' (October
11, 2004)
The National Health Service in the United Kingdom and other social service
programs often treat old age as "an illness for which there is no
cure," according to recent research. They stereotype older persons as
ill, vulnerable and helpless. The authors, including some older persons
themselves, urge a vast public effort to fight negative images of aging.
They recommend that older persons “should have the strongest voice in
deciding what makes a good quality service and if it is being
delivered.”
World: Experts: Good Hygiene Can Ward Off Flu
(October 10, 2004)
Your mother was right: Doctors and nutritionists say careful hygiene
methods of washing hands regularly, a balanced diet, and going to bed
earlier can protect people from influenza. Especially older people should
not hesitate to follow this advice since there is a flu vaccine shortage.
France: UDF and UMP Congressmen Go to the Whit
Monday‘s Aid (October 8, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French continue to debate holidays. The French parliament wants to
turn a public holiday into a working day with all earnings designated for
the aid of older and handicapped persons. Parliament passed the law on
June 30, 2004. The debate centers on whether the current “Whit Sunday”
(the Christian holiday of Pentecost) should be the working holiday to
benefit handicapped and elderly. It’s important to remember that in
October 2003, eighty-one percent of Parliament’s members agreed to
finance this fund for the elderly and handicapped persons. But in May 2004
only 40% supported the legislation. The issue may be confusion over the
law’s implementation rather than stinginess.
World: Aging Blood Vessels Adapt to Exercise (October
6, 2004)
Researchers have found that blood vessels in the legs of older people
restrict more than younger men during exercise, suggesting the body makes
adjustments for lower cardiac output. The "fight or flight"
mechanism, one of the best-known physiological responses, increases human
ability to respond to stressful situations. Here’s a new way to look at
exercise: it’s a chance to practice a non-life-threatening stressful
situation.
Cameroon: Donation Center for Older Persons (October 6,
2004)
(Article in French)
The International Day for Older Persons celebrated on Friday, October 1,
2004, had a great impact on the Charity Center “Mother Theresa” in
Simbock, the capital of the Cameroon. The event revived a feeling of
solidarity with older persons since medicines, food and clothes from the
Red Cross were distributed. Sister Marie Gabrielle of the Charity Center
would like to see action like this year around. She argues that old people
always need and deserve society’s support because they are included as
well.
World: Vioxx, Worldwide Withdrawal (October 1, 2004)
(Article in French)
Suspected of increasing the risk of cardiovascular troubles, the
successful anti-inflammatory, Vioxx has been taken it off the market by
the manufacturer. Elderly liked this medication because it reduced the
pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
World: The Suicide Of Older Men and Women (October
2004)
The elderly have the highest suicide rate. Every year more than 6 300
older adults commit suicide. The death of a loved one, physical illness,
uncontrollable pain, fear of dying a prolonged death, social isolation,
loneliness and major changes in social roles are as reasons some claim to
consider suicide. But suicide is never improvised: it opens a window on a
possible help from family and friends.
World: More Walking Less Dementia (September 28,
2004)
(Article in French)
Walking and all other sports are beneficial for health to all, including
older persons. Sport helps them to keep their health and to suffer less
from dementia as well. For instance, a Harvard study proves that women who
walk everyday maintain their memory much better than those who rarely
walk.
World: Is It Depression or Is It Dementia?
(February 1998)
Depression, dementia and normal aging: all three may have similar
neurobehavioral manifestations. So how does a clinician make a
differential diagnosis? This article details how scientists are trying to
figure it out.
China: Nation Acts to Resolve Nutrition Deficiency
(October 12, 2004)
As economies develop, do nutrition problems grow? Currently in China, more
than 160 million people are suffering from high blood pressure, 20 million
are diabetics, 200 million are overweight and 60 million are obese. In
addition, these chronic diseases are increasing rapidly because of the
lack of exercise and unhealthy lifestyles. Chinese Vice-Minister of
Health, Wang Longde announced that Chinese government will set out
relevant regulations, guidance about public nutritional intervention,
agriculture, food manufacturing, distribution and marketing. Yes, the
government should do something; otherwise, the nation will face a chronic
disease crisis due to the rapid increase of the elderly population.
Healthy aging is based on healthy lifestyle!
France: Influenza Is Here (October 4, 2004)
(Article in French)
Influenza has started again this year in the Northern Hemisphere. In spite
of the good weather, flu can have deadly consequences for older persons
and others who may be weak. The French government has set up a prevention
campaign and offers free vaccination.
France: 10 Measures Against
Alzheimer’s (October 4, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French minister of health and social affairs presented measures in his
plan 2004-2007 to fight against Alzheimer’s which affects about 30% of
people after 80 years old. The disease is increasing by 165,000 cases each
year and could hit 2 million people by 2030 if prevention and treatment
approaches are not developed. The French government has adopted ten
measures to help.
Australia: Private Hospitals Back Medicare Gold
(October 1, 2004 )
Labor’s plan that provides free hospital treatment to over-75s has won!
Julia Gillard, the Australian Private Hospitals Association, said that
hospitals would be able to meet the demand of elder patients after the
free hospital treatment plan would start in 2006. However, Prime Minister
John Howard argues that if hospitals cut waiting list for the over-75s,
younger patients will wait instead. But the occupancy of private hospitals
is 75 to 80% on average, and Labor expects patient admissions will grow by
about 17% in the first two years after the plan starts.
Bahrain: Health Care Vow for the Elderly (September 30,
2004)
Health Minister Dr. Nada Haffadh announced that caring for the elderly is
a top priority at the opening ceremony of a three-day conference on caring
for the elderly. This event is organized by Parents Care Center in
co-operation with Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Ageing. More than 30
experts from Bahrain and other countries attended the conference. “The
elderly have given so much to the country and to the world. We need to
give back,” Dr. Haffadh emphasized. “We don’t want them to just live
but to live a quality life.”
Ukraine: The Crimean Pensioners will have Free Medical
Service for 2 Hours (September 29, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
100 Crimean pensioners are going to benefit from the International Day the
Old Persons and receive 2 hours of free medical service. Considering the
critical situation with health care for old people in Yalta, the event
only seems to be a drop in the ocean. Due to the lack of doctors in the
region the elderly have to wait for months to have an appointment.
Canada: For Alzheimer's Day, Grim Stats, Fresh Hope Disease Incidence
Keeps Growing (September 21, 2004)
Alzheimer’s disease starts slowly and its inception is not noticed. But
later, a patient loses the ability to talk and to understand words. Then
he/she no longer recognizes family or friends, and even forgets how to
eat. “People are much more aware of it and prepared to talk about it,”
Dr. Peter St. George-Hyslop of the University of Toronto, said. Currently,
about 400,000 Canadians 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or a related form
of dementia, and that number will reach 750,000 by 2031. Certainly,
medical researchers are working hard to develop drugs for Alzheimer’s
and to secure earlier detection. But preparations must be made for those
who will like have Alzheimer’s and those who will care for them.
World:
European Congress of Geriatrics: A Saltless Diet: A Danger for Older
People (September 20, 2004)
On the contrary of what is often said, Professor Ingo Fusgen demonstrated
to the European Congress of Geriatrics that a saltless diet was pernicious
for health, above all for elderly. According to Professor Fusgen, this
diet would provoke hallucinations, muscle cramps, incontinence and a moody
humor. Consult your doctor.
China: China's
City Dwellers in Poor Health (September 20, 2004)
In China, about 75% of urban citizens suffer from bad health. 75.31 % of
Beijing residents are in poor health, also 73.49% in Shanghai, and 73.41%
in Canton. Surprisingly, bad health condition are found more frequently
among people with higher education. The Chinese Academy of Sciences
indicates the average lifespan of an educated person is 58, 10 years lower
than the national average. “Bad working habits, poor disease prevention,
inadequate government funding and lack of health education are the main
reasons,” said Yang Xiaoduo, a healthcare expert.
Russia:
How to Live till 100 Years Old in Moscow? ( September 17, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
Despite all the hardships of elder life in Moscow, Nikolay Fedorovich
Andreev managed to live till 103. He lost neither his good spirits nor his
clear mind. Nikolay Fedorovich shares his unpretentious but wise secret of
longevity (to avoid quarrels, drink berry juice, among other practices)
with readers. Michael Koryakin, president of the Human Reproduction Center
of the Russia Health Ministry gives a scientific explanation to this
phenomenon.
Japan: Japanese Centenarians to Hit Record High
(September 14, 2004)
The Japanese Health Ministry announced that the number of people aged 100
or older is expected to be 23,038 by the end of September. This means that
18.05 out of 100,000 Japanese are aged 100 or over. The oldest person is
Ms. Ura Koyama who is 114-year-old. Japan’s population has been growing
rapidly, and the percentage of population aged 65 or over is about 20%.
Also, Japan has the highest life expectancy at 78 years for men and 85 for
women. The oldest person in the world is a 114-year-old Dutch woman, Henny
Van Andel-Schipper who is senior to Ms. Koyama by two months, and the
oldest man is a 113-year-old US citizen.
China: Efforts to
Combat Communicable Diseases (September 14, 2004)
Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi announced that China wants to work with other
countries and regions in order to fight against various diseases. In
recent years, China has successfully conquered SARS and avian influenza;
however, the region still faces other difficult diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
A Chinese expert estimates that there are about 80,000 HIV/AIDS patients
and 20 million diabetics in China. “The outbreak of new communicable
diseases in this region shows that one vital way to tackle public health
accidents is to enhance the international co-operation and communication
in this region,” Wu emphasized.
Russia: How to Look Like 35 in Your 75th year (
September 10, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
Goldman Igor Lvovich, the strongest grandfather in Russia and possibly in
the world, considers old age as relative and an individual phenomenon. He
is absolutely convinced that old age is the only time when a person can
fully realize himself: Children have grown up and all paid work is
completed. In his 70’s, Mr. Lvovich has become the European champion in
power lifting (70-74 category) proving that the old age is just the advent
to a new life.
Russia: Moscow Donors Infect the People with HIV
and Syphilis (September 10, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
The Moscow medical system has been using the blood of infected donors for
the past 8 years. Therefore Moscow and the neighborhood are under the
serious threat of epidemics of syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis. 57 year-old
Andrey Trofimov ( the name has been changed) died from a blood infection
in one of Moscow hospitals where he had surgery. According to the words of
his widow, the man died without knowing that the reason for his death was
a “dirty blood infection”.
Russia: Russian Orthodox Church has Opened a Hotline
( September 9, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
Among the elderly people of Moscow 31% can not live without the help of
others; 50% can hardly move; 8% never leave their houses; 5% never leave
their bed. For such persons the Russian Orthodox Church has opened hotline
in Moscow. Now everyone who happens to be in a difficult life situation or
does not know how to help the elderly person in need can call 107-70-01
Australia: Late Flu Season Hits the Elderly
(September 9, 2004)
The flu season runs usually from November to March in the northern
hemisphere, but it is from May to September in the southern hemisphere. So
far, NSW Health officials have reported that flu or another type of
respiratory illness attacked and killed several elderly patients at the
Bethel Aged Care Facility at Waratah. If you live in the northern
hemisphere and travel to the southern hemisphere, please remember that the
flu season is different. If you feel sick, please go to see a doctor right
away!
Singapore: WHO Launches Bid to Boost Elderly
Health Care (September 6, 2004)
The World Health Organization launched an initiative to improve medical
services for a rapidly growing worldwide population, the elderly. At the
International Federation on Ageing conference in Singapore, WHO urged
retraining primary healthcare workers to focus more on elder care.
Alexandre Kalache, the chief of the Aging and Life Course Program (ALC) at
WHO, said if primary healthcare workers are well trained, they will be
able to prevent many other health problems through early detection.
Ireland: Irish Cancer Deaths 'Higher' (September
3, 2004)
Irish people have higher cancer death rates than other Europeans do. The
Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) reported that as people live
longer, the risk of getting cancer also increase. This means that the
number of people getting cancer is going to rise. Dr. Campbell warned
“one third of all cancers are due to diet, not enough fruit and
vegetables, too much fat in the diet, too much sweet things, and not
recognizing the effects of bad diet throughout a lifetime.” Currently,
bowel cancer and cancer of the oesophagus have higher death rates in
Ireland as well as breast cancer for women and prostate cancer for men.
India: Smoking, Stress Top Global List of
Heart-Stoppers (September 3, 2004)
Cholesterol, smoking, and stress are the top three factors that might stop
your heart! One of the world’s widest studies identified nine risk
factors on heart attack. The analysis, called the Interheart study,
examined 15,000 cases of heart attack in 52 countries, and compared with
15,000 healthy people who had a similar age, sex, and location. The other
factors that associate with heart attack are diabetes, a family history of
high blood pressure, and abdominal obesity.
Ukraine: Mom, Buy Cardiogram! (September 2, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
Theoretically the citizens of Ukraine who pay their taxes have a right to
a proper medical service. Unfortunately, it is far from reality. The
medical care keeps transforming itself in a paid service. As a result the
majority of the elderly whose financial situation leaves much to be
desired, have less and less chance to get quality health treatment.
Canada: Long-Term Care: A Success Story (August 26,
2004)
Often older persons want to avoid nursing homes. However, in Toronto,
Chinese descent seniors enjoy living in nursing homes, eating traditional
meals, speaking in their first language and participating in cultural
activities at nursing homes. According to Statistics Canada and a review
of the number of nursing home beds, 9.5 % of nursing home residents in
Toronto are of Chinese descent. Also, 7.3 % of Torontonians age 75 or
older are Chinese. Therefore, demand is high for nursing facilities with
an active Chinese culture. The author suggests that Ministry of Health’s
focus on cultural sensitivity to health and social care can improve the
quality of nursing homes.
Indonesia
: Nursing Homes Answer Elderly Needs (
August 24, 2004
)
In
Indonesia
, an average life expectancy increased from 43 in the 1960s to over 64
years today. As the number of elderly people increase, the demand for
nursing homes also increases. Erifa, a 71-year-old woman, moved into a
nursing home for senior citizens 6 years ago because she valued her
independence but also she was afraid of living alone. She moved to Wisma
Mulia nursing home for elderly women in Jelambar,
West Jakarta
, which costs Rp 400,000 (US $43.5) per month excluding the cost of
medication. But because of the limitation of the number of beds, some
senior women are not able to move into a nursing home. To meet the higher
demand, the nursing home planned to expand its capacity.
Japan: Ministry to Establish Centers to Curb
Nursing Dependency (August 23, 2004)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry in Japan plans to request 22
billion-yen for a budgetary allocation to renovate public and private
facilities such as day care centers and city halls. The new centers will
hold exercise classes and dietary advice for the senior citizens. This
project will educate elderly people on how to maintain good health and
prevent them to becoming dependent on nursing care.
Japan: Different
Criteria Used for Diabetes Diagnoses in Japan (August 21, 2004)
Health ministry officials said that local authorities in Aichi,
Japan, have used different criteria for diabetes diagnoses in annual
medical checkups for elderly people and other local residents. Across the
country, about 12 million people receive annual diabetes tests organized
by local authorities. But authorities in Aichi have used a higher
criterion than the one by the Diabetes Society. The health ministry warns
that loose criteria could allow diabetes to be left untreated and it is
dangerous for a patient at risk. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
is planning to consider unifying the criteria.
Russia: Ekaterinburg. Psychotherapy Help is Now
Available for Pensioners. (August 20, 2004)
(Article in Russian)
According to World Health Organization’s data elderly suicide cases
represent 15% out of the total amount of suicidal statistics in Russia.
During the last 5 years these figures have increased drastically. In the
attempt to solve the “aged depression” issue, the office that provides
the socio-psychological help to elderly people started to work in
Ekaterinburg. Highly professional psychotherapists are conducting
group-trainings sessions as well as individual consultations for the
people of the old age. Will it help?
Canada
: Home-Care in Major Crisis, Agencies Say: Small Firms Argue They're
Outbid (
August 19, 2004
)
In
Ontario
,
home-care system for ill and elderly people is in “full-blown crisis,”
a group of small, local home-care agencies claimed. Since the previous
Conservative administration introduced a contract bidding system which
supported big home-care companies, a number of small agencies have been
out-bit on contracts for years or even decades. In addition, a new Premier
Dalton McGuinty’s administration has refused to change this system. Even
though small home-care agencies have been helping local elderly people
with “family-like” relationships, they have to give up their
businesses and lay off their nurses and stuff.
New Zealand: Government Warned on Ethnic
Responsibility (August 13, 2004)
Is Race-based funding discrimination against other races? New Zealand
government announced that ethnically targeted policies could be in
controversy with international human rights obligations. Race Relations
Minister Trevor Mallard said that 23 programs and policies would be
scrutinized by the first stage of the review selected from the department
of health, education, labor, culture and heritage and the education Review
Office. The review was mainly clarifying why such programs were necessary.
But the Ministry of Social Development expresses concern about the effect
of the review despite the fact that other department felt that the
programs were justified in most cases.
Namibia: Nujoma to Relaunch Trust for the Elderly
(August 11, 2004)
The Oshipala Trust for Senior Citizens in Namibia launches the
organization which supplements Government’s efforts in looking after the
elderly. Traditionally, most of the seniors did not have support systems
in Namibia. Especially for those living in rural areas, financial and
transport constraints prevent them from accessing such support. But this
organization initiates the quest to allow senior citizens to spend their
later years in dignity. Jako Botha, the administrator of the trust, said
that apart from asking for donation, the investment part of the fund sells
various products in order to generate its own financial resources.
Australia: Tackling the Taboo: Sex and the Elderly
(August 5, 2004)
Sexuality is important for a human being regardless of the age! Professor
Rhonda Nay, La Trobe University at Bundoora, mentioned that people might
feel mortified when the elderly behave sexually. But sexuality is
important for a sense of identity of the individual. Professor Nay said if
people define senior citizens as asexual, it is easy to define them as
non-human.
Scotland: No Time to Waste in Planning for Our Future
Needs (August 5, 2004)
In Scotland, one out of six citizens will be over the age of 75 by 2040.
Even though every developed country experiences similar trends and
challenges, Scots face a falling birth rate, too. This demographic shift
causes the skills shortages in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Royal
Society of Edinburgh reports that they host the senior citizens to
contribute to the workplace and in the community. But it is not enough.
Before baby boomers become seniors, Scots Politicians, employers,
individuals and communities should work together to prepare for the future
needs.
Canada:
Bacterial Infection Kills 100 Patients at Quebec Hospital in 18 Months
(August 4, 2004)
Dr. Jacques Pepin reported cases of Clostridium difficile killed 54
patients in 2003 and another 46 in the first six months of this year at
University Hospital in Sherbrooke, Quebec. A lot of victims of C.
difficile were elderly patients. The most obvious symptom is diarrhea,
which can be so severe that some patients lose too much fluid in their
bodies and go into shock caused by plummeting blood pressure and then die.
C. difficile, may flourish in Canadian hospitals that need funding to
renovate and get better sanitation. Also, anti-bacterial drugs given to
elderly may kill off “good bacteria” that fights C. difficile in the
body.
Norway: Low "Good" Cholesterol May Flag
Breast Cancer Risk (August 3, 2004)
Older overweight women with low level of HDL (good cholesterol) might have
higher risk of breast cancer. Dr. Anne-Sofie Furgerg, the University of
Tromso in Norway, studies about 39,000 Norwegian women who provided data
of lipids, weight, diet, and lifestyle. Researchers have followed the
subjects for an average of 17 years, and total 708 of women developed
invasive breast cancer. Furberg discovered that when the overweight and
obese women were divided in four subgroups with the level of HDL
cholesterol in the blood, women with the lowest level of HDL cholesterol
had the highest risk of postmenopausal breask cancer. Furberg emphasized
she needs more studies of other populations to verify the role of HDL
cholesterol as a useful marker.
Japan: Helping Those In Need. The Elderly Must Be
Protected From Natural Disasters (August 2, 2004)
Rushing torrents of muddy water attacked a small town in Niigata
Prefecture in Japan last month. 17 out of 21 people who are dead or
missing by this natural disaster are senior citizens aged 65 or older.
Unlike earthquakes, people can monitor weather conditions and water levels
of rivers when typhoons come. Large rivers monitored by the national
government have cameras equipped with optical fibers, and evacuation calls
are always quick and appropriate. However, prefecture governments manage
the small rivers that flooded Niigata. Technology is not the only way to
evacuate local people safely and quickly. Local governments should create
a flood hazard map identifying evacuation routes and dangerous spots while
local community members should establish mutual help programs for quick
evacuations.
Scotland: How to Meet Pledge of Free-Care for the
Elderly (August 2, 2004)
Two years ago, the former First Minister in Scotland, Henty McLeish, and
the Liberal Democrats pushed "free care for the elderly"
legislation. However, the latest figures show that because the population
of the age over 75 will rise by 61 per cent over 23 years, the cost of
providing care for the elderly rise from £1.4 billion now to £2.5
billion by 2019. Scots must figure out how to maintain the cost of
"free" care.
Europe: Better Palliative Care for Older People
(July 23, 2004)
The World Health Organization reported palliative care for senior citizens
is growing in public health importance in Europe. Older people have
received less palliative care than younger people although some seniors
suffer from unnecessary pain before they die. But the relative number of
people of working age is declining while the age of potential caregivers
is increasing. Therefore, in the near future, European seniors will face
the lack of nurses and caregivers. Dr. Agis D. Tsouros, the Head of the
Center for Urban Health at WHO Regional Office for Europe emphasizes that
policy makers and professionals should consider the needs of older people,
using evidence from epidemiology, social studies, and health services
research.
China: Shanghai Faces Demographic Crisis As Number Of
Elderly Continues To Rise (July 20, 2004)
China's wealthiest city, Shanghai, lacks resources to meet the needs of
its increasing elder population. Shanghai has a population of about 17
million. Older persons make up 14.87% of this population. The Shanghai
Academy of Social Sciences report estimates a increase of 10% in the
number of elders in the city of Shanghai by the year 2030.
Germany: 'Silent' Stroke Affects Mental Function in
Elderly (July 20, 2004)
German Researchers Dr. Klaus Berger of the University of Munster and
others report a link between silent stroke and previous history of high
blood pressure and heart disease. The study involved 267 older persons
between the age of 65 and 83 years living at home. Researchers used MRI to
detect the prevalence of silent strokes and collected data on variables
such as self-perception of health, activities of daily living, cognitive
abilities and depression.
Sweden: With Sporadic Exercise, Seniors Live Longer
(July 19, 2004)
German Researchers Dr. Kristina Sundguist of the Karolinska Institute in
Stockholm and her colleagues recently released a study indicating exercise
leads to longer life. The study conducted over a period of 12 years
involved 3, 206 older adults over the age of 65. Older persons who
exercised throughout their life course lived longer and healthier than
their sedentary peers.
Finland: Veggies Reported to Help Women's Brains (July
19, 2004)
Two studies conducted simultaneously reveal older women benefit from a
healthy lifestyle that can, in turn, prevent an early onset of diseases
such as Alzheimer's. Researcher Jae Hee Kang of Harvard's Brigham and
Women's Hospital conducted a study that included 13, 388 nurses whose
long-term eating habits were assessed and analyzed. Researcher Dr. Miia
Kivipelto of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm conducted a study that
included 1,449 Finnish women whose body-mass index was assessed and
analyzed over a period of 21 years. Results indicated obese participants
had twice the risk of developing dementia, high cholesterol and blood
pressure levels.
United Kingdom: Elderly Suffer In Care Shambles (July 17, 2004)
Ann Abraham, the Health ombudsperson, has demanded action for a quick
reimbursement for seniors charged incorrectly for services. The
ombudsperson has urged health authorities to eliminate errors resulting in
the eviction of seniors from care homes. Seniors have also been
incorrectly charged for residential fees and misinformed about benefits.
Japan: Therapy Offers Alzheimer's Hope To Japan's
Elderly (July 15, 2004)
In Japan, Alzheimer’s disease affects 1.5 million older persons out of
the 24 million elders over the age of 65. In Sendai, Professor Ryuta
Kawashima of Tohoku University has coined the concept of “Learning
Therapy.” Therapy involves performing simple math functions and reading
text thought to stimulate the frontal part of the brain. Learning Therapy
has been proven to improve the lives of many Japanese elders.
Australia: Residential aged care in Australia
(2002–03) A statistical overview (July 2004)
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Ageing and Aged Care
Unit released a statistical report on its residential aged care system.
The report includes data from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. The current
report is sixth in the Aged Care Statistics Series. The report includes
information on population characteristics, service capacities, admissions
among other variables.Data collected in this report also includes the
number of native Australians using respite, and age care services compared
to mainstream Australians.
U.K Red Tape Cut In Care For The Elderly (July 13, 2004)
The Department of Health in Warwickshire recently introduced a new program
called, The Single Assessment Process (SAP), for effective delivery of
services to older adults. The new program eliminates the repetitive
information gathering process to receive services from various agencies.
Scotland: Elderly Care Provision Concerns (July 8,
2004)
A report by a watchdog agency for the Accounts Commission and the Auditor
General indicates older persons in Scotland were receiving inefficient
care and services. More than 1,800 older persons were on the waiting list
to receive services. Scotland is expecting 46% more older persons aged 65
and above by 2027.
United Kingdom: 'UK Elderly Need Better
Services’ (July 8, 2004)
The Commons Public Accounts Committee released a report that indicated the
government needs to improve delivery of services to older adults. In spite
of developing services, older adults are confused on how to access them
for their benefit. The report urges officials to launch programs to
educate older adults on available services and benefits.
Australia : $4.6 Million for New Dementia Research ( July
7, 2004 )
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council awarded a
grant of $4.6 million to Professors Perminder Sachdev, Henry Brodaty and
Gavin Andrews from the University of New South Wales . The grant
covers a period of five years. Australian researchers intend to use the
grant to research, detect and prevent neurocognitive disorders such as
dementia and depression affecting older persons.
Uganda: Malnutrition Among Elderly Alarming –
Survey (July 5, 2004)
Of the 362 Ugandans over the age of 50 who were surveyed, an estimated 59
percent suffer from poor eyesight; 58 percent have arthritis; 55 percent
complained of back and abdominal pains and 39 percent reported coughing.
The study, which was carried out by the nutritional department of the
Ugandan Ministry of Health, describes the findings as “worrying” and
“deserving immediate intervention.” The range of illnesses is evidence
of varying diets among the country’s elderly. Other ailments reported
include fever, poor chewing, ulcer, hypertension, headache, constipation
and scabies. All of the study’s participants are from the Kampala or
Soroti districts in Uganda.
Australia: $1.7 Million For Local Aged Care Homes
(July 1, 2004)
The Australian government granted $1.7 million in funds to Western
Australian Baptist Hospitals and Homes Trust Aged Care homes to help
upgrade building structures and safety measures. The funding is part of
the government’s initiative called “Investing in Australia’s Aged
Care: More Places, Better Care”. The funds are meant to improve the
quality of care provided to residents in aged care homes.
Taiwan: With the rapid increase among Taiwan’s
aging population, the medical school and hospitals have begun to train
more doctors for elders (July 1, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
TaiPei – There are 2,000,000 elders living in Taiwan. The numerical
surge among Taiwanese elderly is only exceeded by Japan. However, there
are fewer geriatric doctors compared to the population than in Japan. In
fact, there are only 150 doctors for elders. To train doctors for the
elderly and to build up the caring team for the elders, the National
Health Research Institute recently started a one-year plan to train
doctors with a geriatric specialty.
Australia: Elderly are Healthy and Active (June
23, 2004)
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recently released a report
indicating older Australians were living healthier and happier. Nearly 70
percent of older people over the age of 64 were found to have good health.
The average life expectancy of an Australian was ranked fourth in the
world.
United Kingdom: Cigarettes Cut About 10 Years off Life,
50-Year Study Shows (June 23, 2004)
British Researchers fifty years ago indicated in their study cigarette
smoking led to lung cancer. In a follow up longitudinal study of the same
group of British doctors, indicates quitting cigarette smoking any time
has benefits. Cigarette smokers on an average lose 10 years of their life
compared to nonsmokers. The study published in the British Medical Journal
is the first one to report the damage done over a lifetime due to
cigarette smoking. It is never too late to stop smoking.
Canada: Exercise Program for Seniors Improves Balance
(June 22. 2004)
The Montreal Public Health Department recently launched a program called
Stand Up to teach seniors on how to exercise. The exercise class intends
to reduce the number of likely falls and also to improve balance. Montreal
seniors are already experiencing an improvement compared to a control
group that did not participate in such an exercise class.
Mexico: U.S. Turning to Mexico to Fill Nursing Needs (June 22, 2004)
The United States will face a nursing shortage by 2010 and not able to
meet the healthcare needs of its citizens. Currently recruiters hire
nurses from countries such as Philippines, South Korea, Nigeria and India
to help meet their needs. Recruiters are very keen to hire nurses from
Mexico due to the increasing Hispanic population in the United States. On
the other hand, the World Health Organization worries about the
deterioration of quality health care in developing countries due to the
exodus of high quality nurses to developed countries experiencing a
shortage.
Italy: Italy to Keep Elderly Cool in Supermarkets (June
18, 2004)
Italian Health Minister Girolamo Sirchia issued an order to create a list
of all older adults over the age of 65 whose health may be in jeopardy due
to a heat wave. In response to the World Health Organization's advice,
officials intend to carry hundreds of older Italians to supermarkets to
keep them protected from the heat wave. Officials expect the number on the
list to be close to 12 million. So far 7,500 older adults have died due to
a heat wave.
Japan: Nursing Care Insurance Over-assistance Can
Weaken the Elderly (June 16, 2004)
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor recently announced
changes for expenses incurred to purchase or rent assistive living
products for older adults in the minimal support category. The government
claims that older adults in the minimal support category were becoming
dependent on assistive technology resulting in a deterioration of their
condition. Japanese older adults have been taking advantage of available
free technology ever since the nursing care insurance system was enacted
four years ago. Is the new policy changed due to over-dependence assistive
devices? Or to cut insurance costs?
Canada: Risk of Suicide Higher Among Ailing Seniors,
New Research Shows (June 15, 2004)
A recent study in Canada reports older adults suffering from chronic
diseases have an increased risk to commit suicide. The study analyzed
records of 1, 354 older adults who were known to have committed suicide
from 1992-2000. Older women prefer drug overdose whereas older men prefer
to commit suicide via using a gun. The study calls for increased awareness
and education of professionals and family members of older adults
suffering from chronic conditions.
World:
Canadian Researchers: Learning Two Languages Helps Keep a Young Mind (June
15, 2004)
(Article in Arabic)
Canadian researchers found that older people who know several languages
have a faster mind than those who know only one language. The researchers
also demonstrated that multilingual seniors are less affected by natural
factors influencing rapidity of the cerebrum activity, thus keeping them
mentally “quicker” than others.
Singapore: New Criteria, Subsidy Cut for Nursing Homes
(June 14, 2004)
The Singapore Health Ministry (MOH) recently reviewed the admission
criteria and subsidy structure for nursing homes operated by voluntary
welfare organizations (VWOs). Many VWOs who raise most of the money on
their own in addition to the subsidies from the government are not
worried. However VWOs who primarily rely on government subsidies will feel
the crunch to pay for services and provide quality care to older adults.
Singapore: Give Incentives to Keep Elderly at Home
(June 14, 2004)
Government officials in Singapore are worried that nursing homes are used
as a dumping ground for older adults. The demand for nursing homes is
increasing. Government subsidies offered to families to take care of an
older adult is expensive compared to the cost when the older adult is
shifted to the nursing home. The current subsidy structure has resulted in
admission of healthy older adults into nursing homes when they can be
taken care of in the community using other resources.
India: Indian Workers' Health Heartache for Economy
(June 13, 2004)
A recent report prepared by All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS),
Colombia University of New York, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia indicate
cardiovascular disease is widely prevalent among the working age
population between 35-64 years. This trend will cause economic costs,
especially in countries like India where the population is graying at a
faster rate along with high disease prevalence among the working class.
The Indian study reported at least 50% of the working population had at
least one risk factor.
United Kingdom: The Medicine Starts to Work (June 9,
2004)
Older adults suffering from minor ailments after surgical procedures have
a hard time getting hospital admission for a few days since they do not
require acute care. The British City Council and Bristol South and West
primary care trust (PCT) two years ago recognized this gap and decided to
integrate elder care. The result was the creation of intermediate care
services that would provide high level care without hospital admission.
This has eased the process for many older adults who live alone and have
no one to take care of them.
India: Indian Drug Firms Stand to
Gain Much from WTO Talks (June 7, 2004)
Investment bankers JM Morgan Stanley recently released a research report
indicating Indian pharmaceutical companies would likely benefit in the US
$15 billion generics market in the US and also a part of the US $33
billion market in drug patent arena. Indian pharmaceutical companies have
been able to produce drugs for less than one-tenth of the cost in the
Western market. A glaring example is anti-Aids drug in Africa made by
Indian company sells at US$250 annual cost versus an annual cost of
US$15,000 for drugs created by western markets. The upcoming World Trade
Organization (WTO) meeting is going to be one messy battleground. US and
European pharmaceutical companies are going to try their best lobbying to
extend the patent periods in order to make more money.
Canada: Health Canada has Plan for Drug Shortages
Caused by Internet Trade: Documents (June 6, 2004)
While United States residents are worried about high cost of prescription
drugs, Canadian residents are worried about drug shortages due to the
increasing online pharmacy sales across the border. Estimates indicate in
four years, about one million uninsured and underinsured Americans have
received drugs from Canada resulting in revenue of $1 billion US. Canadian
Health officials are discussing the implications of drug shortages for
their own citizens. Canada has federally controlled drug prices and hence
drugs are cheaper compared to the ones in U.S. Americans save from 30 to
80 percent since Canadian drugs are also priced according to the inflation
rate.
Malaysia: Holding Back the Tide (June 6, 2004)
Malaysia held its first conference on Anti-Aging Medicine in Kuala Lumpur.
The conference was attended by about 200 medical scientists from US,
Germany, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia. The conference highlighted the
importance of anti-ageing medicine for the overall health and well-being
of the older adult. The conference also redefined the definition of
anti-ageing medicine and clarified its role in early detection, screening,
prevention and treatment of age related diseases. Anti Aging practitioners
believe aging can be prevented unlike gerontologists who claim aging is an
unavoidable process. Please email us your thoughts at globalaging@globalaging.org
on what "anti-aging" means to you and its role in our society?
China: Chinese Experts Suggest Socializing
"Mental Support" of the Elders who are Living by their Own (June
2, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Changsha - With more and more elders living in Chinese society within
smaller and smaller family structures, there are more and more problems
about their living status. This situation attracts more and more media
attention. Among the problems facing elderly in China, "mental
support" or "emotional support" of elders gets a lot of
news columns. While legal experts agree that it is not practical to
legalize "mental support" for elders, they suggest socializing
"mental support" of the elders who are living on their own.
France: La Canicule Débute avec 29 °C à
Cherbourg, 38 °C à Toulouse (June 1, 2004)
(Article in French)
After the summer 2003 heat wave and the higher mortality among older
French people, the existing weather watch map will be restructured. The
National Institute of Health Watch and Weather France will join their
knowledge to determine the heat wave alert levels. Higher mortality is not
the consequence of high temperatures. It is the result of high
temperatures during the day and at night over a period of time - generally
two-three days. This watch map will be updated twice a day and made
available to the public through the media.
Australia: Elderly Forced to Wait As Aged Care
Crisis Worsens (June 1, 2004)
A recent survey of 208 residential care services in Australia show more
than 20,000 older adults are on wait lists for nursing homes and aged care
hostels. The survey conducted by Aged and Community Services Association
found Australians wait an average 24 weeks for a placement in a nursing
home and 36 weeks for a placement in a hostel. Australian home and
community based services had a waiting list of 1700. Facilities that offer
specialized care in dementia had a wait time of two years or more. This
survey raises many questions on how Australian elders are coping during
this transition period.
Malaysia: Prudential Introduces New PRUsenior Med to
Secure the Cost of Old Age (May 31, 2004)
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd (PAMB) recently implemented PRUsenior
Med, a new medical plan to provide coverage for hospitalization and
surgical expenditures for adults between age 45 and 70. The policy starts
at level premium and can be renewed up to age 80. Insurers have to pay a
deductible at RM3,000 for RM220 premium per month and another one at
RM6,000 for RM 170 premium per month. The policy also offers a benefit of
RM5,000 for burial expenses. What are the options for older adults over
the age of 70 who have a higher rate of disability and hospitalization
charges?
New Zealand: Vicious Bug Hits Elderly and
Hospital Patients (May 27, 2004)
In New Zealand, various rest homes for older adults are experiencing an
outbreak of norovirus- a stomach bug that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Norovirus is known for its resilience and can survive on carpet for weeks.
Health officials are asking residents to wash their hands thoroughly and
disinfect door knobs, bathrooms and toilets.
France: Seules 10% des Maisons de Retraite Climatisées:
Le Ministère de la Santé et les Professionnels ont admis, Hier, le
Retard du Plan Canicule (May 27, 2004)
(Article in French)
Among the 10,000 nursing homes in France, only 200 bought air conditioners
to face a potential heat wave this summer. The Ministry of Health that
announced 80% of the nursing homes will be ready by end of June has
denounced this situation. The Association for the Nursing Homes Directors
(Adehpa) considers this goal unreachable. Moreover, they believe the
increase of staff in each nursing home is a priority, but when will this
increase happen?
Singapore: Ignorance about Aids Prevails Among
Older Blue-Collar Men (May 24, 2004)
A common misconception is AIDS only affects certain categories of the
population. This misconception is evident from the interviews with 10 blue
collar men at the Singapore Cruise Centre. Many were unaware of the
disease process and their chances of getting it. However, all of them knew
the social implications of having the disease. AIDS among older adults is
on the rise while many assume it is the disease of the young. AIDS does
not discriminate and afflicts everyone if precaution is not taken.
Singaporean health officials have a daunting task to educate the general
public, especially risky populations, about the disease process of AIDS
and prevention strategies.
China: Hospice Care Gaining Popularity (May 24,
2004)
In 1990, China's first hospice care facility was built. Fourteen years
later, the number of hospices has grown to 120. Prof Cui Yitai, director
of the China Hospice Care Commission, notes that the hospice industry is
growing. Families now are more open to overcome taboos associated with
accepting hospice care to ensure better quality of end of life for their
loved ones. An attitude shift is definitely evident.
Switzerland: WHO World Health Assembly Adopts
Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (May 22, 2004)
Member States adopted The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy
on Diet, Physical Activity and Health at the Fifty Seventh General Health
Assembly in Geneva. Non Communicable diseases (NCDs) that include
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer are a growing global
problem accounting for 60% of deaths. The strategy addresses the health
aspects and the types of foods that need to be limited in individual's
diets and also the preventative role that various agencies in the private
and public sector need to play in order to provide options for a healthy
diet and physical activity.
China: Senators Expose a Sinister House for the Aged
and the Government Agreed to Investigate it (May 20, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Huimin
Chen, senator from Taipei City and a member of the National Party pointed
out that there are a lot of problems in some houses for the aged in
Taipei. He
said that those families who
have their elders in the houses dare not to report the problems to the
authorities for fear of endangering their elders who live in the houses.
Australia: Elderly
Put At Risk: Nurses (May 18, 2004)
Australian officials passed a new law permitting only registered nurses to
administer drugs to older residents in high-care nursing homes. However,
this law does not apply to mixed care facilities, where unqualified staff
is able to administer drugs such as morphine and insulin to residents. The
Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) is aware of the implications of the
passage of this new law putting the lives of older residents at risk. Cost
implications for high-care nursing homes may tempt management to switch to
a mixed care facility to be able to administer drugs by staff other than a
registered nurse. Australian officials need to confer with experts in the
field to make sure mixed care facilities do not serve as a loophole to
escape hiring registering nurses.
China: Sex Education Books Targeting the Aged are Published (May 17, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Recently a series of books on Scientific Sex Education for All Age Levels
were published in Beijing. Among these books, one is specifically targeted
to people who are older than 60. The sex problems among the aged have been
social problems. Older people also need more information about sex; this
is common sense. However, there are still problems regarding how to make
the aged willing to receive sex education.
France: Ce qu'il faut Savoir
sur les Médecins (May 17, 2004)
(Article in French)
The reform of the French Health Insurance also concerns doctors and the
question of their liberty of installation. In fact, in France, doctors are
allowed to open their cabinet or office wherever they want. Then the
distribution of doctors is unequal with a huge number settling in urban
areas. Rural areas suffer from lack of doctors. Doctors who work in the
countryside complain because they have too many responsibilities.
Malaysia: "Sorry Doc, We Can't Understand
You"(May 17, 2004)
Due to a shortage of qualified physicians in Malaysia, the Health Ministry
hires foreign doctors to provide care in their public hospitals. A total
of 643 foreign doctors currently work in public hospitals. The majority of
the local population speaks Bahasa Melayu. However, foreign doctors are
not required to be fluent in Bahasa Melayu impeding the quality of care.
Most foreign doctors rely on nurses for translation and educating patients
on their treatment plan. Malaysian Health Officials need to take
initiatives to either hire doctors fluent in Bahasa Melayu or offer an
accelerated language course so that patients and doctors can communicate
directly. Of course, the country could educate more Malays as doctors as
well.
Canada: Le Canada facilite l'Accès aux Génériques pour les Pays Pauvres
(May 14, 2004)
(Article in French)
In Canada a new law requires drug companies to give their medical formula,
in order to create generic drugs. This decision is the consequence of the
agreement signed in August 2003 in Geneva by the 146 members of the World
Trade Organization (WTO). This procedure will export generic drugs from
developed countries to developing countries in order to fight against aid,
tuberculosis and malaria.
France: Canicule: Un Seuil d'Alerte Spécifique est
Fixé pour Chaque Département (May 13, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French government created a plan to fight against a possible heat wave
during summer 2004. It decided to control the weather by taking into
account the unequal reactions of citizens in heat cases. In fact,
depending on the region, the population doesn't react in the same way: up
to 10 Celsius degrees of differences among regions exist to determine a
critical level. This reform is a huge challenge, after the 15,000 deaths
of summer 2003.
France: Ménopause: Prudence Recommandée dans les
Traitements Préventifs (May 13, 2004)
(Article in French)
According to two recent scientific studies, the substitution hormonal
treatments could increase breast cancer risks and heart problems. The
experts of the French Agency for the Health Security (Agence Française de
Sécurité Sanitaire) advised patients to limit the length of their
treatment. However, it's only recommendations.
Canada: Nursing Homes to face Major Changes (May 11, 2004)
After the death of an old pensioner of a nursing home in Ontario, the
province Health Minister George Smitherman started enquiry and reforms. He
recently announced the province will give $191 million a year to nursing
homes, in order to hire 2,000 staff and improve residents' quality of
life. The minister promised reforms to prevent abuse, by developing
inspections and care control and creating a new legislation.
Scotland: Rise in Elderly is 'Threat' to Free Care
Policy (May 5, 2004)
Scottish population is aging: the number of people over 65 is now 800,000
and will rise to 1.3 million by 2042. These changes require an increase in
health care needs and spending. Experts believe this situation will put
pressure on the Executive that will have to change its strategy regarding
elderly health care. In fact, the Executive - the government - won't be
able to pay for free care in the long term.
France: Santé: Douste-Blazy Défend son Plan (May 5, 2004)
(Article in French)
The new health minister presented, in front of the parliamentary
commission, his project for the reform of the Health Insurance. Three
principles guided this reform: the solidarity of the Health Insurance, the
guarantee to assess care, and the quality of care. This reform is crucial,
according to Philippe Douste-Blazy. However, many questions haven't been
answered yet, such as the hospital involvement or the lower level of
medication reimbursement.
France: Philippe Douste-Blazy dévoile les Grands Axes
et l'Organisation de son "Plan Canicule" (May 5, 2004)
(Article in French)
The health minister and the minister for aging people presented the
"Plan Canicule" in order to protect frail persons in case of a
new heat wave. This plan contains four levels of alert: the vigilance, the
alert, the intervention and the requisition. The National Institute of
Health Watch (Institut de Veille Sanitaire) and the French Weather (Méteo
France) will work together from the first of June to the thirtieth of
September, every year. Moreover, the health minister will be personally
informed in case of any risk, and will inform the minister of state and
the defense minister.
World:
Coping Without Children: Comparative Historical and Cross-Cultural
Experiences (May, 2004)
This report looks at the worldwide climate of aging today-physical
aging, spiritual aging, psychological aging as well as other aspects of
the process which are commonly overlooked by the younger generations.
Cross-cultural and national comparisons are considered, as well as
possible similarities and differences between modern aging and aging in
the past. Special emphasis is placed on elder persons without children,
and how they may experience growing old, in a different way.
France: "Sécu": le Déficit se creuse, M.
Douste-Blazy précise la Réforme (April 26, 2004)
(Article in French)
The new minister of health, Mr. Douste-Blazy, will present his proposal
for the reform of the health insurance in May. The minister wants to
delegate the management of the health insurance to social partners and
health professionals. This new policy should change the way of the
care-taking, but the minister refuses to create different levels of
reimbursement for the same pathology.
France: Mieux vaut Manger Sain que de se "Tartiner"
de Crème aux Antioxydants (April 23, 2004)
(Article in French)
To get older and healthier, people pay attention to their food habits.
Well-balanced meals and regular exercise are the main conditions for a
successful aging process. Baby-boomers seem aware of these conditions.
However, some doctors warn people against bad food habits linked to age.
In fact, seniors lose hunger sensitivity and sometimes cancel one meal per
day.
China: A Trend may be Underway as some Elderly Hong
Kong Residents go North to Mainland China to Spend their Last Years.
(April 18, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
On the picturesque WuTong Mountain in ZhenShen, Yaozong, Tan, the
president of the Aging Committee in Hong Kong Special Administrated Zone
exclaimed, "By the end of this year, there will be more than 300
elders from Hong Kong to move here. In the future, there will be more and
more elders from Hong Kong moving here." Why do the elders in Hong
Kong move to ShenZhen? The elderly in Hong Kong are increasing rapidly. If
they stay in Hong Kong, it will take a long time to enter an Elder House;
in mainland China, they can enter much earlier in ShenZhen.
France: La Propriétaire d'une
Maison de Retraite de Seine-et-Marne écrouée (April 17, 2004)
(Article in French)
The director of a retirement home is in jail after the discovery of
infractions in her institution. Old people lived in terrible and inhuman
conditions, with lack of health care treatment. According to some
witnesses, the food was even stale and rotting. No physical abuse has been
noted. The residents should be transferred to other nursing homes quickly.
The institution's administrator, 73 years old, is also accused of
financial robbery and check falsifications.
United Kingdom: Elderly no More a 'Burden' on NHS
than Any other Dying Patient (April 16, 2004)
In a recent study among 250,000 patients, British researchers disaproved a
prejudice regarding old people. In fact, they were accused of being the
burden of the health service, because of the cost of admissions to
hospital. The study concerned patients of different ages and proved the
healthcare needs increase because people get closer to death, regardless
of age. The study was published by the British Medical Journal.
Australia: Ironing out the Wrinkles of Elderly
Depression (April 16, 2004)
Nalin Singh, geriatrician at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital,
examined on the relation between weightlifting and depression. According
to the study, based on 60 male and female in their seventies, exercise has
a huge impact against depression. The results showed that 60 percent of
the participants lost 50 percent of their depression level. However, it's
necessary to follow a medical cure, but at least exercise has good effect
since it helps elderly to prevent falls and to control high blood pressure
or diabetes. Further studies are necessary to corroborate the discovery.
Bahrain:
A New Project to Establish an Aging Arab Information Center (April 14,
2004)
(Article in Arabic)
Mr. Saeed Al Samaak, the Deputy of the Al Hikma Pensioners
Association, has calculated the costs for the
Wise
Arab
Information
Center
. They figure the immediate
cost will be $100,000 to start work. This
funding will pay for a specialist in statistics, a specialist in Internet
Technology and for the equipment that they need. The
Center will allow older persons to use the internet to communicate.
France: French Retirement Homes not Equipped for
Heatwave (April 14, 2004)
France is not yet ready to face a new heatwave during summer 2004. In
fact, despite the government requests, only 12 percent of public
retirement homes and 24 percent of private retirement homes had
air-conditioned common rooms. Most of the nursing homes promised, few
months ago, to be ready by July, but the lack of public financing could be
responsible for the delay.
France: L'Association France-Alzheimer aide les
Jeunes Chercheurs (April 14, 2004)
(Article in French)
Alzheimer's disease affects 800,000 persons today in France, 650,000 are
over 75. Each year, 100,000 new cases appear. The Association
France-Alzheimer supports almost 100,000 families and financially assists
the research efforts. The association offered 360,000 euros to 22 young
scientists in this field. New discoveries should improve the diagnosis for
the early stages of the disease. To answer ethical problems, such as the
communication of the diagnosis is one of the priorities.
China: China Should Complete the Security Protection Network for Elders
who are Living on their Own (April 7, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai - Several days ago a seventy-year old man went into shock when he
was overcome by smoke as he cooked in his kitchen. Nobody knew that the
old man went into shock. Similar things have happened before. This report
warns the society that elders who live alone need protection with their
health and safety. The government needs to complete its security
protection network for elders.
France: M. Falco présente son Plan de Prévention contre une Nouvelle
Canicule (April 6, 2004)
(Article in French)
Mr. Hubert Falco, delegate minister for old people, met the
representatives for the nursing homes, the associations and the private
insurances on April 6, 2004. He presented his plan to prevent the effects
of a heat wave and to care for frail elderly. The plan will be effective
by June. People have to remain mobilized to avoid a new catastrophe, after
the one in summer 2003 that caused 15,000 deaths.
France: Comment la Société Assumera-t-elle le Coût
du Vieillissement ? (March 30, 2004)
(Article in French)
The persons in charge of the National Fund for the Health Insurance (CNAM,
Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie) worry about the consequences of an
aging population: in 2010 the first generation of the baby boom will be 65
and over, and in the same time many doctors will retire. Society will have
to support overwhelming health spending while demands for medical staff
will increase. The chief executive of the Center of Sociology and
Demography, Mr. Bui Dang Ha Doan, thinks France will have to choose
between an American Health system, with little coverage, or a British
Social Security System, with less health possibility.
UN Health Agency Seeks to Combat Dangerous Misuse and
Overuse of Medicines (March 29 2004)
All over the world, misuse and overuse of medicines, that represent half
of the global prescriptions, is an increasing problem. To prevent it, the
United Nations Health Agency called for partnerships in order to educate
people to the use of drugs and the effects of them. A meeting on that
topic began on March 31, 2004 at Chiang Mai, bringing together WHO,
governments' representatives and NGOs. They have four days to find out how
to improve use of medicine in developing countries. In fact, irrational
use of medicines can lead to drug resistance and death. This problem
concerns also the developed countries, where the antibiotics are often
given without reason.
United Nations Issues: "World
Population Policies 2003" (March 24, 2004)
A report on World Population Policies was recently published by the
Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs at
the United Nations. This report addresses the challenges face by developed
and developing countries, about health issues, such as HIV/ AIDS, rate of
population growth, demographic transition and the ageing population.
HK takes Initiative in Tackling Elderly Suicide Problem
(March 24, 2004)
The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Prevention of Elderly Suicide
opened in Hong Kong. The Secretary for Health Welfare and Food of the
government, Mr. Yeoh Eng-Kiong, expects to find solutions on that topic,
since the elderly suicide death rate in Hong Kong is the highest among the
population. In order to reduce it, the government supports several
services to the elderly. The Healthy Aging Campaign, started in 2001, aims
at opening public minds to the importance of healthy aging. Moreover some
private organizations promote physical health among the elderly.
England: The Battle for Elderly
Care (March 24, 2004)
Since 2002, in England, free long-term care for the elderly is considered
as a priority of the National Health Service, since many old people face
overwhelming situations when they get sick. This article presents the
story of Mr. and Ms. Brett, 77 and 85 years old. Ms. Brett had a stroke
last October, and is now unable to do anything by herself, not even eat.
For 10 weeks, the hospital wants her to go into a nursing home, but the
huge price frightens her husband. Expecting the NHS to support the
expense, he refuses to bring his wife into a nursing home. The NHS is not
healthy enough to pay for elderly in long-term care, but considering the
money they contributed to National Insurance, Mr. Brett expected to be
covered.
China: Service First: The Form of Chained-Service for Caring the Elders
(Mar 18, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Nanjing - PinMei Han, the teacher at the center for the professional
training, the manager for the Elders' House, the administrator for the
community service center, the president for the Elder's College, is
running three Elders' Houses, one professional training center, one
community service center as well as the Elder's College. She said,
"we gradually formed the chained service for the elders."
China: The Training for Nursing the Elders ABC
(March 18, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
With the development of Chinese economy, there are more and more elders
who need taken care of by their non-family members. It was released by
some insiders that more and more elders pay attention to the nurses'
quality. LianDi Zhang, the manager for NanJing XieHe professional training
center, said that participants for these trainings want to learn family
nursing skills and get a certificate so that they can serve for the elders
as a professional family nurse.
France: Craignant un Nouvel Eté Caniculaire, les Directeurs de Maisons de
Retraite fustigent l'Inaction du Gouvernement (March 17, 2004)
(Article in French)
Directors of nursing homes accuse the French government of getting rid of
its responsibilities by not giving financial means to face a new heat wave
in summer 2004. They ask for the creation of 250,000 jobs, in order to
reduce the gap between France and other European countries. The government
already announced the creation of 15,000 jobs in a five-year-plan.
Moreover the financial support from the government may not be available
before September 2004. Directors of nursing homes are disappointed and
don't want to also be seen as responsible for last summer's drama.
France: Social: le Recours aux Ordonnances va être
Etendu (March 17, 2004)
(Article in French)
A unique social security plan should be created for independent workers.
This reform aims at simplifying the current social security system. The
decision will be taken in agreement with all the social partners before
January 2006. However, liberal workers, like lawyers, will keep their
specific funds for old age guarantee.
Bermuda's Island: Bermuda's Elderly to 'Fight for
their Rights' (March 15, 2004)
Louise
Jackson, the opposition spokesperson for seniors in
Bermuda
,
urged the
Island
's
government to provide decent healthcare services and facilities for old
people. She denounced old people's
living conditions, and argued
that after all their life working for the country, they deserved a better
health care system. Many old people are victim of "staph
infections" when they go to the hospital and most of the time, they
are not fed enough. According to her,
the government is responsible for not providing enough resources: "We
don't have a doctor or nurse problem. The money needs to be put in the
proper place."
France: Canicule : "Nous restons Vulnérables
face aux Dangers Environnementaux" (March 11, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French Health Minister, Jean-François Mattei, announced the
reorganization of the General Department of Health (Direction générale
de la santé) during a government meeting. William Dab, director of the
General Department of Health indicated to the newspaper 'Le Monde' the
main points of the reform. Increasing collaboration among the different
departments is a key point.
China: As it gets Warmer in Beijing, Doctors are
Reminding Elders to Exercise in the Evenings instead of in the Mornings
(March 8, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Today in Beijing the temperature climbed to 20℃, the highest
temperature this spring and about 7℃ higher than the average March
temperature. The reporter learned from Xiang Shan Park and Tao Ran Ting
Park that there are about twice the number of older people doing morning
exercises than that of two days ago.
China: Family-based House for the Aged will be the
Respect-for-the-Aged model for China (March 8, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
DaLian - Guoying Yang, the 44-year-old resident at MingQuan St. ShaHe
District, had been worried about job-hunting. She had never expected that
she would be the first five-star attendant for family-based housing for
the aged.
China: More and More Men, who Challenge the Traditional Roles of Career,
join the Team of Tending the Aged. (March 7, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
TianJin - Data from organizations devoted to Tending the Aged indicated
that more and more men, who challenge the traditional roles of career,
join the team of Tending the Aged.
France: A Partir de 50 ans, il Faut être Attentif aux Risques d'Altération
de la Vue (March 5, 2004)
(Article in French)
For people over 50, regular vision exams are necessary, in order to
prevent any huge disorders. Many of the eyes' ailments are not even
discernible by the patient. A medical exam is the best way to take care of
one's vision. Ailments, such as the glaucoma or the muscular degeneration
linked with aging, could lead to total blindness if not treated in time.
Malta: Commission for Social Development Report on the
forty-second session (February 2003 - February 2004)
The Commission for Social Development of the United Nations held its
forty-second session in February 2003 and February 2004, and
representatives of 45 States members attended it. A senior person's
monitoring project was held in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Jamaica, Kenya and the
United Republic of Tanzania to see the implementation of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing. This project figured out that in
order to improve the senior's quality of life, to use and strengthen
existing structures where older people live is more effective than
developing a new structure of participatory assessment. The Commission
adopted a resolution on modalities for review and appraisal of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing.
France: Canicule: le Rapport
Accusateur qui Ménage M. Mattei (February 27, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French Parliament Enquiry Commission gave its report regarding the
summer 2003 crisis, in which it underlined the Health Ministry
incompetence. However, they did not accuse directly the Minister, Mr.
Mattei. The report is a compromise between the right and socialist
deputies. In the report, the Commission criticized the unacceptable lack
of cooperation among the different departments in the Health Ministry.
France: La Commission
propose un " Plan Canicule" (February 27, 2004)
(Article
in French)
The Heat Wave Crisis Enquiry Commission proposed the creation of a
« plan canicule » to help old people in case of a new crisis.
The main reforms suggest installing air conditioners in the rooms of
nursing homes and modernizing the health care system. The relations
between the National Institute of Health Watch (Institut de veille
sanitaire) and the General Department of Health (Direction Générale de
la santé) should also be reorganized.
France: Le Ministre Consulte
pour l' Assurance-Maladie sous le Regard de Matignon et de l' Elysée
(February 27, 2004)
(Article in French)
In the course of the reform of the French Health Insurance, Mr. Mattei met
with the trade unions representing doctors. The Health Minister wants
social security's expenses to increase less than 5% per year. He also
favored negotiations between the various social partners. Consequently,
all of them have accepted the reform of the "liberté d'installation"
(in France a doctor can open an office wherever he/she wants).
France: "Une DGS Inconsciente de la Gravité de
la Situation" (February 26, 2004)
(Article in French)
The French Parliament Enquiry Commission just wrote a report regarding the
summer 2003 heat wave crisis. This report underlines the main factors
responsible for the crisis development. First, it points out the fact that
neither the National Institute of Health Watch (Institut de veille
sanitaire), nor the General Department of Health (Direction Générale de
la santé) took into account the weather alerts. The report also denounces
the lack of communication between the different administrations and the
slow reaction of the responsible officials.
India: Counseling for the
Elderly (February 22, 2004)
The Indian government decided to set up 6 pilot centers in which health
care and psychiatric counseling would be provided to the elderly. This new
project is needed because older people do not always benefit from adequate
health care and relatives do not have the capacity to know what is wrong.
The health department will provide the health professionals, while NGOs
will provide counseling.
China: The Government Urges
Local Communities to Take Care of their Elders (February 21, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
The City Civilian Department is planning ways to take care of the
1,000,000 elders who live by themselves in China. The Civilian Department
encourages families as well as community members to take care of elders.
The Department wants to build up an organized network to assist and relate
to elders.
China: 171 Elder Houses
remodel their buildings and added 13,000 beds (February 17, 2004)
(Article in Chinese)
Before the Chinese New Year, the elders who are living in the Elders House
in TaiHu Town Tong Zhou District happily moved the newly-remodeled
building. The elders in the House were happy because they are living in
the ancient-style architectures, and using the newly multimedia hall and
library. The officer at The City Civilian Department said that the city
has remodeled 171 Elder Houses and the majority of the elders celebrated
the Chinese New Year in the new House.
Vietnam: Vietnam's Elderly Population on the Rise
(February 16, 2004)
At the "Actions for the Elderly" conference in Hanoi, officials
from national and international health organizations discussed how to
address rising numbers of older persons in Vietnam. By 2014, elderly
people will represent 10 percent of the Vietnamese population. Conference
participants suggested means to improve elderly people's lives with
specific health care improvements and a special nutritional diet.
France: Equiper les Maisons de Retraite contre
"la très Forte Chaleur" (February 13, 2004)
(Article in French)
Hubert Falco, the state secretary for the elderly, issued an official
paper ordering nursing homes to improve security and comfort for the
elderly. Each nursing home will have to create "pièces rafraîchies"
(cooling rooms equipped with air conditioners), as well as atomizers or
fans to help residents through a heat wave. The department prefect
officials will enforce these measures. The two representative trade unions
for nursing homes, the Adehpa and the Synerpa, denounced the lack of
funding plans to support the orders.
France: Obésité: les Français doivent réapprendre
à marcher (February 12, 2004)
(Article in French)
Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in developed countries. Bad
food habits, like consuming saturated fat and sugar, contribute to
obesity, and lack of physical exercise may also lead to coronary
thrombosis, diabetes and osteoporosis. French officials have created the
"Programme National Nutrition Santé" (National Program for
Health and Nutrition) in order to promote physical activity and reduce
obesity risks.
France: Pour Assurer le Financement de l'APA, le
Gouvernement Débloquera 1,7 Milliard en 2004 (February 11, 2004)
(Article in French)
The State Secretary for the Elderly, Hubert Falco, says the government
will still finance the Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie (the
"Personal Autonomy Allocation," a fund that helps older people
remain autonomous) with 1.7 billion euros this year. Falco made the
announcement after the release of the Senate Information Mission's report,
"France and the French Facing the Heat Wave." The report
denounces the French system's inability to respond adequately to a health
emergency. In order to improve the system's capacity, the Senate Mission
wants the regional prefect officials to have more liberty to make
decisions in a crisis involving elderly persons.
France: Assurance-maladie: M. Mattei
Appelle à la "Responsabilisation" (February 11, 2004)
(Article in French)
On February 9th, French Health Minister Jean François Mattei gathered
together 57 employer and employee representatives' delegations to discuss
the reform of the French health system. Mr. Mattei hopes to stick to
advice from the High Council for the Reform of Health Insurance to control
expenses, and the key word of the reform is "collective
responsibility." The minister argues that all parties, including the
state, private insurance companies, doctors and patients, must make
changes in their health assumptions and practices in order for the reform
to succeed.
France: Maisons de Retraite : le Scandale Continue
(February 10, 2004)
(Article in French)
During the heat wave of summer 2003, 4,610 elderly persons died in French
nursing homes. The French Parliament Enquiry Commission just finished its
enquiry into the deaths, but nursing homes have made no significant
changes in the meantime. The General Inspector for Social Affairs (IGAS)
underlined the causes of the situation: old buildings, inefficient and
inadequate staff, and lack of space. 10,000 beds will be available in the
next couple of years, but the need is urgent: by 2020, 4 million people in
France will be over 80 years old.
Prévenir les maladies coronariennes et l'obésité (February 3, 2004)
(Article
in French)
Every year, one third of deaths all over the world are caused
by arteriosclerosis disease, which is hardening of the arteries. The
illness is caused by bad food habits, including too much sugar and
saturated fat, and plagues both developed and developing countries.
The risks of arteriosclerosis increase with age, as well as with
diabetes, obesity, and smoking. The International Arteriosclerosis Society
(IAS) was created in 1979 to prevent the global spread of the disease, but
governments must be held responsible to urge the food industry to inform
consumers about the risks of a poor diet.
France:
La crise de la canicule met en lumière les graves carences de la prise en
charge des personnes âgées (January 31, 2004)
(Article in French)
The General Inspector for Social Affairs (IGAS) released a report about
the elder care system in France, and submitted it to the French Parliament
Enquiry Commission. In its report, the IGAS underlines the poor conditions
of hospitals and nursing homes and the lack of sufficient facilities. From
1996 to 2001, while the population over 75-year-old increased by 3%, the
number of available beds only increased by 1%. The waiting lists are long
for these ill-equipped establishments.
France: Le Haut Conseil pour
l'Assurance-Maladie Parvient à un "Diagnostic Partagé" sur les
Maux du Système (January 24, 2004)
(Article in French)
According to the High Council for the Future of Health Insurance, the need
for French Health Insurance reform has reached emergency proportions.
Social representatives unanimously approved the report given by Bertrand
Fragonard arguing that the entire health system has to improve in order to
support Health Insurance. Fragonard proposes that the state must draw from
the "Contribution Sociale Généralisée" (CSG), forcing the
government to increase retirement and unemployment contributions to the
CSG.
Canada: Nursing Homes Getting Surprise Checks
(January 23, 2004)
Ontario's health minister, George Smitherman, ordered surprise annual
inspections of the province's nursing homes after the release of a
scandalous Toronto Star report on nursing home neglect. Smitherman also
demanded additional reforms, including increasing the number of registered
nurses in each home and the time devoted to each patient. Moreover, the
ministry plans to force nursing homes to become more transparent so that
patients and families can assess a nursing home's reputation before
choosing to live there.
France: Le Rapport suggère de mieux rembourser
les Assurés qui ont une démarche de Prévention (January 23, 2004)
(Article in French)
In its report, the High Council for the Future of Health Insurance
suggests ways to reform medical and drug coverage in France. In one
proposal, drug reimbursements would be linked with the safety, efficacy,
and efficiency of the drug. The proposal would also require a stronger
cooperation between the national Health Insurance and the private
insurance companies.
United Kingdom: Half Care Homes Fail Drug Safety Test
(January 22, 2004)
According to the UK National Care Standards Commission (NCSC), almost 45%
of older people's care homes do not administer drugs to their patients
safely. NCSC inspectors also uncovered many forms of elder abuse and
neglect, responding to 1,278 complaints of abuse last year. Another
commission, the Commission for Healthcare Inspection (CHI), also pointed
out "serious service failures" such as staff problems or bad
governance in UK care homes.
France: Sept syndicats mobilisent contre le "désenchantement
hospitalier" (January 21, 2004)
(Article in French)
Doctors' and other health workers' unions have decided to demonstrate on
January 22, 2004, in part of a huge national action day to protect the
French public hospital system. The unions denounce the difficult working
conditions and the lack of adequate health care for patients. Health
workers in the psychiatric, pediatric and geriatric fields have
particularly mobilized for the demonstration, which will bring both
doctors' and other health workers' unions together for the first time in
15 years.
France:
Assurance-maladie: Le Haut Conseil juge prioritaire d'améliorer
l'organisation et la qualité des soins. (January 15, 2004)
(Article in French)
Bertrand Fragonard, Presidentof the High Council for the Future of
Health Insurance, will present the Council's recent report to the French
government on January 23rd. Fragonard argues that France should
not go into huge debt to support health insurance; an older population
will already raise health demands and spending. In order to finance Health
Insurance, he argues the state must draw from the "Contribution
Sociale Généralisée."
Canada: Overhaul nursing homes, Toronto says
(January 13, 2004)
The city of Toronto's citizen's advisory and community services
committees are pressuring Ontario Minister of Health George Smitherman to
improve the province's care system for the elderly. A recent report on
nursing home neglect, based on the ministry's own data, shows widespread
abuse of older people and lack of information for families to protect
their aged relatives. Toronto citizens request that Smitherman improve
transparency and community involvement in elder care and increase funding
for staff and resources. However, some area nursing home supervisors
denied allegations of neglect.
France : Assurance-maladie : la cruelle leçon américaine (January
8, 2004)
(Article in French)
France 's health insurance system faces a turbulent period of
inevitable change, and drug companies are lobbying for changes that would
strengthen their influence over the system and increase their profit
margin. Proposed changes would shift health insurance in France
closer to the American model, at the risk, some argue, of eroding the
traditional French system's foundation of social solidarity. Wealthier
people could apply for private insurance, but people who can't afford that
would have little support. The winners of such a system would be the
pharmaceutical industry and private insurance companies.
Elderly Fall Victim to Heat Stress (January 7, 2004)
A severe heat wave in Australia is putting older people particularly
at risk. Many seniors suffer from dehydration as temperatures and humidity
rise, putting stress on the heart and respiratory system. To prevent
complications, older people should drink a lot of water and stay in an air
conditioned or cool room; exercise in the middle of the day should be
avoided, as should alcohol, tea or coffee.
Germany's
Bayer Wins Right To Limit Supply to Discounters ( January 6, 2004 )
The
EU's highest court ruled that the German drug company Bayer can legally
limit sales to wholesalers to prevent them from exploiting price
differences between countries, representing a major victory for the
pharmaceutical industry. During the nineties, Bayer limited its sales to
French and Spanish wholesalers, where drug prices are regulated, to
prevent them from re-selling the medications to Great Britain at a higher
price. Wholesalers fined the company twice for violating anti-cartel laws,
but the European Court of Justice recently ruled the practice legal. The
decision may create a precedent giving drug companies control over where
and to whom they want to sell their products.
Report: Middle East: The Middle East Academy for Medicine of Ageing (2004)
The first session of the Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Ageing, the MEAMA, started with a focus on the demographic situation in the region and the problems the participants meet in their own countries related to older peoples’ access to health services. Although the number of participants was small, the participants were highly engaged in the problems of health related problems of older patients. Perhaps MEAMA could be forum for stimulating the development of services for older people in the Middle-East area.
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