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Elder Rights: World

Articles in Arabic | Chinese | French | Russian | Spanish

A World Tour of Older Persons Homes
Come on this World Tour to a little known place in the world to discover how older persons are living.

Background Documents

World: The Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse (November 17, 2002)
This 2002 Toronto Declaration on elder abuse is a call for action to prevent older persons from suffering abuse. This paper points out the crucial need of a legal framework to address the issue. As violence against women or children was considered a major issue in the 80’s, today elder abuse should be viewed as a social issue of concern to everyone.

World: Ending Discrimination Against Older Women Through the Convention (July 5, 2002)
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women "urges that special attention be focused on the special needs of older women." The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women "defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination."

Africa: The Rights of Older People: African Perspectives (November 2008)
The African Union, through its African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, has developed a broad and impressive framework for the protection of rights of older persons in Africa. At the domestic level, however, most African countries still have to develop specific policies and legislation. Although some 25 national constitutions make provision for rights of older persons in some form, only three prohibit discrimination on the grounds of age. The Report suggests developing a specific treaty that provides a mechanism for implementation and accountability of human rights for older people which is currently lacking. 

                                                        Articles

Senegal : Ndieme Diop, 65 Years Old, President of the Association about Elders and Retired People (June 25, 2009)
(Article in French)
Ndieme Diop is 65 and she is the president of the Wakhou Mack Association in Senegal. Through the Association she defends elder rights and urges the government to donate to older persons, increase their pensions and access to healthcare. Some people think she is naïve and idealistic but she knows what she wants and she is not afraid to make strong claims. This older woman is ready to keep fighting to improve life for elders.

Senegal: Older Persons: A Population Less and Less Assisted (April 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The situation for older persons is a real concern. Recognizing this emerging issue, the Senegalese scientific community has decided to analyze what policies and programs are needed to provide assistance to older persons. The issue of aging will change the 21st century society, thanks to technological and medical progress resulting in significant increases in life expectancy. But in our contemporary societies, aging means difficulties in life, and the accumulation of diseases. Older persons are more and more left to themselves; even the traditional solidarities once found in African societies are now being lost.

Madagascar: Older Persons Are Afraid of Being Neglected (April 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons are breaking their silence. A number of associations committed to defending old people’s rights has been organized to sound an alarm to the new transitional government. Their main concern is that the bill on the status of older persons is still not in effect. This bill defines the readjustment of the food pension for older persons and the national solidarity fund for elderly. The fund is significant particularly helps artisans and the self-employed who have no pension.

Cameroon: long Nursing Homes for Older persons Coming Soon (March 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
A project of nursing home construction in ten different areas in Cameroon is currently under way. This work comes at the initiative of a French association, “Lumière du Monde” which works hand in hand with its local affiliate, “Lumière du Cameroun”. Based on the European pattern, a first centre will open in 2010 and welcome about fifty residents, who will be served by doctors from both Cameroon and France. 

Tanzania: Climate Change and the Fate of Grandmothers in Tanzania (March 2009)
Environmental changes continue to spread and negatively affect many different parts of society. In 2006, while experiencing a drought, communities within the Kishapu district of Tanzania had drastically increased rates of child mortality due to water-borne diseases. Community members blamed the deaths on the “witches” living among them, resulting in the murder of numerous innocent grandmothers throughout this region. 

Gabon: Associations Fight for the Rights of Older Persons (January 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The rise in life expectancy in Gabon is increasing the number of older persons in the society. Their situation is very worrisome. More and more, older people feel overwhelmed by loneliness, isolation and a sense of worthlessness. Due to their society’s modernization and urbanization, the “family community” in the African sense of the expression, does not play the same integrating role as it did in the past. Western countries’ positive experiences may be used as models.

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Americas & Caribbean

Peru: National Plan for Elderly (2002-2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Plan for Elderly was created to lay out action steps that the government would take on aging issues in Peru. The elderly population in Peru is 7.2% and could reach 13% by 2025. This plan aims to integrate the elderly in the society, by increasing the quality and quantity of health care services, by creating policies of food assistance and by helping old people enjoy a pleasant life with their families and in society. Another National Plan objective is promoting a positive image of older persons.

Mexico: Law For Older Persons in Mexico City (Distrito Federal, México) (1999)
(Article in Spanish)
A new law for older persons in the city of Mexico (Distrito Federal de México) took effect in 1999. This law affected all persons older than 60 years old. The law’s aimed to integrate the elderly into society and to improve the quality of life. The law includes sections related to health, food, social assistance, participation, and work. 

Reports | Articles

Reports

Canada: Canada’s Aging Population: Seizing the Opportunity (April 2009)
The Canadian Special Senate Committee on Aging recently released a report setting out a detailed vision of how the Canadian government, organizations and individuals can embrace the challenges of an aging population. The Special Committee Report offers comprehensive recommendations to deal with an aging society from combating ageism, incorporating research and new technology, improving housing and transportation to pension and social security reform. The report also studies the specific needs of certain groups within the older cohort that need assistance, e.g., indigenous persons known as First Nations and Inuit seniors. The report recommends providing them with culturally appropriate services. 

Latin America and the Caribbean: Aging and Older Persons. Socio-demographic Indicators for Latin America and the Caribbean (March 2009)
(Report in Spanish)
The writer makes the obvious point that governments and citizens need to know the facts about the aging process and the material situation of older persons in order to plan, implement and continue essential public policies. This document offers statistical information about the aging process of the Latin American and Caribbean population and reveals the socio-economic characteristics of older people and their living situation. The report has four parts: (1) basic demographic information about the aging process, (2) and (3) indicators about socio-demographic characteristics and the economies of the population, and (4) information concerning the characteristics of homes for older persons. 

Latin America: A Report on the Status of Older People’s Rights in Latin America (January 2009)
Few Latin American countries have human rights plans that include sections on older persons. Most do have specific legislation, social projects and national plans on ageing but States lack adequate budget to implement them. Furthermore, the large disparity in income distribution and the focus on structural adjustment programs have made it difficult to assure health care and pension provisions. Since the population of older people will grow in the years ahead, the author argues that policymakers must implement measures to ensure the protection and well-being of the elderly. The author recommends assessing regional expectations for a coordinating body that would require States to implement policies, programs and allocate budgetary resource.

                                                             Articles

Canada: Purple Balloons to Prevent Any Abuse Against Older People (June 28, 2009)
(Article in French)
In Quebec, 4% to 7% of people over 65 years old are victims of abuse. That is why members of a Group for Intervention decided to release purple balloons on June 26 during the International Day to raise awareness on elder abuse. The group is responsible to prevent physical, psychological or financial violence against older adults. This initiative also wanted to break the silence about incidents of abuse.

Cuba: Cuba Predicted to be the Most Aged Country in Latin America by 2025 (June 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Cuban population will decrease in the upcoming years while the number of aging persons will increase. The increase is predicted to accelerate to the point that Cuba will become the most aged country in Latin America by 2025. The Office of National Statistics is anticipating a 26% growth in the golden age population. However, the increase is not expected to affect the quality of old age of Cubans negatively.

Mexico: 16% of Older Persons in Mexico Suffer From a Type of Abuse (June 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A recent study found that 16% of older persons living in Mexico suffer from some type of mistreatment, almost double the average in Latin America. Women over 74 years old represent the principal victims of this abuse. While the most common and prevalent type of abuse is psychological in nature, many cases of physical, economic and sexual abuse occur as well. As opposed to Europe or the US where the aging process is gradual, in Mexico aging has occurred rapidly, leaving little time to respond to changing demands.

Costa Rica: Older Persons to Travel for Free by Just Presenting Identification (June 10, 2009)
(Article in Spanish) 
San Jose lawmakers enacted a new program to make public bus travel available to seniors at either no cost or largely discounted. The seniors will need only to present a form of identification to receive the discount. Older persons benefiting from this resolution will be able to travel all routes that operate within the country. For distances less than 25 kilometers there will be no fee. Fares for travel exceeding 25 kilometers will be largely reduced.

Canada: Senior Citizens of Cinema are Finally Acting Their Ages (June 6, 2009)
Older people in movies are usually shown as either the wisdom dispensers or as swearing sailors. But this depiction is slowly changing and older people are now being depicted as fun and adventurous and comfortable with aging. The current crop of films, including “Up,” celebrates aging and helps everyone look forward to – rather than fear growing olde r.

Canada: Quebec Sending in the Clowns (May 21, 2009)
The provincial government has signed an agreement with a non-profit group to use so-called 'therapeutic clowns' in nursing homes, even though critics say basic care for the elderly is woefully inadequate. Hundreds of private nursing homes as well as homes for the elderly are without properly trained staff, according to patients' rights groups. They contend that the elderly can go days without being washed in nursing homes. They are often left alone to eat and they receive inadequate care for some of their most basic needs.

Canada: A Retirement Spent at School (May 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
Because of economic conditions, some workers are going to retire early. Some them might choose to go back to school. Universities have developed many programs specifically for people who, despite their age, still want to learn. There are several ways to finance this return to school. An efficient way consists of investing more in the registered savings-retirement system. Another possibility is to establish a personal registered savings-studies account. 

Ecuador: “We Need Health Education” (May 8, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
Rafael Velasco Teran, a psychologist and geriatrician, speaks about the current approach to problems facing older people. He believes that we should not depend on our families or governments but that we should act preventatively, especially by focusing on four simple things: nutrition, exercise, eliminating alcohol and cigarettes, and specialized treatments. Everyone should be educated about old age.

Argentina: Technology and Old Age (May 5, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Being older is much easier these days, the writer claims. A team of investigators from the University of Newcastle, England, has designed a series of gadgets with the goal of using technology to improve the quality of life for old people and prolong their independence.

Latin America: Dilemma Over Private Pensions in Latin America (May 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Recently, both Chile and Argentina revised their pension systems. While still maintaining its private pension system, Chile apparently cleared up many problems with the existing system. Argentina, on the other hand, eliminated its private system and transferred its pensions back into a public system. Although neither of the countries resolved the problem of inequalities, their citizens will receive better benefits. The remaining Latin American countries will likely update their pension programs in the near future.

Argentina: Those Who Chose to Work to Remain Active in Old Age (May 2, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
It’s estimated that 15.6 % of people over the age of 65 currently are economically active. Many experts believe that it is a good thing because older persons should retain their social role in society. Work should be done because of personal interests, not economic need, which can be detrimental and stressful for the health of an older person. 

Canada: Quebec to Pay $ 500,000 to Elderly Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals (May 2009)
(Article in French)
The Quebec government will deposit more than a half million dollars for projects encouraging respect for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual older people. Marguerite Blais, the Minister responsible for seniors, believes that homosexuality among old people is considered taboo in Quebec. According to her, the general population needs to be sensitized and informed about the struggle against stereotypes and prejudice. 

Argentina: ‘Teleassistance’: A Noble Gesture for Our Older Adults (April 30, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A new system will insure that older persons no longer have to fear being alone, which will allow them to live with greater independence. The device called Atempo consists of a bracelet wirelessly connected to a telephone similar to an alarm clock. The elderly owner simply has to push a button to communicate with a team that has information and access to family, friends and emergency services. 

Ecuador: Older Persons Gain Strength in Comprehensive Development (April 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Departments of the government signed agreements between the Ministry for Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES) and other organizations committed to the work of older persons. They started a process to strengthen the rights of older persons, categorizing them as a vulnerable group. There are nine plans dedicated to approximately 400 older persons in the different regions of the Loja province.

Barbados: Respect The Elderly–We’ll all Get Old Some Day! (April 19, 2009)
The author says that abuse of elderly persons is increasingly being brought to light. She describes the truly sad and disheartening reality, and lists the different kinds of abuse the elderly are facing. No one disputes the fact that caring for an older person can be tiring and at times frustrating, but abuse never should be allowed to happen. Nevertheless, we should remember to give due credit and praise to those who put the time and effort into making the remaining years of older persons as enjoyable as possible.

Chile: Most People Are Willing to Pay Tax For Services Required By Older Adults (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The University of Chile recently revealed the results of their study, “Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Elderly in Chile,” which provides a detailed explanation of the views, expectations and evaluation of Chileans about senior citizens in Chilean society. Key findings include the conclusion that 57.5% of respondents would pay a tax to provide services needed by older adults. Researchers emphasized that Chile must become more aware of their politics and policy regarding older people.

Chile: Start Your Application for a Funded Project for the Elderly (April 15, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The National Service for the Elderly is searching for initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of older men and women. This is an opportunity for them to offer support to established organizations that have served the needs of the elderly for years while encouraging the development of new and innovative ideas. 

Mexico: The First Senior-Citizen University was Founded in Mexico (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The average education level of older persons in Mexico is low. This partly contributes to the disadvantaged position older Mexicans are in and makes it challenging for them to enjoy their old age. The first Senior-Citizen University was founded in the capital city of Mexico to present a more pleasing way of living to older Mexicans.

Mexico: Mexico Opens University for the Elderly (April 9, 2009)
Mexico is opening its first University for Older Persons to respond to the gradual aging of the population. The school is very elder-friendly with ramps, elevators and escalators, and will offer courses from language, law, music and history to yoga and environmental education.

Canada: Old Man Held Funeral Party to Hear Compliments in Advance (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 59-year-old Canadian street artist--after he was diagnosed with cancer--held a funeral party so he could hear praise and compliments about him from relatives and friends. Those who will attend the artist’s real funeral were all invited to the party. He performed banjo, acrobatics and comedy for them and said goodbye in advance. 

Mexico: A University for Older Persons is Open (April 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
It has been two weeks since Mexico City opened a university designed for older persons in response to the gradual aging of the urban population. The curriculum includes math, English, French, economics, finance, financial accounting and basic information systems, among other subjects. It will also offer courses and seminars on caring for older persons. It is estimated that the national level of persons over 60 years will be 1 out of 10 citizens in 2010 and 1 out of 3 citizens in 2050.

Argentina: There Is Life After Retirement (April 1, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The Department of Social Welfare Medical University (DAMSU) initiated an innovative program called “Program to Prepare for Retirement. Nobody Retires from Life.” Its aim is to create a space for people to socialize and interact along with having access to a team with multidisciplinary talents. The program seeks to generate a balance to enrich the lives of people entering the next stage of life.

Argentina: Life Expectancy is 75 years (March 29, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
Argentine life expectancy is on the rise and is expected to continue, with estimates that those born in 2008 will live an average of 75.1 years. This phenomenon can partially be attributed to the relatively new field of geriatrics. Best advice from the experts: Be in good health with a healthy lifestyle during your youth and the aging process will be significantly delayed. 

Mexico: Opening of University for Older Persons (March 26, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The first university specifically tailored for senior citizens in Mexico already has the capacity to serve around 800 people. They can take a wide variety of classes. The university is located at a site specifically chosen due to its large population of older persons in the region. When establishing the new university, the delegation incorporated many aspects of other successful programs throughout the world while striving to dignify the lives of senior citizens. 

Canada: Aging Newcomers at Loss for Jobs (March 24, 2009)
Finding a job can be hard for immigrants in Canada but it is especially hard for older immigrants. Most immigrate to reunite with their sons and daughters and grandchildren, but face language and age barriers. They think they are too old to go back to school but too young to retire. Laws also restrict government benefits for elderly newcomers, who for the most part are sponsored by their children.

Quebec: Elders Swindled, Old and Vulnerable (February 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
Quebec, like many parts of the world, has a very quickly aging population. Two decades from now, persons aged 65 years and more will make up 25% of the population. Older persons are more and more likely to be victims of frauds and economical abuses of all kinds, and family members commit about 80% of that abuse. Victims are often reluctant to denounce their family because of emotional dependence and a reluctance to break the link between them. Sometimes offenders do not hesitate to resort to maltreatment and psychological blackmail. 

Quebec: No Age Limit to Learning (February 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
In the years to come, the number of retired people will increase. Retirement does not necessarily mean inactivity. The thirst for knowledge is very present among older persons. This is the reason why a university devoted to people over 50 years old will open next September, with no diploma prerequisites and with courses adapted to their students. 

Argentina: Social Policies for Older Adults (February 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry of Social Development created new policies focused on the protection and promotion of older persons. The objectives include concentrating on welfare, medical care and cultural, recreational and social activities for those older than 60 years.. Many citizens in the isolated region of Jujuy live alone; the new plan makes many workshops and activities possible for older citizens. These new opportunities will re-socialize them and demonstrate the importance of older adults in the community. 

Argentina: Retirement at the Universities (January 27, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Officials of the universities in Argentina are debating making changes to the retirement age for professors. While some prefer to maintain the retirement age at 60 for women and 65 for men, others advocate reducing the age to 57 for women and 60 for men. In addition, professors would have the option of working up until the age of 70. 

Mexico: Seniors Forgotten in a Nursing Home (January 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s are no different for older people living in nursing homes in Mexico. They wait by the door hoping that one of their family members will come to see them. Everyone celebrates another year, but for the residents it means another year without family. Their needs are taken care of, they have even made a few close friends, but what they hope for this New Year is to see their families. 

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Asia Pacific

Background Documents

India: National Policy for Older Person(1999)
The Indian National Policy on older persons attempts to assure the well-being of older Indians as well as to value an age integrated society. Against that background, the national policy is based on principles of financial security, health care, shelter, and welfare, among others.

Reports | Articles

Reports

Asia: Critically Understanding Asian Perspectives on Ageing (July 2009)
People living in Asian countries are experiencing a demographic transition from a young to an increasingly older population. The ageing of populations is unfolding against a backdrop of persistent poverty, gender vulnerability, economic strain, constricted public resources, and limited civil institutions to support the elderly. This paper identifies the gaps that exist in our understanding of ageing in Asian developing countries. It discusses the key issues, tensions and perspectives that characterize current debates at local levels and their implications for development in many Asian developing and some transitional countries. The paper urges recognition of ageing and development as part of poverty reduction strategies.

China: Childcare, Eldercare, and Labor Force Participation of Married Women in Urban China: 1982−2000 (June 2009) 
The following report employed data from the three most recent Chinese population censuses in analyzing married, urban women's labor force participation decisions in the context of their families and residential locations. The researchers are particularly interested in how the presence of preschool or school-age children, elderly and/or disabled in the household affects women's likelihood of engaging in work outside the home. They find that the presence of older persons in the household (any parent, parent-in-law or any person aged 75 or older) significantly increases prime-age urban women's likelihood of participating in market work while the presence of pre-school age children significantly decreases it. The negative effect of having young children in the household on women's labor force participation is substantially larger in magnitude for married, migrant women than for married, non-migrant urban residents. This appears to be explained, in part, by the practice of married, female migrants leaving their children in the care of relatives in rural areas in order to facilitate their employment.

Taiwan: Co-Resident Grandparents and Grandchildren’s Academic Performance in Taiwan (April 2009)
While some worry about the effect of modernization on family structure, Taiwan, the authors say, still follows the Confucius tradition of filial piety. Younger generations give undivided respect to their elders and ancestors. This report uses Taiwan as a case study to look at the effect of grandparents and grandchildren who live together on children’s academic performance. Results reveal that in general, long-term co-residence confers the most educational benefits to the grandchildren. Grandparents act as academic tutors and role models for their grandchildren. Furthermore, intimate adult-child relationships help a child develop a sense of security to adjust to school.

China: China’s Long March to Retirement Reform (2009)
China’s Long March to Retirement Reform signals that the aging of China’s population could usher in an era of slower economic growth and possibly social stress. The sheer magnitude of China’s age wave—by 2030 China will be an older country than the United States—would alone pose a serious challenge. What makes the challenge even more daunting is that the age wave will arrive while China is still developing and modernizing. The authors outline a plan for a universal poverty floor that would protect all Chinese against an uncertain old age. This system would allow China to care for a much larger number of older people without overburdening its smaller working generation. 

Report: China: Population Ageing, Labour Market Reform and Economic Growth in China (2009)
The dramatic fertility decline since the beginning of 1970s has decelerated the growth of China’s working age population. Beginning in 2015, this growth will turn sharply negative, resulting in a declining labour force in China. Some wonder if this development will interrupt China’s economic growth. This author believes that a more efficient allocation of labor between sectors will counter the negative effect of populating ageing. Simulation results show that removing the current discrimination against rural workers who want to work in urban areas, will shift workers from agricultural to non-agricultural jobs. Such a policy will reduce the adverse effects of population ageing by raising not only the total output but also household living standards. 

Japan: Employment Measures for Older People in Japan (November 2008)
Japan, with one of the highest rates of population aging, is trying to build a society where older people continue to work longer and make the most of their knowledge and experience. This report prepared by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare revises the Elderly Employment Stabilization Law to provide the conditions whereby older people are able to retain stable employment for as long as they wan

Indonesia: Secondment of Specialist on Older Persons Help Age /PCWG/ UNHCR Geneva, Switzerland, (August - September 2008)
Data from UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs indicate that the Indonesian population is both getting older and living longer. In 2006, 8% of roughly 19 million Indonesian were age 60 or over, but by 2050 the number will increase to 67 million an account for 24% of the population. The report focuses on the gender imbalance inherent in aging that increases the social and economic burdens for older Indonesians women. While legislation to protect older persons exists, abuses of elders are common but go 
un-reported. Natural disasters stretch families coping mechanisms. As a result, families are not able to protect their older members. The UN has demonstrated that older persons are often overlooked in emergencies and ignored afterward during the rehabilitation phase. 


                                                             Articles

India: India’s Marathon Man Hits 92 (June 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
India’s grand old marathon man, Ashis Roy, has completed his 92nd long run with another record in his bag, becoming the first Asian above 70 to run four marathons in seven weeks. With an eye on reaching his century of runs by 2010, the long distance runner from New Delhi now plans to participate in the Massey Ontario North marathon on July 19.

Singapore: Singapore’s Total Population Grew to 4.84 Million in 2008, up 5.5% over Previous Year (June 17, 2009)
Singapore continues to face the long-term challenge of low fertility and an aging population, according to its latest population report. But the record number of foreign residents in the country has helped raise the total population to 4.84 million in 2008 (an increase of 5.5% over the previous year). Foreigners now make up about 25% of the total. The National Population Secretariat confirmed the need for the country to press on with efforts to build a sustainable population, even as the economic downturn drags on. Given the country's aging population, experts also declared that Singapore must press on with efforts to grow its population. 

China: The Population of 65 Years Old and Over Has Reached One Million in Tianjin City (June 17, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
According to the “2008 Demographic Development Report of Tianjin City” recently released by the Tianjin Statistics Bureau, the population of people 65 years old and over has reached one million for the first time in history, accounting for 11.88% of the entire population in Tianjin City. However, this number still remains lower than those of Shanghai and Beijing. 

China: Many Factors Lead to the Low Retirement Age in the City of Tianjin (June 15, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
Last week, Xiao-Yi Hu, vice president of China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, responded to questions about retirement age extension in China when interviewed by reporters from the Chinese Government’s official web site. According to Mr. Hu, whether or not China should extend its retirement age is a complicated issue, and one that should take into account the attributes of different industries and regions. This topic remains controversial among citizens of Tianjin. As the real retirement age is already lower than what policy states, a further extension would prove difficult given the current economic situation.

China: Money and Rights Should All Be Taken into Account for Older Persons When Seeking Reemployment (June 10, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
According to a survey conducted in Nanjing City, currently 48% of retirees ages 60-70 would like to work again. Reemployment would not only help older people stay active, but would also facilitate the passage of knowledge and skills from older people to their young working colleagues. However, because of lack of legal protection, older people may be facing challenges to their rights by returning to the work force. 

China: “We Did Not Do Enough on Population Aging”: Interview with Professor Angela O'Rand from Duke University (June 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
As early as 1979, Shanghai City phased into an aging society, and aging will increase its tempo in the coming twenty years. China confronts a tremendous challenge while it is still a developing country. Is the experience and practice in “developed” countries helpful to China? Professor Angela O'Rand, who works at the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, recently addressed this question in WenHui Newspaper during a recent Shanghai visit. 

China: Population of Over 65's to Reach 109.56 million (May 25, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The report of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China showed that as of the end of 2008, China had a population of 109.56 million who are 65 years old and above. This accounts for 8.3 percent of the nation's total population. The government is undertaking urgent measures aimed at improving care services for seniors nationwide. 

China: Older People Surfing the Internet has Become a Trend in China (May 22, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
In China, surfing the Internet has become a trend among older people. They are now spending more time on the Internet for news, e-mail, online chatting and games. Experts on Internet use say that older people represent the most rapidly growing population of net surfers. According to researchers at the University of California Los Angeles, modest Internet surfing could help older people preserve brain function and keep their memories sharp. 

Singapore: MOH Expands Facilities for Elderly with Mental & Psychiatric Illnesses (May 20, 2009)
To prepare for an aging population, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is building more nursing homes and community hospitals, and more facilities for persons with mental illnesses and dementia. Singapore’s psychiatric care facilities are currently operating at full capacity; with an ageing population, demand for such long-term care services will go up. Besides building facilities to care for Singaporeans in their old age, the Health Ministry is also studying how to help people save for such care. MOH is also exploring collaborations with foreign universities to develop degree upgrade opportunities for graduates in selected allied health professions. 

China: People Rely on the Son For their Golden Years… (May 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a study by Chinese and English Researchers published at the beginning of April by the British Medical Journal, the unique child policy and practice of selective abortion--even though illegal in China--are accountable for an extra 37.2 million males under age 20. Poor families living in rural areas rely generally on males for their golden years because a girl, after her wedding, is supposed to contribute to her in-law’s household. Another factor is that having no son is considered dishonorable for parents. 

New Zealand: Govt. Urged to Address Ageing Population Issue (May 18, 2009)
In New Zealand, around 11% of the population is over 65, but in 2051 the number will rise to 25% and the government will have to address the issues of an aging population. A retirement investment specialist in New Zealand feels that his country should learn from the Australian retirement policy. In Australia, the pension eligibility age has been increased. In addition, tax benefits for the higher paid individuals have been reduced. 

China: China’s Old Population Ratio Surpasses America’s By Year 2003 (April 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese) 
A US report said that in 2003 China’s old population percentage caught up with the US at 24%. In 2005 there were 16 old people out of every 100 adults of working age, a rate expected to reach 32% in 2025 and 61% in 2050. 

China: Shanghai’s Life Expectancy is 81.28 Years Old, Topping the Nation (April 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai’s life expectancy tops the nation’s at 81.28 years old . Shanghai went ahead of all other cities in China to become an aging society as early as 1979. In 2008, older persons over 60 years old totaled more than 300 million, almost 22% of all households registered. The proportion of Shanghai’s old population is close to twice that of the nation’s average.

Japan: Japan Recruits Foreign Nurses to Care for Elderly (April 30, 2009)
In response to a nursing shortage, Japan eased its immigration policies in order to accept foreign nurses for employment. In May, around 300 nurses from the Philippines will arrive to assist with basic care, especially needed due to the aging population of Japan. The foreign nurses are not arriving without controversy however. Japanese nurses fear the new recruits will take jobs away from them, while the nurses from the Philippines fear they will not be given high-skill jobs and will be looked upon simply as cheap labor.

China: Old Single People Club in Ning Bo City (April 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A networking club in Ning Bo City is the city’s first non-government group to focus on old single people’s issues. Old single people join together in different kinds of activities and make friends with each other to cope with a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The club is free to all old single men and women. Since its establishment in 2008, there have been 202 members, with about equal numbers of men and women. The oldest is 81 years old and the youngest is 51. 

Sri Lanka: Court Order Case no. B/827/9 (April 27, 2009)
This legal order highlights the dire situation facing older persons in Sri Lanka. Many seniors have died due to starvation and malnutrition and with no special care, despite their advanced age. The report states that more than five deaths occur on daily basis in the Internally Displaced Welfare Centers, due to starvation and malnutrition. In the absence of proper caring mechanisms, older persons are dying. Moreover, their bodies are not removed in a timely fashion, causing additional health problems. Where are the human rights to protect older people, as well as other internally displaced people, from malnutrition, starvation and a terrible death?

Korea: Population Aging and Elderly Abuse in Korea (April 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In Korea, elder abuse has become a social problem as the population ages. Statistics indicate that in 2000 the proportion of elderly population in Korea exceeded 7%. The Korean National Public Pension launched in 2008 only benefited 3% of the aged population. Most elder Koreans depend on their families, especially their female offspring. The traditional patriarchal family model no longer dominates; however, family members are still responsible for supporting the old people, making elder abuse an inevitable problem that must be addressed. 

China: China Begins to Address a Coming Wave of Elderly (April 21, 2009)
An increasingly aging population is becoming a far greater challenge than the current recession for China. Policymakers urgently need to increase the social safety net and expand retirement benefits as well as healthcare. By 2050, for every senior citizen there may only be two working people compared to the current ratio of 1 in 13. Chinese tradition places a strong emphasis on familial obligation to care for their old. The government can help out by expanding pension plans and building more facilities for older persons.

India: No Room at Home for Elderly in India (April 18, 2009)
After her husband died five years ago, Rita Sikand's daughter and son-in-law moved into her home in New Delhi. It wasn't long before they took control of her bank account and car and confined her to her bedroom. As India's population pushes past 1 billion, Sikand's situation highlights a challenge facing this country: in many family homes, there's no longer room for old people. Estimates suggest there will be more than 100 million Indians aged 60 or older by 2013; the country has only 4,000 old-age homes.

Japan: Aging Population with Fewer Children—Japan Ranks the Top of the World (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
April 17, 2009, the Japanese government released the 2009 Japanese “White Book” on “Aging population with fewer children”. The “White Book” indicates that 22.1% of the Japanese population is 65 or older, while 13.5% of it is children and teenagers are between the ages of 0 and 14. The“White Book” also warns that Japan ranks at the top of the world on “Aging population with fewer children”. To maintain sustainable medium-to-long term development, the Japanese government should reform the labor market to attract more youth, females, and older persons. 

China: The Second Old People’s Supplies Fair Opened (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Second China Chang Chun Old People’s Supplies Fair opened in Chang Chun City on April 12, 2009. This fair lasted 8 days, with more than 260 suppliers showing thousands of products catering to old people’s life, study, entertainment, etc. 

Japan: Solution to Japan’s Jobless Problem: Send City Workers Back (April 15, 2009)
Currently, Japan is experiencing the worst recession since WWII. As a result, many unemployed are turning to farming as a possible new career. The Japanese government invested $10 million into programs to train young workers from the cities to become farmers in hopes that they will renew the rapidly aging farming population. At present, 2 in 3 farmers are 65 years and older. Without the recruitment of young workers, agriculture in Japan will disappear quickly. 

China: 160 Million Seniors as Shanghai Becomes the Oldest City in China (April 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Recent Chinese statistics show that at the end of 2008, the country’s population over 60 years numbered 159 million, or 12% of the population. Shanghai has become the “oldest” city of the country with one person out of five being a senior, twice the national average. According to forecasts, Chinese seniors could number more than 248 million by 2020 and 435 million by 2050. 

China: More than 159.89 Million Old People Aged Over 60 (April 13, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
At the end of 2008, the number of old people aged over 60 in China accounts for 12% of the total population. The number is estimated to increase by 8 million per year. The rapid speed of population aging and the growing need for social security for old people in China makes a universal pension system an urgent priority. 

China: China Is Committed to Improving the Service System For Older People (April 13, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
The State Plan of Action on Human Rights 2009-2010, passed recently, states that by the end of 2010 China will increase the number of beds available to older persons, the disabled and youth at risk by over 2.2 million. Additional beds will be installed at centers for rural residents with five guaranteed provisions: food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education and burial expenses. Further, another 800,000 beds will be provided in towns and cities for older persons who have no living relatives.

China: Older Persons High on the Agenda! (April 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
As the population ages, the government is launching programs to assist older persons. In 2009, there were 160 million people over 60 in China, i.e., 12% of the society. This may appear low, but within two generations seniors will represent more than 40% of Chinese people. The wave of older persons from the “baby boom” encouraged by Mao in the fifties is arriving. 

China: Son and Father Lecturing Filial Piety Across 7 Provinces in One Month (April 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A retired university professor and well-known calligrapher has driven 8,000 kilometers to seven provinces along with his 92-year-old father to give lectures on filial piety. Since retiring from the university, the professor has given free talks in colleges, institutions, corporations, etc. on taking good care of parents and the virtue of respecting old people. 

China: Free Medical Examination Given to 0.1 Billion Old People (April 10, 2009)
(Article in Chinese) 
At a press conference on April 10, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said that about 0.1 billion old people over age 65 will receive free medical examinations in the years 2009 and 2010. A newly reformed medical program will include setting up standard resident health archives and giving people 65 years and over health examinations on a regular basis.

Japan: Japan Taps Jobless Autoworkers For Aged Care Jobs (April 9, 2009) 
The Japanese government is attempting to transfer unemployed workers from the manufacturing industry to the rapidly growing and understaffed nursing home and care sector that in the next two years will have over 120,000 job openings. Although the plan does seem to have its merits, the government is encountering difficulties teaching manufacturing specialists geriatric care, and the turnover rate is extremely high due to poor working conditions and low.

Singapore: The reemployment rate of the elderly rising in Singapore (April 5, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
More and more older people in Singapore are entering the labor market. According to a new survey conducted by the Singapore Department of Human Resources, June 2008 marked the highest rate in history for reemploying senior citizens. Economic concerns contributed to this trend substantially. Among those reemployed, most went to work in administrative, janitor and security guard departments.

China: Senior Lawmaker Urges Gender Equality in Recruitment Age (April 4, 2009) 
A senior lawmaker is pushing hard to revise differential retirement ages for men and women in China. Male public servants are asked to retire at 60 years of age whereas the female employees have to retire at 55 years. According to the lawmaker, who is also a woman, getting women civil servants to retire at 55 years is a waste of human resources, particularly for those who have Masters or Doctorate degrees.

India: Mediclaim Booster for Senior Citizens and the Sick (April 2, 2009) 
After many court orders and recommendations, the renewal rules of health insurance policies have been changed to increase the level of transparency among the companies. The changes require that an insurance company must renew a health insurance policy irrespective of how much it has already paid out in claims. Unless the policyholder participates in fraud or misrepresentation, the company must renew a policyholder’s policy.

Japan: A Kingdom of Long Lives (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Russian) 
Over 20% of Japan's population are seniors. It is estimated that every third person will be in his/her retirement age in Japan by the year 2050. Japan can truly be called a “kingdom of long lives” with an average age of 83 years for women and 79 for men. So, what should you do to live longer? Eating healthy, staying financially independent and having your own hobbies are the main keys to long life, says the Japan Medical Association.

China: Hong Kong’s Population Aging Trend Continues and Gender Imbalance Increases (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The aging trend in Hong Kong's population has continued for the past ten years, with the median age rising to forty years, according to latest population census results. Another trend is the rapidly increasing imbalance between the men’s population and that of women. The gender ratio has fallen from 905 men per 1,000 women in 2007, to 898 men per 1,000 women in 2008. 

Singapore: Prevention for Senior Pedestrians (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The government estimates that 9% of people over 65 years walk on Singapore roads. Officials have launched preventive action on behalf of senior citizens to avoid pedestrian accidents. Older persons represent a high-risk category of the population because their perception may be blurred or their mobility may be impaired. An impact with no serious consequences for a younger adult may become very severe and lead to dramatic consequences for a senior. In Europe, 8,000 seniors die each year on the roads. According to forecasts, by 2050 one third of deaths happening in car wrecks will involve people over 65 years if no appropriate measures are taken. 

China: Association of Serving Old People Founded by College Students (March 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In Nan Ning City, college students founded the first association for serving old people. This association encourages college students to take advantage of their free time. They are helping the increasing numbers of empty nest older people in the city. College students go to local communities and talk with older persons, read newspapers to them, walk with them to the hospital, do housework as well as organize trips and networking activities. They even help the elders write autobiographies and teach them computer skills. So far, more than 400 college students have applied to join the association.

China: “Green Card”—Free Pass to All Community Service for Old People (March 19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A local community in Beijing issued service cards to old people above 60 years of age. With this “Green Card” old people can enjoy easy access to all community services. A year ago, the welfare service in the community signed agreements with local gas stations, barbershops, restaurants, household business companies and more than 30 other service providers to offer easy and quick community service to the old people in the community. Since then, gas, free haircuts, monthly pension distribution and other services have been made available for thousands of old people. A good idea!

China: Tai Yuan City Puts up Video Ad on Aging for Downtown Screening (March 18, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Office of Aging in Tai Yuan City worked with an advertising company to make a video advertisement about aging and have it shown it on a 7 x 17 meter screen in the city’s downtown area. This video advertisement, with music soundtrack, aims at intensifying publicity and education about aging issues, appealing for respect and help for old people, especially from young people. The area is a hub that averages more than 200,000 young people hanging out, shopping, eating and spending leisure time every day. Will the video encourage them to relate more to their parents and grandparents?

India: 1.43 cr Elderly Will Be Forced to Work (March 17, 2009)
According to a Planning Commission report, approximately 140,000,000 senior citizens will be forced to work, mostly as casual laborers, to meet their basic needs. The worst hit would be older persons in rural areas despite the government’s much touted flagship schemes focusing on the hinterland. This report emphasized increased central funding and state-sponsored old age pension, plus health coverage for elder workers. However, the projected increase in the senior citizen workforce suggests a long-term failure of government policy towards the old people since Independence.

Japan: Japanese TV Broadcast Hired 105-year-old Women as News Hosts (March 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Japanese local broadcast recently used a 105-year-old woman and a 92-year-old woman as hosts in its newly created news program. The broadcast president said that the purpose was to encourage knowledgeable and experienced older people to introduce and report on topics that they know well. These two women once interviewed the Japanese Prime Minister when he was running his election campaign in their local city. 

China: Australia and New Zealand College for Seniors Joint Chinese Old People’s Education (March 4, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Chinese International Training and Education Institution signed an agreement of cooperation with Australian & New Zealand College for Seniors on February 25, 2009. The two parties are going to work together on developing holiday study programs for old people in China, Australia and New Zealand. They will research old people’s demands in such major areas as education and tourism, and will provide professional training to the program’s directors and instructors. 

Japan: Ageing Japan Cuts Cost of 100th Birthday Gifts (March 3, 2009)
(Article also available in Spanish)
The Japanese have a tradition of presenting silver cups to all their citizens over the age of 100. Last year, 19,769 people reached triple figures in the world's most rapidly aging country, compared to only 153 in 1963, the year when the cups were first presented. Japan now has so many people over 100 that it is cutting costs by reducing the size of silver cups it presents to those who reach that age.

Australia: 107-year-old Australian Lady Still Working (March 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
An Australia women, 107 years old, is still working in a local hospital. This woman works in the mail room in the hospital and found this job when she was 100 years old. She spent her 107th birthday on the job in the hospital. She attributes her good health to walking instead of riding. 

China: Experts Suggested that Retirement Age should be Raised for both Male and Female Employees (February 27. 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China’s rapidly aging society calls for a reform in the current retirement system. At “China’s Retirement System and Holiday Reform Forum,” Prof. Fan Ming from Henan University of Finance and Economics presented an alternative reform strategy: raising the retirement age of female employees up to 55 years old by 2014 and to 60 years old by 2017; raising the retirement age of male employees up to 65 by 2022; eventually raising the retirement age for female employees up to 65 by 2026. 

China: 105-year-old Mother-in-law Enjoying First Grade Nursing Care from 77-year-old Daughter-in-law (February 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 77-year-old daughter-in-law learned nursing care and has been offering standard first-grade treatment equivalent to hospital care to her 105-year-old paralyzed mother-in-law. Since 2006, when the mother-in-law suffered from paralysis as a result of a hip fracture, her daughter-in-law started taking care of her, washing her entire body twice a day, cleaning her diapers and changing her sheets daily. The daughter-in-law even moved her bed to her mother-in-law’s bedroom and turned the room into a family nursing room by taking turns with her husband day and night to look after her mother-in-law. 

China: Worrying Medical Condition of Countryside Empty Nester (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A recent report issued by the China National Committee on Aging shows that nationwide there are 32,880,000 families of old people without children living in rural areas. Many older persons have no family to care for them. Sixty percent of them do not receive any form of medical security.

Taiwan: Taiwan Government Criticized over Elderly Care Program (February 24, 2009)
The newly created long-term older person care insurance program will cost over NT $50 billion but will reduce the burden on family members. Critics believe that rather than increasing taxes to fund programs, the government should first use the available revenue to create a care structure and recruit staff. Although many details remain unknown, currently beneficiaries must be unable to perform 3 out of 6 daily activities, including eating, dressing, bathing, going to the bathroom, getting out of bed and/or chair and walking.

India: Recession Impacts Indians’ Plans for Early Retirement, Pilgrimages (February 22, 2009)
The global economic crisis has had a major impact on old people in India. It has pushed back voluntary retirement plans, tightened medical expenditures and has led many people to postpone pilgrimages. In states where the food shortage is acute, older people have started reducing their meal size or skipping meals to save money.

China: Shen Yang City Sets Up Electrical Calling Device for Old People (February 1, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Since 2008, the Shen Yang City Department of Civil Affairs has begun setting up an electrical calling device for about 10,000 poor and aged people. This year the free device will arrive at some 20,000 households of older persons without children and those who live on very low subsistence allowances. The electrical calling device will ensure elder access to all emergency systems when asking for help. By just dialing one telephone number, a call will reach their children’s cell phone as well as the community and health services at the same time. By 2010, Shen Yang City will have installed this electrical calling device with 50,000 older people. 

China: Chinese Red Cross Foundation is Funding Three Public Senior Citizen’s Apartment Complexes (January 29, 2009)
It is expected that three senior citizen’s apartment complexes funded by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation will be built in Beijing, Jiang Su and Zhe Jiang. Besides the Foundation’s support, other financial sources come from local enterprises, individual donations, etc. The vice chairman of the foundation said they are planning a 120,000-square-meter apartment complex in Jiang Su, a 137,000-square-meter facility in Beijing and a 75,000-square-meter one in Zhe Jiang. The Foundation will be responsible for managing the complexes when they are completed. It will also work with the China National Committee on Aging, medical care institutions and arts organizations to serve the elderly people in the best way possible. The construction of more apartment complexes in Su Zhou, Xi’an and Cheng Du is now under discussion. 

China: An Hui Province Put Nursing Home Building into Government’s Public Livelihood Project (January 28, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Nursing home building were added to An Hui provincial government’s 2009 Public Livelihood Project. In 2008, An Hui province allocated about 48,000,000 RMB for building nursing homes, the most ever. By the end of last year, 56,423 additional beds were added, and the total number of beds in nursing homes increased to over 100,000. Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Administration and the Office of Finance included spending on nursing homes and staff in the government’s budget.

China: Pleasure at Senior Citizen’s Apartment Complex in Earthquake-Stricken Area 
(January 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Aged widows at the senior citizen’s apartment complex in Lue Yang County, Shan Xi Province, one of the regions worst hit by the 5.12 earthquake in China, happily celebrated their first Chinese New Year after the earthquake. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the director of the Office of Civil Administration along with other government officials visited all the residents in the nursing home with food, wine, clothing, and New Year money. After the earthquake, old people were moved from the damaged nursing home into a new apartment complex reconstructed from a local government building in 2007. 

India: Look After Your Parents and Senior Citizens in Punjab or Go to Jail (January 19, 2009)
The Punjab Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act passed requiring the wards of senior citizens to provide proper maintenance of old people. Senior citizens can legally receive sustenance from their wards, and should that fail to occur, one-member tribunals will be set up to evaluate the situation. Punishments can include fines up to Rs 5,000 and/or 3 months of imprisonment, in addition to a monthly maintenance allowance for the older person needing care. 

China: Shanghai Veterans’ Chorus Group Has Been Performing New Year’s Songs for A Month (January 14, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
During Chinese New Year celebrations, the Shanghai Veteran’s Chorus Group gave seven performances in different districts in the city, extending their best New Year’s wishes to thousands of older persons.. Concerned about the care for older people, the chorus not only re-performed award-winning songs, but also composed new ones catering to different preferences in different districts. This city chorus, established in 1986, has participated in hundreds of large and small activities and earned many awards. 

Asia: Asia Forum on Aging 2009 Convenes in Singapore (January 12, 2009)
International experts met for the inaugural Asian Forum on Aging to discuss trends and developments in the care of older persons in the face of a rapidly aging population. It was an effort to help guide policy makers in making decisions on housing and community care for older persons in Asia.

China: Only 20,000 social workers serving-old-people are qualified (January 12, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
At the 4th National Nursing Home’s Presidential Forum on January 6, the Vice Chairman of China’s National Committee on Aging said that so far there are 321,600 social workers serving old people in the country but only 20,000 of them have received formal training and earned professional certificates. With an estimated 153,000,000 old people, including 23,500,000 with disabilities, the gap is formidable. The presence of insufficient, unqualified social workers who have low status and low incomes pose a serious challenge to the efforts of dealing with old people. 

China: National Sports Game for Old People to Be Held This Year (January 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The chairman of the National Old People’s Association of Sports said that the 60th year of the founding of the People's Republic of China is an appropriate time for the National Sports Game for Older Persons to be held. He emphasized that old people are the backbone of nationwide body building. Also he made clear that developing sports for older persons and improving their health are effective ways to cope with an aging society. Awareness of the importance of older persons’ exercise and health will influence the entire society.

China: A Canadian Old Man Came to Ji Lin Province to Run Free Nursing Home (January 8, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A Quebec native old man came to Ji Lin Province and started running a free nursing home along with a Chinese young man, taking care of disabled older persons and aged widows. The Canadian, 68 years old, studied Taoism in northeastern China from 1994 to 2004, when he decided to dedicate his time and effort to running the nursing home and training staff to continue this philanthropic work.

India: Greedy Realtors are the Greatest Threat to Elderly (January 4, 2009)
Atrocities are routinely committed against the elderly by realtors in India, all for property. In Delhi, out of the total number of reported crimes against the elders, 60 percent were related to property. This has partly been aided by the realtors’ access to property information.

Australia: $50 Million Plan for Cheaper Seniors Travel (January 4, 2009)
Beginning January 1, 2009, seniors will pay less to travel on public transportation outside their home states. The government’s subsidy of $50 million provides better benefits to the elders and promotes the tourism industry. 

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Europe and Central Asia

Background Documents

Serbia: National Strategy on Ageing (2006-2015)
Serbia has adopted a strategy on aging for the period up to 2015. The strategy encourages the development of a society for all ages where stakeholders as well as the citizenry give attention to the needs and contributions of older persons. The Serbian population is one of the oldest populations in the world, numbering 1.2 million individuals, a sixth of the population.
 

Reports | Articles

Reports

Europe: Social Protection Expenditure in 2006: EU27 Spent 26.9% of GDP on Social Protection. Highest Ratios in France, Sweden and Belgium" (June 2, 2009)
In the EU 27, social protection expenditures accounted for 26.9% of GDP on social protection in 2006. This ratio was 27.1 in 2005 and 2004 and 27.2 in 2003. But this EU 27 average continues to mask major disparities between member states. The disparities reflect differences in living standards, but also indicate the diversity of national protection systems and of the demographic, economic, social and institutional structures specific to each Member State. In the EU 27 in 2006, expenditures on old age survivors’ benefits accounted for 46% of total spending on social protection benefits. 

Germany: Transfers, Consumption and Income over the Lifecycle in Germany (May 14, 2009)
This paper seeks to quantify all public and private inter-age monetary flows in Germany by applying the National Transfer Account method. Germany's lifecycle deficit is shaped by long periods spent in education, early retirement, and low labor force participation rates among the older work force, resulting in a rather short surplus period. Germany is a picture book welfare state. Over the last century the government assumed functions that the family would once have tried to absorb. During the long dependent periods of childhood and old age, the main expenditures-including education for younger people and pensions and health care for older people-are publicly financed. Private consumption is low for these items. In contrast to public in-kind transfers, public cash transfers are highly skewed to older persons. Special emphasis is placed on differences in East/West lifecycle deficit patterns.

Europe: AGE General Assembly final Declaration (May 8, 2009)
(Report in French)
On the occasion of its 2009 General Assembly, AGE members adopted a Declaration to guide their policy work in the coming years. Members agreed on broad policy directions which AGE will take as it addresses pension reforms, employment, social inclusion, health and long-term care, active civic participation and older people in emergency situations over the coming years. AGE called for a ban on mandatory retirement ages, the establishment of mandatory European quality standards for long term care and a EU Year on active ageing and intergenerational solidarity in 2012. They noted that the changing age structure in populations will impact the dynamic between the generations. AGE says that intergenerational solidarity and cooperation will need to be re-invented and sustained by appropriate policies. 

Europe: Meeting the Challenge of Demographic Ageing in the Context of the Current Crisis: A Plea for Greater Intergenerational Solidarity (April 29, 2009)
(Report also available in French)
On the occasion of the first European Day for Solidarity and Cooperation between generations, the NGO AGE review some of the existing initiatives or those that should be implemented, at the local, national as well as regional scale, to help each generation support the other and live together avoiding conflicts. The demographic reality combined with the current economic crisis is leading many people to re-think economic, fiscal and social policies. The urban environment and public transportation systems have to adapt to the changing needs in society. Current social policies don’t necessarily meet families’ needs. Supporting dependent persons (both old and young) poses problem due to changes in the demographics of societies. Clearly, the current economic crisis makes the intergenerational solidarity more important and valuable than ever.

United Kingdom: One Voice: Shaping Our Ageing Society (April 7, 2009)
Authors of this recent report present a comprehensive perspective on the issues facing older people in the UK: poverty, age discrimination, isolation, lack of care and support. The report recommends that the government take action to outlaw mandatory retirement ages, to ensuring equal rights to citizens, give automatic payment of benefits to pensioners, assure “age proof” employment, and work towards a convention on the rights of older people.

World: Weathering the Downturn: What is the Future for Lifetime Neighborhoods? (April 2009)
UK researchers are identifying ‘lifetime neighborhoods, revealing a growing recognition of the interlocking roles of the built environment, infrastructure, housing, services and space in determining quality of life. Lifetime neighborhoods are those that “offer the best possible chance of health, wellbeing, and social, economic and civic engagement regardless of age.” This paper draws on the views of many experts to turn this vision into a reality. It also emphasizes the respective roles of government, public sector agencies, local authorities, housing associations and the voluntary sector.

Europe: AGE Open Letter to EU Extraordinary Summit on the Financial and Economic Crisis (February 26, 2009)
AGE, the European Older People’s Platform, aims to voice and promote the interests of older people in the European Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern them the most. The director wrote a letter to EU Heads of State and Government who attended the Extraordinary Summit on the financial and economic crisis so that they address the needs and hardships of older persons in today’s deteriorating economy. She called for Member States to change pension schemes to guarantee adequate income in old age as supplementary pensions that are market-dependent cannot substitute for the responsibility of the state in pension provision. She also advocates for the installation of financial supervision mechanism and for the need to strengthen social and health services and assist people in need. Finally, AGE urges Member States to establish measures to support older workers and those who cannot work.

Europe: When is a Person Too Young or Too Old to Work? Cultural Variations in Europe (February 2009)
Reporters show the varying attitudes among citizens from different European countries on such issues as the age of adulthood, middle age, retirement age and the age at which people are too old to work. This data reveals that different societies have differing appetites for work with direct implications on productivity and ability to compete in the global economy. These findings also reveal how employers might relocate into societies that are more or less work-oriented. For example, at the age of 55, French people might want to retire, but in Sweden they would want to continue working. 

Ireland: Open Your Eyes: Elder Abuse Service Developments 2008 (February 2009)
In this report the Health Service Executive (HSE) reveals an increasing number of cases of elder abuse in Ireland. Nearly two thirds of all victims were female and most of the cases involve psychological abuse, neglect, financial matters, and physical assault. The alleged abusers were mainly people with the closest relationship to the older person, such as a child or a spouse. The most common person to report an abuse was a public health nurse or hospital member. The HSE also participates in an annual ‘Say No to Ageism’ campaign that challenges negative stereotyping and attitudes towards older people. 

France: Which Employment Protection for Older Persons? (January 2009)
(Report in French)
In France, the employment rate of people aged 55 to 64 years old is inferior to that of most OECD countries despite the various efforts the French government took to protect senior employment. The “Delalande” plan, enacted in 1987, was one such effort which aimed to over-tax lay-offs of people over 55. Many pernicious effects were noticed however, such as a decrease in the number of older persons hired and an incentive to anticipate redundancies. It is scheduled to dissolve by 2010 after having been amended several times. Various options are now being considered, including increasing the legal age of retirement and loosening regulations for senior employment.

Europe: Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008: Social Inclusion, Pension, Health Care and Long-term Care (January 2009)
(Report also available in French and in Spanish)
This leaflet summarizes the European Commission and Council joint report on social protection. Member states agreed to cooperate to secure greater social protection and social inclusion among their citizens. The report highlights the need to reduce the stark inequalities in health outcomes. The writers identify the older population as the main challenge to EU social protection systems. The population aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 77% by 2050. Because older workers are leaving the workforce, the social protection systems face deficits. Nations will have to come up with new means to finance elders’ later years. 

United Kingdom: Understanding the Labour Market for Older Workers (November 30, 2008)
Survey evidence shows that one third of those aged 50 to 70 years claim that they would postpone full retirement if offered a phased retirement. However, in most countries, retirement is abrupt because it has historically been difficult to work and receive a pension. 

                                             Articles

Spain: Diet of Older Spanish Persons is More Balanced than Rest of the Population (June 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The results of the National Health Survey show that older persons in Spain eat a more balanced and healthier diet than the rest of the population. For example, 82.4% of older persons recorded that they eat fresh fruit daily. Also, one-third of the older population answered that they believe aging is more a reflection of health than age. The well being of the aging population is evident in the low percentage of Spanish people who require assistance for transportation, eating or dressing themselves.

Spain: More Than 72 Percent of Older Persons in Spain Care for Their Grandchildren (June 23, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
Six out of every ten older persons have daily contact with their children. Along with some Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy, Spaniards have much more contact with their families and live in closer proximity than older persons in other European countries.

France: Let’s Begin by Giving Jobs to Older People (June 22, 2009)
(Article in French)
In this period of high unemployment and social planning especially focused on people over 55, is it really necessary to continue working? France has the worst employment rate in Europe for older people. Consequently, putting back the retirement age makes no sense. Moreover, it will penalize those who began to work when they were very young. 

France: Nadine Morano for Developing Intergenerational Housing (June 22, 2009)
(Article in French)
Nadine Morano, the State Secretary for Family Issues, is trying to develop the concept of intergenerational housing. This concept aims to anticipate and stop older people’s loneliness, increase their security with a reassuring presence, offer them the possibility of an eventual income supplement and facilitate student access to housing. There is a real need for communication to explain this concept to older people. It will never be a “global” solution but will certainly help a lot of seniors and students to live a better daily life. 

Spain: Older Persons Over 65 Also Blog (June 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
In Spain, older persons at least 65 years of age participated in the first Older Persons National Competition with the initiative of producing creative blogs. The contest sought to recognize initiatives that promote the inclusion of older persons in the Information Age, to help older persons become more comfortable with computer programs and to eliminate the fear and intimidation sometimes associated with the use of high technology.

France : Maintaining Homes for Older People: A Conference on Legal Rights (June 19, 2009)
(Article in French)
The local gerontology center in Douaisis (a region in northern France) organized a conference to discuss care for vulnerable older people. They explored whether an older person who is no longer able to prepare meals or tend to sanitary needs should be legally prohibited from staying at home without any help. 

Russia: Saratov Region to Pilot a Seniors Support Project Together with UNFPA (June 18, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
One of the regions in Russia will pilot a collaborative project with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) aimed at providing quality social care to seniors and implementing gender research in the region. Issues among seniors will be researched in the context of social care reform, the demographics of aging and development of civil society in Russia.

France: Prevent Daily Accidents (June 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
Every year, accidents in day-to-day life injure 4 to 5 million people and cause 20,000 deaths (4.5 times those suffered in driving accidents). While accidents for people over 65 years old represent a small percentage of this total (about 13%), they result in more fatalities. For this reason, Luc Machard, president of the Consumer Security Commission (CSC), declared that in 2010 accidental deaths would become an “important national cause.”

France: Checkmate: The Residents of a Retirement Home Compete Against Young Champions. (June 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Lyon Olympic Chess Club and the retirement home of the Rotonde decided to organize a special day of chess when students and young champions came to the retirement home to challenge the residents. The tournament aimed at opening the home to non-elderly people and to raise awareness for the need for older persons to give their brains a workout every day. Cerebral activities are very good for memory and to fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Spain: Older Persons Learn Computer Skills and Demand More Courses (June 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
This week, the first group of older students received diplomas from a school in Murcia, Spain. The classes offered included data processing and the Internet. The same recent graduates are demanding an extension of the classes in September. The courses were so popular that more have been organized in order for the graduates to continue their education. France: Checkmate: The Residents of a Retirement Home Compete Against Young Champions. (June 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Lyon Olympic Chess Club and the retirement home of the Rotonde decided to organize a special day of chess when students and young champions came to the retirement home to challenge the residents. The tournament aimed at opening the home to non-elderly people and to raise awareness for the need for older persons to give their brains a workout every day. Cerebral activities are very good for memory and to fight against Alzheimer’s disease.


France: Mistreatment of Older People: A Frightening Success for 3977 (June 14, 2009)
(Article in French) 
The number of a new phone assistance mistreatment platform set up in February 2008 in France is 3977. The platform has received more than 63,000 calls in 15 months while the Afbah Association (Association for the Good Treatment of Older and Disabled people) which manages the platform expected only 10 to 15.000 calls a year. Nowadays, the centre receives 6 times more than expected, or some 170 calls a day. According to Sandra Sapio, a psychologist on the association, in most cases calls concerning mistreatment are more the result of neglect than deliberate action s. 

France: Senior Employment: Professional Check-Up for Employees Over 45 (June 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
French companies may be required to offer a professional check-up to their employees before the end of age 45. The objective is to encourage employees to check their knowledge, qualifications and desire to work at an important moment of their working life. This assessment could lead to training for employment in another sector, perhaps at an increased salary. Each employee would be free to refuse this check-up. Nevertheless, every company with more than 50 employees would be required to do the assessments.

France: New Department Plan For Older People: Getting Old in a Good Way in Vendee (June 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
Linked with 200 people in the field (professionals, volunteers and elected people), the new program, Getting Old in a Good Way in Vendée (Western French region), has set many goals for the next five years. At the same time, 602 new places for old people affected by Alzheimer’s disease have been created, meaning that capacity has doubled in four years. Moreover, professionals will have access to training in how to care for Alzheimer’s patients. 

France: Retirement Age: “Not a Taboo Question" for Fillon (June 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French First Minister Francois Fillon stated on June 15 that pushing back the retirement age "is not a taboo question." He said that the retirement age is being pushed back in all the European countries. Brice Hortefeux, French Minister for Employment, Social Relations, Family, Solidarity and Cities foresees three different ways to reform the retirement pension: decrease the pensions, increase the contribution period or push back the retirement age. 

France: Old People: 700 Million Evaporated (June 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
The President of the ADPA (Association of CEO’s serving older persons) Pascal Champvert confirmed that 700 million euros collected on the Solidarity Day for Old People in June 2004 have completely disappeared. Part of the money was used for other than authorized purposes. Champvert explained that 500 million euros were used to construct new buildings, whereas the money should have been used to increase staff.

France: Anno Health: Dependents Don’t Have to Give Up Comfort (June 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
With an aging population, problems of medical dependency increase. In France, A. Wambrechies, Thomas Lambert and Christophe Perez created a company specializing in selling and renting medical supplies. Their firm will work with CPAM (the public health fund) and administer their clients’ health files, another service in a developing market.

Ireland: Campaign to Cut Number of Older People Killed on Roads (May 27, 2009)
In Ireland, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said it would distribute 200,000 free high-visibility vests in an effort to promote road safety. The campaign will heighten awareness of vulnerable road users, in particular older pedestrians who are over-represented among those killed and seriously injured on roads in Ireland. Almost one in three Irish pedestrians killed are over 65 years old. 

France: Gerontexpo – Old People Have Their Own Living Room But No House (May 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
More than half of the French population has a negative attitude toward nursing homes. The 700,000 current places are not sufficient. Many from the baby-boom generation will be in a dependant situation in another by 15 years. The Gerontexpo show is a gold mine for professionals who want to find out about new health techniques. Ergonomic cell phones, ‘intelligent’ medicalized beds, and tactile screens are some of the innovations in equipment that are presented here.

Russia: Desperate Russians Won’t Turn Up Their Nose At Expired Food (May 25, 2009)
A market in selling spoiled food was around even before the worldwide economic recession. Supermarkets represent an “impossible dream” for Russian older persons trying to survive solely on their pensions. Many younger persons are losing their jobs and supermarkets are attracting larger crowds. Although selling spoiled food is illegal, shopkeepers claim their produce always “passes inspection” and that they are providing a valuable service for many who need it.

Germany: Berlin Launches Research Project to Facilitate the Lives of Older People (May 25, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Berlin may be the youngest city in the world, but it nevertheless remains on the forefront of elder care. A German university located in Berlin recently launched a large-scale project to use modern technologies to help older persons in everyday life. Twenty-nine companies from the fields of research, industry and medical care joined to help implement this plan that uses new technologies in their development and teaches those technologies to older people. The Ministry of German scientific research granted about 25 million euros to fund this project over the next three years.

World's Oldest Blogger María Amelia López Soliño Dies (May 22, 2009)
This article highlights the beautiful story of the world's oldest blogger, a 97-year-old Spanish grandmother introduced to the internet by her grandchildren two years ago, who died a few weeks ago. Maria Amelia Lopez’s posts touched on many aspects of her long life, from political memories of the Franco era to intimate musings on her increasingly fragile state of health. She wrote frequently of the benefits of the online community she had created, and became an unlikely campaigner for digital rights for older people.

France: Senior Employment: Companies That Do Not Do Anything Should Have to Pay (May 22, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Government has hesitated to push its policy to encourage workers to delay their retirement. Officials felt that they must focus on unemployment of all workers rather the elder category. Now the government will enforce a policy to fine companies 1% of their paid wagess if they do not have an action plan in place to support employment of seniors. The law exempts companies with less than 50 employees and will come into force on January 1, 2010. France wants to encourage longer workforce participation as a means to strengthen its social security system. 

France: Lille. A Bracelet Helps Watch Over Older People (May 21, 2009)
(Article in French)
The grey watch bracelet, launched in 2003 by Vivago, a Finnish company, automatically sets off the safety lock of the main door when a resident is coming too close. The bracelet is equipped with a button that allows the residents to call for a nurse but at the same time it tells the staff when a resident is experiencing faintness or uneasiness, is hypothermic or when the bracelet is taken off. The bracelet also sets off an alarm when the health situation of a resident is degraded compared to the past two weeks.

Croatia: UATUC: Campaign Against Crisis: Defend Retired Persons’ Rights (May 18, 2009)
The Retired Persons’ Trade Union of Croatia (SUH), affiliated with several other organizations, began their campaign in defense of the rights of retired persons and to preserve their dignity. The initial phase of the campaign includes the distribution of promotional leaflets with the “fighting list,” a compilation of 32 demands that express the objectives of the SUH.

United Kingdom: How Britain is Coming to Terms with Growing Old (May 18, 2009)
A dramatic 'age quake' is shaking Britain as the country grows older: for the first time ever the number of people over 65 exceeds those under 16. This article is the first of a new series looking at the profound financial, emotional and practical issues faced by a rising number of Britons. The article reports on the best places for retired people to live across the UK. According to a new survey of nearly 14,000 older people in the UK the happiest are those who are living in the country already, and the people who aren't think they would be happier if they were. As a rough rule, the further from big centers of population people lived, the happier they were, with the West Midlands, Manchester and London all ranking as both unpopular and with pretty unhappy older population.

France: Alzheimer’s Unit: The Gers Is Doing Well (May 18, 2009)
(Article in French)
With the increase of older people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other related pathologies, a new approach called the “Alzheimer’s Care Unit,” has been set up in nursing homes. These accommodations are present in big cities and in rural areas. According to Geneviève Broussy from the organization Alzheimer France, older persons are also well taken care of in rural areas such as Gers, in the South West of France. The region offers approaches well suited to their clients’ profiles.

France: Too Many Old People Poorly Housed (May 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
The proportion of poor older people is more significant in Brittany than in many other places in France. Women are especially numerous as they tend to live more in rural areas. According to the French Statistical Institute (INSEE), 600,000 poorly housed families could fall under the Dalo law. This law recognizes the right of people living in poor housing conditions or those who are homeless to file a case against the concerned authorities to receive decent lodging. Some 72,000 people filed a case since the law enacted in January 2008. Among those filed cases, only 8,000 families have been accommodated. 

United Kingdom: 300,000 Older People Deprived of the Right to Die in Their Homes Each Year (May 14, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to a report issued by the Public Accounts Committee in the British House of Commons, roughly 300 thousand British senior citizens are deprived of the right to die in their homes each year. This reflects a gross lack of coordination between health and social services in the nation. The government is now attempting to address the issue to favor protecting the rights of its older citizens by training medical professionals to address chronic illnesses and hospice care more adequately.

Germany:  German Companies Give Up on Older Workers (May 14, 2009) 

(Article in Arabic)
German Bank of Commerce research shows old age to be a “problem” for many employers, who gradually reduce their reliance on workers as they grow older. Failing to invest in older workers through increased vocational training and promotions could create serious economic difficulties for Germany as its workforce ages further.United Kingdom: 

France: Retirees: Operation Good Treatment (May 13, 2009)
(Article in French) 
Seven months after the broadcast on channel 2 of the documentary, “The Infiltrated” showing scenes of insufferable mistreatment, the State Secretary of the Solidarity Valérie Létard presented on Wednesday the main focus of her ‘’good treatment’’ plan. Mistreatment in nursing homes is not inevitable. According to data collected since setting up a hotline 13 months ago, one case out of six is happening in an institution for older people. 

Ireland: Nursing Home Quality of Life Needs Improving (May 13, 2009)
According to a study by NUI Galway researchers, not enough attention is being paid to the quality of life of older people in nursing homes. The researchers found that to improve quality of life, the sense of identity, activities, the care ethos and connections with others were the main issues that operators of residential facilities must take into account. It has been shown that residents involved in the decision to move into care tend to be happier. 

Europe: EU Project Empowers Elderly to Live Independently (May 11, 2009)
The goal of EU-funded PERSONA (Perceptive Spaces Promoting Independent Aging) is to further the development of technologies that will allow elders to remain independent and maintain a better quality of life. In addition, they aim to make the products affordable, easy to use and commercially viable. The focus is on four areas: safety, mobility, communication and autonomy. The technologies created will be tested in Denmark, Spain and Italy.

France: T-Seniority: When Television Takes Care of Older People (May 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
The aim of this television project is to reach older people with reduced mobility, those in a lonely situation or simply those who are still curious but don’t know how to use a computer. This project has two options, depending on whether the person lives in a nursing home or at home. One of the major points of this project is to offer useful content to older people. Consequently, the professional network with its knowledge of the field and of older people would be the most appropriate to offer a range of services. Two types of services would be presented to older people: generic services and personalized services. 

United Kingdom: Elderly Turn to Wartime Thriftiness During Recession, Says Age Concern (May 10, 2009)
Seventy percent of those aged 50 and older say that they are using money-saving strategies learned from past times to weather the recession. Nine out of ten older people also believe that their experience could help younger generations endure the current situation. While these skills are extremely beneficial, it’s important for the government not to forget about older people and to continue to implement a system for the automatic payment of benefits.

France: Accommodations and Services for Older People With the MARPA Project in Saulty (May 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
A fourth MARPA is preparing to welcome rural older people into a new facility providing accommodations and services. It is located in Pas-De-Calais in partnership with the mutual insurance system. It is not a nursing home. Indeed, the residents feel right at home with their own furniture. The home will be able to welcome a maximum of twenty-four residents.

Russia: Victory Day: Less and Less Veterans (May 9, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
On May 9, Russia celebrated Victory Day celebrating the defeat of the Nazis in World War II with Annual Parade No. 64. It was also the time for the country to honor its veterans. “On one hand, it is sad that less and less veterans are able to attend the parade. On the other hand, people become more and more attentive and friendly to those veterans who have lived up to these days,” says Boris Korotun, 84, a World War II veteran who attended the Moscow parade this year. 

Ireland: Elderly Care Compromised by Staff Shortages, Nurses' Conference Told (May 7, 2009)
Because of staff shortages in care facilities for old people run or funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE), there are huge gaps in physiotherapy and recreational activities for residents. Six facilities in particular were rated highest priority for extra staffing after examining the number of medication errors and slips, trips and falls by patients, injuries reported by staff and complaints made by relatives of patients over a five-year period. According to the deputy general secretary of the Irish Nurses’ Organization, staffing shortages correlated with higher levels of all of these problems.

France: More Older People, Fewer Resources (May 7, 2009) 
(Article in French)
A circular letter forecast savings for maintaining services in residences for the elderly. The scorching heat of 2003, killing 15,000 people, highlighted the lack of staff in nursing homes and created severe trauma. Six years later, those casualties seem to have been forgotten, and the 2009 budget reduces the resources allocated to nursing staffs. To avoid the layoff of staff and other personnel, French nursing home operators will have to increase their prices, already prohibitive for many families. 

Europe: Aging: New Jobs for European Seniors (May 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
In 2060, about two-thirds of the European population will be more than 65 years old and it’s predicted that only two people will be in the workforce for every retiree. The European Commission wants to reactivate various job projects for people over 55 years. According to the Commission, expenses linked to aging will increase to 4.75 points of GNP in 2060. The Commissioner of employment and social cases, Vladimir Spidia, says that continuing the present retirement benefits will not be feasible and recommends developing more job possibilities for older people. 

Germany/Turkey:  A Refuge for the Aging Turkish Population of Berlin (May 4, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
This article looks at the residents of the first (and only) older people’s home in Germany specifically for Turkish people, despite the fact that roughly 350,000 of the 3.2 million Turks living in Germany are of retirement age. Incorporating cultural elements of Turkish life, including places to pray and a staff that speaks the Turkish language, this retirement home represents an attempt to address the status and well being of older immigrants within their new country of residence, a challenge that’s becoming increasingly common in a globalized world. 

United Kingdom: Old People are Abused in Their Own Homes, Says Action on Elder Abuse (May 2, 2009)
According to a leading charity, the British Government fails to protect older people from abuse in their own homes. Less than one in ten older people who experience neglect, psychological, physical or sexual abuse is referred to a local adult protection services. In 2007, the Department of Health calculated that 3.9% of people aged 66 years or above had experienced abuse in the home. The number of older people who are not getting support is likely to be higher because the study did not include adults who live in care, nursing and other residential institutions. 

Ireland: There's a Lot of Living to Be Done in So-called Old Age (May 1, 2009)
The author looks at society’s deeply ingrained views of the aged, such as the assumption that “anyone over 50 is slowing down, putting on a robe and slippers, obsessing about health problems, the weather and preparing to die.” These ideas translate directly into the workplace and society. Age discrimination and bias may range from something as subtle as refusing an employee’s training course request because they might not be around much longer to outright abuse due to the person’s age. Throughout “Western” society, many people have hang-ups about aging; older people are often invisible or ignored. According to a recent survey, 80 is the new old, not 65, and so there’s a lot of living to be done in our last 30 years. The author suggests that that we all question our attitudes and try to determine what older people contribute to society, business and in personal lives.

Europe: The Price Of Aging (April 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the 2009 report on aging of the population from the European Commission, the recession is stalling Europe’s commitment to aging issues. During the last few months, European countries have injected billions of euros into their economy to counter the recession but have nothing budgeted for the problems of aging. Also, incomes will decrease with the decline of working people while pensions will increase with the aging of the population. According to the report, by 2060 expenditures will increase to 4.7% of the GDP.

Canada: Neglect Would Have Killed 800 Older Person in Three Years (April 30, 2009)
(Article in French)
Among all deaths of people over 65 years old between 2005 to 2007, 2,370 have reached a coroner’s inquest. According to the investigator Louis Plamondon from the Montréal University Institute of Geriatrics, a third of these cases are linked to neglect. Homicides, suicides, drowning in the bath or even food poisoning are causes linked to neglect. An action plan will soon be proposed whereby the government will inject $4 million each year to deal with these issues. 

Europe: European Day of Cooperation: Joint press release AGE, AIEP, AIM, CECODHAS, COFACE, EWL and YFJ (April 29, 2009)
EU citizens of all ages don’t consider older people to be burden. A large survey revealed that people who care for dependent relatives don’t get enough support. The European Youth Forum has called for a fair re-distribution of wealth and responsibilities between generations. The Forum is urging an intergenerational debate on the sustainability of pension systems in Europe. All organizations welcomed the European Commission’s announcement to launch a propose that 2012 be declared European year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity.

France: Seniors Taking Part in France’s Got Talent (April 29, 2009)
(Article in French)
Did the example of Susan Boyle, the dowdy Scottish spinster who sang her way to fame on “Britain’s Got Talent” show inspire the High French Authority for Fighting Against Discrimination and Promoting Equality? Be that as it may, the organization directed the TV channel M6 to open the famous program to older persons after an older woman was prevented from taking part on the show because of her age. The president of the organization regarded it as professional discrimination, prohibited by French law.

Spain: Administration Puts Aside 920,000 euros to Help Older and Disabled Persons (April 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The government allocated 510,000 euros to support older persons and 410,000 euros to benefit the disabled. The appropriation will assist in eliminating barriers in the home that create hazards resulting in falls. It is also aimed at programs for people who have been socially excluded.

United Kingdom: Bill Set to Expose Gender Pay Gap (April 27, 2009) 
A new bill that will ban age discrimination will also require firms with more than 250 employees to publish the hourly wage of men and women they employ. Many in the UK are determined to make the country a more equal place to live because too many people face discrimination based on a variety of reasons. The Minister for Equality and other officials want older persons to pay for insurance based on actual risk in contrast to an arbitrary age-based cost. 

United Kingdom: Elderly Targeted By Boiler Room Gangs (April 27, 2009)
Boiler room tactics are rapidly increasing as financial crime is on the rise. Over the last year as many as 12 million adults have been contacted by con artists, more than a third of the targeted people over the age of 65. Forty-one percent of pensioners revealed they did not know their identities could be stolen. The Financial Services Authority is now providing to older persons tips, pamphlets and lists of legitimate and illegitimate companies so they can more easily protect themselves from these predators.


United Kingdom: Wartime Sweethearts Plan to Marry 65 Years After First Meeting (April 24, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Two young British lovers’ hopes were dashed when the man was called up to serve his country as an air gunner in the Second World War. After 60 years apart, they are head over heels in love and are finally planning to tie the knot. They said that they both had happy marriages and do not regret being separated as young lovers, but are thrilled to have found each other again.

France: A Smart Accommodation to Watch Over Older People (April 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
A smart house full of detectors designed by a researcher of the Sofia Antipolis Technopole will help keep an eye on the elderly at home. These detectors are spread over strategic places in the residence and allow nurses to observe the activity of the elderly and detect signs of weakness or pathologies of aging. With the agreement of the older person, a signal can be sent to a close relative, a doctor or a house assistant. In 2008, 14 volunteers over 65 years old in perfect health tested the system. Another experiment using the device in hospitals will follow in 2010.

France: Getting Old and Driving (April 23, 2009)
(Article in French) 
Today, more than 8 million older people drive in France. They represent 20% of the 40 million drivers. The number of older drivers should double in 40 years. In France, older people do not need to renew their driving license through a medical exam. However, the system might change with the new European driver’s license.
Many French old people disagree with the creation of a compulsory medical visit to renew your driver’s license. Although most Western European countries have legislation to regularly control the health status of older drivers, France is still behind on this issue

Russia: Nursing Homes are Russia's “National Shame” (April 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
“Nursing homes in Russia are its national shame,” says the author of the article. State-run care homes experience fatal fires every year, killing many older people. Oftentimes such institutions are in need of major repairs, lack medical personnel and equipment, and are unable to provide essential clothes and food for seniors. “Older people are a used material, not needed by the society,” explained some local authorities about their attitude towards pensioners. 

United Kingdom: Drive to Break Down Age Barriers (April 20, 2009)
With the generation gap widening, the government has pledged to spend £5.5 m to strengthen ties within the communities. The goal is to encouraging finding “common ground” between the young and the old as well as break down stereotypes and conflicts between the two age groups. This will be done through intergenerational activities to help older persons stay active and make new friends and younger people to have positive role models and access to experience.

United Kingdom: MI5 Recruited Old Women to Fight against Terrorism (April 20, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
MI5, the UK intelligence agency, has launched hundreds of recruitment ads for old women and new mothers to tackle terrorist threats. The security service is advertising to raise the number of female surveillance officers, believing that they could monitor potential suspects more effectively than their male counterparts. Security chiefs are particularly keen to attract older women aged over 70 years as anti-terrorism spies.

United Kingdom: 86-Year-Old Welsh Woman Beats A 26-year-old Burglar with her Crutch (April 17, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
An 86-year-old widow used a crutch to bring down an intruder and beat him until he cried. The man then buried his face in his hands and wept as she made him sit on a stool and stood guard over him until the police arrived. The widow of 20 years says this proves she is able to take care of herself and hopes that the incident will make people not look down on old people anymore. 

Germany: Education After Retirement (April 16, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 20,000 students at German universities are people over 60 years. During the past ten years, the number of seniors in German colleges has grown fast. Seniors pay a small amount of money and have an opportunity to attend classes together with all the other students. Harmut Hautzel, 69, majored in pedagogy 45 years ago and is taking pedagogy classes again now: “It is interesting to me to see what innovations appeared in the field of pedagogy during such a long period of time.” 

Europe: Companion Robots To Improve Elderly People’s Quality Of Life In Smart Homes (April 16, 2009)
An initiative that is part of the European Union 7th Framework Program aims to create a robotic companion to provide assistance to older persons in their homes, allowing them to remain independent for a longer period of time. In addition, the robot will be able to perceive and sense emotional states, with the ability to contact health and social services for support or video-conferencing, as well as maintaining therapeutic care and treatment. 

France: Paris: More Than An Half of Pedestrians Killed in 2008 Are Seniors (April 15, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the latest data published by the Paris Police Headquarters, some 29 pedestrians (among them 17 older persons) were killed in the streets of the capital in 2008, or an increase of 37% from the year before. The city of Paris, well aware that older persons represent an “at risk” category of the population, organized a series of free conferences last December to discuss road safety and older persons. 

UK: Women & Ageism - Discrimination - Equality Bill (April 13,2009)
Joan Bakewell, a former British journalist and broadcaster has accepted a government invitation to become the 'Voice of Older People.' This nomination coincides with a new Equality Bill in the UK. In this country, ageism is the most commonly-experienced form of discrimination, with 23% of adults reporting that they have suffered from it (three times more than any other form of discrimination), according to figures provided by British charity, Age Concern. It looms especially large for women, who, on an average, live longer than men do and make up a bigger proportion of the elderly population. Women also run the greatest risk of curtailed professional careers and reduced pension rights. The Department of Health has commissioned research, showing age discrimination in the provision of health services could be expensive to eradicate. Age Concern is also concerned that the new law could take time to implement. While welcoming the changes, Age Concern is concerned that for some elderly people, who have already waited long enough, they will be too late.

Holland: The “City of the Ancients” (April 12, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
Holland has built a residential complex equipped with all the services an older person may want. The directors say that it can be a model for future senior residential complexes, especially as Europe faces a greater proportion of older persons in the coming years. The city within a city gives its residents opportunity for greater social contact. They can opt for independent living or permanent care should they need more assistance. This system allows the government to reduce its costs while ensuring the welfare of their older citizens.

France: Financing of Dependency: Solidarity Will Have to Wait…(April 10, 2009)
(Article in French)
The question of financing social security has been put on hold several times in the past. The majpr candidates during the last presidential campaign supported a policy covering a wide range of supports. For more than a decade, people concerned about handicapping conditions or aging have rallied and petitioned the government. Eventually those responsible for making decisions will realize the importance of the challenge.

United Kingdom: Britain’s Homecare Scandal (April 9, 2009) 
Panorama, the world’s longest running investigative TV show, went undercover to investigate some of Britain’s largest homecare suppliers and discovered a serious lack of training on the part of the caregivers. Those undercover investigators encountered an older person care sector filled with administrative errors, missed appointments and lack of quality care. Currently the private sector makes up about 70% and 1 billion pounds of the older persons’ care industry, making it a lucrative business. Actions must be taken to improve the current system.

Armenia: Seniors Constitute 12% of Armenia's Population (April 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Yerevan, capital of Armenia, hosted a three-day international conference on aging, gathering representatives from Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and Ukraine. Members of the conference discussed social challenges faced by aging societies as well as the design of social and economic policies to accommodate the needs of seniors in Armenia. 

France: For More Respect of Older Persons: Call for Projects by The French Foundation (April 8, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Foundation wants proposals aimed at promoting respect of the rights of choice and respect for older persons. The January 2, 2002, law concerning older persons’ autonomy represents a major step, but the principles it stipulates are often contradicted by the facts and practices. Older persons are often looked upon and treated as children.

France: Petit Bateau©: An Award for Its Intergenerational Campaign! (April 8, 2009) 
(Article in French)
Petit Bateau, the famous brand of T-Shirts and underwear for all generations, has received the 24th Association Award for its intergenerational advertising campaign devised by BETEC Euro. The Idea: No matter how old you are, you will be comfortable wearing clothes from this brand. It is an excellent concept of communication that stigmatizes no one. Everybody is on an equal footing, with no difference between ages or sexes.

France: Indicators to Choose A Good Nursing Home (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to the French Hospital Federation, the number of medical staff in nursing homes is inadequate to take care of all the residents. The French Hospital Federation presented a new tool to evaluate the quality of services offered to older persons in its 1000 organizations. A guide will be available in November to the selection criteria more comprehensive.. 

United Kingdom: 98-year-old Man Raises Money by Sky Diving (April 6, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A nonagenarian Englishman says he truly enjoyed jumping from an airplane to raise money for the Royal National Life Boat Institution. George Moyse of Bournemouth, who turns 98 years old Wednesday, said following his inaugural 10,000-foot leap he will likely enjoy the thrill of sky diving again. Details about how much money Moyse raised through his recent daring activity were not reported.

France: Seniors Employment: Sanctions for Companies Postponed Indefinitely (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
French law foresaw a high penalty in 2010 for companies that do not put in place a policy in favor of older persons’ employment. But due to the rise of unemployment and the current financial crisis that the, the French measure now seems untimely. The Government has abandoned the idea of implementing this law. Within the current context, the unions have not challenged the decision.

France: Indicators for Choosing a Good Nursing Home (April 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
A male geriatric nurse has just published a damning story highlighting the high dependency rate of nursing home residents, resulting in more difficult care and fewer people available to provide care. Persons who look after older persons are not necessarily qualified. Because of the absence of funds, lack of employees or simply a wish to make money by any means, mistreatment is commonplace in many institutions for older persons. The French Hospital Federation reckons that the average number of care assistants per hospital is insufficient and has recently presented a measurement tool to assess the quality of care for old people in 1,000 institutions.

Russia: “Seniors Rights” Delegation from Russia Travels to Britain (April 3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
“Seniors Rights,” the coalition of organizations protecting the rights of old people in Russia, visited their partner organization, Age Concern England. Delegations exchanged experiences, shared ideas on elder rights protection in Russia and England and discussed the UN mechanisms of protecting human rights. The Russian delegation also paid visits to various volunteer organizations aimed at fighting social isolation among seniors. 

Belarus: Belarus' Nation is Rapidly Aging (April 3, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More than 14% of Belarus' population is older persons; the number of young people able to support the retirees is rapidly decreasing. “The aging tendency is irreversible so the society should urgently find the ways to improve the quality of life of retirees,” says Tatyana Gaplichnik, representative of the UN Population Fund in Belarus. Belarus' national strategies aim to integrate seniors into social life and offer more opportunities for their independent living.

European Union: European Parliament to Extend Anti - Discrimination Legislation (April 2, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The European Parliament voted to reduce discrimination against people on the grounds of disability, age, sexual orientation and religion in the fields of social security, health, education goods and services. The new legislation will, for example, secure health care for all the seniors and allow people with disabilities to enjoy greater access to goods and services.

Europe: AGE Welcomes Strong Signal From European Parliament to EU Member States that EU Legislation Is Needed to Protect Citizens From Discrimination in Access to Goods and Services (April 2, 2009)
The European Parliament voted strongly in favor of legislation to advance the creation of a new EU anti-discrimination directive forbidding discrimination in areas other than employment. In the past, age, disability, religion and sexual orientation barriers kept citizens from equal consideration for jobs. Now, the EU intends to extend the ban against discrimination in access to goods and services. Congratulations to those MEPs who voted for this report. It’s an important step to eliminating all forms of discrimination.

Finland: Population Aging in Finland Results in Demographic Changes (March 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The ratio of people aged over 65 years or more has for the first time exceeded that of people under 15 years old. The share of population over 65 years has risen from 16% in 2006 to the current 16.75%, whereas the population share under 15 has decreased to 16.73%. Finnish society is aging more rapidly than most other EU countries. The average life expectancy is 74 years for men and 80 years for women. 

Kazakhstan: The Oldest Person in the World 130 Years Old (March 30, 2003)
(Article in Chinese)
It has been been discovered lately that the world's oldest person is a woman from Kazakhstan, 130 years old this year. The Guinness Book of Records will recognize her as the world’s oldest living person. Her date of birth was authenticated in both her former Soviet Union ID card and an ID card issued by Kazakhstan. Born on March 27, 1879, she made her entrance in the same year as Albert Einstein and Joseph Stalin.

Europe: Help lobby for the Buitenweg Report on Equal Treatment (March 27, 2009)
Wednesday, April 1, the European Parliament will hold its plenary vote on the Buitenweg Member of the European Parliament’s Report on the proposed EU Directive about equal treatment of older people. According to AgePlatform, adoption of this legislation will combat discrimination that older persons face in Europe. Click here for a template letter you can use to urge your representative to the European Parliament to support this Directive.

France: A Network to Help Women Over 45 to Find a Job or to Start their Own Business (March 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
During this time of crisis when seniors are confronted daily with difficulties when looking for jobs, a network called “Force Femmes”--created in 2005 by a female CEO--tries to help women applying for jobs take the right steps in their search. Its aim is to allow women over 45 years to find a job or to start their own business. The women are often victims of a double discrimination: one due to age and the other due to gender. “Force Femmes” wants to show that women over 45 years can represent strength for a hiring company.

Netherlands: One 100-year-old Dutch in Every 10,000 (March 25, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Netherlands National Bureau of Census released a report on March 23 stating that in the past 30 years the number people over 100 years of age has almost quadrupled. Right now there is one 100-year-old person per 10,000 people. 

United Kingdom: Grandparents ‘Should Be Paid For Looking After Grandchildren’ (March 24, 2009)
During the recession, parents are more likely to ask grandparents for help in terms of childcare, providing at least €3.9 billion of childcare a year. A charity called Grandparents Plus campaigns for grandparents to be paid for looking after grandchildren and for them to be given up to two weeks of “granny leave.” While most grandparents do not wish to be paid, they would appreciate more support and acknowledgement of their importance as childcare providers. 

Europe: Is the Crisis So Out of Control That EU Leaders Had to Cancel the Employment Summit? (March 24, 2009)
Several outcomes that have disappointed critics of the Spring Summit include the cancellation of the Employment Summit as well as no approval to institute a regulatory system of control and oversight of financial institutions. Many believe that the current income situation of vulnerable groups, such as older workers, requires much more decisive and useful policies.  

France: Lyon: Seniors: A Population with a Future (March 24. 2009)
(Article in French)
The City of Lyon is trying to find concrete solutions to approach its older citizens. In France, a 29% increase in the senior population is forecast for 2020. Older persons have specific needs that require consideration. The city is modeling its programs on a World Health Organization (WHO) project called “City friend of old people” introduced in 2005. A large majority of elders are fit enough to enjoy retirement. They have time and are a “real pool of intelligence, resources and voluntary participation.” Lyon would like to implement long-term policies and prioritize two areas: renovating accommodations and preventing isolation. 

France: Which Kind of Solidarity between Generations? (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The city of Grenoble has held innovative meetings, undertaking interesting experiments in a search for improved relationships between citizens, civil society members and representatives. The last meeting focused on intergenerational relationships. Inhabitants’ stories and accounts of personal experiences have revealed diverse points of view and the many faces of intergenerational experiences. 

France: A Mission to Anticipate the Consequences of Ageing on Housing (March 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The Secretary of Housing has announced that the government has launched a mission to consider the effects of aging on housing policies. The main goal is to “explore the more innovative solutions that would allow accommodations to be adapted to demographic changes.” The report will deal with housing issues related to autonomy, in-home support or access to services. Demographic change and aging consequences in terms of dependency have been studied in the past. But housing issues require even more study. Researches must take into account the increase in the senior population and to integrate the intergenerational dimension into the overall study. 

Russia: Families for Lonely Seniors (March 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Seniors left and forgotten by their own relatives find support in “foster families” – a new trend in social care in Russia. Young couples take seniors in their homes providing care and fighting social isolation and loneliness among the seniors. The article tells about successful stories of the pensioners who found “new” families. 

Russia: “School of Future Pensioners” Opens in Perm, Russia (March 18, 2009)          (Article in Russian)
An unusual institution called “School of Future Pensioners” was opened in Perm this year. The schools will teach anyone who is interested in the system of pension calculation and its indexation, wants to learn about different types of pensions and other issues important to retirees. The first graduation class includes pensioners, medical personnel, veterans and social workers. Future retirees say such classes are very useful and should become more regular. A great idea!

France: Experiencing ageing: a Conference which Expresses the Revolution of Ageing, Column from Serge Guérin (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
On the occasion of a recent international and multidisciplinary meeting, world researchers from gathered to present and compare their views, work and investigative fields on the theme of ageing. The author would like for this area to get greater attention.. Ageing is polymorphous: getting older in urban or rural area, getting older when you belong to privileged classes or the one more economically fragile. Ageing is not a linear and univocal process leading to decline, but should rather be regarded as a wide range of possibilities able to generate multiple strategies, reversals and adjustments. 

France: Folk Memories’ Carriers: Intergenerational Links (March 16, 2009)
(Article in French)
A repertory company has led a new artistic experience consisting of transcribing oral memories from nursing home residents. The children born between the two World Wars, now in their eighties, tell their childhood memories. Once old people’s trust has been won, amazing tales come out, even among persons with Alzheimer’s who have a limited immediate memory but are able to recall the keepsakes from the past. 

France : Partage-seniors.net, a New Contributor to Senior Roommates (March 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
Why are old people willing to live with roommates? There are many reasons: they lack money, have low pensions, fear loneliness or want to share housework. In France, more than 13 million persons over age 60 live alone after a divorce, death of their spouse or feel distant from their family circle. Thanks to the Baby Boomers who are now reaching retirement age, the number of elder French will be grow to 18 million by 2015. Partage-seniors is a new website created to assist seniors interested in finding a good roommate. France comes very late into this field; sharing flats among older persons is much more common in Northern Europe, in countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg. 

France: Seniors and Accommodations (March 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
A recently published survey concerning older persons and accommodations revealed that about 30% of the working population moves upon retirement. Different criteria are taken into consideration: geographical proximity of close relatives, practicality and adaptability of the accommodation, climate and sunshine of the area, peace and quiet of the place, beauty of the landscape, return to the area of origin and living space of the accommodation. In absolute terms, the dream house of a senior would be a new house where he or she would be the landlord, located in the city center and out of a subdivision. Additionally, the survey highlights that old persons are quite open to new experiences such as living abroad, the renovation of villages or living with roommates.

UK: 80-year-old Catwalk Model up on 《Fashion》 Magazine (March 11, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
UK’s 80-year-old model was recently put on the cover of 《Fashion》Magazine. This woman also takes on catwalk shows for worldwide well-known fashion designers and appears in commercials of cosmetics. Just by working for magazine commercials, she sometimes earns as much as $1,000 a day. UK’s newspaper, 《Daily Mail》, called her “the oldest catwalk model in the country.”

France: An Unemployed Person in His 50’s Offers a 50.000 € Bonus to Find a Job (March 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
A former chief financial officer unemployed for several months who tried everything he could do to find a job offers a bounty for his potential future employer. The economic crisis limits hiring opportunities for seniors even more. Will this marketing strategy be successful?

United Kingdom: Mandatory Retirement Age Should Be Put Out To Grass (March 8, 2009)
Currently, the debate in Britain is whether the government should continue to allow employers the right to force older workers to retire once they reach the age of 65--a law that the European Court decided was legal just last week--or to abolish the law. More people over the age of 65 live in Britain than those under the age of 16, creating concerns that the mandatory retirement age is outdated. 

Spain: The Mistreatment of Older Persons, Suffering in Old Age (March 5, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish)
Recent studies highlighted that over 60,000 people over the age of 65 in Spain are victims of maltreatment in their own homes, many times by their own spouses and/or children. Six out of ten of the abused are women. The Center of Royal Research established five categories of abuse of older persons. The government aims to continue steps to eliminate mistreatment of its senior citizens. 

United Kingdom: EU Judges Back UK Retirement Age (March 5, 2009) 
Age Concern brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) a case questioning the legitimacy of a UK law which allows employers the right to force employees to retire at the age of 65. To the serious disappointment of campaigners, the ECJ declared it “legal if it had legitimate aim related to employment and social policy.” In response to continued outcry, the British Government said they would review the existing law in 2011 and perhaps make changes at that time. 

United Kingdom: Millions of People to Delay Retirement (March 4, 2009)
A report from Prudential revealed that 2.2 million UK adults plan to delay their retirement until 2012 or beyond because of the global economic downturn and a fall in the value of their investments. The research also found that one in four people fear that they may never be able to afford to retire.

United Kingdom: Fighting On the Home Front (March 3, 2009)
Major changes regarding the way nursing homes run are being implemented, including the Fair Deal, aimed for passage in the coming months. This initiative will end the distinction between private and public facilities. Currently, reports of older persons being moved to new nursing homes against their will are being circulated. Authorities condemn these actions--believed to be motivated by cost factors—because of the traumatic nature of forcing older persons to leave their familiar surroundings.

France: Grandpa at the Wheel: Don’t Touch my Car! (March 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons are often accused of being a danger to the public when they are driving. Compulsory medical examinations and training courses remain delicate questions. The Traffic Control Association and the French Federation of Insurance Companies published a study highlighting that driving means autonomy for old people. They should not be prevented from driving due to unjustified reasons. Rather than arbitrarily banning seniors from driving, the report suggests that they should be helped to remain mobile as long as possible. 

France: Yes, Old and Poor at the Same Time, it Does Exists! (March 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
According to a recent report from the Abbé Pierre Foundation, a huge number of seniors live under the poverty rate. Poor housing condition is also a very common phenomenon among older persons in France The stereotype view is to oppose wealthy and privileged old people rather than the poor and victimized younger generation. However, the reality is different. Inequalities exist much more within a generation than between generations.

Tanzania: Climate Change and the Fate of Grandmothers in Tanzania (March 2009)
Environmental changes continue to spread and negatively affect many different parts of society. In 2006, while experiencing a drought, communities within the Kishapu district of Tanzania had drastically increased rates of child mortality due to water-borne diseases. Community members blamed the deaths on the “witches” living among them, resulting in the murder of numerous innocent grandmothers throughout this region. 

France: Golden Hook: when Grandmothers Knit “in Solidarity” for Younger Generations (February 26, 2009)
(Article in French)
This article deals with a promising initiative of “Fair and Intergenerational Trade.” Grandmothers use their knowledge in needlework to knit wool hats that they sell online. The project wishes to bring generations closer together but it is also a good means to provide additional income for these older women with low income. This initiative is a smart idea: combining seniors’ traditional and ancestral know-how and the modern world. 

United Kingdom: Care Fund Proposal for the Elderly (February 25, 2009)
A charity, Counsel and Care, suggests that the implementation of a “care duty” on estates could immediately fund long-term care costs and generate up to 3 billion euros a year. About 60,000 old people sell their homes every year to pay for care cost, but through the proposed plan they would pay more through inheritance tax. The extra money would be used as social insurance to pay for senior care. 

Canada: Pilot Project of Patronage for Older Persons (February 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
To break down the loneliness of old people, a pilot project has been launched in Montreal. Volunteers will visit older persons living alone in private nursing homes. The initiative is a welcome development and deserves to be expanded to the whole country. Only autonomous or semi-autonomous people are eligible for the visits because there is no follow-up care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, for instance. Due to the common mistreatment of seniors, the selection of patrons will be very rigorous. 

France: Seniors Followed on the Internet Thanks to GPS (February 24, 2009)
(Article in French)
An emergency phone strap provided with a GPS chip named “Alarm Touch” allows an older person’s caregiver to locate them in real time on the Internet. In case of a dizzy spell, pressing a button is enough. The device may also be used as a phone. Seniors are an obvious market, especially for people suffering Alzheimer’s disease. Many similar services may be available. However, many old people are overwhelmed by the new technologies, hence the advantage of developing machines that are easy to use. 

Russia: Newlyweds after 60 Years of Living Together (February 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Victor, now 82, and Claudia, 80, met during World War II and fell in love. The war and the Soviet Union regime did not allow them to marry since Victor was German and Claudia was Russian. It took them 60 years to prove their feelings and finally celebrate their wedding among their children and grandchildren. The article tells a beautiful story of love, struggle and hope that two loving people had through 60 years of their lives. 

Ukraine: How to Find a Job after Retirement amid Economic Crisis (February 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
More and more pensioners are applying for jobs at local employment resource centers in Ukraine. In January 2009, the number of people over 50 years looking for jobs has almost tripled. The author of this article tries to find out whether it is possible for a pensioner to get a job in the midst of the economic crisis and what help they may receive at their local employment resource centers. 

France: In Nursing Homes, Mistreatment Indicators (February 23, 2009)
(Article in French)
The French Hospital Federation plans to establish “indicators” of mistreatment in nursing homes. According to the founder of the project, huge opposition rests on the fact that the issue is regarded as a financial rather than a human problem. The funds raised by those establishments from the French Department Councils are strongly linked to the degree of dependence of the retired persons. This explains the advantage of avoiding encouraging their autonomy and the “artificial creation of bedridden persons.” There are five supposed pertinent and objective indicators to introduce and to communicate regularly, allowing control in the long run that is much more efficient than random controls. 

United Kingdom: Elderly Britons Given Lifeline Out of Zimbabwe (February 18, 2009)
Due to worsening economic conditions in Zimbabwe, hundreds of older and vulnerable British citizens received resettlement packages to leave. To be eligible for the program, one must be a British citizen over the age of 70 and living in a residential or nursing home. The British government estimates that only about 500-1,500 older persons will be eligible for the plan. British citizens will pay for their flights and any hotel stays but they will qualify for state benefits and support workers to assist in their resettlement. 

Romania: 76-year-old Man’s College Dream Ultimately Came True (February 16, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A 76-year-old Romanian man just became a freshman at the University of Danube in Romania. Having graduated earlier from a technical school, he had worked as an accountant for the local Department of Road and Forest for his entire life. However, he always dreamed of going to college, even 20 years after retirement. He worked so hard that he was finally admitted to the Department of Law and was the oldest college student in the city.

France: Disabled People, Elderly, and French People Attracted to Belgium (February 13, 2009)
(Article in French)
French older persons turn more and more to Belgium where they find places in nursing homes after retiring. In France, the senior population is increasing faster than the number of vacant places, despite the current efforts to provide more facilities. But this explanation is not the only one: Belgian nursing homes are renowned for offering a warm welcome and a convivial atmosphere. 

Russia: Dangerous Shelter (February 12, 2009)
(Atricle in Russian)
On January 31, a fire swept through an apartment building for the elderly in a small village in Russia, killing at least 23 senior citizens. After the tragedy, it was learned that the institution did not have any official status, was not funded by the government and was a shelter for those elderly who had no other place to go. The question was raised about how many such “nursing homes” are scattered around the country and what danger they present to their inhabitants. 

France: Older Persons and Housing: Back to Precarious Arrangements (February 5, 2009)
(Article in French)
The 2009 report on older persons and housing has just been released. The report states that since older persons are more vulnerable they often end up in precarious housing situations. This is often underestimated; images of older persons living in comfortable situations are deceptive. The situation of elder people is far from homogeneous. Huge disparities exist, allowing the most vulnerable to receive less coverage.

France: Housing Conditions for Seniors are Deteriorating (February 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Precariousness of the elderly is a phenomenon often under-evaluated, and inequalities are likely to increase in the years to come. Their standard of living has been improved from 1970 to 2005, but the baby-boom generation will be retired soon and this will reverse the trend. A lot of elderly people will be left under the threshold of poverty. Following a profile of the seniors concerned and an explication of the different causes, the Abbé Pierre Foundation’s general delegate put forward his suggestions to remedy these difficulties.

Spain: An Active and Occupied Mind (January 31, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A day care center specifically catering to older persons has opened in Spain. Seniors can fight the boredom that may come with retirement by being entertained while also continuing to develop skills and activities. Professionals running the center plan multi-disciplinary activities, including exploring the internet, reading the newspaper and completing mental exercises, engaging every interest while striving to maintain the mental alertness of their clients. 

France: Traveling Seniors on Holidays (January 27, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since 2007, the French National Agency for Holiday Checks offers people over 60, regardless of their employment situation, a week of holidays worth 350 Euros, transportation non-included. The humblest families can benefit from an extra 170 Euros. In 2009, the Agency’s target is to enable 100,000 departures against 80, 000 last year. From January on, individuals will also be allowed to register for this program previously limited to groups.

Gabon: Associations Fight for the Rights of Older Persons (January 23, 2009) 
(Article in French)
The rise in life expectancy in Gabon is increasing the number of older persons in the society. Their situation is very worrisome. More and more, older people feel overwhelmed by loneliness, isolation and a sense of worthlessness. Due to their society’s modernization and urbanization, the “family community” in the African sense of the expression, does not play the same integrating role as it did in the past. Western countries’ positive experiences may be used as models.

Russia: In Belgorod, School of Third Age Has its First Graduate Class (January 23, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The first graduates of the School of the Third Age in Belgorod have received diplomas. All of them are seniors who studied English, Computer Science and Social Psychology at the School. Now they will be able to apply this knowledge as the diploma allows them to teach classes to other seniors. 

Spain: Some 50,000 Aragons 65 Years and Older Live Alone in their Homes (January 15, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The discovery of an older women found dead in her home for over a month without anyone knowing shocked the local region of Aragon in Spain. Currently, 19.7 % of the population has reached retirement age and over 6.2 % of the population are over the age of 80 years. The community is struggling to adapt to the new needs of these citizens. Plans put into action include, a better assessment of a patients’ health, care after surgery taking place at the hospital as opposed to the home, and a recruitment campaign for more geriatric doctors. 

United Kingdom: More Retired People Opting to Work Abroad as Volunteers (January 3, 2009)
When Brian retired as a science teacher, he could have spent his time enjoying his comfortable home and his eleven grandchildren in the United Kingdom. But at 72, he is preparing to make another trip to Tanzania, where he has helped to establish a technical college. 

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Middle East and North Africa

Reports | Articles

Reports

Iran: Quality of Life in Elderly People in Kashan, Iran (April 2008)
Researchers examined the quality of life of elderly people in Kashan, a medium-sized town in Iran. The study looked at their physical, social, and emotional health, as well as whether they felt high levels of chronic pain. It also looked at literacy and marriage rates. The authors compared their results to other Iranian cities and posted a comparison.

                                              Articles

Bahrain: Provision of Care for Older Persons without the Need for Private Hospitals (June 21, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
In an effort to address the nation’s commitment to the International Plan of Aging adopted in Madrid in 2002, Bahrain has recently begun to further pursue the establishment of health services directed exclusively at older persons. “Health and well-being” of older people represents one of the most important topics covered in Madrid, and the ministry of health is working to provide these services to older people outside of private hospitals, through increasing mobile units, providing nursing services and care for senior citizens in the community and establishing clinics exclusively for people over 60 years old. Also, by stressing the importance of preventive programs, the ministry hopes to preserve the health of older persons to enable them to remain active participants in the community and raise their overall quality of life.

UAE: Female Students Gain Access to Education Late in Life (June 20, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Often society forgets older people in its allocation of educational resources. However, over the past decade, we have witnessed a rise in educational opportunities for senior citizens. This article reports on one such opportunity in the United Arab Emirates. In the year 2000, the Nad al-Sheba center for women’s education implemented a program of study directed specifically at older women covering basic education, supplementary literacy and adult education. As the program grows in size and success, it hopes to begin implementing secondary educational opportunities. By offering both basic education and more advanced levels of schooling, the center illustrates how learning can truly begin and grow at any age.

Israel: Elder-Abuse Reports Up, Due to Higher Awareness (June 16, 2009)
Public awareness of elder abuse has sharply increased, allowing welfare and health services a better way to tackle the problem, according to a report published by Eshel, the Association for the Planning and Development of Services for the Aged in Israel. The study found that while reports of abuse increased over the past year, this was mainly due to the heightened awareness of those caring for older people and the willingness of the victims to report the abuse against them. Every fifth elderly person in Israel suffers from abuse; more than half of the abusers are family members, and about 75% of them are men.

Gaza: Creating Employment for Older People Through Agricultural Relief (June 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Beleaguered Gaza recently began hosting an agricultural relief project targeted at creating jobs for older persons. This project serves only older farmers (over fifty years of age) whose land is located in the hazardous border area with Israel. Through farmers reclaiming agricultural lands destroyed in the region and removing remnants of recent attacks with aid from Help Age International, Gaza citizens hope to feed their own neighbors who have suffered staggering economic losses while simultaneously creating more food sustainability within Gaza.

Lebanon: Lebanese Parliamentary Elections: Overcrowding and Skirmishes Lead to the Deaths of Two Older Citizens (June 8, 2009) 
(Article in Arabic)
Sunday's elections in Lebanon witnessed an unusually high voter turnout, given the highly charged nature of this year's race. The sheer volume of the unexpectedly high number of people waiting in lines at ballot boxes created a level of human congestion and confusion for unprepared security forces. The heat of the day further aggravated the situation. Many people had to wait out of doors for several hours or more. According to this article, these conditions proved disastrous, particularly for older persons. One man suffered a fractured hand; two died of heart attacks while waiting. Others had to be medically removed by emergency crews. This incident highlights the importance of security forces for crowd control and the particular vulnerability of older people in such situations. 

Qatar: Creating a Society for All Ages within a National Framework (June 6, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and United Nations Programme on Ageing met recently. The conference examined in detail how the world's changing age structure affects all aspects of society and social welfare, from economics to health care to housing and immigration. In the political sphere, older people have an impact on the result of voting and political representation. Thus, governments should pay closer attention to understanding these demographic transformations within the framework of national policies.

Qatar: A New Vision for Strengthening the Role of the Family in Elderly Care (June 4, 2009) 
(Article in Arabic)
A recent symposium held in Doha by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund discussed in detail many issues facing older people around the world, paying particular attention to Qatar and the policies developed at the national level to provide them with the care and social protection they need. Highlighting the special needs of older women as well as older people with disabilities, the symposium recognized that the transformation of the nuclear family in recent years has shifted the balance of traditional forms of care for older people in Qatar, leaving them without a safety net. They determined that this new situation needs to be addressed, including strengthening family care for older persons. Through building partnerships between the state, civil society organizations and the private sector, Qatar hopes to create an enabling environment supportive of all ages.

Saudi Arabia: The Establishment of the First Sport and Entertainment Club for Saudi Older Women (May 27, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The first health center intended exclusively for older women’s care was recently established in Saudi Arabia as part of a larger campaign aiming to secure cooperation between relevant agencies on behalf of older women’s rights. This health center aims to provide both physical and psychological well being for older women in the country. The campaign also includes education for older women to eradicate illiteracy, and entertainment events such as classic movie nights. All exclusively for women, these social services fill a void in the country due to the enforced division between the sexes that exists throughout Saudi Society. 

Israel: Israeli Seniors Suffer from Loneliness and Abuse (May 24, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to the recent poll, 45% of Israeli seniors over 57 years suffer from loneliness. The survey also revealed that 12% of respondents feel “totally isolated from life” and 5% “have neither relatives nor friends.” Another survey held in Israel this year also showed that every fifth pensioner in Israel has suffered some form of abuse in his or her life. What actions will the Israeli government take to assure that seniors get the care and treatment they need? 

Israel: Saying No to Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons (May 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Last Tuesday, the first conference on the phenomenon of violence against older persons in Jerusalem took place, entitled "No to violence against the elderly." Over 100 municipal and religious leaders and professionals attended from all disciplines working in the field of aging, including social workers, doctors and nurses from clinics and various medical centers of the region. It included a number of lectures designed to educate participants about kinds of violence against older people particularly in Jerusalem and its environs, where roughly 25% of older people admitted to experiencing either verbal or physical violence.

Gaza: Meet the Parents… and Grandparents (May 19, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Society for Charitable Works in the Cordoba province of Northern Gaza organized a special meeting last Tuesday, entitled "Meet the Parents and Grandparents.” This meeting attempted to bring policymakers face-to-face with those encountering social problems related to aging in the region and in so doing, to help improve their situation. The security and comfort of older people is not often a priority in volatile regions such as the Gaza Strip. This meeting attempted to address the problem, underscoring that day-to-day comfort and engagement of older people must always remain a concern.

Kuwait:  Older People Ask for their Rights in 2009 Elections (May 17, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Both the general aging of the Kuwaiti population and the ease of the voting process for older people has led to an increase in the number of older Kuwaiti voters and has transformed aging into a hot topic for the 2009 elections. Due to various developments, including disability services and other methods of social inclusion, older people participate in the election process at higher rates, prompting candidates to discuss issues of social welfare as well as the economic and health status of older persons in the country.

Morocco: Older People Represent 15% of Morocco’s Citizens (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The number of people in Morocco over the age of 60 has drastically increased from 2.4 to 5.8 million people according to a survey. At a recent conference organized to address this level of growth and devise a national strategy for older people, researchers stated that senior citizens now make up 15% of the population. However, a very large number -- 83-87% -- of them do not read or write and therefore have little access to healthcare and social benefit programs, as they are quite simply unaware of their rights. 

Saudi Arabia:  Should the Nation Adopt Higher Education for Older People? (May 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
A Saudi electronic forum found that increased opportunities for higher education among older people has become an important issue in the country. Participants were torn between criticizing the current weakness of the education system for older people and praising those institutions that do accommodate this group. By providing a more comfortable environment physically for older people as well as by altering the traditional youth-oriented dynamic of university life, schools can provide an enriching experience, not only for senior citizens but also for those who can learn from their vast knowledge and experience.

Algeria:  Depression: The Illness that Could Kill 60% of Older People (April 29, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
According to the head of the Algerian National Assembly on Aging, more than 60% of older, disabled people have thoughts of suicide due to depression, disability and the psychological pressures that haunt them everyday. This sense of isolation and psychological turmoil is amplified by the fact that older persons live in disastrous condition with little or no mental health or psychological support or attention to be found in retirement homes across the country. While long possessing the means to improve the situation, the Algerian government is only now becoming aware of the dire position of its nation’s older people and what needs to be done about it.

Kuwait: Engineering a Better Society for Older People (April 25, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
The Kuwaiti Society of Engineers recently announced a plan to help older people and those with special needs. In conjunction with the ministry of social affairs, they hope to present much needed support systems for these groups, particularly through the provision of facilitating technologies. Responding to the growing phenomenon of rejection and social isolation older people witness in Kuwaiti Society, they hope to generate social inclusion and respect, using technology to bridge the gap between older people and the rest of Kuwaiti society. 

Yemen:  Old Age in Yemen…Bodies Along a Sidewalk of Despair (April 16, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
In Sana, Yemen’s capital city, time has no mercy. Due to expansive poverty, the traditional forms of social caregiving have broken down, leaving many older people in the country alone and on the streets. An official in the ministry of social affairs indicates that the ratio of older people comprises up to 4% of Yemen’s total population and only eight official organizations working on behalf of this group currently exist. Officials stress the need to provide an accurate database for a national strategy on behalf of older people and the development of a national framework for their care. 

Israel: Older People in Tel Aviv Encounter Oppression, Violence, and Isolation (April 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
New figures on violence in Israel show that the most common cases of aggression against older people come from within the family unit. Strikingly, while the overall rate of violence in the nation has declined over the past year, the number of attacks on older persons has increased to over 2,000 cases, most occurring within the domestic sphere. Police cite increasing drug use and overpopulation due to immigration as potential reasons for this phenomenon.

Qatar: Improving the Image of Aging in the Media (April 7, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
Ever wonder why there are so few articles on aging in the Middle East? We do too, and apparently so do leading scientists on aging in the region who gathered last week in Doha to discuss “old people and challenges of the future.” Discussing a range of issues relating to older persons and the concerns they face given globalization and the current economic crisis, researchers criticized the Arab media for failing to report information on the reality of aging. In addition, what little information the media does report often projects a harshly negative image of older people. 

Tunisia: Tunisia Turns to Tourism for Seniors (April 1, 2009) 
(Article in French)
The Tourism Department and a large organization of Austrian retired people--former secretaries, deputies, representatives and other important personalities—have agreed to attract 18,000 retired persons to Tunisia between 2009 and 2010. The tourist industry is currently facing difficulties in these lean years. 

UAE: Minister of Education Announced the Names of the Schools Granted the Joint Curriculum Programs (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
The Minister of Education noted that the new schools joined their first session of volunteerism. The volunteer program aims to promote social solidarity and civic responsibility among the citizens of the state. The program projects focus on health, environment, and education with those who have special needs and older persons.

Qatar: Primary Schools Top Attendance Record (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
A large number of independent schools, particularly at the primary level, recorded high attendance on the first day of the second semester. A new curriculum focuses on human rights programs, and is particularly geared for students to understand the rights of older persons, children, women and persons with special needs.

Qatar: Electronic Device for Purification Before Salat (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Have you ever thought you would make “wadou,” using an electronic device? Instead of the traditional form, you can get ready for prayer electronically. The device operates through sensors that make it possible to control various functions. The device aims to aid older persons, persons with special needs and children. The product was launched only after receiving wide approval in addition to consulting with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar.

UAE: Disabled Persons, Older Persons and Students Demand Concessions in Bus Fees (February 9, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Zayed Higher Foundation for Humanitarian Affairs, along with spokespersons for disabled and older persons, advocated for an exemption of bus fees for special needs people in Abu Dhabi. The Department of Transport intends to apply a discount in the Principality at the beginning of March for special groups amounting to more than 50% of the bus fee. 

Yemen: In His Visit to the Central Region and a Number of Installations in Marib, President says: Keep the Unity and Fight against Separation (February 5, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh confirmed the scourge of terrorism and its harm to indigenous development, security and stability. In addition, he renewed his emphasis on the importance of maintaining unity. Today, we have educated and mature young people who are aware of widespread terrorism. Older persons have the advantage of audio-visual media to keep up with current events. 

Jordan: Forum on Older Persons in Shabib (February 5, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
The Shabib Organization for Culture and Art set up a forum on older Jordanians. Regardless of age, people can realize the positive contributions old people have made to society . In a lecture entitled “The Success Story of Older Persons,” Dr. Muhammad Mamsr spoke of the achievements of Jordan's older Jordanians in the academic and literary fields, as well as in the Senate and House of Representatives and elsewhere.

UAE: Barakat Al-Avichat...A Poet and A Proud Grandfather of 24 Grandchildren (February 2, 2009) 
(Article in Arabic) 
Discussions of poetry and loneliness often surface as complimentary subjects of old age. Older people use poetry as a genuine love for the environment, often crossing vivid and transparent borders of humanity as part of its expression.. 

Iraq: The Kurdistan Regional Government Pays Special Attention to Old Persons in the Sulaimaniyah Area (January 26, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
As people reach an advanced stage of human life—the so-called older adult or senior citizen category—many struggle with loneliness and turn to nursing homes. The number of financial beneficiaries averaged 30 women and men in 1997, with the current number at 80. However, the harsh social and economic situation threatens the ability of Iraqis to obtain free nursing care. 

Gaza: In Collaboration with the National Commission for the Support of the Palestinian People (January 23, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Fatima Al Balushi, the Minister of Social Development, presented the charitable Dignified Gaza festival in collaboration with the National Commission for the Support of the Palestinian People. The Bahraini government affirmed that the Palestinian issue is a crucial cause that it will not hesitate to endow. Khalil Bohazza pointed out that non-profit organizations are struggling to provide comprehensive services and programs for older persons. In addition, there is limited funding for establishing appropriate rehabilitation programs for elders that match their abilities. Older persons need closer relationships with their family members and a deepening interaction with their social surroundings.

Iraq: Iraqi Police Will be Escorting Older Persons to the Polls (January 22, 2009) 
(Article in Arabic) 
Sources in the Fallujah police vowed to take strict security measures with the approach of the provincial elections, saying that it will provide vehicles to transport elderly voters to the polls.

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Global

Reports | Articles

                                                Reports

People’s Voices: People Impacted by the Economic Crisis from Around the World Gather to Give Voice to the Forgotten, Marginalized (June 20, 2009)
On Saturday, June 20, 2009, an international coalition of working people and their non-governmental organizations, including Global Action on Aging, will meet in a public forum to deliver their message on the current economic crisis to world leaders. They will describe the unacknowledged impact of the economic crisis on people in developing countries as well as the severe consequences affecting working men, women, the jobless, youth and older persons in every country. The forum will call for a more stable future and suggest ways to overcome the current crisis. World leaders gathering at the UN Conference on the Economic Crisis beginning Monday, June 22, will hear the people’s voices as they assert their demands for economies that serve all the people, and not the richest, most privileged few. To read the agenda, click here. 

World: Event: Decent Work for All Roundtable (June 3, 2009)
A “Decent Work for All” Roundtable will be held in Prague on June 25, 2009. The Roundtable will discuss the issues and findings from HelpAge International’s study on older workers in Bangladesh, Peru and Uganda. While millions of older people in developing countries have jobs, they suffer exclusion from policies and programs relating to decent work. The Roundtable will discuss the need for immediate action to assist the 1.2 billion older people who will be living without secure incomes by 2050 if no changes are made.

World: Global Aging and Fiscal Policy with International Labor Mobility: A Political Economy Perspective (May 2009)
This paper uses an overlapping generations model with international labor mobility and a politically responsive fiscal policy to examine aging in developed and developing regions. Migrant workers change the political structure composed of young and older voters in both labor-receiving and labor-sending countries. Numerical simulations show that developed regions benefit more from international labor mobility through the contribution of migrant workers as laborers, savers, and voters. Developing regions experience significant growth in all specifications but benefit more under international capital mobility. Restricting political participation of migrant workers in developed regions produces inferior growth results. 

World: Well-Being over the Life Span: Semi-parametric Evidence from British and German Longitudinal Data (April 2009)
Using data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP), the analysis shows common, quite similar, age-specific patterns of life satisfaction for both Britain and Germany over three age stages. In the first stage, life satisfaction declines until approximately the fifth life decade. In the second age stage, well-being clearly increases and has a second turning point (maximum) after which well-being decreases in the third age stage. Authors discuss several reasons for the three-phase pattern.

Europe: Correcting Gender Inequality in Pensions: The Experience of Five European Countries (February 2009)
Owing to lower workforce participation, women earn smaller pensions than men. The increase in divorce and non-marital unions means that a growing number of women who are not widows will live alone during retirement. Their incomes will therefore depend more on their own accrued pension rights. This report studies how five countries in Europe-- Germany, Italy, the UK, Sweden and France--are developing mechanisms to recognize women’s income rights, such as pension splitting and caring credits.

Europe: The Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons in Europe: A Legal Perspective (January 2009)
A recent European study demonstrates the need for an International Convention on the rights of older people as well as a separate European Convention on the rights of older people. It is not unusual to have a regional counterpart to global treaties. Authors believe that a new Convention would transform the image of older persons from one of passivity and neediness, to entitlement and full participation in society. While it is important to protect the rights of older people, it is also important to protect their right to participate. The emphasis in both international and European law and policy has been on rights of provision, such as pensions and social care, without equally emphasizing their participation rights. 

World: The Rights of Older Persons in Asia (January 2009)
Asia, the fastest ageing region in the world, is home to half of the world’s older people. In the coming fifty years, two-thirds of the world's older population will be residing there. In most Asian countries, States have taken measures to provide legislative protection and policy provisions for the enjoyment of elderly rights. Using a human rights framework to address the violations faced by the elderly has now become an imperative. Human rights contain powerful language demanding state accountability to protect older people’s rights. The language of rights also links older persons to universal standards.

World: Working for Life: Making Decent Work and Pensions a Reality for Older People (2009)
Very little data exists about older workers in the informal sector. HelpAge International conducted research on older people and work in Bangladesh, Peru and Uganda. Among findings was the lack of pensions available to older persons within the informal employment sector, including 90% of workers in Uganda. A universal pension for older people would enable them to have a greater choice of work. It would provide them with money to travel to work, giving them access to loan schemes or simply allowing them to pay for basic goods or services such as food or healthcare.

World: Global Aging Report (2009)
This report portrays the realities of populations around the world and calls for an intergenerational and lifespan perspective. It covers countries including the USA, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, India, South Africa, Argentina, the Netherlands and Israel. This report analyzes the profound consequences of population aging and advancing longevity.

World: Population Ageing. Towards an Improvement of the Quality of Life (2009)
The present book was based on presentations made at the 2007 international conference of the Belgian Platform on Population and Development. 
Unlike popular perceptions, population aging is a global phenomenon and not limited to the developed world. For example, a country might not be able to provide health benefits or a universal pension due to very low economic standards. African countries are a case in point. They must confront HIV/AIDS, hunger, disease and poverty and lack the capability to deal with an aging population and to provide pensions that are urgently needed. The authors urge international programs to help poor nations deal with ‘population ageing.’ With the Millennium Development Goals in place, we can expect lower fertility and a shift in the age composition in the future.

World: Rethinking Age and Aging (December 2008)
This report illustrates a new measure of population aging that takes into account changes in longevity over time and place. It also introduces the concept of "prospective age" as a way to compare people who live in periods and places where life expectancies differ. Measuring population aging today presents a problem to demographers due to advances in health and life expectancy, and a change in the meaning of longevity. Today, a person who is 60 is considered middle-aged; in 1800, the same 60-year-old was elderly. Therefore, it is misleading to compare those who are chronologically age 40 today with people who were 40 a century ago. 

                                                          Articles

World: Older People Face Difficulties Browsing the Internet (June 7, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Older people and disabled persons are denied access to many electronic sites, not through physical exclusion or firewall protection but from an inability to access the web pages. Some complain of impairment due to small font sizes or the poor construction of the sites, while others remain unable to understand much of the language used in the sites. This article underscores the importance of thinking about those with disabilities when designing pages. Unfortunately, a recent German University study found that 60% of web surfers do not have the slightest idea that these groups are unable to access many internet web sites.

Being Pro-age is the Antidote to Anti-age Marketing (June 6, 2009)
Debra D. Bass explains why she adopted a pro-aging policy. “Aging gracefully is a much different animal than not aging at all costs,” she writes. The stereotype is that people grow old, isolated, sick and depressed, but that's not necessarily the reality. Age should bring a gradually increasing acceptance for people of who they are. As they become better acquainted with themselves, they are happier with who they are.

World: Microsoft Designer Creates a Mouse for Old People (June 4, 2009)
(Article in French)
Mike LaManna, a Microsoft design specialist, invented a computer mouse adapted for use by old and disabled people. Beyond practical computing, many old people face new difficulties when they manipulate the mouse (hand shaking, osteoarthritis, finger suppleness, etc.). LaManna had the simple but ingenious idea of putting a ring on the mouse in order to keep the user’s finger in the right position. 

World: Challenges of the Global Aging Era (May 25, 2009) 
(Article in Chinese)
On May 23, 2009, an international academic net workshop, Challenges of the Global Aging Era: International Practices and Shanghai Choice, was presented as a collaborative effort by Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, the Sociology Department of Duke University and the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development at Duke. Experts from China, the US, Japan and Singapore were invited to the workshop for in-depth discussions about the latest research developments on the issue of global aging. 

World: How Stereotypes Defeat the Stereotyped (May 9, 2009) 
A new study published in the journal Experimental Aging Research shows how old people are vulnerable to the phenomenon called “stereotype threat.” Apparently older persons perform worse under the stress of being stereotyped.  Read how stereotyping compels people to work against themselves. The study shows that merely reminding people that they are members of a stigmatized group (in this case, older Americans) reliably dampens their performance. Similar people who were not reminded of their status did significantly better on the tests. People can be persuaded to believe either positive or negative stereotypes with, a real impact on their performance in life.

World: The Future of the World Wide Web in the Hands of Older People (April 27, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
Older persons represent the fastest growing group of internet users. Currently, approximately 45% of Americans between the ages of 70 and 75 use the web compared with only 26% three years ago. However, this phenomenon does not exist only in the United States. The world’s population is aging, and with it, so are the ages of internet users. Physical difficulties experienced by many older people including problems with hearing, eyesight, and arthritis may prove potential obstacles that experts say websites will have to start adapting to. 

World: The Elderly Drive Internet Usage, Experts Say in Madrid’s Congress (April 20, 2009) 
(Article in Spanish) 
Use of the Internet by persons 70 years and older has expanded rapidly. Primarily, older persons use the technology to communicate and to find information like directions, but many have not developed online shopping habits or addictions to social networks. Experts emphasize that with the growing aging population web sites must adapt by adjusting the font, creating larger spaces and more contrast to make it easer for older persons to use. 

World: In The Next Decade, The Negative Effects of Aging on Developed Countries Will Outweigh Effects of The Financial Crisis (April 9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The IMF estimates that from 2007 to 2014 the average national debt liability ratio will rise to 25% for industrialized countries among G20 world economies. Although this is a heavy burden, the IMF said that the cost of this financial crisis would only be as much as 5% of the population aging cost. “For most of the developed countries, the most threat to the government’s long-term solvency would come from negative demographic change.”

World: Old People Population Three Times Bigger by Year 2050 (March 19, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The United Nations Council of Population and Development revealed in a recent report that the world population is aging quickly. The population of people over 60 years old is expected to be almost three times larger than the present by the year 2050. Developed countries now see a 1.9% annual increase of old people and will expect a growth from the present 264 million to 461 million in 2050. In developing countries, the population of old people is increasing by over 3% every year and it is also expected to go up from the current 475 million to 1.6 billion in the year 2050.

World: Valentine's Day: The Coldness of February and the Warmth of Valentine (February 15, 2009)
(Article in Arabic) 
The beauty of love lets us all steal moments of youth. Valentine’s Day provides the opportunity of persons of all ages to enjoy the company of loved ones. Older men often find themselves buying gifts for their partners on this enchanting day. 

World: By 2050 Seniors Will Outnumber Children, Says the UN Report (February 12, 2009)                                                                                                                              (Article in Russian)                                                                                                      According to a U.N. report, the number of people over 50 will triple by 2050 and will outnumber children under the age of 15, constituting 22% of the total world's population. Such a correlation will put big economic pressure on a young work force that may not fully cope with providing financial support for the seniors. The report lists global aging populations and low fertility rates as the main causes for the demographic change. 

World: “Demographic Bombs” of the Future (January 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
According to a report prepared by the Center of Strategic and International Research in Washington D.C., the twenty-first century will be marked by “hyperaging” of world superpowers, leading to economic stagnation. Russia, with its current male life expectancy of 59 years, will face a rapid population decline. The report also notes that by 2050, the US will be the only developed nation represented in the list of 12 countries with the largest population in the world. 

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