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T H I
S W E E K ' S F O C U S |
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US:
HIV Up among People Over 50 (June 28, 2008) |
If an 81-year-old lady came to a hospital, no one would imagine that this woman has HIV. But older persons contract HIV/AIDS through sexual encounters. Look at Grady Hospital in Georgia: between January and March 2008, some 38 patients learned they had HIV/AIDS. Fifteen of these patients, nearly 40 percent, were over 50 years old. Older persons must protect themselves with knowledge about their health and any sexual
partner.
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Cuba: In 2020 Cuba Will Have More Elders than Children (July 1, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
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Experts
affirm that in 12 years Cuba will have more elders than children. Only
11.3 percent of the population was over 60 years in 1985. Because of a
longer life expectancy—with life expectancy expected to reach 78
years--Cuba could possibly become the country with the oldest
population.
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Report: World: Regional Dimensions of the Ageing Situation (June 2008) |
In 2002, delegates from UN member countries laid the foundations for policy making on aging issues. While the topics were similar-- health care, employment and social protection--people experience aging differently and respond in many ways. Today, six years later, governments have taken stock of their progress. The UN has published their reviews and appraisals collated by region.
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World:
Population Shifts: Challenges and Opportunities for
Economic and Social Sustainability (July 1, 2008) |
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On July 1, 2008,
ECOSOC and AARP held a side event at the annual
ministerial review of the Economic and Social Council at
the UN Headquarters in New York. The panel addressed
demographic changes across the globe and their impact on
social and economic policies. GAA’s Research Associates
heard three speakers who dealt with the aging aspect of
these developments.
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Peggy Kelly, Programme on Ageing, Division for Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations |
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Dan
Zhang, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of the People’s
Republic of China to the United Nations
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On behalf of the Programme on Ageing, Peggy Kelly updated the audience about review activities for the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). She alluded to the Programme’s Draft Report for the UN Secretary General that specifically mentions the “rights of older persons,” fuelling hopes that such language will appear in the official Report to the General Assembly. More, this language could signal a new UN effort to develop a Human Rights Convention (or Treaty) guaranteeing the rights of older persons.
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Dan Zhang shared information about her home country, China. She reported current and estimated population data for the future. The Chinese population is aging very rapidly, challenging the capacity of the government to meet their needs. Ms. Dan spoke of some of China’s approaches to sustainable solutions and programs.
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France: Solitude Makes You Crazy, It's Proven (June 30, 2008)
(Article in French) |
Solitude is a major issue for the elderly. The results of the American Journal of Public Health show that the elderly who have a good and rich social life prevents the development of certain diseases such as “Alzheimer's”. Moreover, another study made by the AJPH demonstrates that maintaining some sort of contact with a close person or a certain someone by an older person whether by phone, e-mail or face-to-face is of great help as it pushes back the possibility of developing dementia.
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Mexico: Euthanasia Tourists Snap Up Pet Shop Drug in Mexico (July 2, 2008) |
With $35-$50, older tourists to Mexico can purchase drugs in pet shops that are used to euthanize animals. The drug pentobarbital provides a painless method for suicide. ‘… I don't want to die with a total loss of dignity…” said Bron Norman, a 65 year old Australian tourist. Aging has sparked interest in euthanasia. Anti-euthanasia advocates stress economics as the reason behind euthanasia. “…It is cheaper to get rid of someone than to treat them well until the day they die," said Lori Kehoe of the National Right to Life movement. However, many persons with terminally ill diseases want the choice of ending their lives painlessly.
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