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Elder Rights
United States
- Archive 2010 -
Background Documents
Older
American Act (1965)
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law
on July 14, 1965. This Act aims at providing help for older persons by
claiming indisputable elder rights such as adequate incomes in
retirement and the best possible physical and mental health. The Act
established the Administration of Aging, a federal advocacy agency to
represent and protect older US citizens. This agency is empowered to
oversee services and providing opportunities for older people across the
Nation. The Act also authorizes grants to States for community planning
and services programs aimed at older persons. Title XVIII covering
Medicare and Title XIX covering Medicaid were also signed into law in
1965.
Amendment to Older American Act
(2000)
The Amendment to Older American Act in 2000 added grants to Area
Agencies on Aging. It also established an important new program, the
National Family Caregiver Support Program. This Support Program aimed at
addressing the nation’s needs of caregivers. It was intended to help
hundreds of thousands of family members who care for their older loved
ones. Also, the 2000 Amendment maintains the original ten objectives of
the Older American Act about the protection of the older US citizens’
rights and dignity.
Reauthorization to Older American
Act Choice for Independence (2006)
The 2006 Reauthorization of the Older American Act includes a
project called “Choices for Independence” which promotes
consumer-directed and community-based long term care options.
Violence Against Women Act of 1994
President Bill Clinton signed into law The Violence against Women Act of
1994 (VAWA). It is enacted as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and
Law Enforcement Act of 1994. It enhances the investigation and
prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women. Also the Act
changes federal criminal laws by including a civil rights remedy for
victims of “gender motivated violence,” a provision declared
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court
Violence Against Women Act of 2000
On
October 28, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Violence
against Women Act of 2000 as division B of the Victims of Trafficking
and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The VAWA 2000 continues the
essential work begun in 1994 and creates new grant programs, in order to
create transitional housing for victims of domestic abuse or enhance
protection for elderly and disabled victims of domestic abuse among
others.
CRS Report: Violence against Women Act:
History, Federal Funding and Reauthorizing Legislation (October 2001)
Read this report to have complete knowledge about
the Violence against Women Act.
Care-Giving and Nursing Homes
Reports |
Articles Reports Guardianships:
Cases of Financial Exploitation, Neglect, and Abuse of Seniors (September
30, 2010)
To protect older persons who are incapable of managing their personal and
financial affairs, state laws provide for court appointment of guardians.
State and local courts are responsible for overseeing them. However, the
Government of the Accountability Office (GAO) identified hundreds of claims
of physical abuse, neglect and financial exploitation by guardians in 45
states and the District of Columbia between 1990 and 2010. GAO found that
courts failed to screen guardians adequately and did not communicate
effectively or at all with each other about abusive guardians. Social Support, Caregiver Burden, and Life Satisfaction in a Sample of Rural African American and White Caregivers of Older Persons With Dementia (April 2010)
Here is a study focused on caregivers, both African American and White, who care for persons living with dementia in rural Alabama. The author examined the relations between the older persons’ receipt of informal social support, the levels of caregiver “burden” and life satisfaction. The sample, as a whole, reported high levels of social support with no reported racial discrimination. Community-Based Disability Prevention Programs for Elders: Predictors of Program Completion (April 2010)
What is the relationship between providers and older persons and how does this association impact whether seniors complete programs at senior centers? Strategies to foster elder well-being and reduce long-term care costs include effective community disability prevention programs. If older persons don’t complete the programs, they risk the opportunity to recover completely. Dangerous Caregivers: State Failed to Cross-Check Backgrounds, Exposing Elderly to Abusive Workers (March 19, 2010)
A State Senate report released Friday said nurse assistants who lost their certification due to their abuse, negligence or theft from persons in nursing homes returned to work as caregivers in assisted living facilities due to a computer tracking loophole. A Senate subcommittee plans to hold a hearing next week on findings that show nurse assistants who lost their certification with one state department over misconduct were later approved by another. According to consultant John Hill, the State lacks a centralized database of workers where state departments can check personnel before they are hired. Hill, who prepared the 32-page report says. "A criminal background check is routine, but what they haven't done is check each other's administrative actions," he said. Apparently the Social Services and Public Health units are now exchanging information every month on disciplinary actions and caregiver applicants.
Articles
Home aide abuses 91-year old woman in Jersey City, New Jersey
(September 15, 2010)
Police released footage of health aide Carmen Pereira, 52, abusing an elderly
Filipino woman who is 91 years old. She was charged with aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly/disabled person and
endangering the welfare of an incompetent person. The victim's daughters allowed police to release the video to raise awareness on this type of abuse which
happens behind closed doors. It's time to strengthen security requirements
in nursing home and home health aides across the US.
Concerns Rise About Continuing-Care Enclaves (September 15, 2010)
Concerns are rising regarding the financial stability of care-giving facilities--the entrance fees and how the fees are used, along with reduced services. Government inquiries have called on operators to provide more complete information with residents and prospective residents regarding the finances of their facilities. The Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, stated that choosing to enter a continuing-care retirement community "can be a difficult decision and is not without significant financial and other risks."
Feeding Dementia Patients With Dignity (August 2, 2010)
When Alzheimer’s begins to destroy the part of the brain that controls eating, the relatives face a choice of inserting a feeding tube or feeding by hand. The tubes can be very
uncomfortable. A survey showed that patients would rather die than live with a tube. As for feeding, it is associated with love and nurturing, but also can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for carers. Which is a better option? The author searches for an answer.
Elderly Couple Dies While Trapped inside Home Elevator Stuck Between Floors (July 16, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
An older couple died after being trapped inside an elevator that was stuck between floors in their home in Georgia. The elevator had no call button, leaving the couple with no hope for help. Their bodies were found four days after their death. GAA asks if legal mechanisms, such as a human rights treaty, could encourage or require governments to protect older persons within their borders.
Cuts in Home Care Put Elderly and Disabled at Risk (July 16, 2010)
Many statesfacing severe budget shortfalls have cut home-care services for old or disabled people despite the fact that these programs have saved states money in the long run because they keep people out of nursing homes. Since the beginning of the recession, at least 25 states have curtailed meal deliveries, assistance to family caregivers and housekeeping aid.
How House Calls May Help Frail Elderly (July 13, 2010)
The Medical House Call Center in Washington is pioneering a program that provides house calls to older patients. House calls can be essential for older persons; many have no access to medical treatment. This can cause their small ailments to transform into bigger ones, leading some to end up in hospitals or emergency rooms. The program will require a three-year Medicare demonstration project to test the home visit concept on 10,000 of the sickest, most-expensive-to-treat Medicare enrollees, and is aimed to start in January 2012.
Stress-Producing Factors for Elderly Nursing Home Residents
(June 6, 2010)
While nursing homes provide care for older persons, the journey to finding a good residential care facility is often fearful. Many times the onset of a catastrophic illness triggers the decision to find good residential care. After moving to a new facility, the adjustment period is stressful as older persons accommodate themselves to becoming institutionalized. Good healthcare should not be denied to older persons. Many older people face great stress. Practitioners must take into account personal interventions that can enhance the quality of nursing homes.
Students, Seniors Find Common Ground (May 20, 2010)
A group of young teens has formed a bond with a group of seniors at a retirement home. As the teens visit them, they engage in activities ranging from sing-along songs to games. Nurses at the home are very pleased with the success of the program and have noticed an improvement and increased cheerfulness among the residents of the home. Both groups benefit from the interaction and the program has proved successful.
At Least 50 of City's Senior Centers Expected to Close to Save Money
(April 30, 2010)
In New York City, due to the deteriorating budget situation of the State of New York, the Bloomberg administration has definite plans to close 50 senior centers. Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, commissioner of the Department for the Aging, said that Manhattan would lose a dozen centers. The choice of centers to be closed is based on the following criteria: the fewest meals served, the fewest hours open and the most management problems.
Yes, I'm 26. And Yes, I Do the Hiring (April 30, 2010)
Jamie Pritscher is a 26-year-old woman working as director of logistics at Tasty Catering, where she coordinates employees’ schedules. She noticed an important gap in the use of modern technology between the youngest and the oldest employees. While young people have no problem using technology, older people are not always familiar with the new tools. Consequently, she had to introduce them to new systems, and encouraged younger people to train seniors.
When Foreclosure Threatens Elder-Care Homes (April 18, 2010)
Along with the millions of Americans faced with impending property foreclosures, older persons are also beginning to feel the effects in the most unsuspecting of places. Care homes are now being foreclosed upon and residents and their families are not being informed, finding themselves facing rapidly approaching eviction. Data pertaining to homes facing foreclosure are not properly monitored and often result in an abrupt and chaotic situation for both the older person and their families.
Long Goodbye of the Elderly Can Create Crises for Family Caregivers
(April 6, 2010)
As the population of older persons continues to increase, the caregiver crisis has emerged. Caregivers themselves make up part of this aging population. It is important to recognize these issues when discussing end-of-life care. Rather than choosing a designated caregiver, families must discuss the potential of there being several who are willing to provide care for the older person. In doing so, the balance of responsibility is restored and the caregiver, family, and older person can enjoy the longevity of life.
1 in 4 Elderly Need Care Decisions Made for Them (April 1, 2010)
A recent New England Journal of Medicine study suggests that more than one in four older persons will eventually require someone to make important end-of-life decisions for them. The results of this study proved that older individuals are in tune with the reality of these decisions and are making the proper choices now to make their wishes known through a living will and by designating an executor. Although some older persons stated that they indeed would choose to use extreme measures to prolong their lives, the majority agreed that they would prefer to have an organized will and a responsible individual to make the proper end-of-life decisions for them.
Deciding on Care for Elderly Parents in Declining Health
(March 12, 2010)
Every older person has unique medical and emotional needs. Finances often dictate how far you can go in creating the ideal situation for them. That is what Linda Chase, a lawyer in Reston, Va., realized after running the numbers on what home care for her mother, who has dementia and needs around-the-clock attention, would cost. “We couldn't afford private home-health care, so the only option for us was assisted living in a facility with dementia care,” Ms. Chase said. This article offers guidelines and considerations that can help you make an informed (if not always easy) decision about what type of housing will support your parent's needs, without bankrupting the family in the process.
Stressful but Vital: Choosing a Nursing Home (March 18, 2010)
Finding a good nursing home takes research and perseverance. You want a safe, engaging and pleasant environment with caring staff and solid medical practices. “You can actually get all of that in a nursing home-if you know what to look for and how to search,” said Larry Minnix, chief executive of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a trade group for nonprofit nursing homes and other organizations for the elderly. Unfortunately, the typical search for a nursing home is made under duress. To avoid making a bad choice, essential steps--outlined in this article--should be followed when researching homes to ensure proper and adequate care.
Nursing Home Residents Often Sign Away Rights to Sue (March 8, 2010)
Many seniors entering nursing homes in Massachusetts are unwittingly signing away their rights to sue the facilities in the event of neglect or bad medical care, and officials in Washington are seeking to ban what they see as a “hidden” practice. The seniors are being urged to sign contracts that put disputes in the hands of arbitrators. Advocates say vulnerable elderly patients fail to realize they are giving up their rights to bring cases of slipshod treatment before a judge and jury.
Home Care Patients Worry Over Possible Cuts (December 4, 2009)
Home care shows, in microcosm, a conundrum at the heart of the health care
debate. Lawmakers have decided that most money to cover the uninsured should
come from the health care system itself. This raises the question: Can health care providers reduce costs without slashing services?
Economic Focus
Reports | Articles
Reports
Report: Why Did Poverty Drop for the Elderly? (September 2010)
As the US suffers from a rising unemployment rate, overall poverty has increased from 13.2 to 14.3 percent. However, citizens aged 65 or older don't seem to be affected since many elders have retired and are not looking for jobs. In fact, older persons’ poverty rate has decreased.
Report: The Elderly Inflation Rate (May 2010)
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the Consumer Price Index is "a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services." The CPI shows how consumers are maintaining their standard of living. This Report reveals that the CPI of people who are 62 years and older are facing higher prices faster than the general population. Is it because the price of medications are increasing? Housing and food? Medical care?
Opportunity and Ownership over the Life Cycle (April 2010)
Without savings or assets, most people face a life of hardship. The Ford Foundation and the Urban Institute convened a roundtable of experts in assets, education, housing, and retirement policy to examine the full range of the asset and debt issue and to craft a more effective wealth-building policy. Read their suggestions.
How the 2009-2010 Recession is Impacting Older Minorities in the US (March 23, 2010)
Julie Ngoc Thai reports on the Situation of Minority Elders caught in the US economic recession. She describes the paucity of public data available that examines older persons who are minority populations in the US. She calls for publicly accessible longitudinal data series that
tracks the most vulnerable US older people, including immigrants, minority men and women, disaggregated by employment status, age, sex and disability. Julie, a former GAA intern, holds a Master’s Degree from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, NY, and currently works for AmeriCorps VISTA in New Mexico.
The Cafaro Foundation supported this project
Knowing Better, But Doing Worse: Housing Poor People in Obama Time (February 2010)
In these troubling economic times, many well-off citizens are ignoring the poor, and specifically, poor older persons. Housing Authorities that have supported public housing in major cities such as Atlanta and New York City for a number of decades now want to sell the units off to the highest bidder, usually a developer of luxury housing. This report outlines the past and current issues facing housing authorities across the nation and the risks that poor people, particularly the old, face in losing their homes in public housing.
Articles
Uncertain Future for Black Seniors Facing Foreclosure in Las Vegas
(December 11, 2010)
Foreclosures in Las Vegas are soaring. Older persons, especially minorities and immigrants, get cheated and lose their homes. Many “scammers” claim that they can help solve mortgage problems; but they take the money and run. HUD is so overwhelmed with the number of people asking for help, that in the case of the Andrews, an African-American older couple, they lost their house and ended up with two massive mortgages. Is the US government working for its ordinary citizens? Or for its bankers?
Elderly Man Gets Half of Stolen
Cash Before Dying (November 4, 2010)
In Michigan, Ms. Tamara M. Havel has been tried for embezzling $104,00 from an 88-year-old Arthur Thornton. Although Mr. Thornton died in September, Ms. Havel has been ordered to pay a lump sum of $50,000 to his estate, and the rest in monthly installments. She is doing all she can to pay the sum.
For the Elderly, Poverty Level
Doesn’t Cut It (October 21, 2010)
Many of California ’s older persons are living well below the poverty line. A UCLA study shows that 47 percent of older Californians do not earn enough for basic needs, but only 8 percent fall below the federal poverty level.
FACT CHECK: How Much Pain from COLA Freeze? (October 14, 2010)
This year is the first year since 1975 that Social Security recipients will go without a benefit increase. Because increases are automatically based on the Consumer Price Index, the cost of living allowance in January 2009 (COLA) was the biggest in 27 years last year. That year the poverty rate of those over the age of 65 decreased from 9.7 to 8.9 percent. However, this year, in addition to being a second consecutive year of frozen benefits, the elderly are in a tougher financial situation due to investment losses, shrinking pensions, bank interest rates and increased drug prices. There is a possibility that Congress will elect to pay $250 in order to compensate for taking away the COLA increase.
More Elderly Blame Bankruptcy on Credit Card Debt (October 14, 2010)
Today, more seniors are filing for bankruptcy than ever. The reason: rising credit card debt. Because senior citizens usually live on fixed incomes, they lean on credit cards to pay for medications or treatments if the have a medical condition.
1 in 7 Americans Now Living in Poverty (September 28, 2010)
The poverty rate jumped to 14.3 from 13.2 percent in 2008, and has reached its highest rate since 1994. The economic crisis has not only left 50.7 million Americans without health insurance; more children and elderly are now living in poverty. In California, for example, 69.2 percent of single senior citizens and 29 percent of couples are living below the Elder Index. According to president Obama, the poverty rate is not as high as was expected.
Polish Elders Caught in Recession Struggle to Make Every Dollar Count (May 28, 2010)
Polish immigrants have been hit hard by the recession despite their legal status, as have older Americans, according to the Migration Policy Institute in Washington DC. Low-wage jobs are also the source of low social security incomes for senior citizens unless they apply for supplemental security income. One of five seniors in New York City lives below the poverty line, according to the director of public policy for the Council of Senior Centers and Services.
New Funding Proposed for Adult Day Centers (May 14, 2010)
A new act currently stalled in Congress would reimburse a properly certified adult day health center to care for patients recently released from acute care in a hospital, including transportation from their homes to the center and providing physical and occupational therapy and access to social workers. The Congressional Budget Office has yet to assess the bill's financial
impact. Backers hope that families and constituents will urge their Congressional representatives to advocate and vote for final approval.
International Scrutiny
Faced by US on Economic and Social Issues (May 5, 2010)
Later this year, the US is to appear before the UN Human Rights Council as part of the UN's Universal Periodic Review. In preparation for the review, a fact sheet has been published by the Center for Economic and Social Rights, exposing health and education disparities in the US that are especially prevalent among some ethnic groups. The fact sheet also shows how the US, despite being one of the world's richest economies, has yet to prioritize economic and social rights.
Older Persons Clamoring for Food (April 28, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Foodbank of Los Angeles predicted that persistent unemployment this year would create a difficult situation for many residents of Los Angeles County, especially for children and older persons. In late 2009, the Foodbank reached out to nearly eight thousand seniors. In 2010 it will be increasing its distribution network through senior centers and community organizations.
Should Parents Save for Kids' College Or Their Retirement? (April 21, 2010)
It's a dilemma older than the 401(k). Should parents pay for college or save for retirement? In their responses, financial advisers are adamant: Fund retirement before salting money away for children's college costs. With the recession diminishing people's retirement funds, parents and their children are re-evaluating how to weigh the cost of higher education against other long-term expenses.
Old Age Employment
Reports
| Articles
Reports
Saving for Retirement: What Do You Know? (November 11, 2009)
When you picture your retirement years, what do you see? Most people look forward to relaxing and enjoying themselves. But how can you make that picture a reality? What can you do to make sure you'll have enough resources to live comfortably and reach your goals? What do the experts have to say about saving for retirement, especially if economic times are tough?
Articles
EEOC
Explores Plight of Older Workers in Current Economic Climate November
22, 2010)
Last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) heard
testimony from various experts regarding the impact of the recession on
older workers. Age discrimination is extremely prevalent now, as older
workers are having a difficult time maintaining employment and finding
new employment.
Granny
Nannies From India Exploited by US Employers (September 16, 2010)
Approximately 1 million California seniors live at or under the federal
poverty level in 2010. Many elderly domestic workers are immigrants who
are underpaid and exploited by their affluent US employers. This is a
trend of what one may consider to be a form of modern day slavery, seen
across the nation from California, to a high concentration of cases in
New York and New Jersey.
'Objection!' Older Lawyers Resist Forced Retirement (July 22, 2010)
When Attorney Eugene D’Ablemont turned 70, he was stripped of his financial stake due to a policy designed to encourage older partners to retire. Lawyers like D’Ablemont are now fighting these decisions under age discrimination laws. This has spurred the debate over how law firms deal with the growing population of aging lawyers.
More
Retirement Age Workers Want, or Need, to Stay in Workforce (July 20, 2010)
Barbara Allen, 73 years old, still works full time at Cross Insurance in Dover.
Many employees in the US like Barbara tend to keep working even after hitting
the retirement age, for various reasons: lack of a pension, the need for an
income, feeling physically able to perform the job, or just enjoying the working
environment. However, employers favor younger job seekers since they are more
technology-savvy. Meanwhile, older people may take jobs that younger people do
not want.
Age
Bias Complaints Surge in Bad Economy (June 29, 2010)
Kalivas-Griffin, a 57-year-old woman, applied for one job twice, one resume
specified age while the other did not. She was only interviewed after she hid
her age. Due to the economic crisis, older workers suspect discrimination, but
find it hard to prove. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
the number of age discrimination complaints filed in the past two fiscal years
has increased by 33 percent.
A Graying Population, a Graying Work Force (April 24, 2010)
As the aging population increases, so does the age of those responsible for providing care to ailing older persons in need of personal assistance. In what is now classified as the fastest growing segment of the American workforce, caregivers are providing older persons with additional years of employment and income. In addition to care giving, these older caregivers are also providing companionship to those they care for, increasing their quality of life and mental capacity.
It's Win-Win for Elderly Tutors, Grade-School Kids (April 5, 2010)
During these tough economic times, older persons are finding that they must work to survive. This article highlights recent research indicating positive health benefits for older persons who tutor young students. Experience Corps specifically trains volunteers over age 55 to tutor and mentor elementary school students. Many attribute this successful program to older persons’ desire to interact with younger people and to participate actively in society.
Older Crowd Flocks to Job Fair (March 24, 2010)
The average unemployed worker waits more than seven months between losing one job and landing another. Meanwhile, the average unemployed worker who is 55 to 64 years old waits at least a month and a half more than that. On March 23, more than 1,000 older jobless workers converged on the Woodlawn Community Center in Cincinnati, one of dozens of job fairs being co-hosted across the country by AARP. "For a lot of these folks, this is the first time in decades that they've had to look for a job," said Kevin Craiglow, AARP's associate state director for Ohio. "The standard 'thanks but no thanks' letter from a prospective employer is dead, and we need to teach people that it is a new day out there."
Ready for Life's Encore Performances (March 19, 2010)
With the rapid growth of the aging boomer population, researchers are now exploring an entirely new developmental stage for people roughly between the ages of 55 and 75, challenging the notion that these years are marked by inevitable mental and physical decline. Research into the changing-and increasingly aging-work force has also been accompanied by encouraging findings on the mental abilities of the aging. While older people's memories and ability to process information are not as sharp, their knowledge increases over time. The Encore Fellowship has created six-month or year-long paid stints with non-profit organizations in fields such as education and the environment where those 50+ can continue to engage in professional activities.
Unemployment Rate Doubles For Older Women (March 15, 2010)
Some people have called the current economic recession “the mancession" because men have suffered the largest number of job losses. But it hasn't been easy for women either-- especially those in the baby-boom generation. The Labor Department says the number of women ages 45 to 64 who are long-term unemployed (jobless for more than six months) has more than doubled in the past year. The number is now 900,000, and it is growing.
Matching Life Experience With New Careers (March 3, 2010)
Health navigator? Conflict coach? Pollution mitigation outreach worker? These emerging jobs aren’t household terms yet, but they are a natural fit for older people looking for new career opportunities, said Phyllis Segal, vice president at Civic Ventures, a nonprofit research group based in San Francisco. “Many of today’s new encore careers build on multiple work and life experiences, so they are a good match for older adults who’ve spent decades in the workplace,” Ms. Segal said. To help older workers upgrade skills for such jobs, she added, community colleges, online degree programs and intensive workshops are expanding training and fast-track certification programs.
Starting Over at 55 (March 3, 2010)
More than five million Americans aged 55 or older run their own business or are otherwise self-employed, according to the Small Business Administration. A study by Babson College and Baruch College found that Americans ages 55 and above started 18.9 percent of all businesses created in 2008, compared with 10 percent in 2001. The 55-and-overs are playing a larger role in entrepreneurship partly because the number of Americans in that age category is rising rapidly. The Small Business Administration says age 50 to 70 is “the perfect time to leverage experience, passions, hobbies and resources to launch or purchase a small business.”
Neglect/Abuse
Reports | Articles
Reports
Elder Abuse (May 2010)
The author of this study focuses on persons in their 60’s or older who have experienced criminal victimization. The authors review the results of the 2005 and 2006 Texas Crime Victimization Surveys, administered by the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University. Both surveys included questions related to property and violent crimes. These surveys also asked respondents about their lifestyles and feelings of personal safety, as well as crime victims’ perceptions of how the police responded to their reported victimization.
Structuring Decisions in Adult Protective Services (February 2010)
Experts are alarmed with the rising trend in the number of reports of adult maltreatment. Why is this happening? In the US, the federal government provides no federal funding for adult protection programs to develop and execute critical services. What can the growing number of older US citizens and their loved ones expect in help and protection if the Adult Protective Services agencies must meet increasing demands for services with current
resources? Authors of this report recommend breaking down the complex APS interventions into key decision points. They believe that this can increase consistency and accuracy in assessing vulnerable adults. With a reliable and valid method of discerning which clients are at the highest risk for future maltreatment, we could expect APS agencies to improve their services.
Prevalence and Correlates of Emotional, Physical, Sexual, and Financial Abuse and Potential Neglect in the United States: The National Elder Mistreatment Study (February 2010)
Researchers have estimated the prevalence of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial mistreatment and potential neglect of adults aged 60 years or older in a randomly selected national sample. One in 10 respondents reported emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment or potential neglect in the past year. What were the most consistent correlates of mistreatment across various types of
abuse? Low social support and previous exposure to a traumatic event top the
list. Unfortunately, this data shows that abuse of older persons is widespread. The writers say that addressing low social support with preventive interventions could help.
Articles
Abuse of Elderly Prompts Warning (December 3, 2010)
Elder abuse has been increasing in Oregon and on a national scale. National studies show that out of 3 to 5 million seniors, aged 65 and older that have experienced abuse, only 1 in 5 report it. Oregon’s Adult Protection Services agents ask families to report any signs of physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse before it is too late.
Legal Guardians Steal Millions from
Elderly, Report Says (October 28, 2010)
The report to the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, released Wednesday, states that guardians stole more than $5.4 million dollars from 158 older persons, some of whom were neglected or abused. Courts are blamed for not having strict enough regulations. Strikter guidelines are being considered. The Ohio Supreme Court would like to establish statewide certification and conduct standards for guardians. Concurrently, the Congress should once again take the Elder Justice Act, first proposed in 2005 by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) into consideration. The act deals with such issues as protection for seniors under guardianship.
Elder Abuse Reports Increasing In Wisconsin (October 25, 2010)
According to a recent report, elder abuse in Wisconsin has increased by 8.5% from 2008 to 2009. Of the incidents, 7% were life-threatening and 21.4% resulted in the death. It also showed that 79% of the abuse occurs outside the nursing home, and 40% of the abusers are children of the abused.
Workshop Focuses on Elder Abuse (October 19, 2010)
he Elder Justice Coalition and Ohio State University held a workshop to teach caregivers of older persons how to spot elder abuse. Because elders are embarrassed and do not know where to look for help, many do not speak up. This workshop informed older persons that some organizations can provide aid. But what inhibits older persons’ reporting abuse?
Tribal Elder Talks about Human Rights Violations (October 12, 2010)
Ofelia Rivas spoke to a University of Wisconsin audience about the atrocities such as trucks running over teenagers or the exhumation of bodies in the US on the border with Mexico. As a tribal elder in the second largest reservation in the United States, Ofelia represents both the U.S. and Mexico because her reservation crosses the border.
Central Florida Seniors: The
Hidden Face of Hunger (September 24, 2010)
The economic crisis has caused the problem of hunger among the elderly to reach “critical heights.” Those who wouldn’t have needed help earlier are asking for it now because people lost money from their retirement investment funds. Many elderly people are on waiting lists for the Meals on Wheels program because they often have to choose between medical or living expenses and buying food. Although stimulus grants have helped, they run out at the end of this month. In Central Florida, 100,000 people over 55 do not have enough to eat.
A Major Problem: Silence
about Families who Psychologically Abuse Their Elders (August 8, 2010)
Older people suffer various types of abuse because they are perceived to be fragile and defenseless. The victims of family psychological elder abuse almost always remain silent. This article describes family psychological elder abuse, as well as why the abuse is grossly under-reported.
Neglected Mom Found With Bugs In
Mouth (May 20, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
A man battling alcoholism was arrested in Brevard County in what sheriff's deputies said is the worst case of elder abuse they've ever seen. Paramedics found his aged mother in his home unresponsive and in deplorable condition with insects inside her mouth and lying
on infested bedding.
Elder Abuse Programs Must Be Saved (March 30, 2010)
According to the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged, 715 elder abuse clients that have used the association's services are convinced that this is only a fraction of those who experience abuse. New York City remains active in preventing, prosecuting and aiding in the recovery of elder abuse victims, with nine active programs throughout the city, said to help approximately 1,200 elder abuse victims each year. As with many public interest programs, these programs are no exception: funding has become tighter and threatens to eliminate these critically necessary programs.
A 'Robbed Twice' Kind of Feeling (January 29, 2010)
Joe Van Slyke awoke last March to find two women in her room. They told her they were new nurses at the Sugar Land assisted living center where Van Slyke lives. After discovering missing belongings and tampered funds, police arrested the two women on counts of burglary. Since the incident, Van Slyke has had extreme difficulty recovering lost funds from Washington Mutual (now Chase), but will not relinquish her efforts to pursue justice.
Elder Abuse Legislation Moves Forward (January 19, 2010)
In Alabama, efforts are under way that could help improve elder abuse reporting as well as make stiffer laws for those who take advantage of Alabama's senior population. Rep. Tammy Irons has introduced legislation that would establish the Interagency Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, also known as the Elder Abuse Prevention Act. Irons said she also would like to see the interagency committee look into establishing stronger laws for people who abuse the elderly.
Political Rights and Legal Actions
Reports
Report:
Older Americans Act: Preliminary Observations on Services Requested by Seniors
and Challenges in Providing Assistance (September 7, 2010)
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined Title III of the
Older Americans Act (OAA) and reported the preliminary findings of their study.
Congress created the OAA to assist individuals age 60 and older by providing
supportive services, including congregate and home-delivered meals,
transportation, and support for caregivers.
Testimony of Stephanie Sue Stein,
Director of Milwaukee Department on Aging Before the Senate Special Committee on
Aging Field Hearing on Reauthorization of the Older American Act (September 7,
2010)
What does the Older Americans Act actually accomplish? This report details the
state of affairs regarding the 150,000 persons aged 60 and over in Milwaukee
County that this legislation makes possible. The Director of the Milwaukee
Department on Aging, Sue Stein, explains every day provisions by the Act that
keep many older adults afloat. Stein praises the program, yet also explains its
many deficiencies. These include the most obvious, yet most critical, that of
under-funding.
Report Finds 36 Died Under Assisted Suicide Law (March 4, 2010)
At least 36 terminally ill people died last year after taking lethal medication prescribed by doctors under Washington State’s new physician-assisted suicide law, according to a state report released Thursday, the first report since the law went into effect a year ago. The report is based on data collected over 10 months, beginning in March 2009, when Washington became the second state, after Oregon, to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The laws, both passed by ballot initiatives, allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults to obtain a doctor’s prescription for a lethal dose of medication.
Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults (March 2010)
LGBT advocacy organizations and mainstream aging organizations joined forces examine the issues facing LGBT older adults. Most persons already face challenges as they age, but LGBT older adults have the added burden of a lifetime of stigma; familial relationships that generally lack legal recognition under the law; and unequal treatment under laws, programs and services designed to support and protect older persons. The report examines the unique barriers and disparities faced by LGBT elders and offers practical solutions. The report examines three areas of particular difficulty for LGBT elders.
Articles
Meet Betty Dukes, the Black Woman Who's Taking on Wal-Mart (December 13, 2010)
Betty Dukes, a 60 year old woman, is taking on Wal-Mart in the largest gender-bias class-action lawsuit in US history. Some 1.6 million current and former female employees faced demotions or and hit a “glass ceiling” at Wal-Mart. The lawsuit states that women are confined to "traditionally 'female' positions, such as assistant managers”. With the support of the National Women's Law Center, Dukes stands strong.
Gray,
Gay…and Worried (September 30, 2010)
As gay older adults look to retirement, their sexuality, marital status and
familial relationships pose a possible threat to a safe and secure retirement.
Gay older people grew up in a time when coming out to parents often led to
estrangement from their families. They therefore do not have this common support
system to rely on. When looking for a retirement residence with a same-sex
spouse, it may be extra challenging because these marriages are not recognized
in all states. The very real complexities of being an older gay person in the
U.S. are detailed in this piece.
Thinking Ahead...to the End of Life
(August 3, 2010)
The seminar "Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives: Why Do You (and
Your Parents) Need Them?" was recently held at Pocono Lutheran Village,
East Stroudsburg, PA. Attorneys spoke to the audience--most of them senior
citizens--about end-of-life decision-making and related legal concerns.
New Law Threatens Seniors (August
1, 2010)
Illinois recently implemented the Deficit Reduction Act. This enactment will
negatively affect senior citizens who intend to apply for Medicaid, in terms of
ineligibility periods. A lawyer reminds older persons to take action now to
protect their assets if they expect requiring care within 5 years.
County
Settles Suit by Elderly Gay Couple (July 25, 2010)
In Sonoma County, California, Clay Greene, a 78-year-old, agreed to a $653,000
settlement with the local government and a nursing home. The country denied the
same-sex couple’s relationship, forced them to sell their house, move into
separate nursing homes and kept them apart until Greene’s partner died in
2008. The county said it agreed to the settlement to avoid the expense of a
trial.
On 5th Ave., a Grandmothers’ Protest as Endless as the Wars (May 6, 2010)
May 5th marked the 330th consecutive Wednesday, going back to January 14, 2004, that a group of grandmothers has congregated for one hour to protest the United States involvement in the wars. Although some may disagree with their cause, one cannot deny their perseverance, through inclement weather and angry opposition, to make their voices heard and known.
Lawsuit Claims Elderly Gay Partners Were Forced Apart (April 20, 2010)
In a country where both gays and lesbians are fighting for increased rights, it is apparent that elderly gays and lesbians are also stepping up to the plate. In an ongoing court contest, an elderly gay man is fighting over the rights to the property that he and his partner of 20 years shared before his partner became ill and could no longer care for himself.
Aging Issues Can be Tougher on Gays (March 17, 2010)
Although aging is tough for everyone, it tends to be tougher for gay people, according to a report given at the annual conference of the National Council on Aging and the American Society on Aging in Chicago, Illinois. According to the report, LGBT older adults face stigma, isolation and unequal treatment. Together, they translate into their being poorer and sicker and having fewer opportunities for social and community engagement than do their heterosexual peers. Many older LGBTs' financial woes can be traced to discrimination that was legal during their working lives, which often meant thinner paychecks, limited access to health care, fewer chances to build pensions and smaller Social Security payments, the report said.
Beer Vendor, 85, Replaced by 75-Year-Old (February 27, 2010)
A New York judge threw out an age-discrimination suit filed by an 85-year-old woman who sold beer at Mets games until she was replaced by a 75-year-old. The New York Daily News reported that Mildred Block sued concession giant Aramark last year, saying it had pulled her from a prime beer stand during the last season at Shea Stadium.
Driving Test Proposed for Elderly (February 26, 2010)
Leaders of the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday unveiled a bill that would require certain elderly drivers to pass a test on "cognitive and physical abilities" when they renew their licenses and would ban text messaging while driving. Elderly drivers would be tested every three years with a fee not to exceed $30 for each exam, the bill said. The tests would occur when people renew or apply for a license. If an elderly driver fails the exam, the driver could petition for a road test to show the driving skills required to keep a license. After the road test, the registrar would determine whether to renew the person's license.
Lawyers Help Seniors Plan for Future (February 24, 2010)
In a rapidly changing world, senior citizens today face many new challenges. Seniors need to be aware of their legal rights and of the resources available to ensure that those rights are enforced, attorneys from the Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program told a group of seniors Thursday. Funded by the State Bar of New Mexico, the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department, and the New Mexico Civil Legal Services Commission, attorneys for the referral program offer free workshops for seniors in communities across the state. Lawyer Referral Program attorneys have taken
many cases in which a widowed parent put a grown child's name on the deed to the house or listed the adult child as a joint co-owner of checking accounts and other financial documents. In many cases, the outcome was disastrous. These workshops aim to raise awareness of seniors in the community about such issues that affect their lives.
Financial Elder Abuse Rampant In Economic Downturn (February 19, 2010)
Elder abuse is beginning to take the form of financial exploitation in the wake of the current economic crisis. Untold thousands of older investors lost "irreplaceable money" last year, in what can only be described as a racket. Typically out of the workforce, their only option was to file an arbitration claim against their bank or brokerage. Tragically, most elder abuse is never reported. Cases that do get reported usually involve the next of kin relative who realizes fraud has
happened. By 2030 one in five Americans will be over the age of 65. A White House Conference on Aging pointed out that one out of every six old people will suffer financial exploitation. If legislators and regulators do not act quickly, financial abuse of those who are old can become epidemic.
Napa Approves Protection Law for the Elderly (February 5, 2010)
The city of Napa, California signed onto an effort to require criminal background checks for those who care for older persons. Napa City Council members voted to draft an ordinance Tuesday, following a presentation on the issue by the Napa County Commission on Aging and officials of Napa County's district attorney's office. Under the proposed ordinance, anyone who receives any kind of compensation for caring for elders or dependent adults would have to apply for a permit. Although elder crimes are often unreported, awareness is growing as more
people are seen as victims of abuse or neglect.
Aging Lives
Reports
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Articles
Reports
Indispensable Chairs and Comforting Cushions – Falls and the Meaning of Falls in Six Older
Person's Lives (April 2010)
Through in-depth interviews with four women and two men aged between 80-94 years old, this researcher has examined the various meanings of falls for older persons and the impact it has on their physical and emotional well-being. This study also illuminates the coping skills and practices of persons that experience falls while introducing healthy life-practices to prevent and recover from such incidents.
Relationship Quality Among Cohabitors and Marrieds in Older Adulthood (January 2010)
Close relationships are integral to well-being and the quality of these relationships has major consequences for health, especially among older adults. This report uses data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative sample of 3,005 people ages 57-85 to compare the relationship quality of older cohabitors versus marrieds. The two groups are remarkably similar, but cohabitors are less likely than marrieds to report that their relationship is very happy. Cohabiting unions among older adults tend to be of relatively long duration. Overall, these results indicate that cohabitation may operate as an alternative to marriage for older adults.
Connecting and Giving: A Report on How
Mid-Life and Older Americans Spend their
Time, Make Connections and Build Communities (January 2010)
A recent AARP report examines how mid to late-life people in the US spend their time when they are not at work, what organizations they belong to, civic activities they participate in, and ways they help others through volunteering. Also, age is correlated with volunteering; people aged 29-44 years volunteer the most, and those who are 81 years or older volunteering the least. AARP members are giving more money to charitable causes-the frequency of charitable giving has increased from 2008 to 2009.
Articles
Ginette, 77 years-old, under 4 hours…(November 1, 2010)
(Article in French)
There will be 39,000 runners at the start of the NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Among them will be Ginette Bedard, a 77 year-old French New Yorker. Goal: under 4 hours. Video interview with a phenom!
Sex Offenders Working as Senior Caregivers Spark Concerns (October 11, 2010)
In Menifee, CA, 99 of the city’s 166 registered sex offenders are living in senior communities, and most of them are working as senior caregivers. Meniffee's public safety committee is considering creating new laws that would restrict where sex offenders can live.
Seniors
Filing for Bankruptcy at Accelerated Rate (August 24, 2010)
Researchers show that older persons are filing for bankruptcy in increasing numbers. The results cannot be fully accounted for by a demographic shift in the country. Rather they are consequences of recent financial crises and
the failure of the economic system to protect the elder population adequately.
Losing Independence (July 5, 2010)
US culture favors independence as a primary virtue. The author ponders whether this outlook prevents older persons from asking for help. While this resistance is strengthening in one way, the author
wonders if this ethos is also debilitating, given that two-thirds of US citizens will likely become dependent for help in their old age.
Social Networking for Seniors (June 11, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Over 25% of US people, 50 years and older, maintain contact with friends and family through sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, according to a survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Moreover, nearly half of older adults between 50 and 64 years say they are advanced Internet users and 73% of respondents said they use the network to keep in touch with family, including children and grandchildren.
Breaking Up Isn't So Very Hard to
Do for Graying Generation (June 6, 2010)
Anne Franks and Peter Gillespie divorced after 20 years together. This article examines their experience of divorce later in life and contemporary attitudes toward marriage. According to a 2004 AARP study, 75 percent of women and 80 percent of men reported having a serious relationship after their divorce, a shift from the past when it was more common for men to date following a divorce than for women.
Al and Tipper Gore: Later-Life
Divorces No Longer Uncommon (June 2, 2010)
Al and Tipper Gore's divorce after 40 years unveils the trend of divorce after decades together. Some have attributed the rise in 'Gray Divorces' to the fact that people are now living longer, causing couples to split if marriage is not satisfying..
Researchers Proved: Life is Beautiful After 50 (May 18, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Scientists have conducted an extensive study whose results indicate that people older than 50 years are much more satisfied with their lives compared to young adults. The results of this experiment are described in greater detail in an article from a journal called Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
iPods, Diet, Betty White May Help Seniors Reach 100 (May 4, 2010)
Staying in touch with pop culture and the latest trends such as iPods, texting messaging, and a dinner date with actress Betty White are keys to living a long life, according to people who know -- centenarians. Being socially active, eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough sleep also won't hurt.
Make Room for Grandma (April 27, 2010)
Almost 70 percent of U.S. adults aged 65 and older live with a spouse or a child, while 1.6 million live in nursing homes, a U.S. Census report says. The census report also states 27 percent of all people 65 and older live alone, while 5 percent lived in group facilities and 2 percent in a household with someone who is not a relative.
Encouraging Older Volunteers (April 26, 2010)
Volunteering has proven to be beneficial for older persons' cognitive development. In addition to providing a stimulating quality of life for older persons, volunteering gives the opportunity to match older persons with topics and programs that fit their interests.
Companies Target Baby Boomers' Changing Tastes (April 16, 2010)
As the “baby boomer” population reaches older ages, companies are beginning to target this demographic through aggressive marketing campaigns. Recognizing the consumer power of this group, companies are re-identifying products to appeal to this mass 'aging' audience in hopes of increasing revenues. "As a company which was traditionally focused on a younger person, we're now learning to set our sights on the young person and the boomer," PepsiCo Chief Executive Indra Nooyi said at a March investor conference. Making Your Wishes Known at the End of Life (April 15, 2010)
Many older persons and their families are aware of difficulties looming in the future. Although some have taken the initiative to complete advanced directives regarding their end-of-life care decisions, many have either not done so or their wishes are disregarded. “We need to take the initiative to document decisions seriously,” said Dr. Maria J. Silveira, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan. “Every person who comes through the door at age 60 or above has a significant chance of losing decisional capacity.”
Silver Stylist: the Man Who Blogs about the Over Sixties (April 8, 2010)
Ari Seth Cohen poses a question: 'Why do we only look towards younger people as our fashion icons? Why not look to the people who really know what they’re doing?’ To this New York City-based 28-year-old, the style-setters truly worthy of our awe are often aged upwards of 60, 70, 80, even 90. In August 2008 Cohen began his blog, Advanced Style, which used the template of the Sartorialist and Facehunter – websites that consist of street shots of the impeccably hip – to celebrate the most strikingly dressed senior citizens in his adopted city. Elderly Encouraged to Reap Benefits of Broadband (April 7, 2010)
In societies as technologically advanced as today, older people should be encouraged to participate. Seniors are urged to connect to broadband access as a way to avoid isolation, to keep in touch with family and friends and maintain independence. Although some seniors are hesitant about diving into the cyber world, many are experiencing the benefits of connectedness with the rest of the world. For Elderly, Wired World Holds Terror - or Delight (April 6, 2010)
In this fast-paced society many older persons find it difficult to keep up. For many, the majority of their lives were not complicated by the use of the Internet and such things as Twitter or Facebook. Life was simpler and people communicated the 'old-fashioned way.' However, with the face of technology changing every day, many seniors are embracing this new culture and admiring the benefits it can bring. Though some may be hesitant and even afraid, many flock to computer classes, eager to move forward with society.
Honoring a Long Life? But She's Just 30 Plus 71 (March 26, 2010)
Mae Bishop, originally from Barbados, is 101 years old. Barbadian tradition, particularly practiced by the consul general in New York, is to celebrate the centurion's birthday with flowers, a party, etc. Bishop, however, has refused to acknowledge her centurion status, claiming her continuing independence and youthful spirit. “It's vanity,” said her daughter, Colga Hylton-Springer, explaining that her mother, who was born in Barbados, had learned a hard lesson here in her adopted
country about aging, “in this society, you are over the hill, and she never felt over the hill.”
Oldest Missouri Resident Dies at 112
(March 23, 2010)
Florence Poe, believed to be the oldest Missourian and the 16th oldest person in the world, has died at the age of 112. Cecile Busch told the Southeast Missourian that her grandmother suffered a stroke a few days before her death Sunday at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Busch said Poe lived by herself into her 90s, when she went to live with a daughter. She spent her last few years at the Ratliff Care Center.
A Father-Daughter Bond, Page by Page (March 18, 2010)
At 61, Jim Brozina is part of a generation that held reading as an almost magical ticket to upward mobility. He's been a school librarian for 38 years, knows almost everyone in his modest blue-collar town, and whenever he bumps into one of his former students the first thing he asks is, “Are you reading?” followed by his mantra: “If you love to read, you'll probably go to college, maybe for free. You'll get a better job, get a higher income, live longer.” Over the years, he has built a collection of 700 of the best books he and his daughter Kristen have read together. “I don't have much money to pass on,” he said. “But these books, she'll read to hers and they'll read to theirs. And they'll read to the generations down the lines. It's a means for me to touch generations I'll never see. They'll all be smart. I can't imagine these books will never be used. Every single one of them is so good.”
AMA Offers Booklet on Elderly Driving
(March 16, 2010)
The American Medical Association has produced a guide for older drivers to help protect their lives and make roads safer. Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, president-elect of the AMA, says motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in adults of ages 65 and older. The fatality rate for drivers 85 years and older is nine times higher than the rate for drivers ages 25-69, Wilson says.
Montana Elderly Share Stories (March 14, 2010)
Walter Breuning, the world's oldest man at 113 years, and Edwinna “Winnie” Engellant, known for her graceful ballroom dancing past her 103rd birthday, were finally able to meet on March 5 in the lobby of the Rainbow Retirement Community in downtown Great Falls, MT. They chatted about the toll that time takes on the human body, about media sensations and about technological advancements. Both centenarians saw the arrival of the automobile into society. Both agreed that computers have a great impact on how people live today. Remembering their youth, the two found common ground in the “good old days” when electricity and running water were either unavailable or a slick luxury. Also, there was no such thing as an eight-hour work day.
Men More Sexually Active Than Women (March 11, 2010)
(Article in French)
The British Medical Journal recently published a survey showing that men after 55 are more sexually active than women at the same age. The authors maintain that marital status is largely responsible for the differences in the sexual life of older persons.
Virtual Senior Center Connects Homebound Seniors to Local Community (March 10, 2010)
The Microsoft Corporation partnered with the city of New York and Selfhelp Community Services Inc. to unveil their first Virtual Senior Center to reduce social isolation and gain access to community services. The service enables homebound seniors to interact with classmates and instructors at a local senior center through video cameras and monitors strategically placed around the senior center. Seniors can also participate in activities such as armchair yoga, painting classes, current events discussions, and tai chi in addition to two-way discussions and activities.
The Oldest American Woman Dies at the Age of 114 (March 8, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
At the age of 114, the oldest US citizen died peacefully in her sleep. Mary Josephine Ray from the state of New Hampshire passed away on of March 8, leaving behind eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Adults Don't Agree on What Sex Is (March 4, 2010)
Researchers found some disagreement on what constitutes sex among US men and women ages 18 to 96. Brandon Hill, research associate at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., and his colleagues revisited the question they first asked in 1999--in the midst of a presidential sex scandal-of how to define sex. During that time, researchers found college students disagreed whether oral sex was indeed sex.
Elderly and Students Dance Night Away at Annual Senior Prom (March 1, 2010)
More than 200 senior citizens from the DC area traveled to the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom to chat, eat and dance with George Washington University (GW) students for the eighth annual Senior Prom Sunday afternoon. Students and seniors clad in shiny masks and colorful beads attended the event-with a Mardi Gras theme this year--to dance to the music of '80s icons like Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. "The goal is to honor the lives and legacies of seniors throughout the District of Columbia and to share that legacy with GW students," said Timothy Kane, director of GW's Office of Community Service, during an address to the crowd. Kane said many of the seniors turn out for the Senior Prom every year because they enjoy the company of college students.
Minimize Risks of Retirement (February 26, 2010)
Retirement is full of risks. There's the risk of sickness and needing expensive care, or of running out of money or of being divorced or widowed. The problem with many retirement plans is that they try to treat all of these risks with a single solution: save more money or buy an annuity.
In the Depression, a Couple Undone (February 19, 2010)
“Make Way for Tomorrow” has never been an easy sell. Although it is a romance as intense as McCarey's film, “An Affair to Remember” (1957), and has moments as brilliantly funny as “The Awful Truth” (1937), it does not have the seductive presence of Cary Grant. Its leading man is Victor Moore, then 61, a Broadway star from the turn of the century. His co-star is Beulah Bondi, a 49-year-old character actress who specialized in forbidding society matrons. They play characters in their late 60s or early 70s: Barkley Cooper and his wife, Lucy, the parents of five adult children who have all left home.
Arrested Robber, 73, Says
He Was Paying off Mortgage (February 16, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
A 73-year-old Florida man who was arrested for robbing three banks--unarmed and
taking $600 in each heist--said he needed the money to pay his home mortgage,
police said on Friday. Police said they believed the tellers gave up the money
because it was bank policy not to have staff resist robbers in case they were
armed. The robberies took place on January 15, February 1 and February 10 in
Tampa.
He Clips Hair, Not Conversation (February 15, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
People at the Guinness Book of World Records who concern themselves with such
things have proclaimed Anthony Mancinelli, who turns 99 on March 2, the world's
oldest barber. Mancinelli, a widower, works at a barber shop two or three days a
week. He attributes his staying power to “eating well and never drinking or
smoking.”
Senior Meals Veteran Retires at 88 (January 22, 2010)
For 28 years, Betty Prinz has been serving up smiles to seniors at the Lake Nebagamon Auditorium through the Elderly Nutrition Program. Over the years, she volunteered in the kitchen, led Friday bingo games and delivered meals to homebound seniors. She took over as site manager at the age of 81, spending four hours a day, four days a week providing nutritious lunches to seniors. If health issues hadn't led to her retirement from the program in November, say those who know her, Prinz would still be there. Senior Connections couldn't function without the hundreds of volunteers who help at meal sites and in other areas.
Walnut Hill School Artists Paint Striking Portraits of Senior Subjects (January 22, 2010)
For this class assignment, painting and visual arts teacher Ken Tighe asked students to find a black-and-white photograph of an older person's face in a magazine or online that instantly caught their interest. After choosing the photo, each student was then asked to paint the enlarged face with black-and-white oil paint. By "attacking the drawn image in a formal and exacting way," Tighe said students' final paintings "took on an extremely powerful quality on their own." As part of a technical exercise, the painted portraits are impressive character studies, unsentimental, richly detailed and evocative of their subjects' moods while giving students a new perspective on aging.
"Golden Bear" Nicklaus Still on Course After Reaching 70 (January 21, 2010)
Despite his age, the 18 times majors champion remains actively involved in golf course design and will
go straight back to work immediately after a three-day fishing trip. The business is how Nicklaus, who won six U.S.
Masters titles, four U.S. Opens, three British Opens and five PGA Championships, has kept his competitive juices flowing in the years since he began to fade from the top level of the game in the mid-eighties.
Love Story Author Eric Segal Dies Aged 72 (January 19, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Eric Segal, the US author of the top-selling romance “Love Story,” died in London at age 72, a family friend told Reuters. The writer, born in New York, was buried at a Jewish cemetery in north London on Tuesday. He died of a heart attack on Sunday, local media reported. He had suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years.
US Crime Novelist Robert B. Parker Dies at 77 (January 19, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Bestselling novelist Robert B. Parker, who created the Spenser detective novels that became a television series, died at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was 77. Parker, who wrote nearly 40 novels featuring the tough Boston private investigator Spenser.
Like a College Visit, Minus Kegs (January 13, 2010)
In a bid to attract residents in a tight economy, more retirement communities offer overnight stays similar to what colleges offer prospective
students. With those over 55 now almost a quarter of the population, more age-restricted communities have sprung up to meet
elder needs. They range from sprawling active adult communities with the amenities and carnival atmosphere of cruise ships to small, intimate communities where karaoke night would be anathema. Many are going in this direction to ensure quality care during their golden years and making the decision themselves before others
force them to make it.
Demographics
Reports | Articles
Reports
The 2008 Age Distribution of North Dakota Residents (September 2009)
The US Census Bureau has created projections of populations by age groups in North Dakota through 2020. The study shows the changes in age groups on the national level. Changes in North Dakota’s age distribution from 2000 to 2008 indicate losses in the number of children ages 0 to 17 (11.1 percent) and the workforce-age population (i.e., ages 25 to 44) (11.4 percent). Despite shifts in the age composition throughout the state, the overall population in North Dakota dropped .1 percent from 2000 to 2008, a decline of 719 people.
Articles
64 Percent of Elderly Black Americans Face Risk
of Poverty (December 15, 2010)
According to a new study, about 50 percent of older people in the US will
face at least one year of poverty. However, this grim situation will not be
evenly distributed across the population. The risk of black seniors facing
poverty is double that of their white counter parts. Researchers list some
reasons why many US senior citizens will be impoverished.
The Silver Tsunami (February 4, 2010)
This
author writes about how corporations can deal with the anticipated change in demographics. New businesses that employ only people 45 and over,
or that create goods specifically for older people is one way companies are
adapting to the new population. However, most corporations are ill-prepared,
citing antiquated models of pay increases and promotions on the basis of
age. New models of retirement and part-time work for older people are
necessary for companies to survive and to provide a fair retirement for
their employees.
Promising Initiatives
Reports | Articles
Reports
Media Takes on Aging (2009)
The delay in aging that extends longevity is a great intellectual, social and medical achievement. However, embedded in US culture, we continue to see a fear of growing old, surrounded by negative stereotypes. Authors of this report provide journalists and others who work in the media with an appropriate body of knowledge about the aging process.
Articles
Elder Justice Program Eyes Changing Future
(December 5, 2010)
In response to the rising number of the elderly in Goodhue County Minesotta, Kris Kvols, the president of Hope Coalition, decides to create a support community to serve older persons. The Elder Justice Network will build a “safety net” of support that connects law enforcement services, victim advocates, social services, and health care providers to address people’s problems or concerns.
Hunger Help for Seniors (September 21, 2010)
The Comfort Keepers organization is holding its second food drive to help raise awareness of hunger among the elderly. This problem mostly impacts those living independently. This year, the national goal is triple the 13,000 lbs. collected last year.
Grass-roots NEST to Help Elderly Stay in Home (June 20, 2010)
An older person faces a hard choice after losing a spouse: stay at home without immediate access to help in case of emergency or look for a new place. While many may wish to stay in the place where they are close to memories of their loved ones, a question about the availability of needed support may arise. A new nonprofit organization in Northeast Seattle is trying to build a "virtual village" to help older persons stay in their homes as long as possible.
Trade Unions
CWA
Local 1180: GAA Presents Unions with Outstanding Retiree Programs
Local 1180, an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
located in New York City, represent more than 8,000 workers. Their retiree division has an
outstanding retiree program, which offers benefits, year-round
activities and seminars to their members. Click above to read more.
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