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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 |
Promising Initiatives | Trade Unions 

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

2008 Cost of Care Survey; Home Care Providers, Adult Day Health Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes (April 2008)
What are the care options available today for the old people and how much does long-term care cost in the US? The survey analyzes data from 10,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care providers and adult day care facilities in 50 states and in DC. The researchers offer a five-year historical view of trends that will help older persons make an informed decision if they need to choose some kind of long-term care. 

The Caregiver's Handbook (April 2008)
This report covers the issue of aging parents, tackling problems like funding, finances, and health care that revolve around caring for parents. The handbook encourages children to talk about technical, legal matters (i.e. wills, trusts, guardianship) with their parents in order to protect the children from difficult legal procedures after the parents’ death. 

Ohio Health Care: a Study of Current Challenges and the Support for State Reform (February 2008)
Results from different surveys about what Ohio residents think about their health care system have been compiled and summarized into graphs by AARP. Ohioans definitely think the health care system needs change and the majority of the lower income respondents agree that health care in Ohio is ‘in a state of crisis.’ They are especially concerned about the cost of care services. And 14% of Ohioans are not protected by any kind of health care insurance. 

Delaware Health Care: A Study of Current Challenges and the Support for State Reform (February 2008)
The AARP based in Delaware commissioned a survey of its members’ (ages 50-64) views on the healthcare in the state. Seventy percent believe the system is in a “state of crisis.” Nine in ten members strongly believe that the state must reduce the number of people without coverage as well as make healthcare affordable to all. Fifteen percent of Delaware residents in this age bracket do not have any health care coverage of any sort.

They are Still in Control Enough to Be in Control: Paradox of Power in Dementia Caregiving (January 2008) 
Many family members taking care of their parents with dementia find themselves at the depth of hopelessness when faced with resistance, anger and the desire to maintain control on the part of the care recipients. Research shows that people with dementia may understand their need for help, but the decline in their abilities may result in frustration, anger and increasing demands on the caregiver. The research raises crucial questions about such paradoxes of power in caregiving. 

Articles

Elder Abuse May Net Prison for Craig (April 8, 2008)
In 2003, Riyoji Hirokawa’s wife put him in the care of Jason Craig because she could no longer take care of the 83-year-old man, who suffered from dementia, Parkinson’s and high blood pressure. Under Craig’s care, Hirokawa became malnourished and dehydrated. Craig neglected Hirokawa’s medication needs and canceled doctor’s appointments. In 2005, the elderly man died due to the lack of care. Authorities have sentenced Craig up to six years in prison and he must also pay fines for neglect and abuse. 

Finding Day Care -- For Your Parents (January 10, 2008)
Increasingly, we see greater demand for adult day care centers, with a jump over the past few years. The National Adult Services Association reports day care centers take care of more than 150,000 residents a day. It could be even more. People often consider day care for seniors ‘childish.' However, it can be an interesting approach for older people who can spend time with other retirees. Moreover, services include physical therapy and exercises. This article may give you clues to find the appropriate day care center for the senior person in your life.

County Plans Green Nursing Home (January 8, 2008)
A Wisconsin County plans to create a public nursing home boasting environmentally friendly features. To qualify as a green facility, the home must have building features that would be given certain points on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Critics of the LEEDS certification system say a desired rating can be acquired by incorporating cheap green features. On the other hand, this initiative may encourage more homes to adopt energy conservation features. 

Social Security Reform: Possible Effects on the Elderly Poor and Mitigation Options (April, 2008)
This comprehensive report prepared by CRS Report for Congress studies the effects of the Social Security benefit reductions on low-income older persons in the US. Researchers focus on four different ways of mitigating the effects of Social Security changes and analyze their effects on poor older people in the US. 

A New Look at the Wealth Adequacy of Older U.S. Households (April 2008)
The multiple authors of this report construct two measures for evaluating the current wealth adequacy of older US households. The authors say that “comparing the leading edge of the baby boomers in 2006 to households of the same age in 1998, we find that the baby boomers show slightly less wealth, in real terms, than their elders did, and single boomers show a bit higher incidence of “inadequacy” than did their elders.” In short, it appears that boomers are entering old age in worse shape financially than did those eight years ago.

Older Americans 2008: Key Indicators of Well-Being (April 2008)
In 2030, adults over 65 will represent 20% of the population. To measure the well-being of older Americans, this report uses 38 indicators and one special feature related to health and economics. It finds that older Americans are living longer and enjoying more prosperity than any previous generation. Despite these advances, inequalities between the sexes, among income groups, and among racial and ethnic groups continue to exist. For example, inequalities between “white” and “black” households are huge; the median net worth of a “white” household is six times larger than that of a “black” household. Read the report and examine the charts for extensive details.

Preparing for Their Future: A Look at the Financial State of Gen X and Gen Y (March, 2008)
The American Savings Education Council and the American Association of Retired Persons conducted a survey to understand better what the younger generations are thinking about their retirement. The interesting findings may help young people to attain financial security as they age.

Childlessness and the Economic Well-Being of Elders (March 2008)
Researchers at the University of Washington conducted a study on the economic trends of childless elders. Childless individuals spend more on self consumption, including health care and typically are in better health. Childless seniors, particularly women, are wealthier than their elderly parents, a situation that may put increased pressure on funding Social Security under current formulas. Because an increasing number of people are childless, due to choice or infertility, we can expect to see a rise in the ratio of older persons to younger ones. As global warming proceeds with tremendous pressure on food and other supplies for sustaining populations, perhaps a reduced number of humans on the planet would be helpful.

Can Faster Economic Growth Bail Out Our Retirement Programs? (March, 2008)
High rates of population aging are expected to cause Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs to increase. Rudolph Penner in his report for the Urban Institute says that economic growth will not solve budget problems. The paper lays out some of the choices available to US citizens from a fairly conservative point of view. As the US economy descends into a sharp downturn that other economists suggest will continue for a decade, Penner’s discussion seems dated. Indeed, more social protection measures may well be needed to keep the US economy afloat. 

An "Elastic" Earliest Eligibility Age for Social Security (February 2008)
The Earliest Eligibility Age (EEA) for US Social Security remains at 62 while the Full Retirement Age (FRA) has been raised to 67 years. While raising the EEA to 64 years is being considered, researchers claim it’s unfair to those unable to work or find employment and to disadvantaged groups with lower life expectancies. The report addresses these concerns by introducing an “elastic” EEA, basing a worker's earliest retirement age on average lifetime earnings. 

The Effect of State-Legalized Same-Sex Marriage on Social Security Benefits and Pensions (January 2008)
Under current US law, same-sex spouses are not eligible for Social Security benefits because they do not meet the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) definition of a spouse as “a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.” The report investigates the effects of same-sex marriages legalized by states on payments of Social Security benefits and private pensions. 

Articles

Pitfalls of Working Past Retirement Age (April 29, 2008)
Growing numbers of older persons in the US are working beyond the official retirement age because they do not have another option. But it is very important to know about how their paychecks will impact their Social Security benefits and any other pension they might have. The writer points out some of the most common drawbacks. 

Older People Want to Work In Retirement, Survey Finds (April 24, 2008)
“The Golden Years are dead!” That’s what Marc Freedman says, head of the non profit organization, Civic Ventures, that aims to integrate seniors better into US society. He cites a new survey finding that older American adults want to be active when they retire. They hate being called ‘elderly’ and look for meaningful work or volunteer opportunities. 

She Wants a Career and He Wants Golf. Now What? (April 21, 2008)
Often women who began working in the 70’s or 80’s often don’t want to retire early. They feel they have the right to a career, even if their husbands retire. However, it is not always easy to mesh two different lives, when one is active and the other one is not. How can two people manage this situation? The author suggests dialogues between the parties and compromises to arrange a life at two. 

Testing the Waters with Internships (April 21, 2008)
Adult internships opportunities are growing slowly: the New York Times reports on older adults who wanted to ‘test the waters’ of a new job, to see if what they think was their interests or passions were real ones. Paid or not, these people chose to learn new things, as young people, bringing their experience and skills to an organization. We can expect companies and non- profits to try to welcome older workers as well as the young.

John Laird: Old People Know About Recessions (April 13, 2008)
John Laird says that we should listen more to older persons because they have a wisdom arising from their experience. He is certain that if his father were still alive he would have foreseen the current recession. His father was a member of the generation that lived through the Depression and the Dust Bowl and encountered economic hardships that most of us have never experienced. 

Americans Delay Retirement As Housing, Stocks Swoon (April 1, 2008)
With the real estate and stock market crisis, many US older workers are delaying their retirements in order to consolidate savings. From April 2006 to February 2008, the percentage of senior citizens aged 55-64 still in the work force rose by 1.5 percentage points. This article explains the phenomenon and relates some stories about older workers who are feeling the negative effects of the economy. 

The Wall Street Journal’s Retirement-Planning Guide (April 1, 2008)
Retiring is often seen as a way of aging gracefully, a time to enjoy the rewards of years of employment. But for this period to be enjoyable, people should follow some guidelines to help them know if they have enough money, are ready to leave their jobs, and inform them about health coverage and security. The Wall Street Journal’s recently published book, Retirement Planning Guide, offers tips for a successful retirement. 

Aging Americans Unsure They Can Afford to Retire: Survey (March 12, 2008)
Only one-third of American citizens over 50 have enough money to enjoy their retirement. The rest are concerned about the future. An analysis by a retirement services firm, SecurePath by Transamerica, revealed that most US citizens aren’t looking for a life of leisure or luxury, but hope they can leave financial and other stresses behind in retirement.

Long-term Care Insurance on Rise (January 4, 2008)
Baby boomers are finding themselves paying large annual rates for long-term care insurance policies due to the rising cost of insurance. Medicaid covers the cost of nursing home care in some cases, but not in every situation. The article offers tips for purchasing long-term care insurance. Individuals in the market for insurance policies are advised to consult with financial planners before buying and to make practical decisions instead of emotional ones. 

Reports

Report: Employment and Training: Most One-Stop Career Centers Are Taking Multiple Actions to Link Employers and Older Workers (April 2008)
The Department of Labor established one-stop career centers to link older workers with potential employers. How do the centers help employers hire older workers and how does the Department of Labor help the centers to make this link? The researchers at the US Government Accountability Office address these questions. 

The Geographic Distribution and Characteristics of Older Workers in Colorado: 2004 (March 2008)
US Census researchers examined how many older persons (55 to 99 years old) were working in 2004 in Colorado. Older workers had the best luck finding jobs in retail jobs but their monthly pay was relatively low at an average $2,192 per month. Elders eager to find a job pushed the Accommodation and Food Services sector of Colorado employment to its largest gain, with an average monthly wage of $1,544. The percentage of older workers in Colorado increased almost everywhere, signaling the dissatisfaction of older Colorado people with their retirement and/or income situation. The study does not address age discrimination in the workforce. 

The Graying of the Ohio Labor Force: Aging Through 2016 (March 2008)
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the growth of the population resembled the entire country. However, after the 1960s, its rate of growth declined. Today almost a quarter of the Ohio population is older than 55 years. That means Ohio has to think more about the needs of its older citizens. This report gives us a comprehensive view of the demographic changes and an overview about future expectations for Ohio through 2016.

A Micro-Level Analysis of Recent Increases in Labor Force Participation Among Older Workers (February 2008)
This Center of Retirement Research at Boston College study examines data that shows an increase in labor force participation among older Americans since 2000. “The key to understanding workers’ retirement decisions in recent years is to understand the interaction between long-run incentives and short-term market fluctuations.” Thus it is predicted that older workers may “postpone retirement or reenter the labor market during a recession, and then retreat from the labor force during a boom.” 

Current Strategies to Employ and Retain Older Workers (January 2008)
This report, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to support the work of the Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce, describes current strategies used by employers to help attract and retain older workers and by nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and the government to facilitate their employment.

Generational Differences in Perceptions of Older Workers' Capabilities (November 2007)
A significant portion of previous research reveals negative perceptions of older worker’s capabilities. However, the situation might be changing now. More companies are gaining recognition as “older worker friendly” and more employers prefer older experts to younger ones. The study examines to what degree negative perceptions of older worker still exist at a workplace and identify whether these perceptions affect older workers’ well-being and their attitudes toward the organization.

Employment at Older Ages and the Changing Nature of Work (November 2007)
Researchers at the Urban Institute found that jobs have become less physically demanding over the last 35 years which allows older people to delay their retirement. On the other hand, the increased pace of work and work hours, rapid technology development and job insecurity can make employment at older ages problematic. How will old-age employment evolve in coming years? 

Articles

Older Workers Looking More Glamorous to Recruiters (April 27, 2008)
Due to rising costs of medication and living, older people are re-joining the workforce. However, due to their age, finding work can often be difficult. To ameliorate the situation, AARP has created an employer database for its members. Recently, they have added three federal agencies including the Peace Corps and Internal Revenue Service. The 38 employers are looking for people over the age of 50 years old. 

More Seniors Heading Back to Classroom, Work Force (March 22, 2008)
In the US you can see an growing number of seniors who are returning to school in their retirement. They feel hat they are not ready to be retired. They want to share their knowledge and are still eager to learn more. Younger persons benefit from learning from their older colleagues.

Older Workers are Turning to Government for Secure Jobs With Good Benefits (January 17, 2008)
Many elder-oriented organizations and non-profits like the National Older Worker Career help seniors find jobs in the public sector. They can enjoy a good heath care protection and a well paid, interesting job with the government. Since the public sector expects to lose many in its workforce to retirement and resignations, it’s good to welcome seniors back into the workforce. Federal or national agencies often appreciate help from seniors as they are hard workers, mature and experienced. 

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

Elderly Woman ‘Aggressively’ Beaten (April 24, 2008)
Read this article giving a sad account of elder abuse. A man aggressively beat an old women,age 88 years, in her home, a residence for the aged and disabled. Furthermore, the account terrifies other seniors and residents living in this crime-ridden housing complex. What influences a person to engage in this sort of crime?

Elderly Abuse Victims Out of Shadows (April 9, 2008)
Reports about elder abuse will increase more and more. Few elders report abuse and take this secret with them to their graves. From a medical point of view, physicians caring for the elderly must be more alert to warning signs. Even after death, obvious abuse signs are ignored, resulting in a certification that the patient died of natural causes. Eighty percent of abuse is at the hands of relatives, who underestimate the responsibility or have no training in how to handle the elderly ill family member entrusted to their care. 

Safeguarding the Elderly (March 25, 2008) 
Older people must be made safe from financial abuse. Often it’s hard to detect financial crime until it’s very serious. Anyone who cares for older persons must learn the signs that indicate that an older person is having difficulty. This means that families, social workers, police and older persons themselves must be trained in this field.

Elder Abuse Calls for Your Attention (March 22, 2008)
The US must give much more attention to older persons. While the US has federal legislation to protect animals, there is no federal law to protect elderly people. For every government dollar spent on child-protective services training, only four cents goes to support adult-protective services programs. But everyone knows that seniors need more support. Horrifying stories of elder abuse at the hands of adult children and caregivers appear routinely in newspapers. Will the US take responsibility for assuring the human rights of its older citizens? 

Brown Receives grant to Study Elder Abuse (March 4, 2008)
The Brown University Center for Gerontology & Health Care Research has received a $209,000 grant from the National Institute on Aging to get a better handle on how much elder abuse exists in Rhode Island. Abuse is widely underreported; often doctors and police fail to report. Rhode Island ranks fourth in the country for residents aged 75 and older. Studies show that people over 75 are the most likely victims of abuse. This project will also try to detect unrecognized cases of elder abuse.

NY Report Signals Need to Address Elder Abuse (February 28, 2008)
In 2007, nearly 9,000 elder abuse cases were reported in the upstate New York area. A State Assembly committee estimated that 30,000 seniors have been abused or exploited throughout the state, but many go unreported. It may be difficult for victims of elder abuse to file reports because of the shame attached to it. Elder abuse exists in various forms, including physical abuse, emotional stress, and financial exploitation. The Senate Finance Committee is considering an Elder Justice Act bill. If passed, the legislation will protect elders from abuse and provide support in the reporting and documentation of such cases.

San Jose 'Clergy Summit' Confronts Reality of Elder Abuse (February 22, 2008)
Recognition, reduction and prevention of elder abuse have become social and moral obligations deferred to clergy leaders who have direct contact with seniors active in their congregations. According to authorities, about 500,000 to 5 million cases of elder abuse occur every year, but only as few as 5 to 20 percent are reported. Aside from commonly reported physical abuse, financial abuse is a hidden form of elder abuse that can be kept clandestine for a long time and can have detrimental effects on the senior. Anyone from caregivers to salespeople may be guilty of financial elder abuse. 

Political Rights and Legal Actions

GI Forum Celebrates 60th Anniversary (March 26, 2008)
On March 26, American GI Forum held an event to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Hispanic war veterans from World War II to veterans of the Vietnam War came. Some spoke about dealing with job discrimination and difficulties in receiving GI benefits. Others addressed problems from the scaling back of GI pensions to inadequate health care of veterans. 

Anti-War Grannies Arrested Trying to Enlist (March 17, 2008)
Older women from 58 to 80 years old protested against the US war and occupation in Iraq on the occasion of its 5th anniversary. Part of an organization, “Grandmothers for Peace,” the ten older women pelted the Atlanta Army Recruiting Center's staff with questions. The Grannies wanted to enlist instead of young people. Combining humor with their pleas to stop the war, they talked with Army recruiters. Eventually the Army called the police to arrest the older women. But the Grandmothers for Peace had confronted the war machine and made their opposition public. 

Lack of Transportation Leaves Seniors Feeling Helpless (March 11, 2008)
For older people, to stop driving in Weymouth and other small towns or suburbs across the US also means giving up independence. With very rare public transportation systems, older seniors depend on limited rides provided by local transportations services for the elderly for everyday needs and medical services. However, it is almost impossible to have a social life, which is an important consideration for continued integration into the life of the community. 

One in 9 Senior Citizens Going Hungry Says Report to Senate Aging Committee (March 10, 2008)
Last week, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing to analyze the findings of the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). A study revealed that older persons are more susceptible to poverty because they are less connected to their environment. Though eligible, a surprising number of senior citizens who live under the poverty line do not receive available food stamps. The Senate committee plans to increase funding in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to provide senior citizens with monthly food staples.

A Community for Aging Suburban Gays (February 2, 2008)
A new organization, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders on Long Island (SAGE-LI), is committed to providing care to GLBT members of the older generation who face discrimination as they age without the support of friends and family. Discrimination against the GLBT community affects elders as they seek social and medical services. GLBT elders will appeal to legislators to make services more available to them, as it is more difficult for their generation to be openly gay without facing discrimination.

Boomers Want to Help: But They Want Their Life Skills Put to Good Use (January 27, 2008)
The article suggests that older volunteers are more likely to have high expectations of their volunteer experience due to a higher education and longer tenure in the work force. Survey statistics show that although the number of volunteers remains high, volunteers spend one year or less with a particular organization. To encourage higher rates of volunteerism within the older crowd, non-profits should offer more skill-matching opportunities and change their appeal to baby boomers. 

81-Year-Old Pension Cheater Gets Prison Time (January 17, 2008)
Recently officials discovered that Joseph S. Apelman Jr, an 81 year old pensioner, was been receiving his dead mother’s pension income for more than 20 years. Apelman was sentenced to 3 years of prison on January 16th by New Orleans' U.S. District Court, sentenced for theft of public money. Taking into consideration that housing one prisoner costs the State between $18,000 and $31,000 annually, this article raises questions about the financial trade-off of sending this old man to prison. 

Reports | Articles

Reports

Opportunities for Creating Livable Communities (April 2008)
AARP has produced a guidebook directed towards planners, regulators, policymakers, and community advocates on how to create livable communities for older people. In a 2005 report, it concluded that “housing, supportive community features, and mobility options” are crucial for empowering older persons to remain independent. This report hits on six key components that AARP believes make a community livable as well as touches on the obstacles that stand in the way of creating such communities.

Why do More Older Men Work in Some States? (April, 2008)
Researchers looked at the relationship between retirement benefits and older male workers’ participation rates across US states. More older male workers seem to be working in the Midwest and Western regions of the United States when compared to other regions. If there is a strong labor market for younger workers, a large percent of self-employed persons, and a highly educated workforce, then it’s more likely that older males will be in the workforce. For more information, read the report.

Impact of Rising Energy Cost on Older Americans (March 4, 2008)
Congress recently examined the effects of increasing energy-related expenditures. It concluded that the rise in energy costs is affecting elder households (headed by person of 65 years or older) more than younger households. While, in actual dollar terms, the elder households spend less, they must use a higher share of their incomes for energy-related expenditures. Some 40% of eligible households have a member age 60 or older. Over time, while energy costs have risen as a share of income, public programs like LIHEAP (Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program) have faced declining funding. 

From Work to Retirement: Tracking Changes in Women's Poverty Status (February, 2008)
Poverty among older women is double the rate for older men in the US. This study tracks changes in women’s poverty status starting from their 30s through their retirement age demonstrating how poverty changes over the entire life course. Race, marital status, health, employment are all found to be important issues underlying women's poverty in old age. 

2007 AARP Driver Safety Program Course Evaluation (January 2008)
Do people age 50 and older adjust their driving behavior to accommodate their aging? The AARP Driver Safety Program is the only course created to encourage safe driving among people age 50 and older. The evaluation looks at whether the course has been successful in changing driving-related behaviors and whether participants achieve satisfaction in the course. 

Urban Elders and Casino Gambling: Are They at Risk of a Gambling Problem? (January 2008) 
What are the predictors of problem gambling behaviors among elders living in urban areas? The study examined 1410 seniors and verified evidence of problem behaviors for one of every five older adults who enters a casino. They found that low income, being married, poorer mental and physical health, lack of senior optimism, frequent casino visitation and lower social support networks are among the major indicators of problem gambling behaviors among seniors. 

Discussions by Elders and Adult Children About End-of-Life Preparation and Preferences (January 2008)
Do elders discuss their end-of-life preferences with their children? Why do people usually avoid such conversations until a crisis? Researchers conducted exploratory interviews with older adults and their childrenasking them about end-of-life preparation and both sides’ preferences. 

Articles

Working With Elders to Stay Young (May 5, 2008) 
This article is about Carrie Cook, who took over the program for seniors at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco when the former director became ill. Carrie is 78 years old. She speaks about her work with seniors, many of whom are younger than she. She points out that the work makes her feel young and vital. She has no intention of slowing down. 

Never Mess With Old People (April 30, 2008)
An elderly man in Mississippi called the police when he saw people stealing items from his garden shed. The police said they were busy and would send an officer when one became available. After counting to 30, he called again and said the police shouldn’t worry. “I just shot them,” he reported. Within minutes, police cars and rescue equipment arrived and caught the burglars. One of the policemen said, “I thought you said that you’d shot them!” The man replied “I thought you said that there was nobody available!” 

Centenarians Could Strain Budgets (April 28, 2008)
Will people in their 90s and 100s have longer periods of mobility and independence or just more years of disability and dependence? - This is a good question. Analyses pointed out nowadays there live 95,000 Americans with an age of 100 or older. In 2050 the estimated data are at 1.15 million. This means a dramatic increase in Medicare and Medicaid costs. 

Parents, Adult Children Need to Talk It Out (April 28, 2008)
It is up to adult children between 40 – 70 years-old to speak to their older parents about their health and future needs. Adult children must understand that their older parents will need more help and that their roles are changing. Both sides must declare their wishes and needs, especially about health care. Sometimes, professional help may be needed to guide the discussion. 

66-Year-Old Columbian Tackles 42-Mile Bike Ride - Now Knudson is Preparing to Leave for New York City to Ride in the Five Boro Bike Tour, Which Takes Place Sunday (April 28, 2008)
Knudson is a 66-year-old woman who found a way to give up smoking and to take up serious bike riding. She said she felt bad when she began and could not bike more than 2 miles. But now she will ride 42 miles through the five Boroughs of New York. And she beat back her smoking addiction.

The Short End of the Longer Life (April 27, 2008)
A Harvard University study has punctured the notion that all US citizens can expect to live a long life. However life expectancy is dropping for poor persons, particularly women. In short, income inequality is killing some US citizens. Check your US county to see what’s happening to your neighbors.

Computer Classes Help Seniors Learn New Skills (April 20, 2008)                  As part of a national demographic shift, more and more seniors are learning how to join the growing population of online surfers. This article highlights a computer-training program for older adults run by a college senior in Fairfield, Connecticut. According to the AARP, nearly half of all senior citizens have heard about the benefits of the Internet, such as fast and convenient communication and socialization through playing games with other seniors. Older persons may also use the Internet to gather information on medications and illnesses. The Internet has proved a helpful tool for a growing elderly population.

Older Americans Are More Socially Engaged than Many People May Think (April 16, 2007)
The University of Chicago study analyzed the notion that old people are lonely and unhappy. The research team found out that seniors are more active than people in the 50’s age range. Older persons often act as volunteers, participate in religious services and are more socially engaged.

Retired, Yes, but Never Too Old to Rock (April 9, 2008)
Last week GAA reported about the Zimmers and a Chinese aged art group. This week we report the opening of a new movie called Young@Heart. It is a movie about singers with an average age of 80 years. This movie features the vitality of elderly citizens when they are turned on to music, even those that may not be familiar to them. Their voices waver sometimes but their spirits are upbeat.

60-Plus, Ripped, and Natural Competitors (April 3, 2008)
Since 2003, the number of older people, ages 60-70 years, has doubled at the United States Bodybuilding Federation. The elders want to improve their fitness and health, and this is one way they can do it. “Age is a statistic, not a burden and there is no reason a man or woman can’t get into and maintain the best shape of their lives at any age,” said Scott Hults, 64, a former Naval officer who turned body builder. There are always some who are skeptical that bodybuilding among older people can be truly drug free. Others insist it is strictly the result of exercise, good nutrition and vitamin supplements.

We are Living Longer and Healthier, but... (March 28, 2008)
At a national conference on aging this week, a report was issued entitled “Older Americans 2008: Key Indicators of Well-Being.” The report presents encouraging data about US people living longer and being better off physically and financially. But is the picture that positive? The article reveals some alarming findings. 

Some Seniors Having Trouble Affording Food, Medicine - Fixed-Income Renters Lament Rising Costs (March 25, 2008)
Many older people have to save their money to pay high rents. Recently the increasing cost of gas and electricity makes their situation worse. They are forced to reduce their needed medication in order to pay other bills. Seniors increasingly look for jobs and special Section 8 housing. Unfortunately the federal government only allowed 75% of the needed monies for Section 8 in late 2007. Hard times ahead for US seniors.

Women, Blacks Face Poverty in Retirement (March 20, 2008)
Many more women than men are affected by poverty. African-American women are three times more concerned about poverty in their aging years than white women in the US. Also, two-thirds of white women are not in poverty before their retirement. Women must especially be alert early about their retirement future and should create a plan and a goal for the years after they are no longer employed.

Firm Offer Seniors Coaching for the Future (March 15, 2008)
A new company in Santa Fe, New Mexico, “Walks Beside Coaching and Consulting,” run by Bradley Morgan and her partner Stephen Marais, began coaching older people on how to solve their problems and enjoy retirement. Professionals prefer a conversational therapy rather than the typical clinical therapy. They discuss strategies for leading a peaceful and exciting retirement.

Seniors Reach Digital Age: More Elderly are Taking Courses on Computer Usage to E-mail and Instant-message their Friends and Family Members (March 14, 2008)
According to current research, 37% of older US citizens are learning to use the Internet to communicate with friends and family through e-mails and instant messaging. The diffusive nature of the Internet has allowed it to reach all parts of the global population, including older persons who grew up in an era when technology was sparse. Exposure to the Internet and training enable seniors to overcome their fear of technology. Many senior centers offer computer training to their members as they are steadily bridging the technology gap. 

Early Retirement May Mean Earlier Death (March 14, 2008)
According to a study at the University of Athens, early retirement could result in earlier death. The study follows 16,827 adults for 7.7 years. The results show that there is a connection between retirement and death. This could partially be caused by financial concerns or because of psychological and other issues that make early retirees more susceptible to illness. 

Aging Boomers Could Burst Housing Bubble (March 9, 2008)
In the last three decades, Baby Boomers have dominated the market as primary buyers. Now with increasing mortgage debts and decreasing housing prices, people in the US are trying to avoid the housing market. On the contrary, as they age, the Baby Boomers are expected to downsize their homes, thus pumping more available houses into a stagnant market. This, economists predict, will prolong the housing crisis.

Aging with Grace, Devotion - Dance Teacher Still Kicks Up her Heels at 94 (March 3, 2008)
This article describes a lovely old lady who will be 95 years old very soon. She works as a dance teacher in Cathedral Village, a retirement community in the Upper Roxborough section of Philadelphia. Despite breaking her pelvis at 89 years and suffering from osteoporosis since she was 92 years old, she has not yet lost her vitality. Impressive is that she teaches students to dance while they sit in chairs. Many are limited with walkers, even wheelchairs.

Rochester Priest Studies Loneliness in the Elderly (February 28, 2008)
Parochial administrator Father Peter Abas has carried out a study to help the elderly fight loneliness in old age. Because many of the elderly population suffer from feelings of loneliness or emptiness in their lives, Father Abas promotes his findings and offers ways to overcome loneliness through social and religious interaction.

A Difficult Transition to Retirement Living (February 8, 2008)
With the US economy in a downward spiral and the housing market suffering, older persons looking to downsize to smaller retirement homes are finding it difficult to sell their houses. Despite the economic downturn, the move towards retirement homes has not been deterred. Since 2003, household heads 65 years and older have been the biggest buyers of new homes. Seniors who want to enter retirement homes should consider applying for residences early, as waiting lists continually grow longer.

New Boss Will Work to Help Lift Seniors (February 8, 2008)
This article calls attention to Meals on Wheels, a not-for-profit organization that provides hot meals to homebound seniors on a daily basis. Food deliveries to seniors also provide opportunities for lonely residents to have visitors, a very beneficial side effect of the meal deliveries. For some seniors, the meals are the only food and source of nutrition they receive. This organization relies on donations to sustain its service to seniors. 

Governor Calls for Tests of Elderly Drivers: Doesn’t Yet Know at What Age or What to Test For (February 8, 2008)
The Governor of Massachusetts has proposed testing older drivers, although he is uncertain what senior drivers will be tested for and at what age. This announcement was made in light of accidents involving older drivers. Recently, an 86-year-old driver hit a young girl on the road and a 76-year-old driver accelerated into a post office building. While most other states have special requirements for older drivers, Massachusetts does not. The state is working on legislation to test older drivers. 

Keep Busy in Retirement (January 21, 2008)
Before retiring, older people need to think about the amount of financial support they will need. But they also must think about what they really want to do during their retirement. Kelly Campbell, a certified financial planner in Fairfax, VA, advises people, among other things, to create a top 100 list with activities they have always wanted or dreamed of doing. Planning for retirement is more than setting money aside. It is also following your dream. 

Blagojevich Wants Free Rides for Seniors But Only if it's Local (January 16, 2008)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich amended legislation dealing with free transportation for seniors over 65 years in the Chicago-area mass transit. If the legislators accept his change, Chicago senior citizens would be the only ones enjoying free transportation in Chicago. Other Illinoisans will get free transport within their local mass transit district. This unplanned surprise “benefit” for seniors appears very difficult to implement. Stay tuned! 

Differences in Health and Life Expectancy (February, 2008)
The life expectancy of older Americans is much higher than in the past due to improvements in health care and higher incomes. But a gap still exists between racial and ethnic groups, especially as the US becomes more racially and ethnically diverse. African-Americans are the worst off in terms of mortality and health, followed by American Indians. There are also significant disparities because of geographic locales. As the numbers and diversity increase, it is important to find ways to reduce the disparities for the benefit of the nation’s overall health and the many people who are now underserved.

Companies Must Plan to Fill Void Left as Boomers Retire (October 23, 2007)
Baby boomers’ retirements will have important consequences on the labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 43% of the U.S. labor force will become eligible to retire between 2004 and 2012. Many of the ‘older worker-friendly’ companies are aware of the coming change but according to the study not enough of them have taken steps to head off skill shortages and turnover that could hurt the bottom line.  

Reports 

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

Office Is Sought to Protect Elderly (August 8, 2007)
Kane County ’s State Attorney John Barsanti is seeking to establish an advocacy center to investigate elder abuse and exploitation. The recent homicide of an 84-year-old woman who lived with her two daughters in Kane County is not directly related to the call for the center, but it certainly illustrates the need for an official elder advocate. “It seems we are somewhat under-reacting to the [needs of the] elderly,” said Barsanti. 

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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