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Elder Rights

United States

Background Documents | Care-Giving and Nursing Homes |
 Economic Focus | Old Age Employment | Neglect/Abuse  |
 Political Rights and Legal Actions  | Aging Lives | Demographics |
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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.

Reports

End-of-Life Care in Nursing Homes: 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (October 8, 2008) 
Approximately 20 percent of all deaths in the US occur in nursing homes. Studies of the quality of life and family satisfaction with end-of-life (EOL) care of nursing home residents reveal a need for improvement in the EOL care provided to dying nursing home residents. The US Department of Health and Human Services presents a report that provides information about nursing home residents receiving EOL care. Demographics, functional and cognitive status, reported pain, medications, and diagnoses are compared for those receiving EOL care with those not receiving EOL care.

Articles

When Granny is Your Nanny (June 24, 2009)
Today’s poor economy has forced many parents to turn to their parents for child-care support. According to the Census Bureau, the proportion of preschoolers cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mothers work rose to 19.4% in 2005, from 15.9% in 1995. These two-generational setups can make already complicated family relationships even more challenging due to differing child-care beliefs. However, despite disagreements on child-rearing methods, most parents appreciate the support their parents provide to care for their children, particularly during tough economic times.

Sleepovers open Architects' Eyes on Nursing Home Design (May 27, 2009)
David Dillard, president of CSD Architects, requires architects who specialize in design for senior living to participate in the Sleepover Project. They spend a night at a nursing home as though they were a disabled resident. Throughout his stay, Dillard asked about the outdated building's deficiencies and took notes on what he observed. Architects should see for themselves what older persons require. Dillard will focus on making nursing homes that look less like health care institutions and more like homes. 

Accommodating Aging: Helping Your Older Patients Live the Life They Want (May 4, 2009)
The U.S. will need to increase dramatically the number of certified geriatricians within the next few years as the population rapidly ages. Many doctors believe the field of geriatrics provides them with the opportunity to truly practice the art of medicine. Dr Jerome Epplin, a family physician who cares for mostly older patients in Illinois, says, “The goal is maintaining a proper balance between treating enough to make a difference without over treating.” Tips and priorities are provided for services offered specifically to older persons.

Do the Best Nursing Homes Have to Be Expensive? (May 4, 2009)
A Genworth Financial survey of the national average cost of a nursing home concludes that the cost is $203 a day or about $74,000 annually. The survey is based on data collected from 15,000 nursing homes. A new report from “Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes” attempts to evaluate cost versus quality, using the following measures: bedsores, restraints, and chronic pain. 

Green House Concept Combines Best New Thinking for Elderly (April 14, 2009)
Two Green House homes, built primarily by donations and entirely with environmental savvy construction, were “designed to look like a home and promote what folks can do” and not focus on what they can’t do. Organizers want to deinstitutionalize long-term old age care, while medical care is provided; the homes have nurse aides that go beyond typical care by cooking, cleaning and doing laundry while providing protection and nurture for their residents. Currently, Green House residents pay about $20 more than the average skilled nursing private rooms.

Hispanics Appear To Face Poorer Quality Nursing Home Care (April 10, 2009)
Researchers at Brown University recently studied residents that live in nursing homes mainly offering care to Hispanics. They found that Hispanics receive inferior care compared to those providing care for white residents. Researchers propose more studies. These findings are particularly powerful because they follow a landmark study indicating that African-Americans are more likely to live in poorer-quality nursing homes than whites.

 Raising Grandchildren in a Recession (April 6, 2009)
While every family struggles in a tough economy, the recession poses unique problems for people raising their grandchildren and it is hitting these “grandfamilies” especially hard. Today, grandparents are raising grandchildren (6 million youngsters representing 8% of US). Grandparents provide a crucial safety net, allowing children whose parents can’t provide for them to remain in families, instead of winding up as wards of the state. But as the recession hits them, that safety net is under stress.

Youth Speak Out for Grandparents Who Raised Them (April 1, 2009)
Many older caretakers receive little support, but with the help of advocates, they are gaining more legal and financial rights for running their “grandfamilies,” the term the author uses to describe households in which grandparents raise their grandchildren. Over 6.2 million grandparents, most of whom are ethnic minorities, are responsible for their grandchildren under age 18 for reasons ranging from the parents’ incarceration to drug addiction to military deployment. Positive developments include the Congress-enacted Fostering Connections Act, which allows states to assist low-income family members to receive guardianship assistance payments to help care for young relatives who were formerly in foster care.

Care Coordination: Too Expensive for Medicare? (March 31, 2009)
Care coordination programs have garnered increased interest in recent years, linking the elder patient to his or her caretaking “environment.” Evaluation of these programs showed that patients gave a higher rating to the quality of health care. Physicians reported increased satisfaction and caregivers registered lower levels of stress. However, the cost of financing care coordination programs was about the same as the current cost of caring for older persons. The unfortunate bottom line results seem to show that this approach may not help Medicare reduce costs even though patients get better care.

Ohio May Let Elderly Have More Control Over their Care (March 8, 2009)
States and the elderly are increasingly opting for the cost efficiency and convenience of in-home care services over traditional nursing homes. While the costs to the states for in-home care rose, they were offset by smaller numbers of nursing home admissions and reduced long-term care costs. More than a dozen states are exploring that choice as a way to overcome a shortage of home health aides and to help control skyrocketing Medicaid costs for nursing home care. 

Gloucester’s PACE Program Helps Elders Stay in their Home (March 6, 2009)
An innovative program called PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly), a nationwide program with a total of six branches, focuses on maintaining and preserving the independence of senior citizens while still “meeting their physical, mental and social needs.” In total, 57 men and women participate in the program along with a staff made up of a physician, nurses, dietitian, occupational and physical therapist and a social worker. For some, the cost is covered by Medicare and Mass Health Benefits, while others pay a monthly fee. 

Putting Muscle Behind End-of-Life Wishes (February 24, 2009)
A study supports the growing concern that living wills do not provide clear enough guidelines concerning what should be done if one’s life takes a turn for the worse. Ninety percent of paramedics interpret a living will as meaning they should not save the life but only provide comfort. But in some cases people still are resuscitated despite their wishes. Last year, New York helped to resolve the confusion by creating the “Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Form” which allows a patient to clarify exactly what they would like to occur in any situation. 

How Do You Pick the Best Nursing Home? (February 2, 2009)
The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently revised their website, which includes a new rating system with an updated and improved layout that improves access to information. The rating systems are based on annual reviews of state and federal inspectors and list sectors where violations of care and safety rules have occurred. Studies found that non-profit homes on average perform better than for-profit homes. The article includes essential questions to ask when visiting a home, cautioning that persons should not choose a home based solely on rankings.

Population Aging, Elderly Migration and Education Spending: Intergenerational Conflict Revisited (May 2009)
Policy makers and politicians have begun to look at older people as a likely group to enhance economic development and add to the tax base of their communities. Recent literature on elder migration (to warmer climes, for example) tends to focus on how elders prefer States with lower taxes. Once elders move into a state, they can form a group that lobbies effectively for fund elder programs. Often funding such programs requires pulling resources from educational spending on young people. This paper examines intergenerational conflict over education financing using US state and county level data. It analyzes how preferences for education spending might vary across different elderly age groups, an analysis that has yet not been explored. 

Promoting Economic Security at Older Ages through Workforce Development (February 25, 2009)
After the wipe-out of trillions of dollars in retirement account wealth, many older workers are forced to work longer. However, those with limited education are unable to continue working into later life. They often lack the skills that employer’s value and the tools to find jobs. Congress could improve the economic security of these older adults in retirement and in the years leading up to retirement by increasing government-funded employment and training services.

Keeping the Promise: Recommendations to Reduce Elder Poverty in New York City (February 2009)
In recent decades, poverty among older Americans has steadily declined. However, elder poverty in New York City has actually risen to double the national rate. In 2007, the New York Citizens’ Committee on Aging launched its Initiative to Reduce Elder Poverty, a campaign to address the critical problem of persistent poverty among New York’s older population. The Committee offered four main recommendations to tackle old age poverty in New York. These include promoting income security and employment opportunities, expanding affordable housing and health care; and strengthening the existing safety nets to help prevent individuals from descending into poverty.

The Wealth of the Baby Boom Cohorts after the Collapse of the Housing Bubble (February 2009)
Workers have a limited number of years during their lifetime in which they can accumulate wealth toward retirement. If they save little during those years because they expect that wealth generated by a bubble will persist and grow, they are likely to find themselves ill-prepared for retirement when the bubble bursts. 

It's Not Easy Being Gray: The New Rules of Retirement (February 2009)
Declining home equity, rising health care costs, uncertain long-term care needs, low private saving rates, and rising federal deficits cloud the retirement outlook of US workers. Financial difficulties not only affect people near retirement but all older US workers. The Urban Institute suggests that effective policies that help older workers find and retain jobs must recognize the diversity of both employers and older adults and design programs to keep the older workers engaged. 

The Economic Recovery Package Will Help Poor Older Adults, but More Could Be Done (February 2009)
The economic recovery package includes only a small investment in job training and development for older workers even though many older adults must stay in the labor market longer to meet their expenses. 

A Year-End Look at the Economic Slowdowns Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans (January 2009)
How did the 2008 economic meltdown effect middle-aged and older Americans? The AARP conducted a telephone survey in order to determine the effect of the slowdown on Americans' behavior, outlook for the future and employment situation. The results show that an overwhelming majority of older Americans cut back in spending, have difficulty paying bills and express significant concerns about their ability to pay for health care expenses in 2009. 

                                          Articles

Early Retirement Claims Increase Dramatically (May 24, 2009)
While the US Social Security Administration expected that older Americans would delay retirement in order to further build up their nest egg, the opposite is happening. Social Security reports a major increase, upwards of 25% more than last year, among US citizens claiming early retirement. Many claims are most likely laid-off workers who, under financial pressure and having exhausted unemployment benefits, decide to take early Social Security. This action will have poor consequences as their Social Security benefits could be reduced as much as 25% over their remaining lives.

Public Education of Elderly Makes Good Fiscal Sense (May 19, 2009)
The writer claims that classes for seniors can have beneficial effects no matter how expensive they are. Studies show that people who are not mentally stimulated on a regular basis are at increased risk for depression. For elders, depression can lead to a decline in physical health as well. Ongoing high-level mental stimulation for seniors leads to an overall upturn in physical health with a fair amount of frequency. While it is unlikely that traditional testing with older students will be conducted, it doesn’t mean that these educational programs are unjustifiable. Surely the economic benefits of education for older people from health care savings demonstrate the value of senior educational programs.

Not a Good Time to Be Middle-Aged (May 15, 2009)
The Pew Research Center recently released a poll of Americans that found that those aged 65 and older generally suffered less from the repercussions of the recession. Perhaps they were better insulated because many have already retired and downsized their lifestyles. For instance, about 23% of Americans 65 and older reported losses of at least 20% of their investments in the last year, well below those further from retirement. The recession appears to have affected most those in the “threshold generation,” ages 50-64. 

Rising Prices Hurt Seniors (May 15, 2009)
Many senior groups believe that Social Security increases should be based on what services or products that older Americans, rather than workers, must spend their money. The government should switch from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or the CPI-W, to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly, or CPI-E, to calculate the annual Social Security cost-of-living increases. The Congressional Budget Office is forecasting that due to low inflation, seniors will receive no cost-of-living increase in 2010 and possibly in 2011, the first time in 35 years. But medical, drugs and nursing home care costs are very likely to go up.

During Older Americans Month, Let’s Focus on Keeping the Elderly Out of Poverty (May 1, 2009)
As we celebrate Older Americans Month during this month of May, consider that many older persons live in poverty, a reality disclosed by federal data. Older women are much poorer than men. Unemployment for older workers has risen sharply due to the ongoing recession, and retirement nests have shrunk dramatically. The author suggests that the government invest in programs and services that will give older persons the opportunity to live comfortably.

Tax Scammers Target Unsuspecting Senior Citizens (April 13, 2009)
Senior citizens were warned to avoid financial scams aimed at them, especially around Tax Day. The most common income tax scam aimed at seniors involves someone posing as an IRS agent who, for a fee, offers a higher tax refund. After securing a “fee,” the con artist requests personal financial information from the individual and that is used for identity theft. Older persons should be especially careful when handling financial transactions.

‘Grandfamilies’ Come Under Pressure (April 4, 2009)
Grandparents provide a crucial safety net, allowing children whose parents can’t provide for them to remain in families instead of winding up as wards of the state. However, the ongoing recession is putting a deep strain on ‘grandfamilies,’ (households in which grandparents raise grandchildren under age 18). In fact, some grandfamilies are at risk of being separated as social service authorities could take children away and place them in foster care if grandparents are unable to support them. The unemployment rate for older workers is lower than the overall rate, but once they are unemployed it is harder for them to find work in this economic downturn. Agencies that work with grandparents are seeing a spike in requests for emergency assistance to help pay their mortgages and other bills.

More Senior Citizens Forced to Declare Bankruptcy (March 30, 2009)
In 2007, older seniors living in the US who are age 55 and older accounted for 23% of the more than one million persons who filed for bankruptcy. Older persons are experiencing the sharpest increase in bankruptcy filings among all age groups. More seniors are filing at higher rates due to the declining economy, increasing health care costs and a lack of retirement savings. Furthermore, due to immediate needs for prescription medication and doctor visits, senior citizens are resorting to short-term fixes such as using their credit cards and refinancing their mortgages.

Baby Boomers ‘Under Water’ (March 13, 2009)
Many middle-aged homeowners, seduced by the rising prices of years past, failed to save for retirement and may owe more than their homes are worth. About 15% of older baby boomers between the ages of 54 and 64 are in this predicament. The near-zero level of saving and the highly inflated housing market led to the decline of overall personal wealth. Before liquidating any valuable assets or refinancing a mortgage, financial advisors recommend other less drastic actions. 

Economy Puts Seniors in Hard Spot (March 1, 2009)
Nearly half a million senior citizens living alone in California lack sufficient income to pay their basic living expenses. The findings are based on the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, or the elder index, for California. The tool measures the actual cost of basic necessities for older adults in the state’s 58 counties. For many older persons, Social Security checks are the only source of income they can rely on while the rising cost of healthcare is worsening their plight.

Recession Hits Especially Older Persons Living Alone (February 25, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
According to a UCLA study, about half a million senior citizens living alone in California cannot pay basic living, health and transportation costs, while another half a million seniors, who do live with others, still have difficulty covering costs. Seventy-five percent of the older persons who live alone and cannot cover living costs are Hispanics. Many hope this study will foster the passage of the Elder Economic Dignity Act of 2009 aimed at helping seniors cover the costs of living in California. 

Budget Cuts Will Gravely Affect Sick Older Persons (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Florida legislators have reduced the $13.3 million budget of the Alzheimer’s Initiative, assisting people who care for sick family members, by 4%. Due to hard economic times, other programs were cut and legislators are looking to make more reductions. Defenders of senior citizens claim the cuts to programs cannot continue without considerably affecting the population. The article includes a modest list of changes advocates are seeking. 

There Goes Retirement (February 14, 2009)
Traditionally, retirees embraced the idea of “working in retirement” to follow long-deferred dreams; however, many now take it on with a sense of urgency. More senior citizens must forego retirement to maintain, let alone salvage, their lifestyles as the Bureau of Labor Statistics has recorded an increase in the number of unemployed workers over the age of 55. The article takes a snapshot of six retirees who have re-entered the workforce across the country and offers advice to those facing similar scenarios. 

US Meltdown Hits Elderly Immigrants (February 13, 2009)
Unable to find work or receive retirement benefits, many older immigrants are ending up relying on their relatives. Federal law limits access to benefits for elderly legal immigrants, making it difficult for them to get Supplemental Security Income, health coverage or cash assistance. In addition, elderly immigrants must struggle to assimilate to a new culture and are increasingly isolated.

For Older Persons in NY the Fight Begins (February 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish) 
For Norman Siegel, a well-known civil rights lawyer, the fight for older persons has become a personal one. With 1 in 7 residents in New York (1.3 million people) above the age of 60 and 1 in 3 of them living in poverty, the proposed budget cuts are too severe and are not taking into account the welfare of its older residents. Senior citizens will have increased problems with health, living and transportation if the budget cuts and the closing of senior citizen centers continue. 

Obama Increase Likely for Low-Income Elderly (January 13, 2009)
More than 7 million poor people who are elderly, blind or disabled and receive cash benefits averaging $477 a month could get an extra monthly payment as part of President-elect Barack Obama's $800 billion economic recovery plan.

Need for Low-Income Heating Assistance Continues Despite Recent Drop in Some Home Heating Costs (January 2009)
A recent report examines heating related energy consumption and expenditures among consumers aged 65 and older. The report reveals that although home-heating costs will show a modest decline this winter, low income households will struggle to pay for heat because energy costs have increased faster than income.

Reports

Managing an Older Workforce (April 29, 2009)
Compilers of this AARP survey reveal demographic changes in the US workforce: Across the country there will be fewer younger workers with a greater supply of older workers and tightening markets of skill and talents. Yet, these changes will provide opportunities for employers and mature workers. Advantages of mature workers outweigh slightly their higher costs in compensation and benefits. Further, workers 55 and older are more motivated, according to the survey.

Employment Support for the Transition to Retirement: Can a New Program Help Older Workers Continue to Work and Protect Those Who Cannot? (April 2009)
Many US persons work until they reach full retirement age for Social Security. Many, however, are forced to retire early because of poor health, long-term unemployment, or other events. Social Security allows such workers to claim reduced benefits beginning at age 62. On the other hand, some want policies that extend working lives and delay claims for Social Security benefits. The authors try to identify circumstances that call for expanded assistance for workers nearing retirement if early benefits were no longer available, and calls for a wider range of benefits, tailored to individual needs.

Engaging the 21st Century Multi-Generational Workforce (March 2009)
This study explores the drivers of employee “engagement”, which is defined as the positive and enthusiastic connection with work that motivates employees to ‘excel’ at their jobs. The study reports that older workers tend to be more engaged than younger workers. It also found that various factors 'drive' the levels of engagement of different groups of employees. There is no single solution to low levels of engagement.

Senior Unemployment Hits 31-Year High (January 2009)
Unlike the previous recessions, the current economic slowdown has substantially increased the unemployment rate for older Americans. The unemployment rate for adults age 55 to 64 increased to 6 percent in January 2009, the highest since April 1983.

Are Older Men Healthy Enough to Work? (October 2008)
Working longer increases income, Social Security benefits and decreases the length of retirement. Health of the older working-age population seems to be a key prerequisite to extending retirement age. However, the question is not whether people will be able to live longer but rather how much longer they will be capable of working? This report uses the National Health Interview Survey to examine trends in life expectancy for men at age 50 and to define their implications for policy-makers.

Articles

US Seniors Hunt Jobs as Retirement Hopes Fade (June 10, 2009)
Evidence is building that a comfortable retirement is dying for many Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, the number of older people looking for work has swelled more than 120% to over 1.8 million in the last year. Among that group, those age 75 and older has increased by 80%. The US government has allocated stimulus dollars to bolster programs targeted at getting older workers onto private payrolls and less dependent on their Social Security income garnered over the earlier employment. The older worker program at the US Department of Labor is funding efforts in 50 states to employ low-income earners who are 55 and over and employed in government or nonprofit jobs that benefit communities.

Early Retirement Claims Increase Dramatically (May 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Instead of seeing older workers staying on the job longer as the economy worsened, the Social Security system is reporting a major surge in early retirement claims that could have implications for the financial security of millions of baby boomers. The ramifications could be profound for retirees, families, government and social institutions.

Longer Unemployment for Those 45 and Older (April 12, 2009)
The unemployment rate in March for workers ages 45 and over was 6.4%, the highest since at least 1948. Many out-of-work baby boomers have despaired as they consider trimming their resumes to avoid revealing decades of work experience. Others try to rejuvenate their appearance. Older workers often have knowledge specific to their companies that helps protect them from layoffs. But that background is often less useful to prospective employers. Therefore, some unemployed boomers, frustrated after months of fruitless searching, conclude that they will start over at much lower pay.
 
Older Workers to Postpone Retirement Due to Economic Crisis (April 1, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish) 
During these times of economic uncertainty, many older Americans are postponing retirement in fear of living without sufficient resources. An AARP poll discovered that 16% of people 45 years and older have delayed retirement. Currently in the United States, 17% of the workforce is 65 years and older. Older and more experienced workers tend to produce more per hour with less supervision than younger workers.

Old People Competing with Young People for Jobs (March 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It is often reported that many older people are competing with young people for entry-level positions at grocery stores, retail and fast food shops. Due to reduced retirement pensions, increasing medical costs and lack of social security, more and more old people have to look for a job to survive. The US unemployment rate has reached its highest point in 26 years, leading to fewer job opportunities for young or old people’s income security. 

Gilded Age (February 26, 2009)
In California, the areas with older populations are proving to be more resilient to the recession than others. Of the ten counties with the lowest unemployment rates, nine--including Santa Barbara--contain an above-average proportion of people aged 65 or older. Youthful Los Angeles has shed almost a quarter-of-a-million jobs in the past year. Slightly older San Diego has lost a few thousand, while considerably older San Francisco has lost none.

Elderly Emerge as a New Class of Workers – and the Jobless (February 23, 2009)
As senior citizens outlive their life savings and outspend their Social Security checks, they are forced to go back to work. However, these elders are returning to a very different workforce than the one they entered several decades ago. Among other challenges, they face a more competitive job market in a teetering economy, and many of the skills they possess have become obsolete. Members of the community, including numerous nonprofit organizations, are reaching out to unemployed seniors to provide them with skills and assistance that will make them more marketable.

Back to Work: More Seniors Forced to Forgo Retirement (February 1, 2009)
An increasing number of American senior citizens are going back to work or delaying retirement. Although the current recession has made the situation worse, 40% of baby boomers do not have any assets. AARP says that over 50% of its members work at least part time. Before returning to work, an older person should consult the Social Security Administration and a tax advisor to verify that Social Security benefits will not decrease.

Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions (2009)
This report defines ‘elder abuse’ and provides explanations on why it happens and how to prevent it. It is easy for people to have misconceptions about elder abuse because it is a complex problem that often has roots in multiple factors. Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect. And for every case of elder abuse and neglect that is reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as five cases that have not been reported. Elder abuse is never an acceptable response to any problem or situation, however stressful; effective interventions can prevent or stop elder abuse. By increasing awareness among physicians, mental health professionals, home health care workers, and others who provide services to older persons and family members, patterns of abuse or neglect can be broken, and both the abused person and the abuser can receive needed help.

Intimate Partner Violence among Older Women (September 2007)
According to this report on older women (65 years of age and older) living in the US reported a lifetime partner violence prevalence of 26.5%, with 18.4% of women enduring physical or sexual abuse, or both, and 21.9% facing nonphysical abuse (i.e., psychological abuse defined as threats or controlling behavior). These statistics document how older women experience the different forms and severity of abuse. Everyone should consider these issues when planning programs for the prevention of violence among older women and men.

    Articles

Stiff Penalties for those who Abuse the Elderly (June 19, 2009)
As the US population grays rapidly, increasing attention needs to be given to cases of elder abuse. This week a four-month jail sentence was meted out to a woman who kept her father in squalid conditions. Her father died in 2006, a week after he was found in his room full of adult diapers, trash, soda cans and animal feces. This case is a cold reminder of the vulnerability of older persons who suffer mental and physical decline.

A Family’s Fight to Save Elders from Scammers (June 17, 2009)
An Ivy League-educated professional sent at least $23,000 to con artists, who acquired very detailed information about him, including his personal interests and financial information, over a period shorter than one year. This story is not an uncommon one given the current economic state, where people of all ages are in desperate need of financial support. Scams can be presented in a variety of mediums, including marketing frauds, fraudulent lottery schemes, and counterfeit checks. This article provides several solutions to help decrease older persons’ vulnerability to such scams. 

The Rich Aren’t So Different (May 4, 2009)
Trying to specify exactly what behavior constitutes elder abuse remains a shadowy and insufficiently investigated subject. Although elder abuse of all kinds is believed to be vastly underreported, financial or material exploitation is a variety of abuse that can be particularly hard to ferret out. Neglect and physical abuse are more likely to come to medical attention, to raise suspicion and to get reported, while financial exploitation by caregivers and family members is less visible and harder to detect. Studies have shown that financially preying on people with Alzheimer’s is common practice. The most likely perpetrators are family members, friends and caregivers. As for assessing the mental capacity of an Alzheimer’s sufferer, it’s no simple calculation. Alzheimer’s is commonly associated with memory loss, but judgment, calculation, reasoning and use of language are also affected. 

More Seniors Using Vehicles as Shelter (April 8, 2009)
Gene Sargent, 65, has spent the past four years living in the cab of a pickup in South King County, pulling behind him a camp trailer packed with his life’s possessions. With a Social Security payment of less than $700 a month, he cannot afford an apartment. His situation is becoming increasingly common. The homeless population is graying along with the general population and more older people are living out their final years on the streets.

Elder Abuse Reports Rising (December 13, 2008)
Studies have shown that elder abuses are extremely underreported. It is estimated that 1 in 14 cases in domestic settings are reported and that 1 in 25 victims of financial exploitation come forward. Reports of elder abuse rose to all-time highs in Dane County, Wisconsin last year. Advocates and officials said that the rise of reports is likely due to a growing elder population and increasing public awareness and improvements in the law in 2006. However, the local government complained that there is not enough funding from the state and federal level to follow up on the cases. 

Political Rights and Legal Actions

Reports

Older Workers: Enhanced Communication among Federal Agencies Could Improve Strategies for Hiring and Retaining Experienced Workers (February 2009)
The proportion of federal employees eligible to retire is growing. In some specific departments, 46 percent of the workforce will be eligible to retire by 2012, leaving behind gaps in leadership, skills and knowledge. Due to past hiring freezes, all have relatively few midlevel staff to help pass down knowledge and skills to less experienced employees. In many cases, older workers are brought back into the workforce after their retirement, as consultants for a short term assignments and also to train new staff. The Office of Personnel Management is assisting the government in attracting, recruiting and retaining talented workers, including older workers. 

NYCPD: Safety Tips for the Older Person (March 2007) 
In an effort to keep the city safer, the New York City Police Department has produced a safety flyer for older persons. The flyer provides safety tips for older people in the home, and on the street.

Articles

Funding Cuts Hit Services for the Elderly (June 11, 2009)
Senior services in a number of Boston Area communities are losing funding because they fall in the “non-essential” category. For example, one town’s Council on Aging budget was cut from $64,000 to $38,437 at the recommendation of the town’s Finance Committee. Some senior centers will lose several positions, meaning that many programs for seniors will become inefficient. Many seniors are responding by lobbying at their town halls but they rarely get to address the budget cuts with town meeting representatives.

Equal Pay for Women Denied, Again (May 20, 2009)
According to the columnist, the Supreme Court keeps finding ways to deny women equal pay and benefits. In 2007, it denied a woman’s claim for equal pay because it thought she waited too long to file it. A few days ago, the court sided against female retirees who get smaller pensions than their male colleagues because they got pregnant and took maternity leaves before Congress got around to outlawing discrimination on that basis. Justices reasoned mainly that the pregnancy leaves predated the 1978 law, and since the law was not retroactive, the discrepancy in benefits was the product of “past, completed events that were entirely lawful at the time they occurred.” The long arm of sex discrimination extends into old age.

Laws Take On Financial Scams Against Seniors (May 19, 2009)
Investigators are cracking down on shady practices such as misleading claims and underplayed risks that are targeting senior citizens. Throughout the country, laws are being passed imposing penalties for financial security violations when the victim is 65 years or older, especially as the frequency of this situation is increasing. No investors are more vulnerable to scams than older persons who depend on savings for retirement.

Serve America Act Will Help Boomers With Midlife Career Transitions (April 21, 2009)
The bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will make national service accessible and inviting for millions who have finished their mid-life careers by offering one-year management or leadership positions that will prepare them for jobs in the public and nonprofit sectors. According to a recent national survey, half of citizens over 50 years of age want encore careers that combine income and meaningful work. The Serve America Act provides a reasonable stipend to older volunteers who could invest in continued education or transfer that money to their children or grandchildren. It also encourages nonprofit organizations to create higher-impact work and service opportunities for those age 55 and up.

Elderly Immigrants Find Life in U.S. A Tough Go (February 10, 2009)
Older immigrants transplanted in the United States struggle with feelings of isolation and loss of independence, especially because many are unable to find work or receive retirement benefits after moving to the U.S. Many are forced to rely heavily on family members. Federal laws severely limit the benefits available to older legal immigrants unless they become citizens. 

Reports | Articles

Reports

The Future of Living Independently (March 2009)
The International Longevity Centre studied independent living for older persons with a multi-disciplinary perspective. The report addresses the need of older persons to live independently, which is made difficult by the absence of adequate and satisfying living arrangements. The culture of ageism also limits healthcare and care giving options. The report suggests building living arrangements that address the many needs of older people for choice, safety and control of their living situation. 

Statistics on Old Age Hunger in the US in 2007 (November 2008) 
The United States Department of Agriculture issued a report in November 2008 on the Household Food Security in the United States during 2007. The report does not mention older persons specifically, except in the statistics that GAA has pulled out. As shown, the rates of food insecurity vary considerably from household to household. Some 11.1% of US households were food insecure at some time during the year, meaning they did not have enough food to meet their nutritional needs. For households with older persons, this rate is 6.5%, below the national average but still shocking in a rich country. 

                                         Articles

New York City: Please Give the Elderly and the Disabled Your Seat, It's the Law (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
It is the usual reminder, just a little firmer than in the past. This week--as it has done every couple of years--New York City Transit is starting an advertising campaign asking New Yorkers to “please offer a seat” to elderly and disabled passengers on buses and subways. “It’s the first time we’ve really stressed this,” said Paul J. Fleuranges, vice president for corporate communications at New York City Transit, the largest arm of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Those who decline to give up a seat on request face up to a $50 fine, he said. 

Contest for Startups that Help Aging Boomers (June 18, 2009)
The Silicon Valley Boomer Venture Summit is a yearly competition calling for entrepreneurs to design products and services to help people age gracefully. Many Boomers try to defy their inevitable physical deterioration by adopting healthier lifestyles. This market, already a multibillion-dollar one, is only expected to grow. HemRX Medical won this year’s grand prize for developing a less painful treatment for hemorrhoids.

Former President Bush Parachutes for 85th Birthday (June 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Former US President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 85th birthday by skydiving over the coast of Maine. "It's a great, exhilarating feeling," he said after he was removed from his harness. "I don't feel a day over 84." He said he enjoyed the jump so much that he plans to do it again when he turns 90. He told reporters that he jumped Friday for two reasons: to experience the exhilaration of free falling and to show that seniors can remain active and exhilarated, no matter what their age.

Seniors, Disabled Could Lose TV Signals (June 9, 2009)
On June 12, 2009, television stations nationwide will shut off analog broadcasts and switch exclusively to digital signals, offering viewers better sound and pictures. Civil rights advocates say older people, who make up a large share of those unprepared for the transition, stand to lose their main source of news and emergency information. Failure to prepare for the switch could isolate seniors, who are more likely to own TV’s that operate without a digital tuner that will not work after the transition. Maybe they’ll take up reading a book instead.

Senior Citizens of Cinema are Finally Acting their Ages (June 6, 2009)
Old people in the movies generally fall into one of two polar clichés: They're either saintly dispensers of the wisdom of the aged, or they're swearing like sailors and riding skateboards. In contrast, the recent field of seniors shows remarkable depth of character. Rather than suggest that old age is an impairment to be borne or, if possible, fixed, the current crop of films celebrates those who qualify for the senior discount and gives the rest of us something to look forward to. Apparently, in spite of what some movies would have us believe, 60 is the new 20.

Gardens in Retirement Homes Help Elderly to Relive their Salad Days (May 31, 2009)
For some elderly people, the hardest thing about moving into a retirement home is abandoning their garden. They enjoy the process of planting and nurturing the plants. The therapeutic value of gardening is increasingly being recognized. One elderly woman, concerned about losing access to a garden, wrote to the retirement village where she plans to live to urge them to include a community garden as an enticement for potential residents. 

Unsafe Neighborhoods Disable the Elderly (May 29, 2009)
A recent study underscores the importance of neighborhood safety to healthy aging. Dangerous neighborhoods affect the mind and body and foster mobility disability through psychosocial or psychological processes. The authors suggest intervening with seniors to improve their perceptions of neighborhood safety at retirement age may reduce their risk of mobility disability. How about taking steps to make neighborhoods safer for everyone?

Video Can Help Patients Make End-of-life Decisions (May 28, 2009)
Viewing a video showing a patient with advanced dementia interacting with family and caregivers may help older patients plan for end-of-life care, according to a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers. Since projections indicate that more than 13 million patients will develop dementia by 2050, it is critical for patients to understand their options for end-of-life treatment and that they communicate their preferences to their physicians.

Most Middle-Aged Adults Are Rethinking Retirement Plans (May 28, 2009)
According to a national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Projects, just over half of all working adults ages 50 to 64 say they may delay their retirement. Members of this so-called “Threshold Generation” are twice as likely as younger workers--16% versus 8%--to say they never expect to stop working. The current recession is driving workers to delay retirement. This situation coincides with longer-term labor market trends. The survey breaks down its findings along racial and gender lines.

Downturn, Boomers Will Alter Everything, Va. Researcher Says (May 21, 2009)
A tanking economy and aging population will result in a new frugality with intergenerational households, changes in transportation modes and more seniors spending their final years at home, a Richmond-based researcher warns. Statistics show boomers will comprise about 25 percent of the country’s population in 15 years. The “personality of the generation” includes a strong work ethic, optimism, disavowing the status quo, belief in personal control and a sense of entitlement, and they tend to see themselves as far younger than they are. Because of those traits, Boomers would work to change society to meet their needs. The recession, combined with boomer generational traits that include focusing less on career and more on family as they age, likely will translate into less conspicuous consumption, even as the economy improves

Older Drivers: Retaining Their Independence and Mobility (May 12, 2009)
More drivers aged 70 and older are hitting the road, keeping their licenses and driving longer than earlier generations. By 2030, one out of four U.S. drivers will be 65 or older, and there are predictions about increased car accident risks. Yet, getting older does not automatically make older people poor drivers. Most are capable with a lifetime of driving experience. While decisions about a person’s ability to drive cannot be based on age alone, we need to be aware that we change physically and mentally as we age, which can affect driving skills. Reflexes slow down, and it may be harder to concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. With smart self-management, older drivers can retain the independence and mobility that comes with driving, while limiting the risks.

Would You Let Elderly Mom or Dad Move In? (May 8, 2009)
There comes a point in adult children’s lives when they must decide how to take care of their aging parents. Some choose to combine households. An online survey recently found that 70% of adult children would choose their mother over their father to move in with them if the parents could not take care of themselves. Many respondents reasoned that fathers could handle the relative isolation of a nursing home while the mothers would need a more social setting in a family household. 

In Hard Times, Generations Triple Up in One House (May 1, 2009)
The recent housing crisis and foreclosures have left many people struggling to find a place to live. According to a poll by AARP, 11% of persons 35–44 years old currently live with either their parents or in-laws. The decision to live in a multigenerational home may not necessarily be solely about money but rather a growing closeness of generations and an opportunity to develop a stronger sense of one’s culture. Home builders have been capitalizing on the trend by building grandparent suites.

Boomers Turn to Community Colleges to Launch New Careers (April 28, 2009)
Older persons looking to beef up their resumes make up the majority of community college applicants. Most midlife workers want either advice to guide their job searches or short-term certificate programs that retrain them for fields with openings. Many older students hope that education will make them less vulnerable to layoffs in a future economic downturn. 

Yes, Looks Do Matter (April 24, 2009)
This article focusing on the story of Susan Boyle (the dowdy 47-year-old Scottish spinster who sang her way to fame on “Britain’s Got Talent” TV) and shows how shallow we have become by stereotyping people into categories. We fall victim to the prejudices of ageism or look-ism, when we should learn not to judge books by their covers. Age plays a crucial role in forging stereotypes, with older people traditionally seen as “harmless and useless,” as Susan Fiske, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Princeton said. In fact, research has shown that racial and ethnic stereotypes are easier to change over time than gender and age stereotypes, which are “particularly sticky.”

More Older Americans Signing On To Volunteer Abroad (April 23, 2009)
Motivated in their youth by President John F. Kennedy’s words calling on Americans to serve their country, and now motivated by President Obama’s call for change, many older Americans over the age of 50 are dedicating retirement time to volunteer abroad. The economic crisis--resulting in layoffs and offers for early retirement--is making the opportunity possible. Applications for the Peace Corps rose almost 44% Iast year. Other programs such as Cross-Cultural Solutions and Global Service Corps offer similar experiences. 

US: Old Men Play Computer Games to Have Fun (April 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
US sociologists recently learned that more old people become interested in playing computer games after retirement. Records from some computer game websites show that people over 50 years of age account for almost half of the visitors. Computer game developers feel surprise about this development. Meanwhile, they plan to develop computer games that are more accessible to older people. 

Facebook:  A Social Network for Older People in America (April 14, 2009)

(Article in Arabic)
According to CNN, young people are not the only ones on facebook. Many older Americans have started joining this website as well as other social media sites that were previously tacitly confined to younger generations. People over the age of 55 have started using these networks to keep in touch with family members, friends and colleagues. In fact, in the past six months, the largest increase in Facebook participation occurred among women over the age of 55 whose membership increased by a striking 550% as opposed to the mere 25% increase among young people during the same period.

Obama Sent Birthday Wishes and Gifts to the Oldest Person (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
President Obama sent a birthday card and cake when Gertrude Baines celebrated her 115th birthday in Los Angeles. Baines, the oldest African-American voter in the United States, cast her vote for Obama in the 2008 election. She said on her birthday that she hoped to live to the year 2012 so she could vote for Obama again.

Staying Active Key to Elderly Independence (March 24, 2009)
Want to live independently through old age? Experts on aging agree about the need to include an honest and habitual evaluation of one’s limitations, participation in activities to break the routine, and the use of devises for senior assistance. Adjusting to change and constraints as well as proper preparation are key to living alone safely

He’s 80 and in Demand (March 13, 2009)
He loves me, he loves me not: dating at any age can be quizzical. An elderly woman asks a social columnist for advice in handling the current lull in her relationship with a gentleman friend. He answers by suggesting direct communication and confrontation as the key to keeping a healthy relationship. 

Housing Slump Changing Options for Older Americans (March 9, 2009)
The nearly frozen residential real estate market in many parts of the country has made it difficult for seniors to sell their homes after making the decision to move. Many had built up substantial equity in their homes that they expected to use in the event they needed to move into a retirement community that offers health care services. As a result, applications to the continuing-care residences are declining, and some communities are responding by providing assistance to would-be home sellers. According to a 2007 AARP survey, however, older persons are choosing to live in their current homes as long as possible.

Programs for Older Adults (March 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Sheltering Arms, a non-profit group in Houston, seeks to promote the dignity and independence of older persons by creating programs such as Health in Home and Help in Home, which sends nurses or caretakers to the homes of those who qualify. For the family of Santos Vela, a 70-year-old suffering from Alzheimer’s, the assistance is a welcome relief, allowing his wife an opportunity to get questions answered and care for him at home, while still managing to maintain a semblance of her own life.

American Dream Shattered for Older Persons Losing Their Homes in Florida (February 28, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The number of evicted people in Florida has more than doubled in the last year with a large number of them being senior citizens who may not have understood the terms of payment. At this point, a majority of those evicted move in with family members, but some describe being placed in homes alongside people struggling with drug and alcohol problems. Many of the senior citizens concerns include the fact that the recovery of the economy will take years, which they do not have. 

Grandparents Catching Up With Technology (February 16, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The percentage of older persons between the ages of 70-75 who use the Internet almost doubled within the past 3 years, up to 46%. Many southern Florida cities have created basic computer and Internet classes specifically for senior citizens. The incentives to learn the basics are numerous, as seniors realize the dependency of modern society on computers and the ease of staying connected to family members and the world. 

A Grandma or Grandpa by Any Other Name Is Just as Old (January 27, 2009)
Baby boomers are seeking more creative appellations than granny and gramps from their grandchildren. Hip and on the move, grandparents want names that describe their personalities better and do not portray them as old and graying. Meet-Glamma and Papa Doc.

The Older Audience is Looking Better than Ever (April 19, 2009)
For decades, marketers shunned older consumers because they were deemed less wealthy, less likely to try new products and less willing to change brands. Those attitudes have been changing, for a couple of reasons. One is the recession, which makes older consumers who may have paid off mortgages seem a safer bet than younger ones who may get laid off in last-hired, first-fired downsizings. Moreover, older consumers today “are not as resistant to change” as older consumers previously may have been and are eager to try out different things. Hold onto your wallet!

Fremont Offers Help to Older Immigrants Who Do Not Speak English (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Volunteers in Fremont, California, help older immigrants to integrate by offering social activities in their native tongues. The Community Ambassador Program for Seniors, known as CAPS, is a collaborative initiative with the Department of Humanitarian Services of Fremont and seven cultural and religious organizations that offer help to older immigrants. More than a dozen languages are spoken in each organization. Program coordinators find “ambassadors” to serve as liaisons between their members and their services. 

Racial Disparities in Senior Care Might Mean Separate and Unequal (March 11, 2009)
Numerous studies reveal that there is a significant racial disparity in nursing homes. Nursing home facilities that care for African-American communities tend to be located in rural areas, and admit people with mental retardation and movement problems. Of course, there are African-Americans in assisted living, but most are near the nursing home stage and live in all black, poor communities. 

Advocates for Ethnic Elders Look beyond Inaugural Euphoria (January 25, 2009)
Advocates for ethnic elders around the country are eager to see their agendas addressed by the new Obama administration, with particular focus on healthcare, jobs and affordable housing. Minority citizens 65 years or older constitute one of the fastest growing segments of the US population. Ethnic elders will triple from 7 million today to more than 20 million in 2030.

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. 

Adapting the Senior Center Model to Meet the Needs of Future Generations of Seniors (April 26, 2007)
Many older persons find their second home in the nearby senior center. They often seek a social life that gives them safety---someone notices if they are sick or absent—and seniors get much useful information about staying well. Many older people also take part in health and well-being services, including recreational opportunities, discussion groups, exercise classes, and a host of other social programs. With the changing needs of the aging population, policy analyst Monica Serrano reflects on the future of senior programs and services. She emphasizes that   New York City  senior centers must respond effectively to the needs of the aging cohorts.

                                          Articles 

A Difficult Drive in a Suit Designed to Mimic Effects of Aging (June 18, 2009)
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company has created a video game to simulate the physical and cognitive limitations experienced by many elderly drivers. The author of the article has experienced it ‘for real’ thanks to a suit designed to mimic the effects of aging. Ideally, the game will create empathy for elderly drivers and spark conversations between adult children and their elderly parents about whether it's time to hang up the keys. The game's release comes at a pressing time: after a recent string of Massachusetts accidents involving older drivers prompted many to call for stronger oversight of elderly driving. Several state representatives sponsor legislation on elderly driving, although they oppose an age-based approach, instead focusing on physical and cognitive impairment.

Wisdom Behind the Wheel (June 18, 2009)
Legislation is slowly advancing to establish a commission to study cognitive impairment in older drivers in Massachusetts and to find a fair way of determining if individual drivers are still competent to operate a car. Currently, only New Hampshire and Illinois require road retests specifically for drivers over age 75. All older drivers are not alike, and some are perfectly capable of driving safely well into their golden years. It would be fairer if all Massachusetts drivers, regardless of age, were given road retests periodically, but the administrative costs would be prohibitive.

90-Year Old Woman Receives High School Diploma (June 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
A 90-year-old Chicago woman who dropped out of high school to support her family during the Great Depression has now received her high school diploma. Eleanor Benz left in 1936 during her senior year to take a job. Not finishing her school was “one of her greatest disappointments.” On her 90th birthday, Eleanor Benz finally received a diploma, wearing a 2009 gown and a cap with a 1936 tassel. Congratulations!

Crafting Stories of Seniors into Art (May 10, 2009)
For 30 years, the artist David Greenberger sat for hours in nursing homes and senior centers across America pulling together fragments of conversations from older adults and turning them into art, creating a world that comes alive in homemade magazines, books, paintings, sculptures, spoken word and musical works. He has crafted dispatches from senior citizens who have memory loss as well. He says his art doesn't fit into any categories, but it is surely delicate and human.

AARP Presents the New ‘Life Festival’ for All Ages in San Antonio May 15-16 (April 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
AARP will present the first “Life Festival” in San Antonio, a new event designed for all ages of the Hispanic community. Organized activities will include providing information on health, how to stay in good physical shape, and financial security. There will be exhibitions, complimentary medical exams, job fairs for older workers and musical concerts. In collaboration with the Alameda Museum, the festival will offer a program titled “Painting across Generations” in which children will have the opportunity to paint a portrait of their grandparents. 

Just Say No to Aging? (April 14, 2009)
Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer has written a new book, suggesting posits that people are victims of their society and their own stereotypes in regard to aging and health. By robotically believing negative cultural cues about the aging process, people form their own image and behavior. But by freeing themselves from damaging clichés, they have a greater chance to lead more productive lives well into old age. She argues that by accepting signs that aging is undesirable, older persons place a limit on living healthily into old age.

All in the Facebook Family: Older Generations Join Social Networks (April 13, 2009)
While online social networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are known hang-outs for younger adults and teenagers, older persons have been taking to the medium at a faster rate than any other age group in recent months. Facebook’s popularity is growing most quickly among women older than 55 years. Many older people use social networks to keep tabs on younger family members.

Keeping Those With Alzheimer’s Engaged (March 19, 2009)
Meet Me at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a program that began in 2009 with the goal of attaining evidence-based research to determine whether looking at and discussing art provides Alzheimer’s patients with a positive opportunity to engage in social interaction, self-expression and brain stimulation. With the help of NYU’s School of Medicine, the study contains the first scientific evidence of overall improvement for the majority of participants. The MoMA Alzheimer’s Project was initiated to help other museums create their own programs. 

Ideal House for Seniors Built in US (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
It took 15 years for a couple from Colorado to re-design their house to make it “ideal” for their age. Now Frank and Cynthia hold tours of the house and show how to make your house a safe and comfortable place to live when you are over 70 years. The heating system is controlled from a wheelchair; an elevator takes you upstairs; touching the oven does not give you a burn. These are just a few things you will see in this “ideal house for seniors.” 

Positive Outlook Cuts Chances of Dementia (January 19, 2009)
A positive outlook in life might reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s later in life. A study published in Neurology adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between personality traits, lifestyle and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers questioned 506 older people about their lifestyles and personalities. People who were calm and outgoing were 50% less likely to develop dementia.

Aging and Long Term Care Needs (January 16, 2009)
A new concept in nursing homes is gaining popularity. It is called the Green House Project. Unlike many nursing homes that tend to be impersonal, Green Houses function more like homes. Residents have their own private bedrooms and bathrooms and all units are equipped with the latest technology. Certified Nursing Assistants trained in the Green House philosophy of care run these homes, similar to a shared family arrangement where family, friends and Green House workers may join in meals and activities.

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.  

Trade Unions: How Free Choice Act Aids Workers (May 1, 2007)
The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), if passed by Congress, will give more than 3.5 million people health insurance and 2.7 million people pension benefits. The EFCA protects employees against being pressured and manipulated by their employers, thus increasing the union pool by 10 percent and allowing unions to more freely demand their rights.

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