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Health: World

- Archives 2005 -

Articles in Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish

Also see our section on US Health Issues

Africa

South Africa: The Impact of Social Health Protection on Access to Health Care, Health Expenditure and Impoverishment: A Case Study of South Africa (2005)
This case study examines the impact of health insurance on health care access and poverty reduction in South Africa. According to the report, “every year about 100 million people worldwide are forced into poverty by health care costs.” The study found that health insurance may reduce poverty by providing financial security for catastrophic health care costs and enabling people to have better access to health services. 

United Republic of Tanzania: HIV/AIDS Alliance Puzzles Elderly Persons (December 18, 2005 )
Many elders in northern Tanzania do not know the difference between HIV and AIDS. According to Stephen Kitomari, chairman of the Arusha Retired People's Association (known by the acronym CHAWAMA), providing the elderly with accurate information about HIV/AIDS is crucial in the fight against this pandemic. Accurate information will empower elders as peer educators especially since they are the primary care givers for HIV/AIDS victims. 

Liberia: Sight Savers International Focuses on Liberia to Prevent the Spread of Blindness (November 25, 2005) 
With the end of the conflict that devastated Liberia, leaders are re-thinking access to health care. The country needs to develop some special services that do not exist yet, such as eye care, especially in the rural areas. Indeed, about 5% of Liberians suffer from severely restricted vision. From now on Liberia plans to work hand in hand with the United Nations to rehabilitate its damaged infrastructure. 

Eritrea: Rural Eritrean Complain About Food Aid Cuts (October 29, 2005)
Elderly are increasingly complaining about the drastic food aid cuts that the Eritrean government made so as to not rely so heavily on foreign humanitarian assistance. Eritrea, one of the most food dependent countries that the United Nations provides for, needs food for about two-thirds of its population. This month Eritrea only allowed food for 72,000 people out of the previous number of 1.3 million in August. If this food aid cut continues, the people of Eritrea may have a serious problem on their hands.

Africa: "Taking Care of My Own Blood": Older Women's Relationships to their Households in Agincourt (September 2005)
While a relatively small percentage of elderly in Africa are infected with HIV/AIDS, many older persons are being left with care-giving responsibilities for their infected adult children or their young grandchildren, who have been orphaned by the disease. Women are more likely than men to be left with this responsibility. In Zimbabwe, a World Health Organization and Help Age International study found that 74% of all the caregivers caring for AIDS orphans were women. This report is based on statistics as well as interviews with elderly South African women who are caring for HIV/AIDS orphans, and elderly women from households that did not experience an HIV/AIDS death. These women were residing in an area with an estimated 33% prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The report discusses the potential of social pensions to provide for families in situations of poverty and unemployment. 

Southern Africa: Southern Africa Facing Starvation (September 18, 2005)
In Southern Africa, millions of people face hunger. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), urgent assistance is needed to avert a "major catastrophe" in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. HIV/AIDS has exacerbated the problem, as many adults have died or are too weak to work. The disease has orphaned many young children, leaving their elderly grandparents with the responsibility to care for them. The elderly are forced to till fields and scrounge for food to feed the orphaned children. This article provides a glimpse into the lives of just a few of the people who are now in desperate need of assistance.

Mozambique: 'Dramatic Stories' of Elderly Caring for Aids Orphans (August 15, 2005)
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has introduced Africa to a sense of overwhelming loss and despair. Men, women, children and older persons have all suffered immensely at the hand of this illness. One of the most affected groups of people, however, are the children who have been left parentless and homeless.  For children in Mozambique, burying their parents has become a terrifying reality of life. Fortunately, these children have the assistance of their grandparents and elderly friends and neighbors to take the orphaned children into their homes. The elderly, too, have lost loved ones, and now live with the additional responsibility of creating a livelihood for the young children in their old age. These elderly people in Africa are true heroes.

Africa: HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa Takes Toll on Grandparents Caring for Orphans (July 13, 2005)
With the widespread pandemic of AIDS in Africa , many grandparents care for their orphaned grandchildren, instead of being cared for by their own children. While the elderly do receive a monthly social pension of about 720 South African Rand (or 105 US dollars), sometimes the money is not enough to support the added expenses. The situation is serious and emotionally debilitating, as these grandparents must choose between basic necessities.

Niger: Niger's Most Vulnerable Famine Victims 'On the Brink': UN (July 13, 2005)
A United Nations food representative has come forth to say that the vulnerable (including the sick and the elderly) of Niger are at risk of being ‘wiped out.’ Roughly one third of Niger ’s total population is currently malnourished. Foreign aid is currently being sought after, to carry Niger out of this period of tremendous devastation. This latest crisis in Niger , which is among the world’s poorest countries, is said to be the result of a recent drought.

Namibia: A Cup of Soup for the Elderly (June 21, 2005)
No society can exist without elder persons to teach and nurture successive generations. As the elderly age, it is up to the younger generations to return the favor and lend a hand to elder persons in need. This pattern of generational reciprocation is currently being practiced among the sick and impoverished of Katatura, Africa . Subsequent to months of seeing hungry elderly standing in lines from dawn for their pension checks, the Kalahari Sands Hotel staff has begun to feed the elders of this community. It has opened a soup kitchen right at the pay-point to feed the elderly while they wait for their payments. Now the older persons can avoid the excessive hunger that they had felt standing in line waiting for their payments. Way to go! 

South Africa: State Gives Unsuitable Drugs to Elderly (June 19, 2005)
According to a study conducted in Durban, South Africa, one third of elderly state patients are prescribed medication known to have serious side effects, such as mental disorders. Will publicizing this issue provoke change? 

Namibia: In Africa, Life After AIDS (June 9, 2005) 
Documenting the success of antiretroviral treatment programs in treating HIV-AIDS patients in some parts of South Africa and Namibia, the reporter credits US funding to buy drugs and to pay medical doctors from many countries. Bobwalla, a young black woman born in Cape Town , was abused by her husband for the first nine years of their marriage. She tested positive for HIV and she was very depressed. Eventually, she found a clinic that could give her antiretroviral drugs. Her husband, who is also HIV positive, got treatment as well. He stopped drinking as well as abusing her. “For some, HIV brings death,” she says. “For some, HIV brought life into my home.” 

Nigeria: The Erosion of Traditional Forms of Care For the Elderly and Its Implication For the Elderly in Nigeria (2005)
This study explores how Nigerian youths feel about care-giving for the elderly and the difference between feelings and action, considering that they will have the responsibility of taking care of the elderly in the future either as family members or as policy makers. 
Care for the elderly has always been assumed as the children’s responsibility with little or no government support in Nigeria . However current social and economic changes have put into doubt the continued viability of such traditional arrangements for the elderly.

Tanzania: Older People Treated With Disrespect By Hospital Staff In Tanzania (May 12, 2005)
HelpAge International asked older people from Tanzania to share their medical experiences with hospital care in order to improve healthcare for the elderly. The results were very much worse than expected: waiting for hours, sometimes standing, to see a doctor, paying for the consultation, being ignored by the hospital staff and finally not receiving to finally not receiving good care because they are told  “you are not ill, just old.”

Kenya: Sunset Years Marred By Poverty, Neglect (April 30, 2005)
Kenyan society totally abandons the elderly. When it’s not HIV/Aids that kills their adult children leaving them alone to raise grand-children, older people get little care themselves from family members as was the tradition not long ago. Now, younger people move far away from their hometowns to find a job. Besides, many see the elderly as stigmatized and an unnecessary burden so that they become "the poorest of the poor." Help Age International is organizing in Kenya against this human rights abuse.

Swaziland: Help Is On the Way to Assist Swaziland's Elderly Financially (April 14, 2005) 
As Gogo Dube, a lot of older persons in Swaziland have to raise their grandchildren because their adult children died of AIDS. Then, it’s very often the women who are in charge of feeding all the family and providing everything. With polygamy, men live far away with their younger wives. Fortunately, help is on the way with a new government initiative to help elderly, and some non-governmental organizations try to help this older women who deserve an easier situation after a life of hard work. For example, in Swaziland, Swazis for Positive Living (SWAPOL), founded by five HIV-positive women, uses the profits from its agricultural cooperative to assist not only AIDS orphans but also grandmothers like Dube who take care of them

Africa: Aging and Poverty In Africa and the Role of Social Pensions (March 2005)
This report details the aging experience for the poorest of the poor in Africa. Three main contributing factors to elder poverty are examined: the burden on the elderly which has been the result of prime-aged adults being lost to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the traditional safety net of the nuclear family diminishing as a source of social support, and the elderly assuming the roles and responsibilities involved with child-rearing and breadwinning.

Uganda: 600,000 Face Starvation in Northeastern Uganda (March 18, 2005)
About 600,000 people face food shortage in northeastern Uganda as a result of a long drought, the World Food Programme (WFP) said March 16, 2005. WFP and local NGO’s try to feed the frailest population: the children, the pregnant and breast-feeding mothers and the elderly.

Swaziland: Elderly Bear Burden of Orphan Crisis (March 17, 2005)
Swaziland is the second country most touched by HIV/Aids and many children lose their parents every day leaving them without support except from grandparents if they are yet still alive. That’s why in the Swazi language the expression, 'umuntfu lomdzala akalahlwa', which means “an older person is too valuable to throw away,” has taken on more meaning than ever.

Namibia: HIV-Aids Employees Triple State Costs (March 2, 2005) 
The average Namibian public employees who receives HIV-AIDS treatment has claimed about N$17,616 for treatment, while members who are not infected claimed N$5,352. Even though the Health Ministry has received several funds for HIV-AIDS, some do not cover public employees. As a result, the government health insurance is asked to cover medical costs for employees who are HIV-AIDS positive. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Finance Minister, said that, “in spite of the reported progress in reducing new HIV-AIDS infections in a number of our regions, the disease is taking its toll on our country and no aspect of our lives is escaping its impact.”

Americas & Caribbean 

Cuba: Laugh One Hundred Times a Day (December 2005)
(Article in French)
In Cuba lives the man considered the oldest in the world.  Born in 1880, Benito Martinez Abogan, has the nickname "Avion" (which means airplane) because he worked so fast as a fieldworker. Some tests which cannot be done in Cuba are necessary to confirm his age to enter the Guinness Book. Nevertheless this portrait of a very old man is drawn with humor and happiness. Avion still has three dreams: visit his natal country, Haiti; meet Fidel Castro in person; get a wider mattress which could host more comfortably his feminine conquests.

Canada: Elder Alcoholism (November 28, 2005) 
(Article in French) 
Senior citizens are growing faster than the rest of the population. In Canada, there will be 7 million people over 65 in 2021. Among this population, alcohol is the "drug" of choice, unlike younger persons who use psychotropic drugs. As a matter of fact, there is a link between alcoholism, depression and suicide among the senior citizens. Depression must not be considered as a normal aspect of aging. It is an illness that needs to be cured. Alcoholism varies among older persons. Drinkers who got old must not be confused with senior citizens who recently started drinking to overcome depression.

Barbados: Give More Home Care (November 18, 2005)
Advocates at a panel discussion on women and public health at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters in Barbados urged the government to develop more home healthcare programs for the elderly. One of the advocates emphasized that providing support to the elderly in their homes can help to decrease costs to the healthcare system. The head of the Barbados Accident and Emergency Department said in the past that caring for the elderly was reducing the efficiency of the department. Increasing home health care for the elderly would be likely to remedy this situation.

Canada: Prescribed in Pity, Psychotropic Drugs Trivialized (November 17, 2005) 
(Report in French)
Johanne Collin teaches a course on the sociology of drugs. She explains in the report that numbers of people over 65 years old taking psychotropic drugs has become a social phenomenon. Indeed, more and more doctors tend to prescribe these types of drugs to the elderly because patients are depressed or because the doctors feel sorry for the patients. But depression is not due to aging. Causes must be treated rather than the symptoms. As a matter of fact, these doctors are not the only ones to blame, Johanne Collin explains, because they are the ones the elderly turn to when they have problems. The problem comes from isolation and neglect of the elderly. 

Canada: The National Week of Elder Citizens Security (November 12, 2005) 
(Article in French) 
Most people usually feel safest at home. But most of the accidents seniors had in 2005 occurred in their homes. Usually older people fall because they don't realize their house is not adapted to their current age. That's why Canada just launched a campaign to inform seniors of the risks that they may encounter at home and encourage them to adapt their homes as they age. 

Argentina : Elderly Adults: Between 10 and 15 Percent Administer Their Own Medical Care Instead of Regularly Consulting With a Health Professional (November 11, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
Of the 10-15% of elderly adults in Argentina who rely on self-administered medical care rather than on the full support of medical professionals, the majority of these "self-doctors" encounter many new medical problems that compound the ones they already face. This results from a failure to follow treatment plans and neglecting to take medications prescribed by doctors. Many of these self-doctors are also inconsistent in the treatment they provide for themselves, often switching to a new treatment plan 18 months after beginning a previous one. According to Vicente Tedeschi, president Of Argentina's Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, elderly adults are the largest consumer of health and medical services in Argentina because there is no illness that is particular to the elderly, but, rather, because this group is susceptible to every type of ailment that afflicts various groups of the general population.

Mexico : Vaccinations Against the Flu for Children and the Elderly Continue (November 9, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
In Michoacán , Mexico, the Secretary of Health has implemented a program that provides free vaccinations for children and elderly adults to protect them against the flu. This population is the most vulnerable to the complications that can arise from inadequate precautions taken against the flu.  The government recognized the necessity of taking extra measures to ensure that people from 6 to 23 months and those over 60 receive the medical care they need to remain healthy as winter approaches. Along with providing vaccinations, the program distributes information about how a person can guard his immune system against the flu.

Canada: Filling a Gap in Geriatric Care (October 26, 2005)
Irwin Lightman, a retired Toronto dentist, is determined to see something done about the state of geriatric dental care. He says that many residents in Ontario's nursing homes suffer from rotten teeth, advanced periodontal disease, painful mouth sores and ill-fitting dentures that make it difficult to eat. The Ontario Dental Association, social service agencies, seniors' organizations, local public health officials and dentists have urged the health ministry to develop an oral health plan for the elderly. Sadly, the government has not given elder dental health serious consideration. 

Canada: Aging, a Curable Disease? (October 24, 2005)
(Article in French)
Fighting against aging generates new hope: more and more people think ageing is something wrong, a « disease » a doctor can cure. And many doctors encourage this trend by actually saying aging can be avoided. Among them, Aubrey de Grey, a Canadian biologist, explains that aging can be considered as a disease as "it kills". Who could have thought we could live forever? No one. On the contrary, A de Grey seriously thinks it is reachable. And as a matter of fact, he belongs to a large group of scientists that consider aging as a something they can remedy. 

Canada: Advice for People Who Take Care of Older Persons at Home (October 18, 2005) 
(Article in French) 
Taking care of older persons can be a real job but many adult children care for their disabled parents. L Tapp Mc-Dougall, who wrote the Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide, explains: "My mother's life had changed and mine did as well. All of a sudden, I had to learn how to steer a wheelchair, how to make medical and financial decisions for her." The book contains caregiving advice. The author provides financial, feeding, and managing daily life and many other useful instructions to the reader so that disabled elderly can be cared for properly.

Barbados: Health Becoming Profit Driven (October 10, 2005)
A Democratic Labour Party spokesperson on Health and Member of Parliament, Richard Sealy, has expressed concerns about the rising cost of healthcare in Barbados. Privatization of hospitals and nursing homes could result in a "two-tiered healthcare system between the have and the have-nots." Sealy appeared particularly concerned about the elderly. He said the state needs to take responsibility for caring for the aging population and create more elderly care facilities, rather than funding private nursing homes.

Canada: World Day of the Mental Health (October 10, 2005) 
(Article in French) 
This year, the World Day of Mental Health aims to enlarge people's knowledge of the existing link between mental and physical health. "Mental health is a part of the well being of the population but a part of the well being of all societies as well" WHO (World Health Organization) affirmed. Neglecting the health of any part of the population impacts the whole society. That's why Mr. Robichaud affirmed the new investments carried out this year in mental health services to improve intervention in mental health crises. The funding will increase accessibility of psychiatric services, especially in rural areas. These investments were necessary since about 20 % of the Canadian population suffers from a mental disorder, from depression to alcoholism and drug abuse. 

Canada: Canada's Cure (October 10, 2005)
The mystery illness that claimed the lives of 17 nursing home patients in Toronto has been identified as Legionnaires' disease. Officials believe a contaminated water system. may have caused the outbreak of the rare form of pneumonia. The incident received worldwide attention, mainly due to the memory of the 2003 SARS outbreak, in which 44 people died and thousands were quarantined. Since then significant improvements have been made to the public health system; improvements that will save lives if a SARS-like virus or a flu pandemic hits Canada . While the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is tragic, Canadians are relieved that it has been identified and can be treated or contained with the use of antibiotics.

Canada: Health Minister Urges Ontarians to Get Flu Shot After Seniors' Home Outbreak (October 5, 2005)
A mysterious respiratory illness has killed 10 people and infected more than 80 others at an aged care facility in Toronto. Elderly persons are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, especially in institutional environments such as nursing homes. The illness does not appear to have spread beyond the nursing home, and is being monitored by public health officials. However, the outbreak prompted the nation's Health Minister to remind seniors to get their free influenza shots.

Canada: Canadian Online Pharmacies a Better Deal for Meds (September 20, 2005)
Researchers have reported that Americans could save up to 24 percent on their prescription drugs if they purchase brand-name drugs from an online Canadian pharmacy rather than a U.S. drug store. This saving could amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, depending on the type and quantity of prescription drugs required. Many Americans are already ordering their prescriptions from Canada . However, some have voiced concerns about the practice - Canadian health officials have announced plans to curtail such internet transactions, while experts have warned of the dangers of bogus websites.

US and Japan: Scientists Discover a Means to Increased Longevity (August 26, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
Scientists in the US and Japan have discovered a protein that may prolong life by controlling insulin. Although the medical community continues to debate whether the protein can extend the life of human beings and improve the quality of ageing, the authors of the study in “Science,” maintain that the protein can be used as the basis of a therapy plan that may, if not extend human life, at least 
mitigate the ailments of old age. Harry Dietz, an expert in genetics at Johns Hopkins   University in Baltimore , Maryland , cautions that the protein is not a panacea against ageing, but declared that “we have discovered something that perhaps has the capacity to make ageing much more enjoyable.” If the protein becomes available to the elderly community, some older adults may realize the dream of ageing without ailment.

Canada: Ontario Boosts Geriatric Care (August 3, 2005)
The Ontarian Health Minister, George Smitherman, has allotted 2.7 million dollars for elder health care in the Canadian province. The money will go towards projects such as senior centers, long-term care residences and towards improving the general quality of life for the seniors. Under the Canadian government, health care is regulated on a provincial level.

Canada: The Challenge of Growing Old (August 2, 2005)
Aging in a positive and healthy manner in rural Canada is no easy feat for many elderly today, a new report shows. While social programs help ease the many economic, legal and health-related burdens, older persons still suffer from hardships in every facet of social life. Elder Canadians tend to migrate to big cities where services are readily accessible, but those in rural centers are often left to fend for themselves. Canada must address these issues.

Peru: Life Expectancy Rises (August 1, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
A recent Ministry of Health study reveals that Peruvian life expectancy has increased from  63 to 72 years from 1990 to 2005. Cecilia Solís Rosas, coordinator of the National Sanitary Strategy of Prevention and Control of Non-Transmissible Damages, noted the encouraging developments but said that nontransmissible diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer increase year after year as well.  Solís Rosas said that the Ministry of Health is trying to improve health awareness put an emphasis on prevention in its work with patients and their families.

Chile: Milk, It Does A Body Good (August 1, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
The Program of Complementary Nourishment for the Elderly in Chile has officially launched its new milky beverage named “Años Dorados” (Golden Years). Fortified with vitamins and minerals, and reduced in lactose, fat and sodium, the milky substitute is designed for older persons. The Program also provides influenza vaccinations, physician consultations and prescription drug delivery.

Central America: Activists See CAFTA as Gift to Big Pharma (July 26, 2005)
International health activists criticize the Central American Free Trade Agreement for its intellectual property provisions. The provisions will prevent cheaper drug manufacturers from selling life-preserving treatments for AIDS victims in the region. ''Big Pharma,'' the brand-name pharmaceutical companies, successfully lobbied for such provisions, after spending over $800 million dollars over the past 6 years on campaign contributions, most of which went to Republicans. 

Chile: Sexual Revolution (July 26, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
Simply stated, sex is good for the health and well being of adults of all ages. Contrary to popular belief, sexual interest persists into later years. Older persons fear ridicule and criticism by a double moral standard, one which classifies them as overgrown children and the belief that their sexual functions and urges should simply not exist. However today older women have begun to take advantage of the fact that menopause is not synonymous with the end of intimacy. As older Chileans stir the pot of convention, Chile will continue to live a new revolution in sexual mores.

Jamaica: Developing a Culture of Assisted-Care for the Elderly (July 25, 2005)
As the older adults of Jamaica turn into elderly adults, more and more care and treatment options will be required, according to Jamaican Health Minister, John Juror. At the present time, the concept of assisted living has not been widely embraced by Jamaicans. "There is not a culture of persons checking into assisted living facilities, but, increasingly, it's an option that we are not going to have much choice about," noted Juror. As with many other nations worldwide, the modernization of the family unit (with fewer family members available to serve as caregivers) will force Jamaica to rethink its attitude on nursing homes. It is something that must be done, for the sake of the elderly. From a Global Action on Aging perspective, sooner is always better than later in this circumstance.

El Salvador: Glasses for the Elderly (July 20, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
La Asociación Salvadoreña Pro Salud Rural (The Rural Salvadoran Pro-Health Association) y el Programa Salud Visual (Visual Health Program) have donated  eyeglasses to groups of elder adults living in Sonsonate. They also have coordinated with the Ministry of Labor in Sonsonate to put into effect an immediate plan that will help to medically and financially support the elderly living there. The plan attempts to help those suffering from serious visual impairments, so that they can carry on their daily lives.

Canada: Older Women say Doctors Ignore Some Health Issues they Find Important: Study (July 19, 2005)
Many elderly Canadian patients feel that their medical concerns aren’t being adequately addressed. A study has shown that Canadian women aged 55 and older report that their personal physicians do go over the hazards of potential killers (such as diabetes, stroke and breast cancer) but neglect to discuss less talked-about issues (such as vision loss, memory problems and the side-effects of medication).  Many of them received no counseling on the process of aging, end-of-life issues, and other important concerns that come with age. Perhaps physicians should re-evaluate the way they treat their elderly patients.

Peru: UN Expert Concerned US- Peru Free Trade Accord Could Deprive Poor of Medicine (July 13, 2005)
UN Representatives worry that recent talk of establishing a free-trade accord with Peru, may translate into the suffering of the country’s sick and elderly. Experts anticipate that the accord would result in stronger patent laws, and ultimately the inaccessibility of essential drugs and medications. "I am concerned that the US-Peru free trade negotiations could lead to the World Trade Organization (WTO)," the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Paul Hunt of the United Nations, said. "Higher protection of patents could restrict Governments from taking action to protect the right to health in the future." The Peruvian government has been warned, and is expected to consider all possibilities for the nation’s people prior to signing an agreement.

Canada: Parkinson's Medication Linked to Gambling, Sex (July 11, 2005)
It’s scary, but true. Being on a medication to treat one frightening, life-debilitating disorder can create a whole new one of an entirely different nature. Clinical psychiatrists have started to notice a connection between consuming medication to treat Parkinson’s symptoms, with developing extreme addictions-anything from compulsive gambling to sex, to food or alcohol. “The main thing I want people to realize is that this still is a very unusual occurrence, that they don't need to be panicked and discontinue their medication, because these are still really good medications for their disease process,” says Dr. Leann Dodd, co-author of the study. Elderly patients on Parkinson’s medication are urged to be careful, nonetheless.

Canada: Experts Call for Older Women to Reclaim Sexuality (July 10, 2005)
A revolution has begun! Older women are starting to reclaim their sexuality, after years of buying into the popular public opinion that sexual desire diminishes with age. It’s not only the general public that’s confused though; many older women themselves are perplexed by the presence of a strong libido after age 50. "The range of sexual desire after 50 is in fact really broad," said Deborah Nedelman, a clinical psychologist based in Everett , Wash. , and co-founder of Women Beyond 50. Experts in the field attribute this change in sexual attitude to the growing popularity of Viagra. "Viagra has increased the anxiety about living up to sexual standards. Being a true human being now means being a sexual being for life," said Meika Loe from Colgate University in Hamilton , N.Y. Let the revolt rage on, women!

Canada: Canada Drafts Curbs on Drug Exports to the US (June 29, 2005)
In an attempt to ensure that domestic availability is not threatened, Canada has recently drafted a legislation to limit the exportation of medication to the US . Ontario ’s Health Minister, Mr. Ujjal Dosanjh remarked in a statement concerning the issue, "We have to make sure that we protect the safety and supply of the drugs for Canadians, and also the safety of the consumers of these prescriptions." He added that new regulations were needed because he expected the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow large imports of prescription drugs. Americans have become used to relying on Canada ’s cheaper drugs available online, but in Mr. Dosanjh’s own words: “ Canada cannot be the drugstore of the United States of America any longer.” Perhaps now that Americans can no longer depend on Canada for drugs, some reform in the American system of obtaining medication can be put into action. We definitely hope so.

Canada: Aging Population in Atlantic Canada will Put Stress on Health Care, Workforce (June 21, 2005)
A recent rise in the population of elderly individuals in the Atlantic region of Canada (in such areas as Halifax, St. John’s and Prince Edward Island among others) will likely put a major strain on the health care system, as well as the workforce. Locals fear that the swift departure of the elderly from the workforce will leave the economy in despair, and as these individuals age, will cause a great use of resources and health care dollars for their care. GAA reminds the policymakers and media to avoid viewing the elderly as a “strain” or a “problem” in our societal systems. Younger generations ought to be pragmatic and learn to cope with the issues the elderly face, rather than viewing negatively the issues that they must confront.

Canada: Canada's Healthcare Identity (June 20, 2005)
Universal health care for all: it’s a value forged deep within Canadian culture, and a major element of what many feel it “means to be Canadian.” The great importance that healthcare has within the country, is the same thing that makes any and all changes to the system carry tremendous weight. A recent court ruling in Canada’s Supreme Court recently stated that individuals should be given the right to subscribe to private care if they so desire, despite one province’s ban on private health insurance. This change may have the potential to change healthcare in Canada forever.

Canada: Certain Antipsychotic Drugs Pose Risk for Elderly With Dementia: Heath Canada (June 16, 2005)
Health Canada is alerting elderly people suffering from dementia and their caregivers to exercise discretion and caution when using antipsychotic drugs-an increased risk of death could be involved. Unsafe drugs have been found to include: Seroquel, Zyprexa and Clozaril. All of the preceding medications are not approved for treating behavioral disorders in elderly patients with dementia. Please be advised, and be careful.

Mexico: Mexico City Mayor Announces Free Home Medical Care For Elderly (June 1, 2005)
Mexico City Mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador today announced free home medical care for all of the city's 350-thousand elderly. Already he has implemented an historic social pension for Mexico City ’s elderly—a welcome move for older people and their families.

Equity of Access to Health Care for Older Adults in Four Major Latin American Cities (May/June 2005)
Do older persons have equal access to health care in four large Latin American cities? Researchers examined records in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mexico City, Mexico; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Santiago, Chile, with some surprising results. In Sao Paulo and Mexico City that have great gaps between the rich and the poor and also are home to the largest number of older persons in their respective countries, older people have better access to health care than those living in Montevideo and Santiago. Both Mexico City and Sao Paolo continue to have more public health care and public clinics than Montevideo and Santiago, despite their relative wealth and better economic standing…The conclusion? Older people fare better in countries with public health programs, including clinics and other health support—even though they live in a relatively poorer country. 

Asia Pacific

China, Hong-Kong: 71.6% of Elderly Have Chronic Diseases (December 20, 2005)
This press release issued by the government of Hong Kong gives the latest figures about the situation of the elderly. Though 93% of the elderly say they are able to perform daily activities independently, 72 % also say they have to face one, two, three of more chronic diseases.

Bangladesh: Stroke, Parkinson's More Common in Poor Countries (November 29, 2005)
Researchers at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University stated that stroke, Parkinson's disease and dementia are among the neurological diseases that are more common in poor countries like Bangladesh.. Research institutions in two Asian and two European countries have formed affiliations to focus on the elderly population in poorer countries.

Korea: Researchers Find a Trigger of Alzheimer's (November 29, 2005)
Korean biologists have discovered a way to regulate a substance that is known to potentially lead to Alzheimer's disease. The discovery will be likely guide the development of drugs to prevent a build up of the substance in the human body. The team's discovery has added to the global achievements in developing cures and preventative medicines for Alzheimer's disease.

Japan: Let Elderly Pay Medical Bills Based on Means (November 28, 2005)
The Japanese government is discussing changing the public health coverage plan that the country now enjoys. At present, people from the ages 3-69 pay 30 % of their medical bills while those who are 70 and over only pay 10% with the exception of those who are earning "the same level as those of working age" who pay 20%. But now the government wants to raise the percentage for the elderly who are earning "the same level as those of working age" to 30% (same as those people in the 3-69 age range). This reform will complicate the recent tax reforms since income disparity must be taken into account. While changes to the medical insurance system is being discussed, there's no discussion yet about the social security system.

Vietnam: Help Age International Helps the Vietnamese Elderly's Protection Against HIV-AIDS (November 27, 2005)
(Article in French)
Help Age International has supported a four year project to protect the elderly from HIV-AIDS in four Vietnamese cities. The support comes close to $500,000. 

Australia : Inventor launches memory machine (November 21, 2005)
A bad memory for names encouraged an Australian inventor to launch the first memory jogging device. He built it after noticing going through the whole alphabet usually helped him find the name he wanted. The machine works on the same principle. If you recall the first letter of the word, the rest will quickly follow. 

Japan: Old Textbooks Used to Treat Dementia (November 17, 2005)
Reprinted editions of old primary school textbooks are being increasingly used in Japan to treat dementia. Some of the original versions are over 50 years old and the reprinted versions are printed on coarse paper to give the elderly the same rough touch of the textbooks they used when they were young. This method was introduced in the United States in the early 1960s as a way to encourage memories of earlier life and prevent brain deterioration. Listening to the patients is an equally important part of such treatment.

India: Lifestyle, genes make you live longer (November 14, 2005) 
Being a women, having good nutrition and health habits can help one live for a hundred years. Taking a closer look at centenarians, scientists have found other elements that might predict extreme longevity. Among them, being the first born child of a large family or being raised in the rural western US or being born during the fall. 

Nepal: Vitamin Sherpa: Ram Shrestha (October 31, 2005)
When health experts in the 1980s discovered the key to reducing infant mortality in Nepal could be found in Vitamin A pills, the next step was to figure out the best way to distribute them. The scattered population in the country instinctively suspects strangers. That was when Ram Shrestha, a Nepali chemist and health expert, brainstormed the concept of using the family members who have the most influence in the society-grandmothers. Today, 49,000 grandmothers distribute vitamin A pills to 3.5 million Nepalese children every year. The infant mortality rate has been reduced by 50% since the 1980s. Grandmothers also now distribute the pills to pregnant women.

Australia: Families Could Be Paid For Aged Care (October 31, 2005)
The government in Australia is considering a proposal to pay relatives and friends to take care of elderly persons in their own homes. Aged Care Minister Julie Bishop suggests that there is a growing trend among the elderly to receive at-home care, rather than move to aged-care facilities. The scheme is intended to give older people a greater range of options in decisions about the ways they can receive care.

Japan: Government Eyes Upping Patient Fees/ Seniors Face More Expensive Health Care Under Before Plan (October 21, 2005)
The Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministry of Japan is discussing 3 proposals for healthcare reform. Under these "reforms" starting in 2008, elderly between the ages of 65-74 will have to cover 20-30% of their medical expenses; current seniors between the ages of 65-69 are paying 30% and those who are 70 years or older are paying 10% (with some exceptions). The ministry's goal is to cut 7 trillion yen in medical benefits by the year 2025. The debate is expected to finish by the end of this year, we will just have to wait and see the verdict. Will this policy create older, poorer Japanese or those with no health care? 

Japan: Japan to Cut Medical Insurance for Elderly to Reduce Costs (October 19, 2005)
The Japanese government plans to cut spending on state-run medical insurance for the elderly by 7.5 percent over the next 10 years, and by 12.5 percent over the next 20 years. These cuts will mean that contributory payments for some elderly people will rise from 10 percent to 20 percent. Some elderly people on higher incomes will contribute 30 percent, up from 20 percent. Japan also plans to reduce the number of people affected by diabetes, high-blood pressure and obesity, which can be caused by unhealthy lifestyles. The government estimates that prevention will reduce significantly medical spending as it spends about a third of Japan's medical coverage budget on these conditions.

Australia: Improving Management of Pain in Aged Care Facilities (October 18, 2005)
Research has shown that undetected and untreated pain is common amongst many aged care residents. Many residents suffer from cognitive impairment and are unable to report that they are experiencing pain. New national guidelines have recently been launched in Melbourne, Australia to attempt to counter this trend. The guidelines aim to help staff to promptly identify and treat residents suffering from pain.

Taiwan: Nursing Homes are Unsafe, Unsanitary: Foundation (October 16, 2005)
The Consumers' Foundation in Taiwan inspected 28 nursing homes and found conditions that they described as unsanitary, cramped and unsafe. There are 900 registered nursing homes in the country, but the Consumers' Foundation raised doubts about whether these were regularly inspected. In defiance of state regulations, 19 nursing homes did not have staircase railings and 15 did not have wheelchair ramps. Twenty-two of the homes were overcrowded by the standards of state regulations and some did not have enough doctors to care adequately for the patients. The foundation highlighted the country's aging population and stressed that the government should better manage, inspect and subsidize nursing homes.

Pakistan: Quake Pushes Pakistan's Health System to Breaking Point (October 14, 2005)
The Pakistan earthquake disaster has devastated the country's already inadequate public health infrastructure. Pakistan is close to the bottom of international rankings in public spending on health. The earthquake hit some of the poorest areas in the country and has affected many vulnerable groups, including the elderly population. According to the United Nations, 1,000 medical facilities were completely destroyed in the earthquake and many doctors were killed. With around 63,000 people injured, combined with fears of disease due to decomposing bodies and imminent cold weather, the country is facing a massive crisis. "Quite simply, we are no match for this big a tragedy," said Arshad Rana, president of the Pakistan Medical Association. The visiting regional head of the World Health Organization said that the relief operation would be more difficult than assisting the survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami in December.

Australia: Pollution: a Real Danger for Seniors Over 65. (October 13, 2005)
(Article in French) 
All the big cities in the world are becoming more and more polluted. During days of high pollution, the number of people who go to the Emergency Room significantly increases, especially among people over 65 years old who have cardiovascular problems. This Australian study shows how strong the impact of pollution can be on the most fragile part of the population. According to this study, pollution should be held responsible for about 6% of the deaths among the elderly. The World Health Organization says pollution has a strong impact on 1.1 billion people's health.

India: Law Soon For Care of Elderly (October 1, 2005)
The advent of the International Day for Older Persons was marked with the promise of legislation to provide care and security for older citizens. Although the elderly citizens, numbering about 80 million, are outnumbered by the younger population, India will soon become the home to the second largest elderly population in the world, with the number of people over the age of 60 set to reach 100 million in 2013 and to 198 million in 2030. The announcement of the legislation came as a relief to India 's elderly population.

Japan: Design and Impact of Public Long-Term Care Insurance in Japan (September 2005)
In April of 2000 Japan introduced a mandatory long-term-care insurance (LTCI) system. The system provides institutional or community-based services. Persons over 65 are deemed eligible by an assessment of physical and mental function, not on income or the willingness or ability of relatives or friends to provide care. The system covers the full cost of institutional care, except for food. In community care, beneficiaries receive financial entitlements ranging from US$ 500-3600 per month, depending on eligibility level. This article assesses the program as it exists in 2005, 5 years after its implementation. Government spending has increased, as well as the percentage of people over 65 who have been deemed eligible. The government has introduced "preventative" services including exercise training, oral health and nutritional counseling.

Guam: Elderly Also at Risk for Suicide (September 30, 2005)
Elderly persons may experience difficult times in old age. The death of loved ones and physical illness are not uncommon amongst elderly persons. However, difficult circumstances do not have to lead to social isolation, loneliness or despair. Suicidal behavior among elderly persons particularly affects males. This article tells the story of an elderly man in Guam who was able to pull himself out of despair with the help of others.

Korea: In Korea's Rest Homes, the Care Can be Deadly (September 21, 2005)
Korea 's aging population has prompted the government to increase the number of facilities for the elderly. However, many of the homes currently existing in the country are run at a sub-standard level. Professor Lim Chun-sik of Hallim University said that employees at public care facilities in Korea must care for five times as many patients as an employee at a facility in the United States . As a result, unnecessary deaths are occurring due to neglect, inappropriate treatment, and in some cases, serious abuses of human rights. The process for investigating deaths occurring in care facilities is far from satisfactory. In many cases autopsies have not been conducted. In a recent case, a team from the National Human Rights Commission discovered the remains of 221 residents in a cupboard behind the funeral hall of an elderly care facility in Incheon.

New Zealand: Elderly Starving in Their Homes - Doctor (September 18,  2005)
It has been estimated that, internationally, five to ten percent of older people living at home are not getting enough food to maintain their weight. In New Zealand , doctors are voicing their concerns about elderly people in their community who are at risk of malnutrition. 31% of elderly people admitted to Auckland hospital geriatric wards were significantly malnourished, according to a recent survey. In rest homes, the number of malnourished elderly was estimated to be about 25%. Older persons do not have the same capacity to recover from sickness, and this is magnified by an insufficient diet. A healthy diet and body weight is also thought to reduce the risk of dementia.

China: Country Tackles Problems Facing Seniors (September 15, 2005)
The Shanghai government is currently addressing the city's aging population in developing plans to improve services for the growing number of elderly persons. By 2020, the number of elderly people over 60 in China is predicted to reach 243 million, representing 17 per cent of the country's total population. Although the current plans are promising, they still fall short of providing for all elderly people. Complicating spending plans are emerging problems such as the impact of AIDS on older persons (caregiving and raising orphaned grandchildren) and the health of China 's elderly women. 

China: Women’s Life Expectancy 73.8 Years in Guangxi (August 28, 2005)
The average life expectancy for women in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has increased from 70 years in 1995 to 73.8 years in 2004, while the infant mortality rate and pregnancy-associated death rate have dropped. The region attributes this new trend for longer lives to its investments in health protection for women and children, which totaled 383 million yuan (over 4 million US dollars) last year.

US and Japan: Scientists Discover a Means to Increased Longevity (August 26, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
Scientists in the US and Japan have discovered a protein that may prolong life by controlling insulin. Although the medical community continues to debate whether the protein can extend the life of human beings and improve the quality of ageing, the authors of the study in “Science,” maintain that the protein can be used as the basis of a therapy plan that may, if not extend human life, at least 
mitigate the ailments of old age. Harry Dietz, an expert in genetics at Johns Hopkins   University in Baltimore , Maryland , cautions that the protein is not a panacea against ageing, but declared that “we have discovered something that perhaps has the capacity to make ageing much more enjoyable.” If the protein becomes available to the elderly community, some older adults may realize the dream of ageing without ailment.

China: Keeping Well Hydrated is Beneficial for Your Health (August 24, 2005)
(Article in Chinese)
Health experts point out that keeping well hydrated is beneficial to one’s health. It is especially important for seniors to do so. Some good tips in doing that include drinking plenty of fluid, keeping a humidifier in the room. Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid. When you stop drinking water or lose large amounts of fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or strenuous exercise, your body's cells absorb fluid from the blood and other body tissues. Dehydration can occur at any age, but seniors are especially at risk. Being mindful of your body’s fluid levels at all time is a great way to ensure that you remain healthy.

Korea: Online Medical Care Benefits Elderly (August 23, 2005)
Once again developing technology helps assist older persons. In Korea, many elderly living in rural areas have been receiving medical care through the Tele-Diagnosis System. This system allows patients to get expert medical consultation through a computer at their local health centers instead of traveling to distant large cities. This arrangement benefits those who do not have an easy access to a major hospital or specialized doctor. In order to use this service, patients visit to a city or county health center for a thorough examination and then follow up appointments are done through the computer located at a local health center. This Tele-Diagnosis System is still quite new but it is safe to say that it produces positive outcomes.

Thailand: Coping with Love: Older People and HIV/AIDS in Thailand (August 23, 2005)
A detailed report released by HelpAge International (a global network of not-for-profit organisations who work with poor older people worldwide) documents the current HIV/AIDS crisis in Thailand. HelpAge is currently studying, along with local NGO’s, how HIV/AIDS affects the older population. Local leaders are beginning to address the needs of elderly people and to develop services tailored to this segment of the population.

China: Moderate Consumption is Beneficial (August 17, 2005)
(Article in Chinese)
Health experts point out moderate consumption of sugar is beneficial. As the process of aging proceeds, the human body’s ability to adjust to blood sugar weakens. A sudden drop of blood sugar may cause severe health problems, so sugar is needed in our system.

Guam: Decades After Abuses by the Japanese, Guam Hopes the U.S. Will Make Amends (August 11, 2005)
Elderly Guam residents hope that the U.S. government will compensate them for injustices they suffered under Japan ’s 32-month occupation during WWII. This is what the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, a House bill introduced in April, with 83 Congressional sponsors, hopes to accomplish. Compensation for the Guamanians would be comparable to the compensation paid to interned Japanese Americans, so the Guam program would cost about US $135 million. While the Navy Department did judge damage claims filed under the Guam Meritorious Claims Act of 1945, most of the isolated and largely Chamorro-speaking* population was unaware of the 1945 claims system, and the process itself was hurried and missed many claims (US $8 million was paid at the time). The injustices that the Guam WWII Loyalty Recognition Act hopes to rectify were largely enumerated in the 2003 Guam War Claims Review Commission, where elderly witnesses painted a picture of Japanese colonial occupation that turned progressively violent against anyone suspected of sympathizing with the United States .
* Chamorro is the Spanish-influenced dialect of Guam ’s native people.

Japan: Solving Daily Math Problems Alleviates Some Dementia (August 2, 2005)
Math problems are often regarded as nothing more than a pain. They take time and careful consideration and are regularly the source of great stress and anxiety. But the next time you’re about to pull your hair out while playing with your budget for the month, or calculating the sales tax on a sweater, remember this: math is a workout for your brain. Researchers are now saying that fiddling with these problems can even help alleviate some symptoms of dementia in elderly persons. Research conducted in Japan has shown that solving math problems helps to maintain optimal brain functioning in the aging population.

China: Elderly Obesity and Weight Loss (July 27, 2005)
(Article in Chinese)
In the process of aging, the human body’s immune system weakens and we become prone to many diseases. Obesity is one of the major problems facing the elderly.  Possible complications include cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and coronary disease. Higher incidence rate of diabetes is also observed. As a result, it is critical for elderly to maintain a healthy weight range.

China: Population, Ageing, AIDS: Key Challenges Over Next 50 Years (July 26, 2005)
The world population has shot up, and with it has come new concerns. A recent international conference held in Paris, critically examined issues such as population dynamics, the AIDS epidemic and ageing issues worldwide. According to UN figures, 20 per cent of today's population in developed countries is over 60 and by 2050 that proportion is projected to rise to 32 per cent.

Japan: Japan Looks to Robots for Elderly Care (July 20, 2005)
As the number of elderly persons continues to rise, and more and more people are leaving the work sector and focusing on life as a senior, the elder care business in Japan is setting off now more than ever. Elderly people require more assistance in their daily lives, with everything from mobility to feeding themselves. Japan does not bring into the country much cheap, foreign labor and consequently the elderly have more difficulty finding personal caregivers. This has left the Japanese people to look to alternative care, the most recent one being in the form of a robot. Through motion detection, sensors and other types of ‘intelligent’ technology, robot caregivers may soon be able to assist older people with almost any task that a human would perform. Robots may also solve the problem of a sense of privacy- there are people who would prefer help from a robot with things like bathing and dressing, than from a fellow human being.

China: Aging In China (July 19, 2005)
A compilation of articles collected and reviewed by Ms. Evelyn Chow, examining the current experience of  growing old in different parts of China. The articles include information on emerging health and elder rights issues. Read on for more!

Asia and the Pacific: Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2005
This report, released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, details the dynamics of a growing aging population in these areas. It looks at how changes may be brought forth as a result of this aging population in areas such as pension reform, economic growth, the labor and workforces as well as the healthcare sector. In the health arena, it describes how a re-evaluation of services will have to be made to adjust to the needs of the elderly population. As demand increases, countries are looking at ways to maximize their efficiency in providing appropriate services, while keeping in mind that their resources are limited. The report also underlines the concepts of health promotion (chiefly physical activity and diet), insurance for the elderly, and providing nursing home care.

Australia: Asthma Research Sounds Warning for Older Australians (July 5, 2005)
Current findings in Australian medical research suggest that many older people may be living with undiagnosed cases of asthma- as many as a third of all people 55 years and older. Asthma is a medical condition whereby breathing is restricted, due to an inflammation of the air passage, usually caused by an extra-sensitivity of the air-passage to foreign particles. Despite the fact that so many elders suffer from the condition, most of asthma research is targeted at the younger population. One possible reason for the under-diagnosis in the elderly, is due to the fact that many physicians find it much harder to detect in older people-it is a complex disorder to treat. Key strategies in rectifying this problem for older persons include: increasing awareness of asthma and its effects in families, improving the diagnosis of asthma in the elderly, as well as tailoring treatment options to best suit the specific needs of elderly suffering from asthma.

Australia: Sex Hormone Levels Ruled Out As Cause for Low Sexual Function in Women (July 6, 2005)
What was previously thought to be the case has now changed with respect to hormone levels and women’s sexual functioning, researchers say.  A low libido or sexual dysfunction is completely independent of male sex hormones, or androgen levels in a woman’s blood. Sexual dysfunction, primarily low libido, is common among women, with prevalences of 8 percent to 50 percent and even more so among older women. Dr. Susan Davis, remarked "There's a relationship between hormones and sexual well-being but there's no hormonal cut-off point that defines dysfunction."

Japan: Diet Passes Bill to Curb Geriatric Care (June 23, 2005)
Japan has recently proposed a new development in the health care strategy of the nation, emphasizing preventative care rather than resorting to sky-high spending for geriatric nursing care. The amendments made to the nursing-care insurance bill, included elderly people at public nursing homes paying for personal accommodations and meals starting in October. The payments are expected to average 30,000 yen per month. In addition, the sponsorship of muscle training and nutritional counseling for the elderly will be added to the amendment- hopefully serving as a preventative measure. The effects of these cost-cutting methods will be reviewed three years after their implementation.

Australia: Friends Better Than Family to Help You to Live Longer (June 15, 2005)
Results of a recent Australian study suggest that it’s important to keep your family close, but keep your friends closer. The study shows that elderly people who have a close network of friends may outlive people with only close family ties. Research subjects demonstrated that having a network of good friends can be equivalent to a 22-percent reduction in the risk of dying during this period, when compared to those who had close ties with their children or relatives. Close friends are quite psychologically rewarding for seniors to have--they encourage them to eat healthy, to quit smoking or to drink less, and also have a major impact on mood and self-esteem. 

Turkmenistan: Healthcare System Virtually Destroyed, Says UK-Based Group (June 9, 2005)
Is health for all people a fundamental right? Does it exist solely for some and not others? Evidently, the latter of the two may very well be the case. A report outlining the condition of the healthcare system and system of human rights in Turkmenistan (a country in Central Asia lying between Afghanistan and Iran), described a deteriorating situation in the former Soviet republic. "The current situation in Turkmenistan 's healthcare system is very serious and in recent years, the healthcare system has been systematically dismantled. Since independence, state funding for healthcare has significantly decreased," noted Bernd Rechel, an author of the report. Along with a lack of funding, the system is also suffering from the introduction of unaffordable user fees for the general public. Political and government influences have also contributed to the despairing healthy system, with a ban on the reporting of infectious diseases in the country, as well as the shutting down of higher education institutions-making it impossible to train future healthcare professionals.

Asia: Asian Elder Care Faces New Dilemma (May 31, 2005)
Traditional Eastern ideas on the family unit, family dynamics and elder care have become barely recognizable in the past ten years. With steady changes being introduced all the time, the elderly Eastern population has had quite a bit to adjust to. In a recent conference held in Rotorua, New Zealand, representatives of Asian countries explained the numerous adaptations they have been faced with as well as the efforts they have made to cope with them. Where it was previously the norm for aging parents to live with their children, many younger individuals have decided that they are no longer willing to care for their parents. In addition, mental health issues among the elderly which were once very carefully concealed by their families, are now becoming more apparent as they break away from their grown-up children. New services are currently being implemented to assist the elderly Asian communities as they reorient themselves through this period of development. 

Tatarstan: Only 65% of the Need For In-home Special Social Service For Elders Is Met (May 19, 2005) 
(Article in Russian)
The waiting list of lonely, seriously ill aged persons and invalids for in-home social service lists some 1,738 persons. This data was revealed at the Republican Inter-departmental Social Security Commission held in the Tatarstan Republic Cabinet Ministry. 

Korea: Where Life Goes On (And On) (March 22, 2005)
The Korean village of Sunchang is called the “longevity village” because they have an unusual number of centenarians and older people. Park Bok-dong, who is 105 years-old, is very glad to be still very healthy thanks to the soybean heavy diet, clean water, plenty of exercise and the prevalence of extended families. Some other inhabitants seem to regret this long life thinking that their life has been rich and complete enough.

Thailand: Grandmothers Find It Difficult to Be Mothers Again (March 4, 2005)
The lethal spread of HIV/Aids in Thailand produces more and more orphans due to the disease. Often grand-parents, especially their grand-mothers, take over raising the children. In Thailand alone, 220,000 grand-parents take care of their grand-children who are often affected themselves by AIDS. These elderly persons face poverty and isolation as they try to support their grandchildren, reports Help Age International.

Japan: Yawning Yumel (March 1, 2005)
Tomy, a toy manufacturer in Japan, is marketing a talking, 'healing' doll named Yumel to older persons. Inventors programmed this nighttime companion with six sensors and an IC chip to keep track of the owner's sleeping patterns. Yumel says phrases, such as, "I love you!" "Washing clothes is hard, isn't it?" and "Someday I want to go over the rainbow." Click on this article to see more samples of Yumel's 1,200 statements!

Sri Lanka: Examining the Health of Older People and Their Families In Sri Lanka (February 2005)
This report details the living circumstances for the elderly population of Sri Lanka, as well as the conditions in which they find themselves. It outlines government responses to national problems facing the elderly, the status of health care services as well as home care nursing services in the country, social problems reported by elderly individuals (including elder abuse), the working conditions for the elderly in tea plantations, and finally the work of NGO’s dedicated to improving the health and well-being of elderly Srilankans, as well as the changes they hope to implement. The report closes with a description of future planned strategies, including advocacy measures, creating awareness and other initiatives. We really hope things improve for our elderly friends in Srilanka.

Korea: UN Needs $202 Million to Feed 6.5 Million Hungry People in DPR of Korea (January 27, 2005)
With millions of children, women and elderly in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) barely living at subsistence level, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said today it needed $202 million for 2005 to feed the 6.5 million most desperately hungry, over a quarter of the total population. Will the world respond generously? 

Thailand: Thailand's older population: Social and Economic Support as Assessed in 2002 (January 2005)
This analysis covers characteristics of Thai elderly, older than 60, trends and differentials in their living arrangements, the impact of living arrangements on their well-being, sources of material support, caregiving and social support. For example, the family, and in particular adult children, still plays a major role in providing support and care for the elderly in Thailand . 

China: China Facing Rapidly Growing Aging Population (January 7, 2005)
China has the same challenge that most developed countries face with the aging of their population. Chinese persons over 65 will be 14% of the population in 2007 and 24% in 2050. Their low fertility rates, their increasing life expectancy and the "westernization" of the younger population who are moving away for jobs will require the government to find new approaches. For example, the government will need to increase the number of places in nursing homes which today hardly reaches 1% of the ageing population. Or build a community-based care system to allow older people to stay at home.

Europe

World: Obesity and Health in Europeans Ages 50 and Above (November 29, 2005)
The RAND Corporation recently conducted a study documenting the effects of obesity on health in ten European countries. About one-half of the men and more than one third of the women ages 50 or older in these countries were obese or overweight. The study found that obesity is strongly linked to major health risk factors, like depression, heart disease or high cholesterol levels. There were, nevertheless, cross national differences. Spain had the highest prevalence of obesity; France had relatively low levels of obesity, but also the highest rate of high cholesterol levels.

World: Vitamin D Deficiency Common with Brittle Bones (October 28, 2005)
A recent cross-continental study involving postmenopausal women older than 55 and suffering from osteoporosis has found that more than half of the women in all regions studied are vitamin D deficient. The production as well as the absorption of vitamin D by the body is reduced with aging. A researcher who led a similar study in Argentina advised osteoporotic patients to have their vitamin D levels checked because it "can certainly influence the outcomes of any (bone strengthening) treatment."

World: Researches on Aging: Towards a Larger Understanding and Deeper Experiments (October 27, 2005)
(Article in Arabic)
The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine held its 13th Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in December 2005. The Conference discussed new developments and research in the field of aging. Characteristic of the most recent medical research is a focus on all aging-related issues: illness, health changes and different means of care for older persons. The increase in life expectancy in many societies worldwide boosts research in these areas. Nowadays, human beings can enjoy old age well into the 100s.

World: Centenarians Increase in Age and Numbers (October 23, 2005)
According to the census bureau, there are 71,000 centenarians in this world. The numbers of centenarians are still considerably increasing. From a USA/ABC News poll, out of 1,000 adults, 87 was the average age that most wanted to live to and only a quarter said that they would like to live to 100 years old or even older. Many did not want to live too long because they do not want to plague their family with the burden of their health problems that they are most likely to have. Today, 120 years is the oldest recorded age that a human has achieved. Among the centenarians, there are a few common characteristics; they are rarely obese, eat healthy foods, get enough exercise, and have close ties with friends and family. 

World: Fish Is Necessary to the Completion of Embryo’s Brain and to the Preservation of Older People’s Memory (October 13, 2005)
(Article in Arabic) 
Two unconnected scientific studies show that fish is necessary to the completion of an embryo’s brain and to the preservation of older people’s memory. Researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago emphasized that eating fish at least once a week greatly reduces the deterioration of both the memory and nervous capacities of the elderly, and weakens the possibility of senility.

World: Loosing Weight Can Be a Symptom for Alzheimer's (September 28, 2005)
(Article in Arabic)
American Researchers claim that elders who lose weight with no reason may be experiencing the early stages of the Alzheimer's disease. They, also, discovered that elders who lose around 2 kilograms (4.41 pounds) a year are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer's than those who are obese. Therefore, a slight decrease in weight of an old person can be considered as a preliminary indicator for the Alzheimer illness in addition to the other symptoms such as: damage in brain memory (forgetfulness) and physical movement.

World: 14 National Broadcasters Join Together for AIDS Awareness (August 9, 2005)
Fourteen international broadcasting corporations will be converging for the purpose of sending a powerful message out to the world: the global risk and danger posed by AIDS, is enormous. The project will join a number of short segments from corporations all around the globe, highlighting the human or social dimension of the epidemic in the contributing producer’s home country. A number of UN organizations, as well as ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) are backing this endeavor entirely, and are offering their continual support.

World: Capsaicin Lozenge May Prevent Aspiration In Elderly (June 7, 2005)
A study revealed that capsaicin lozenges given to elderly with aspiration problems may well improve the swallowing reflex after a few weeks.

World: Taking Care of An Alzheimer’s Patient (May 2005)
(Article in French)
Alzheimer’s disease has a real impact on the family circle of a patient. The disease causes many troubles for its victims: loss of autonomy and behavioral disturbances (depression, anxiety, aggressiveness). Sometimes, the patient can’t stay at home or even in a nursing home but requires specialized healthcare.

World: Exercise Can Cut Risk of Dying From Breast Cancer (May 25, 2005)
Being physically active boosts the possibilities that breast cancer patients will survive the disease, according to a study. It produces evidence that exercise improves the prospects of beating any malignancy. So, lace up those sneakers and let’s go…

World: Therapies Shown to Cure Breast Cancer (May 13, 2005)
Chemotherapy and hormone treatment have dramatically reduced the death rate from early breast cancer, according to a major international analysis that indicates the often arduous regimens do cure many women. Early treatment seems key to survival. GAA would like to know class distinctions exist. Do richer women in the US get better care because they can afford expensive doctors earlier? 

World: When Are Alzheimer’s Patients Incapable of Making Decisions? (May 9, 2005)
People with very mild Alzheimer’s disease are still competent to make decisions about their treatment, while those with moderate Alzheimer’s may no longer be able to competently make those decisions, according to a study published in the May 10 issue of Neurology. The study also found that people who were aware of their Alzheimer’s diagnosis, symptoms, and prognosis were more likely to be able to make competent decisions, regardless of the severity of their disease.

World: Third World Healthcare Corruption (April 25, 2005)
This article describes rampant absenteeism by health care providers, as well as teachers, in developing counties as a form of “corruption.” As a result, there is no reliable network of reliable health care practitioners and the public has lost confidence in using the services that are available.

World: Alzheimer: A Vaccine with Hopeful Results (April 13, 2005)
(Article in French)
The first tentative treatment using a vaccine against Alzheimer’s disease, which was voluntarily interrupted in 2002, now turns out hopeful. After three years, the vaccinated patients in Europe and in the United States had a check-up that showed a statistical improvement in their cognitive functions. Neurology Magazine published these results.

World: About 70 Percent of Older Adults Use Alternative Medicine (April 9, 2005)
Nearly three out of every four adults over age 50 use some kind of alternative medicine, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, according to a new study. The most used alternative medicine is chiropractor treatments. People who tend the most to use that kind of medicines are those who have a poor health with daily pains. Maybe lower costs for alternative approaches are appealing.

World Health Day 2005: Meeting the Health Needs of Older Women (April 7, 2005)
Older people are stigmatized in gaining access to health care because of their age and their financial means which are usually very modest in developing countries. Many see age as a disease and sickness as a integral part of aging. Therefore, no treatment is required. However, elderly, especially older women, are often the epicenter of developing countries’ families. Whole families and communities couldn’t live without their precious help.

World: Why It's Important For Older People to Exercise (March 28, 2005)
Researchers now have the physical evidence to show why it's important for older people to exercise. And it comes with the discovery that, in aging racehorses, regular aerobic workouts decreased the prevalence of muscle damage that can be caused by exertion.

World: Happily Ever After In Retirement (March 9, 2005)
Health, money, interests and hobbies are as much as answers to the question “How to be happy after your retirement?” Take a look to this article to learn the definition of happiness for a civil servant, a pharmacist, an economist and a physiotherapist.

World: The Baby Boomer Tuneup (March 8, 2005)
It's not too late. The tricks for a long, healthy life -- don't smoke, eat right and exercise -- are well-known. But putting that into practice often seems so daunting that people don't even try, and by their 50s, many baby boomers figure that the damage has been done anyway. But it’s not too late! Begin now!

World: Ageism Said to Erode Care Given to Elders (March 7, 2005)
Older patients often suffer needlessly from cancer, depression, and heart disease because society's age bias gets in the way of treatment, according to a growing body of research. For instance, half of all seniors with advanced colon cancer don't get chemotherapy after surgery to remove the tumor, although older patients who get the treatment live longer, according to researchers at Columbia University .

World: Internet Weaves A Lethal Web (March 3, 2005)
Vast amounts of drugs like cocaine or heroine and billions of doses of medicine are sold illegally over the Internet every year, according to a report by the International Narcotics Control Board. Some painkillers and powerful analgesics are bought often via internet to people who usually didn’t see a doctor beforehand and can be killed by the incorrect prescription or the dosage. But maybe a lot of people don’t have another financial choice because they cannot afford the expensive (and high profit) medications available in their country.

World: Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented? (February 2005)
The goal of primary chemoprevention is to decrease the incidence of a given cancer, simultaneously reducing both treatment-related adverse events and mortality. Middle-age and older men suffer from prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) demonstrated that finasteride can prevent prostate cancer but with an apparently increased risk of high-grade disease. A substantial amount of epidemiologic, molecular, and clinical evidence suggests that both selenium and vitamin E might also prevent prostate cancer, and this combination is being tested in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. Ultimately, the adoption of a preventive strategy hinges on its potential benefits weighed against the potential risks of the specific agents used.

World: Drugs Raise Risk of Suicide (February 28, 2005)
Adults taking popular antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as patients given sugar pills, according to an analysis released yesterday of hundreds of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of patients.

World: Elderly Receiving Inappropriate Prescriptions From Their Doctor's Office (February 24, 2005)
28% of elderly patients received at least one of the 33 drugs identified as potentially inappropriate by medical experts and 5% received one of the 11 drugs classified as not recommended for older persons. In spite of reviews and warnings from medical research for a decade, these cases are not decreasing in the United States .

World: Opinions Towards Elders’ Sex Life (February 17, 2005)
(Article in Chinese)
The purpose of sex life is to produce the next generation. Some think that since elder women have passed the age range to become pregnant, they should not have a sex life. However, even if the elders are not able to bear babies, they still need a normal sex life. Research shows that the elders should keep their normal sex life until 80 years old. Among the males who are older than 60, 54.7 % of them still have strong requirement for sex. 

World: Treatment for Prostate Cancer Shows Promise (February 17, 2005)
An experimental treatment that helps the immune system to attack tumors can extend the lives of men fighting advanced prostate cancer, according to a study released February 16, 2005. This marks the first time a cancer vaccine has been shown to improve survival for any malignancy.

World: Sex Disease Risk for Older Women (February 11, 2005)
Sex and older persons are not often associated and that's a big problem in the preventing of sexually transmitted infections (STIs.) Health officers often think older people, especially females, have lived in long monogamous relationships or are quite sexually inactive. However, more and more women have a second life in their older age that means possible sexual relations and exposure to sexual diseases. Prevention campaigns must target older persons, even though it challenges younger persons' usual way of thinking.

World: Seniors Research How to Age Gracefully (January 31, 2005)
Many seniors may feel as if their generation and the subject of aging has been studied to death, and usually by researchers many years younger than themselves. But an innovative University of Calgary pilot project recruited and trained seniors as researchers to talk to others in their age group about the challenges of making the so-called golden years a great part of their life.

World: How Old Is Too Old to Have A Baby? (January 24, 2005)
Can someone ever be too old to be a parent? Several recent cases involving older single women having children have helped bring this issue into the spotlight and make it a topic of international debate. The last one is the case of a 66-year-old woman who gave birth to a premature baby girl and lost 2 babies during her pregnancy. Dr Arthur Caplan gives his opinion on these cases of later life pregnancy.

World: Scientists Detect Probable Genetic Cause of Some Parkinson's Disease Cases (January 17, 2005)
Two new studies strongly suggest that a mutation in a recently discovered gene is the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease identified to date. The international research team's discovery provides fresh evidence that genetics may contribute to the development of some cases of Parkinson's disease. The findings could lead to the development of a genetic test to detect the mutation in individuals at risk. The research team includes investigators at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and scientists supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

World: Medicines Tests Will Be Reported to the Public (January 7, 2005)
(Article in French)
Is it still possible to stop the crisis which affects the pharmaceutical industry? Facing intense pressure, the four main associations of pharmaceutical firms in the world officially reacted to the different scandals of the last few months to commit themselves to make public all the results of all their drug tests beginning January 6, 2005.