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Elder Rights: World

- Archives 2007 -

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: Population Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Demographic Dimensions 2006 (June 2007) 
Although the older population in most developing countries seems relatively small compared to developed countries, poor countries will experience a rapid increase in the “absolute” number of older persons. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the numbers of older persons will raise from 35 million over 60 in 2006 to over 69 million by 2030, the sheer number of older persons grows more rapidly than in developed countries. This report looks at age groups 50-80 and focuses in particular on the effects of HIV/AIDS on population aging. 

Mozambique: NGO Thematic Shadow Report on Older Women’s Rights in Mozambique (April 2007)
Bridget Sleap, along with colleagues in the HelpAge International Office in Mozambique and others, prepared a groundbreaking report on the situation of older Mozambique women in accessing their human rights. Ms. Sleap presented the report during the May 2007 meeting of the Expert Panel for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The report reveals that many women lack identification documents to prove their eligibility to access services for which they are entitled. The report also notes that both the amount and the access of social cash transfers needs to be improved. Finally, this submission documents gender-based violence against older women and the need to improve access to free health care services. The report concludes with recommendations to the Committee. 

South Africa: Time Preference and Its Relationship with Age, Health, and Longevity Expectations (April 15, 2007)
This study measured health, time preference and expected longevity on a sample of individuals in townships around Durban, South Africa in order to understand the relationship between health and the willingness to choose between smaller sooner rewards and larger later rewards or in other words, individuals’ underinvestment or investment in the future.

Articles

Zambia: An Estimated 500,000 Elderly People Face Potential Destitution by 2010 (December 24, 2007)
According to a new study, 500,000 Zambians over 60 fear destitution by the year 2010. It is not only a serious problem for a country already ravished by AIDS, but especially for the children. Zambian seniors often take care of grandchildren or orphans after parents die from AIDS. Therefore the government should carefully consider this issue and give more protection to old people who have such an important role in the country.

Namibia: Social Security Committee Brings Christmas to Elderly (December, 18, 2007)
Elderly people in two nursing homes in Namibia can feel the Christmas spirit after receiving the donated goods worth of $10,000 from the Social Security Committee (SSC). Senior citizens need some holiday cheer and the SSC sees it as a social responsibility to give back to the community and bring joy to the people who often go neglected. 

Congo: Rape, a War Weapon in Congo (November 15, 2007)
(Article in French) 
A new documentary from the German film maker Susanne Babila depicts some Congolese men living on the border of Rwanda who rape women, no matter what age. These women are 10, 30 or 70 years old and all went through the same traumatic experience. One night, soldiers entered their Congolese village, stole goods, beat the children, tortured and raped women and girls. Susanne Babila met these victims in the province hospitals. Her movie, ‘Rape, a War Weapon in Congo,’ invited the women and girls to speak out, along with the nursing staff who care and restore these patients' health. 

Malawi: Mutharika Stresses Need to Assist Elderly (November 8, 2007)
The president of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika, is aiming to provide assistance to elderly Malawians through his Bingu Silver Grey Foundation. Reports show the elderly are in dire need of financial assistance. In addition to caring for themselves, some seniors act as caregivers for orphaned grandchildren. Mutharika organized the Bingu Silver Grey Foundation Charity Golf Tournament last week to raise funds for seniors in Malawi. 

Madagascar : Elderly People Without Rights (October 2, 2007)

(Article in French)

On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, October 1, 2007, older people in Madagascar highlighted the general disrespect for their human rights.  Elders in Madagascar do not benefit from any special protection. They most often live in the rural areas and make up more than 5% of the population.

Swaziland: The Elderly Have No Time to Retire (August 28, 2007) 
"The elderly are rife for exploitation, and they are being exploited by a society that requires them to do demanding work, regardless of their age or infirmities." In many African countries older persons, especially older women, act as care givers of HIV/AIDS orphans, without sufficient support or recognition by humanitarian organizations or the government. "My grandchildren are fed, they are even well-fed,” by government or privately sponsored programs, says Granny Tsela. "But no one prepares meals for the elderly. I am at home with my little bit of porridge, if I am lucky enough to have that."

Nigeria: Marginalisation of the Elderly (August 28, 2007)
This opinion piece details how the westernization of Nigeria has eroded traditional safety nets for older persons in society. Indeed, older Nigerians experience similar issues facing older persons in Western countries: isolation, discrimination, neglect and poverty. All societies should ask themselves why we let our elderly down. 

Kenya: Grannies Who Are Unsung Heroes in the Fight Against HIV/Aids (August 24, 2007)
According to national statistics, out of a total population of 32 million, Kenya has 2.4 million orphans, of which 1.2 million are orphaned by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Taking up the burden of the orphans’ care are mostly their grandmothers. Although most of them are “too old to do simple domestic chores,” “they have no choice but to get up and look for food, medication and shelter.” Largely ignored by the government and aid organizations, the grandmothers are slowly receiving more recognition. While the government plans programs to improve support mechanisms, a movie, “The Grandmother’s Tribe,” detailing their plight will come to the cinemas later this year.

Uganda: Who Cares for the Aged? (August 23, 2007) 
At the age of 95, Ms. Bena Nakaz struggles in her daily life. Finding food constitutes the biggest obstacle for Ms. Nakaz. According to the 2002 national census, Uganda has 1.5 million older persons, most of whom “die in the most inhumane way due to lack of health care and basic necessities.” Most of the neglect “originates from the fading traditional social support system,” however the government only slowly adopts to the changes. Having drafted a National Policy on Older Persons, the authorities will have to move swiftly to ratify it, before more people like Ms. Nakazi live and die in poverty. 

Zimbabwe: Old and Hapless (July 2, 2007)
Zimbabwe’s seven-year economic crisis has made the elderly even more vulnerable. Their plights range from being unable to obtain necessary medicines to suffering from cold at night when the government cuts electricity supplies. Food is insufficient; residents of an elderly home survive on plain tea and two slices of bread in the morning, maize meal porridge and beans for lunch and supper. 

Nigeria: Caring for the Aged…Task Before Nigeria June 4, 2007
Nigeria’s rapidly aging society poses both challenges and opportunities for the country. As a developing nation, having inadequate resources is the primary downfall to caring for the rising aging population. While Nigerians embrace the elderly and view them as blessings, the working-age population to support the aging has declined. Like many countries, Nigeria lacks policies and agendas for the elderly population. However, in 2002, the UN organized the Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid, Spain, where governments discussed policies and initiatives to address the ensuing challenges of the aging. Can the resulting Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging help Nigeria? 

Ethiopia: Country Urged Not to Forget its Elderly (April 4, 2007)
Ethiopian elders face many difficulties in sustaining their lives. During a workshop, Ms. Lizzie Nkosi, the Ethiopia HelpAge International Country Director, asserted that the government and the media ignore and neglect problems facing older persons, even leaving them out of the five year development plan. She called on media and governments to act, urging them to give greater attention to elderly.

Cameroon: Aging and Solidarity (February 27, 2007)
(Article in French)
Beyond spotlighting the elderly on occasions such as Older Persons Day or noting the tragic French heat wave of 2004 that killed many elderly, how can aging advocates ignite the interest of governments, civil society and families on aging issues? The International Congress of FIAPA gathered in Cameroon to answer this question.

Cameroon: Interview of Paulette Metang, the Executive President of the Cameroonian Association for the Welfare of Older Persons (February 6, 2007)
Paulette Metang has been working in Cameroon’s civil society sector for 12 years.  Her organization, “Civil Society of Cameroon,” coordinates that nation’s aging NGO’s. She also works with ACAMAGE, “Association Cameroonaise pour le Bien-être des Personnes Agées,” an association working for elderly and aiming to increase intergenerational links. Read this interview to learn more about Cameroonian elderly. (Also available in French)

Africa: Palliative Care in Africa (January 13, 2007)
Mary, a 7-year-old child with HIV infection, lives with her 80-year-old paraplegic grandmother in Uganda. They receive palliative care from a home-based care program. The book, “Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa,” contains plenty of such stories, presenting interviews with palliative care experts from 26 African countries showing the complexities of delivering palliative care across Africa.

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Americas & Caribbean

Reports | Articles

Reports

Portrait of the Canadian Population in 2006, by Age and Sex: Findings (July 2007)
This report provides a detailed overview of the age and sex data in Canada from the 2006 Census of Population. One primary finding from the Census was that the number of seniors has increased by 11.5% in the past five years, and the number of children has declined by 2.5% during the same timeframe. 

Canada: Clients Transitioning from Inpatient Rehabilitation to Continuing Care or Home (April 2007)
This Canadian Institute for Health Information analysis highlights the clinical and demographic characteristics of inpatient rehabilitation clients in the Ontario Hospital between 2004 and 2006. The study also accounts for the probabilities that inpatient rehabilitation clients will be discharged their home or to a continuing care facility. 

Canada: Seniors as Victims of Crime, 2004 and 2005 (March 2007)
According to self-reported and police reported data, seniors are less likely than the young to experience violent and property crimes. But, more (5 in 10) senior victims were victimized by a family member as compared to (4 in 10) non-senior victims. And, according to PhoneBusters, Canada’s anti-fraud call centre, seniors may be more vulnerable to telemarketing fraud. Nonetheless, seniors’ sense of personal safety has improved over the last five years.

Canada: A Portrait of Seniors in Canada: 2006 (February 2007)
This report depicts the demographic characteristics, health and wellness, living arrangements, social networks and social participation, security from crime and victimization, work patterns and related activities, income and expenditures, and lifestyles of the Canadian population aged 65 and over. The report looks at three groups of “seniors”: 65 to 74 years old, 75 to 84 and 85 and over since their life circumstances vary considerably. The last chapters are devoted to the comparison of well-being between aboriginal seniors (North American Indian, Métis or Inuit) and immigrant seniors.

Articles

Costa Rica: Families Abandon the Elderly during Christmas (December 20, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
It is surprising how many families leave older relatives in hospitals during Christmas. In fact, families failed to claim some 10 elderly people at the hospital after they had finished their treatment. Now doctors call patients’ families to remind them that it is Christmas time, a family time. They remind them that the elderly should not be mistreated. Years ago, families, including older members, would spend Christmas together; however, the older patients returned to the hospital with visible signs of mistreatment. The Hospital of Geriatrics believes that Costa Rica has no effective way to prevent the abuse of elders.

Canada: Boomers Won't Crash Health Network (November 16, 2007)
A foreseen catastrophic impact on the governmental health-care networks in Quebec once blamed on the baby boomer population now will not be the case as once thought. A study suggests that the aging population will have no greater impact on the health-care networks as it did in the 1970's. A 2005 government-commissioned report noted that at present, the taxes collected from an average of five workers subsidize the health services of one elderly Quebecer. As a caveat, however, if population trends continue, in 20 years there will be only two workers to support every Quebecer who is at least 65 years old.

Canada: A Third of Boomers Volunteer and More Plan to When They Retire (November 14, 2007)
A new survey shows that older persons are likely to volunteer when they retire. 
The Bank of Montreal has just released information showing that 34% of Canadians aged 45 to 60 volunteer and a further 38% of boomers who do not yet volunteer say they plan to when they retire. Older persons’ volunteer activities can be very useful for the entire society, as they have among others tasks, an educational role to future generations. 

Costa Rica: Adolescents Raise Their Voices in the Elderly’s Defense (October 27, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In an important development, adolescents organized a forum on ageing. It took place at the Presidential House and included officials from the Office of Social Support of the Presidency and the National Advisory of the Older Adults, among others. The forum called on the society to respect and value the elderly. Adolescents and the elderly spoke about elderly abuse. In the first four months of 2007, some 223 elder abuse reports were filed.

Mexico: Mexican Ex-Prostitutes Find Home (October 14, 2007)
What happens to elder “retired” prostitutes? Unfortunately, they often face a tragic end of life. That’s why Carmen Munoz, herself a former prostitute, decided to do something to help. She raised money to open the world’s first retirement home for prostitutes in Mexico. 

Cuba: Cuba, the Elderly Woman and the Embargo (September 17, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Mary McCarthy, now 107 years old, feels first-hand the embargo that the US government has placed on Cuba. Since she lives in Cuba, the US government will not allow her to transfer money she holds in the US back to the Cuba. She needs this money to go to the doctor. However, Mary has decided to stay in Cuba despite her health problems and eventually be buried next to her husband. 

Canada: Too Young to Retire, But Tired of The Same Old (October 5, 2007)
In Canada, employers are beginning to think about ways to keep seniors at work in companies. Indeed, they often are very useful, thanks to their experience. But many want to take an early retirement. Companies such as Merck Frosst, Home Depot Inc., Direct Energy and Royal Bank of Canada have started programs to retain employees over 50 years, that permit their taking longer vacations and other workplace innovations.

Canada: Neglect of Aged an ‘Outrage’ (October 4, 2007)
The Ontario Federation of Labor sent letters to all major party leaders concluding that most nursing homes in the province violate laws, regulations and binding contractual obligations that require long-term care to keep patients clean and dignified. One major violation is the 75 per cent rule, whereby a diaper is changed only after it is three-quarters full of urine. Nurses who violated this rule by changing diapers more regularly were disciplined, and those who obeyed were given free pizzas. 

Colombia: On Average Fifteen Older Persons Find Themselves Abandoned Daily (September 17, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In Colombia many families must or choose to abandon their older members. Colombians have very few financial or other resources to care for their family members. Faced with this immediate problem, they tend to abandon the elders while they are sleeping. Plus, some older persons suffering from depression or Alzheimer-like symptoms leave their families and home and forget where they live. The national government has set up some centers for abandoned elderly to give them temporary housing, but such facilities are extremely limited, leaving many needy older people living on the streets. 

Colombia: Medellin Citizens Become Young Again in the Television Show “Who Said We Were Old” ? (September 17, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
“We are not old,” explained Felix Tabares and Estela Pinto, two hosts of the TV Show “Who Said We Were Old?” airing in Colombia. The show intends to inspire older people to feel young again by challenging them to do daring physical activities such as mountain climbing, paintball, and rappelling. The hosts, who live off their pensions, believe that they are young spirits trapped in old bodies but they do not feel limited to enjoy life’s adventures.

Canada: Sen. LaBreton Highlights Seniors Wellness Fair (September 14, 2007)
Canadian Senator Marjory Lebreton, the federal Secretary of State for Seniors, has had a long political career. Most recently, in a visit to a Seniors Wellness and Information Fair in Canada, she focused in on elder abuse. She pointed out that different kinds of abuse exist, financial and physical, and isolation. She will propose “safe houses” for older persons and defend efforts for seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Mexico: The Debit Card for Senior Citizens (September 10, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In Mexico, the Institute for Senior Citizens now provides a debit card for senior citizens who are seventy years and older. Beginning October 1, 2007, seniors can use this new card to pay their electric, telephone, and energy bills, as well as most of their daily shopping, including groceries. This new and easier way to shop has the potential to affect the 420,000 senior citizens eligible for the new card, opening a new market for many small businesses. The Institute for Senior Citizens has made it a priority to inform those eligible of the new services. 

Barbados: 432 Sign Petition against Elderly Abuse (September 5, 2007)
As part of the Month of the Elderly, the Barbados National Assistance Board kicked off a signature campaign against elderly abuse. The campaign aims to build support for a legal framework protecting older persons against abuse. While there are legal protection measures for children and persons with disabilities, there is “absolutely nothing for elderly persons within Barbados.”

Ecuador: Seniors Creates New Enterprises (September 4, 2007)
(Article in Spanish) 
As the Ecuadorian elderly population grows, many different enterprises focusing on their needs expand as well. In 1985 the elderly made up 4% of the population but today represent over 5.7% of the population. By 2050 there will be as many seniors as teenagers and children. Nursing homes for older persons are going up. People can choose a home according to their economic situation, illnesses, or other requirements. The Ministry of Social and Economic Inclusion has registered 300 organizations specifically providing services for the elderly; many others are not registered. Organizations such as gerontology centers, retiree associations, drug companies and health care organizations stand to benefit from the growth in older persons’ needs.

Mexico: The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2007 (September 1, 2007)
And the winner is…Mexico. Goods and services in Mexico cost less, so retirees can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north, and its healthcare system is first rate. Ecuador came in second place followed by Italy, where similar social benefits for retirees are found. As the article advises, one of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination offering you more of what you want at the best price. 

Cuba: The Program “Yes I Can” Extends Its Reach (August 28, 2007)
(Article in Spanish) 
The Program “Yes I Can,” which has been implemented by governments in 22 countries, 15 of them in Latin America, shows great advances. The small community of El Naranjo in Guatemala became the first community free of illiteracy in this country. Elderly residents and children alike benefited from this program. “Yes I Can” is presented via television and is adapted in every country based on their particular culture, language and way of speaking. The program uses expert professionals in adult education who are prepared to teach in various languages. In countries like Haiti and Venezuela another program called “Yes I Can Continue” carries on the original program, providing adults a basic education that places them in a 6th grade level and opens the door for them to get a superior education. 

Mexico: The Elderly March to Reclaim Their Rights” (August 27, 2007)
A large group of older people of the third age decided to march to the center of Juárez to demand better health services, work opportunities and retirement homes for the elderly. The organization “Epoca de Oro” (Golden Age) organized this march to protest against the injustices and the neglect that older persons suffer. The organization is concerned that the government exaggerates how well off older persons are rather than state the facts. For example, Golden Age has found that only 30% of older people in Juárez have any kind of health care; most suffer a high level of mistreatment from both society and their families. 

Bolivia: The Rights of the Elderly are Still Not Being Followed (August 27, 2007)
Some 500 senior united in Cochabamba to celebrate Older Persons Day with music, dancing and theater. Along with the celebration, the elderly and their supporting organizations advocated for the rights of the people of the third age. Most old people from this region work the land at very advanced ages because they are not eligible for pensions from the State. Older persons demanded reductions in the price of electricity, water and transportation so that there lives could be slightly improved.

Canada: Canadian Seniors Are All Right (July 25, 2007)
The vast majority of Canadians believe that the over-65 population is a valuable component of society and that their communities respect the elderly, according to a recent poll. Sixty percent of poll respondents, in fact, reported having significant interaction with a person over 65 in the previous week. Most Canadians were skeptical that the Canada Pension Plan and healthcare system will adequately support seniors. But the good news is that Canadians are recognizing that with age comes “a certain panache, a certain wisdom,” and that older persons still make valuable contributions to society.

Peru: Seeking: Successful Señor Citizens  (July 23, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In Peru , the “Asociación Adulto Feliz” and the “Prima AFP” organizations award prizes to senior citizens over the age of sixty who are positive contributors to society.  These groups seek to change social stereotypes of old age by rewarding the elderly for their accomplishments and promoting the reality that old age is a productive time of life similar to youth.  

Bolivia: Social pensions, older people were cheated (June 28, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
The writer describes how schemers cheat older people out of their social pensions in Bolivia. In one scam, persons carried fake identification papers and passed through the registration process and received the social pension. Other scam artists recruit old, poor and illiterate persons to apply for the social pension and rob them as soon as they receive the money. In another case, a daughter cheated her mother by forcing her to apply for the pension and then robbed her. Law officials are investigating to learn if there is an organized network involved in this terrible scam operation. Of course, this cheating and robbery undermines public confidence in the efficacy of the social pension administration system in Bolivia. 

Argentina: Demand for Programs to Confront Elder Abuse on the World Abuse Awareness Day (June 16, 2007)
(Article in Spanish) 
On June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the National Institute against the Discrimination (INDI) demanded an end to age discrimination and inadequate health treatment, as well as a change in the negative image of the elderly. In the city of Buenos Aires, some 700,000 men and women are older than 60 years. Although around 1,200 official reports of violence are filed every year, only 1 of 5 go to court for judgment. According to a Pan-American Organization of Health study, each year 1.6 million people become blind or are hurt as a result of a violent act, sometimes self-inflicted.

Argentina: Older Persons Go to the University (31 May, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In Argentina there are a lot of university programs for the elderly. Inspired by the example of Toulouse, France, that created a University for the Elderly in 1973, Argentineans now have 20,000 older persons registered in such programs. On one hand, the programs change the image of ageing regarding this time as a moment in life with possibilities to continue learning. On the other hand, the programs depend on Extension Services of the university that have very limited budgets. The author argues that elder programs should be integrated as a regular part of the universities so that they do not suffer budget cuts. 

Brazil: An Unflattering Portrait: Half of Brazilians Seniors Are Illiterate (May 9, 2007)
According to a recent report on urban senior citizens in Brazil, 49% of them are illiterate and some of them do not even know how to write their own names. Despite this incredibly high figure, no public policy is in place to deal with the problem. Research from this report also covers large-scale age-related prejudices such as psychological or physical violence and humiliation. 

Argentina: Two Bills go to Congress and a Phone Help-Line to End Violence Abuse (May 2, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Government of the city of Buenos Aires will send a bill to Congress to require that family violence be considered as a violation of Argentine Human Rights. At present, family violence includes violence against children, conjugal violence, violence against older people, and violence against people with disabilities. The government also wants to submit another bill prohibiting trafficking of children. The city of Buenos Aires has a new phone line (137) that receives phone calls from people who suffer any form of violent abuse. One psychologist, a social worker, and two policemen go to the location where the violence has taken place. This is one of the first steps to end violence abuse that has many victims, old and young.

Cuba: Getting Old in Cuba (April 24, 2007)
This article gathers testimonies about older persons and their families in Cuba. Although the Cuban government provides an efficient, free health care system, older persons suffer from the housing shortage and from the lack of assisted-living facilities where they could spend their last years. Families and neighbors have to step in, which is not perceived as a sacrifice since “Cubans have a highly developed sense of community and voluntarily pitch in to help each other,” according to sociologist Cuban Diaz Tenorio. Average life expectancy in Cuba is 77.08 years. Fidel Castro's personal physician, Dr. Eugenio Selman, heads the "120 Years Club," designed to promote longevity among the population. 

Mexico: Mexico Army Chief Faces Lawmakers Over Alleged Rape (April 20, 2007)
(Article in Arabic)
The Mexican army has been charged with covering up a rape case in which army officers have been accused of raping an elderly woman and then killing her. The woman, aged 73, was found dead a few hundred meters from a military base last February. The victim’s family stated that just before her death, the victim had told them that she had been raped by a group of soldiers. Tests show that she died as a result of wounds she incurred while she was raped. President Felipe Calderon has stated that the elderly woman died of natural causes.

Argentina: A Safe Home without Barriers (April 11, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
The “Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina” (AMIA), that promotes the well being and development Jewish life in Argentina, opened a new elderly home called “LeDor VaDor” in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in March, 2007. Before building “LeDor VaDor,” the organizers traveled to the United States and visited many residences for older persons.. 
Now that the facility has opened, everyone notices that many geriatricians work there, a major contrast with other Argentinean nursing homes. The organizers wanted poor old people to live in a high quality place.

Chile: Keys to Face Fear of Aging (April 9, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Solidarity, diseases and reduced income are some of the biggest fears people face after they become 50 years old. Dr. Vaillant from Harvard explains that it is important to adapt to the principle of changing what can be changed, accepting what cannot be changed, and knowing the difference. This article is divided into subsections with guidelines about how to overcome common fears. 

Argentina: Around 150,000 Retired People Continue to Live in Poverty (April 8, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
According to a study from the Institute for the Social Development of Argentina conducted in 300,000 homes that includes an older person, researchers found that few elderly receive any pension or retirement funds. In about 150,000 homes at least one older person lives in poverty. Although the government decided to give a pension to people who didn’t pay sufficiently into the social insurance system while in the workforce, the payment of AR$250 (USD$50) per month is not enough to survive in a country with high inflation rates.

Chile: Two Billion Pesos Available for Elderly-Related Projects (April 7, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Post-retirement elderly persons do not want to sit around with their arms crossed, waiting to develop diseases and eventually die. Instead, they want to continue being active. Living in a society where their labor contribution is not wildly welcome and where their pension income often is not enough to cover their everyday expenses, remaining active is a challenge. In response to elderly persons’ wanting to be active, the Chilean government offers 2 billion pesos to different elderly-based projects or activities, ranging from recording folklore stories to recreational activities. 

Argentina: Crime Wave Against Elderly Persons (March to April 2007)
(Articles in Spanish)
Here are four articles with terrifying details about on-going crimes against helpless older persons in Buenos Aires. Citizens have noted this ongoing crime wave against older persons. Has poverty reached such levels that children and others rob for economic gain? What are the Argentine government and police doing to stop these assaults? What preventive measures can protect elderly persons from this kind of brutality?

Chile: Deterioration of the Quality of Life (April 3, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
With the new pubic transportation, Transantiago, everyday life has changed drastically. Although it is a bit cheaper and makes a lot less noise, the system is widely unpopular. Most people complain about its unpunctuality and the traffic congestion it causes. In addition to these problems, elderly persons face a big and serious obstacle—immobility. The Transantiago system forces them to walk long distances, and many times they are faced with buses and metros too full to travel safely. Thus the elderly population prefers the older transportation system, in spite of its danger, loud noises, lack of comfort, and conductors’ ill treatment towards the passengers; at least the older transportation system allowed them to move around the city and remain active.

Argentina: Proofs of No Authorization from Patients (March 28, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
A federal investigation is underway in Argentina to discover whether doctors tested new antibiotics on elderly persons without their authorization. A proof of consent is accepted if it is done in writing. The investigation shows that there are doctors who received payments of $40,000 from a North American laboratory to test the antibiotics called tigecyclin on elderly persons. Unfortunately, there is no explicit law that regulates how a clinical trial is to be operated.

Paraguay: A New Law for Older Persons (March 19, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
A new law for older persons in Paraguay took effect in March 2007. The law has a clause creating the General Direction of Older Persons, which is responsible for developing programs that protect older persons, and particularly protecting the poorest of the poor. Last year a group of old people paid a monthly fee to a company that promised to give them a pension. But the company was fraudulent and the company lied to the older persons. Some 500,000 old people live in Paraguay. Only 110,000 have any income and the rest, some 390,000, suffer from poverty and extreme need. 

Colombia: Aging with Dignity and Happiness (February 23, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
One day, you wake up and realize that you are past 60 years old—what a strange sensation! While it is normal for people over the age of 60 to start thinking that their lives are about to end, it is just fear and anxiety taking over logic. While it is true that as people age, they will start to experience changes in their physical and mental senses. However, necessary and easy precautions can slow down the process. This article includes a list of 10 effective strategies to age with dignity and happiness.

Bolivia: A Battle between an Elderly Man and an Anaconda
(February 19, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
A David and Goliath story: Eight-year-old Mateus would have made a satisfying lunch for an anaconda if it had not been for his grandfather, Joaquim Pereira. The five-meter (over 16 feet long) anaconda trapped Mateus while he was playing with his friend in a rural area. His grandfather came to Mateus’s rescue as the anaconda was placing its jaw on the boy’s chest. He battled with the anaconda for almost 30 minutes before he succeeded in breaking its grip on the boy.

Argentina: An Elderly Man Beaten to Death for Theft (January 29, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Buenos Aires witnessed a third murder of an elderly person in one week alone. The latest took place in broad daylight, at 10 in the morning. The thief beat and robbed an 80-year-old elderly while he was shopping. Yet still alive, he walked about 100 meters before he had a cardiovascular arrest and died. The first two equally brutal murders took place in the victims’ homes. The city has a history of violence towards elderly persons.

Chile: Government Launches Guide of Social Rights (January 23, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
The Chilean government published the Guide of Social Rights that seeks to keep citizens informed of their rights and the resources available. The revolution in social protection in Chile will be assured when the System for Social Protection is launched in 2010. This plan will protect every person at every life stage, by providing benefits and subsidies to those in need.  The recently published guide serves to inform the masses, but also to emphasize Blanchete’s firm belief that public services are a right of the people, rather than a favor provided by the state. Consequently, every person in need requires optimal assistance.  The published guide covers nine essential social rights: education, health, labor, social security, shelter and adequate living conditions, justice, dignity and fair treatment, culture, and the right to a better quality of life and social integration.   

Argentina: An Elderly Woman Was Robbed and Beaten Up in La Plata (January 9, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Ms. Ramos, 84 years old, went to the bank to withdraw 4,700 pesos (US$1,525) of her pension. Soon after Ms. Ramos returned  to her house, two men attacked her, beat her and took all of her money. This is not the first attack against elderly. They often tend to withdraw all of their money and save it in cash at home. Thieves find older people an easy target--they are easy to attack and likely have a good amount of money on them.

Chile: The Younger Chileans Stereotype the Old People (August 21, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The University of Chile surveyed young people to see the image that they had of older persons. The results were very negative. Young people see old people as dependent (47%), sickly (38%), fragile (42%), and sexually inactive (50%). In Chile around 65 percent of the older population is independent, and only 4% depend on their relatives for health and income. It is very important to change the image of the elderly: stereotypes and prejudices can become a reality.

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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

Report: 6,500 More Aged Care Places for Older Australians (December 20, 2007)
The Australian government will allocate $40.5 million to aged care providers to help them build and improve aged care services. Moreover, 6,525 new aged care beds will come on line to meet the needs of providers in Australia’s undersupplied regions. The government says it is committed to reform the existing aged care system. 

India: Is Caring for Elders an Act of Altruism? (23-25 October, 2007)
The study analyzes the readiness of younger siblings to support older ones and examines their degree of motivation and altruism in looking after their parents. The researchers surveyed 1000 households (slum dwellers, high-income, non-military civilian and middle- to low-income households) with elderly co-residents in Delhi, India. The findings reveal the primary role of socio-religious and moral factors in motivating siblings to support the old. However, siblings in higher age brackets tend to consider parental care as a financial burden. The researchers suggest that faith leaders and educators should take an active part in strengthening the ties between the generations.

New Zealand: New Zealand’s 65+ Population: A Statistical Volume (October 2007)
The population of New Zealand is aging and this change will profoundly affect policy making and planning at national, regional and local levels. This report, largely structured around key social well-being domains and demographic features, focuses on culture and identity, health, housing, migration, safety and security, and social connectedness, and it draws data from social surveys, demographic projections, and administrative data. 

China/US: What College Students Know about Older Adults: A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study (October 2007)
This study asks 227 college students from Illinois, US, and Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) about their perception of being old. The US students’ answers were consistently more individualistic, focused on freedom and the personal (personal knowledge accumulated over a life course, the personal aging or dying experience) whereas the PRC students’ answers were relationship-oriented and focused on interconnectedness (filial children, fear of abandonment, caring for grandchildren, contributing to society). For better intergenerational understanding, the writers recommend that intergenerational programming and age-mixed activities should be created and expanded.

Hong Kong: Evaluating the Curricula for Entry-Level Care Professionals in Aging-Related Fields (October 2007)
How do students in medical and nursing studies as well as social work alumni evaluate the undergraduate programs offered at the University of Hong Kong? What are the potential areas for developing effective curricula for entry-level care professionals? The answers pointed toward including aging-related knowledge and skills in undergraduate programs since this is essential information for competent practitioners. The authors urge collaborative teaching among gerontologists/geriatricians and general human service educators along with “hands-on training in aging programs and services in various settings.” 

Australia: Older Women’s Fears of Violence: The Need for Interventions that Enable Active Ageing (September 2007)
This author investigates older, low-income Australian women’s perceptions of fear and their expressed need to learn to protect themselves against violence. It finds that as women become older, fears concerning their vulnerability in areas such as limited finances, lack of transport, inability to maintain home protection, or mistrust of others, increase. This study suggests that “media has the capacity to educate and inform about protective measures, although it may negatively impact on older perceptions of violence.”

Australia: Perceptions of Elder Abuse among Australian Older Adults and General Practitioners (September 3, 2007) 
This report investigates and compares perceptions of elder abuse by general practitioners (GPs) and older people. The results suggest that GPs tend to view all types of abuse scenarios as less severe when compared to the groups of older adults. In addition, “caregivers saw scenarios as less severe than other groups of older people.” 

Australia: Does Gradual Retirement Have Better Outcomes Than Abrupt Retirement? Results from an Australian Panel Study (August 29, 2007)
According to this report, “retiring gradually allows time for people to make changes to their lifestyle.” Having control over the timing and manner of leaving work has an even greater positive impact on psychological and social well-being. “Policies and employment practices that promote employees’ control of their retirement decisions will enhance wellbeing in later life and facilitate longer workforce participation.”

Vietnam: The Relationship Between Old Age and Poverty in Viet Nam (August 22, 2007)
This United Nations Development Programme report suggests that the Vietnamese older population as a group are able to command resources to ensure their welfare if they continue to be economically active, share pooled resources in a household with others and provide other forms of active participation such as housework or child care, receive private inter-household or public transfers, or rely on personal lifetime investment in savings or private pension provision. This, unfortunately, is difficult to achieve and the reality is “that many elderly are poor and the presence of elderly people increases the incidence of poverty.”

New Zealand: Positive Ageing Indicators 2007 (August 2007)
Positive Ageing Indicators 2007 provides a picture of older people’s quality of life in the areas of income, health, housing, transport, and access to facilities and services. It also examines levels of cultural engagement among older Māori, attitudes to ageing and older people, older people living in the community, and their employment and opportunities. These indicators will help to identify key issues for older New Zealanders and areas where action is needed.

Report: Japan: Older Workers: Lessons from Japan (June 2007)
As the baby boomers reach traditional retirement ages, US policymakers may wish to encourage longer worklives. The report examines the example of Japan, where more than 30% of the elderly continue to work after the official retirement age, making it rank first among major industrial nations in terms of labor force participation rates. As of 2005, the United States ranked second with a rate of 25.6 percent. While more than 60% of Japanese workers cited economic considerations as the reason for remaining employed after 65, the Japanese government also encourages longer worklives by promoting self-employment opportunities.

Report: Baby Boomers – Doing it for Themselves (March 2007)
Five years of strong economic growth and extensive publicity about the need to “work longer, save harder” have resulted in more Australian baby boomers finding and keeping jobs. In addition, there have been some striking increases in labor force participation rates by older baby boomers. Yet it is still apparent that many baby boomers are retiring early, with debt hanging over their heads. The average debt for all baby boomer households is an estimated $59,000 in 2004, with 73 per cent of the entire group recording some debt. The good news is that boomers are managing to reduce their debt levels as they approach the official retirement age.

Report: Korea: The Aging of Korea: Demographics and Retirement Policy in the Land of the Morning Calm (March 2007)
Korea is a unique example in the global aging situation. Unlike Japan, the United States, and Europe, Korea is still in the midst of modernization; and unlike China, Korea already has a high-income society. Despite the breathtaking economic growth of recent decades, Korea remains a traditional society. Tradition requires the Koreans to retire early, the women to stop working when they get married and the family to take care of their older relatives. Consequently the National Pension System doesn’t target the elderly who face “modern” problems such as dependency and isolation. The report proposes to move to a universal flat benefit system, and to combine it with a mandatory funded system; this would encourage much higher rates of participation, especially from the new generation.

Asia: Aging in Asia and Oceania (March 2007)
Last year AARP commissioned a survey designed to increase their knowledge of aging issues and attitudes in key Asian markets. Researchers compared US and Asian societies and their policies toward aging. The report examines the different ways in which societies address retirement security and quality of life issues in old age, and attitudes toward older people and their place in society.

Report: Australia: Security and Protection Legislation for Aged Care (February 2007)
In Australia, the House of Representatives is going to give new legislative protection to aged care residents, including compulsory reporting of abuse. This Aged Care Amendment Bill 2007 appears to be a major step forward in monitoring the care of older persons in institutions.

Articles

China: Elderly Survey in Harbin: 65% Elderly Want to Stay at Nursing Homes (December 26, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In the city of Harbin, an Elderly Status Survey conducted July to October 2007 showed that 92% of older people are satisfied with their material life, while 55% want further improvement in their spiritual life. Among the older people interviewed, 62% are having health problems and 65% of seniors over 70 years would like nursing home care. The survey also revealed that up to 78.6% of older people are lonely, either because their children are busy at work or because they live alone. 

China: How Are Older People in China Living Now? (December 25, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
The “National Elderly Population Survey” conducted this year with over-60 older people in China has shown how they are living their lives are now. Older people’s lives throughout China have improved when compared to results from the 2000 survey. Pension and personal income increased remarkably; health insurance is improved; social welfare is further enhanced. The living environment is getting better. However, the number of lonely elderly also increased and seniors’ feelings about spiritual life remain unchanged.

China: A Difficult Yet Urgent Task (December 20, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
According to the UN’s standard, China became an aging society as early as seven years ago. The over-60 population in China has reached 145 million, accounting for 11% of total population. The low birthrate, the widespread one-child family pattern, flows of migration, and the changing life style of the elderly are contributing to the increase of lonely elderly. Beginning in 2025, China will enter a fast aging period. The 12-year time window for setting up and perfecting a social security mechanism is not very long. Elder care is not just about people’s well-being, but also impacts the country’s politics, economy, society and spiritual life.

China: Elderly Survey in China: Half of The Elderly are Lonely in Old Age (December 17, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
By the end of 2006, the over-60 population in China reached 149 million, accounting for 21.4% of the world’s elderly. At the same time, the percentage of over-60 persons is increasing at a rate as high as 3.2% annually. More and more older Chinese no longer expect care from their children, but rather rely on social pension schemes. According to the “National Elderly Population Survey” released by National Elderly Committee, 50.3% of older persons have joined pension schemes. The survey also shows that the number of “lonely elderly” is about half (49.7%) of all old people At present, the development of elder care services in the country is not meeting the strong demand from aged citizens.

China: Ageing 'Threatens China Economy' (December 18, 2007)
China recently emerged as the world’s third economic power after the US and Japan. Its low cost labor has made the economy grow. But what will happen when the current labor force reaches old age? China is not prepared, the author says. The challenge of migration from rural areas to cities for jobs has left older people behind in the countryside with few pensions or relatives to help them. How will China’s government deal with this emerging critical need?

China: Elderly Becoming Increasingly Isolated (December 18, 2007)
Everyday, more and more of China's elderly seem to live in isolation, refusing to socialize and haunted by loneliness. More ominously, a survey found that about 2.6 percent of elderly people in urban areas and 4.9 percent in rural areas have thought about committing suicide. The Deputy Director of the China National Committee on Aging (CNCA) office stated that older persons desperately need care and consultation for their psychological problems. Intergenerational socializing and family involvement is vital for maintaining the happiness of the aged population of China today. 

Japan: Elder Abuse Underreported - Survey Finds Vast Majority of Mistreatment Cases Ignored (December 5, 2007)
In April 2006, the Japanese government defined abuse and stipulated caregivers' obligation to report it to municipal government authorities. A new survey shows that in most cases, caregivers don’t denounce or report? abuses. Elderly Japanese remain victims of discrimination and humiliation, such as psychological, language or physical abuse in nursing homes. The survey reports 498 cases in 2006.  

China: Member of the C.P.P.C.C: “Lonely Elderly are Enjoying Life" (December 5, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Mei Zhen Rong, a 50-year-old member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Luo Yang city – He Nan province, is concerned about care given to older persons in her region. With her principle of “inspiring everyone in the society to care for the elderly,” she coordinates 50 other retired people from Shi Hua Organization in a painting club for “lonely elderly.” Ms. Mei Zhen Rong holds painting classes every week at the club. In recent years, as more and more younger family members move away from their family homes to work or study, the number of “lonely elderly” increases daily. At this point Luo Yang city, many of the remaining older persons have joined Mei Zhen Rong’s club and found a second family. 

Japan: Japan Elderly Abuse much more than Disclosed: Media (December 4, 2007)
With 10% of the population over 75, Japan is now facing serious problems of abuse against elderly people. Government report revealed 13,000 abuse cases by family members. Meanwhile at nursing homes, nearly 500 elderly people were abused in various ways by employees. 190 cases involved psychological abuse, 130 cases involved physical abuse, and 110 others involved tying to bed or other types of restraints. These are results from a survey conducted with nursing home employees. 

New Caledonian: Older Persons Are Looking for a Home (December 4, 2007)
(Article in French)
The Caledonian Communal Center for Social Action survey of persons aged 60 to 85 years will help Caledonian local authorities to meet older peoples’ housing needs. One housing unit, the Cerisier Bleue Residence, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and seems to have found a good answer to older people’s needs: Occupants stay independent and remain in their own apartments but they can participate in collective events organized in the building.

China: Hui Ethnic Elderly: “I Can Do Business Online Now” (November 17, 2007) 
(Article in Chinese)
Mai YanHua, 74 years old Hui, lives in Ning Xia Autonomous Region. A successful food businessman, he sells his food online. In 2002, Gu Yuan city in the autonomous region of Ning Xia began an information technology project targeting rural areas. Now farmers at more than 126 rural area information technology posts do internet-based business. By doing business online, Mai YanHua increased his customers. He sells food to buyers as far as North East China and Beijing. Due to online sales, his income has doubled since 2002.

Taiwan: The Aging of Society Deserves More Attention (November 16, 2007)
Taiwan is a fast-aging society. At present, people aged 65 or older make up about 10 percent of the population; by 2025 it will increase to 20 percent in 2025. That’s why the Cabinet recently adopted a plan to assist the island's older persons. The government plans to spend US$2.7 billion over a 10-year period to provide senior citizens with various services -- including home care, free transportation, and rehabilitation -- that they need to live a healthy and comfortable life. Will these measures alone meet the needs of the elders, so often ignored by younger generation?

Japan: As Japan Ages, Prisons Adapt to Going Gray (November 3, 2007)
“There are worries that prisons could become a sort of social welfare facility for the elderly,” said Hideo Nemoto, an official at Shizuoka Prison west of Tokyo. Indeed, as Japanese society ages, family traditions and community ties break down. The 65-and-older group of incarcerated persons is the fastest growing group of prisoners in Japan. Between 2000 and 2006, the number of elderly criminals escalated by 160%, to 46,637. Prisons are facing pressure to care for elderly prisoners and taking on an enormous financial obligation. 

China: District Lets Elderly Lease out Apartments (October 31, 2007)

In a local district in China , the Putuo District Community Service Center , has begun to help older persons who want to rent their property. It helps elderly raise money to pay for accommodations in nursing homes or retirement facilities. A supervision department to oversee the project will be set up soon.

India: Urbanization Not Too Good for Elderly (October 26, 2007)
In urban India, wealthy elders living alone are at high risk for ‘acute loneliness,’ making them more vulnerable to ‘emotional entrapment,’ in which they are emotionally blackmailed into giving home health aides, drivers and other help their valuable assets as a sign of gratitude. As India becomes more urban, adult children and relatives may not be as readily available to care for their elderly parents and relatives, thus lonely elders are turning to outside help who may take advantage of them. It is crucial to identify acutely lonely elders living alone in urban areas and provide support through counseling.

Taiwan: Veterans’ Homes to Open Their Doors to Elderly Taiwanese (October 18, 2007)
Veterans’ homes and care centers that have catered exclusively to long-retired soldiers who came from China with the Chinese National Party army will open their doors to elderly ethnic Taiwanese. Retired soldiers tend to receive better healthcare services and pensions than the Taiwanese, but some have no need for these services. The unused resources will now be shared with the rest of the population, which can help change public perceptions about veterans “and also help ethnic groups get along with each other.”

China: Exploring New Models of in-Home Services for the Elderly (September 26, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai Jing’an District Committee of Aging provides comprehensive in-home services such as regular medical check-ups, meal provision, and house cleaning to qualified elderly living in the district. Since 1999, the district pioneered in exploring in-home service models in the city by establishing services such as “Elderly Daily Care Center” and “Happy Aging Home.” Such services offer in-home services ranging from daily care to psychological comfort. 

China: Report of Survey on Elderly Mentality and Attitudes in Nanjing (September 24, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In mid-September, over 500 older persons with ages ranging from 55 to 80 years, were surveyed regarding their living situations and attitudes. According to the survey, the majority of the elderly expressed their willingness to be involved in some work or social activities after retirement. However, many felt difficulties in adjusting to after-retirement life, and some expressed a sense of being lost and lonely or even angry about the changes in after-retirement life. The survey also indicates that the majority of elderly lack social or entertainment activities, and only a few elderly are able to keep their social activities at the same level when they were younger.

China: Will an Aging Population Defang China? (October 1, 2007)

China, one of the five members of the Security Council has taken on a very important role on the international scene. Today, less than 8% of China's population is 65 or older. By 2050, that proportion could rise to as high as 24%. Accorded to the author, China has to take some measures for this part of the population to continue to be a major power. 

China: Exploring new models of in-home services for the elderly (September 26, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai Jing’an District Committee of Aging provided comprehensive in-home services such as regular medical check-ups, meal provision, and house cleaning to qualified elderly living in the district. Since 1999, the district pioneered in exploring in-home service models in the city by establishing services such as “Elderly Daily Care Center” and “Happy Aging Home.” Such services provide in-home services ranging from daily care to psychological comfort. 

China: Report of survey on elderly mentality and attitudes in Nanjing (September 24, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In mid-September, over 500 older persons with ages ranging from 55 to 80 years, were surveyed regarding their living situations and attitudes. According to the survey, the majority of the elderly expressed their willingness to be involved in some work or social activities after retirement. However, many felt difficulties in adjusting to after-retirement life, and some expressed a sense of being lost and lonely or even angry about the changes in after-retirement life. The survey also indicates that the majority of elderly lack social or entertainment activities, and only a few elderly are able to keep their social activities to the same level when they were younger.

China: Showing Up in Person for ID Verification Baffles 90-year Olds Who Have Difficulty Moving Around (September 20, 2007)
According to recent regulation, retirees are required to show up in person for ID verification on a regular basis in order to prevent fraud and mistakes. However, many elderly have difficulty moving around or are bed-ridden. Recently, Mr. Su, a 94-year old, is facing such difficulties. An official said that the organizations handling the ID verification should accommodate the special situations like Mr. Su by offering options of going to retirees’ home for ID verification.

Australia: Senior’s ‘Accept Blame’ for Environmental Damage (August 30, 2007)
Senior citizens in Australia are accepting responsibility for their share of the damage to the environment. Stating that they want to leave the planet in better shape than they found it, the National Seniors Program are pressing the government to permit older Australians from 124 senior citizen branches to donate their time to help schools with environmental issues. As role models, senior citizens want the chance to teach young people the benefits of environmental responsibility. 

Pakistan: Steps Urged for the Elderly’s Welfare (September 10, 2007)
In Islamabad, the Pakistan Social Association (PSA) took up the needs of elders at a seminar, held September 9, 2007. The fact that family ties are fading and traditional and religious links are weakening, older persons suffer the most economically, socially, and psychologically. The seminar stressed helping elderly people to the level where they can contribute to the society rather than becoming a “burden” they could bring value to society. 

Japan: Robots Turn Off Senior Citizens in Aging Japan (September 20, 2007)
After a seeming boom in the production of robots as companions and helpers for older persons, newest market research shows that older persons have lost their interest. Instead of high-tech gadgets and futuristic robots, they now prefer utilitarian devices, such as height-adjustable countertops and phones with jumbo-sized keys. 

China: Showing Up in Person for ID Verification Baffles 90-year Olds Who Have Difficulty Moving Around (September 20, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a recent regulation, retirees are required to show up in person for ID verification on a regular basis in order to prevent fraud and mistakes. However, many elderly have difficulty moving around or are bed-ridden. Recently, Mr. Su, a 94-year old, is facing such difficulties. An official said that the organizations handling the ID verification should accommodate the special situations like Mr. Su by offering options of going to retirees’ home for ID verification.

Japan: Respect for the Elderly (September 18, 2007)

Japan: On September 18, Japanese workers stayed home in honor of Respect the Aged Day, now in its 60th year. The average longevity in Japan is very high, 79 years for men and 85 years for women. As a result, elderly people could play a major role in society. Unfortunately, an increasing number of people over 65 years live alone, some four million. Many do not choose to live alone but circumstances have created this situation. That’s why the Asahi Shimbun newspaper has launched an appeal to all Japanese to meet each other socially and to look after the oldest. 

Japan: Percentage of Japanese Aged 65 or Older Hits New High (September 16, 2007)
Recently released Government data shows that nearly 22 percent of Japan’s population is aged 65 or older. The figures, which surpass last year’s record, show that “approximately 27.44 million people, or 21.5 percent of the country's 127.76 million population” are elderly. The government predicts that by 2055 those aged 65 and older will make up 40.5 percent of Japan's population. 

China, Hong Kong: Dementia: Six People Go Missing Every Day (September 13, 2007) 
According to research from the Chinese University, an average of six people with dementia get lost every day in Hong Kong. While this fact itself requires closer attention by the government, the real problem is that only one in four families report the disappearance to the police immediately. In Hong Kong, one can observe the transition from a traditionally close family structure to a more “Western” one, where older persons often collect “cardboard or tin cans for recycling to earn extra money.”

China: Elderly Universities Become a Popular Place Among the Retirees (September 6, 2007)
Hefei City, Anhui Province, has over 560,000 seniors aged 60 or over, accounting for 12% of the total population in the city. Many retirees enjoy financial security, but they desire a more active way of life through learning and socializing with their peers or younger generation. Due to the lack of opportunities and places for the elderly to engage in cultural and social activities, most seniors choose to go to the “elder universities,” training organizations that provide group lessons ranging from calligraphy, piano lessons, to computer applications and foreign language instruction. These elder universities are now facing a new and difficult challenge: excessive demand to enroll over the supply or number of available seats as more and more retirees join the classes. Current participants continue to register and stay on with the organization term after term.

India: Elderly Not Wary of Calling off Marriage (September 5, 2007)
The number of pensioners seeking a divorce in India is rising. Out of 2,000 cases filled at a local court, 10% were from the 40-50 age group, while 10 cases were filed by petitioners in the 50-60 and 60-70 age groups. Many divorcees are women, who stay in their marriages until their children grow up and are settled, thereby avoiding entanglement in messy divorces. 

Tunisia: A Pioneer Policy for the Promotion of Older Persons in Families and in the Society (August 2007)
(Article in French)
Like many other countries, Tunisia faces a growing number of older persons and the challenges that come with an aging population: high consumption of health services, imbalance of the pension system and new needs for social protection. The article gives an overview of the programs and financial aids that allow older persons to keep a decent purchase power and their independence. Recently President Ben Ali presented a ten-year plan to promote the protection of the elderly. Tunisia shows, here, its desire to follow MIPAA recommendations.

China: Money is Not the Issue; Elderly Need Better-Equipped Old Age Care Homes (August 31, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Both the elderly and their children expressed their concerns over the quality of facilities and amenities available in current old age care homes. The old age care homes in Nanjing mostly provide very few amenities and only simple services. They typically are not equipped with doctors or nurses and can only provide the most basic services as residential facilities for the elderly. Only a few homes have the ability of providing recovery or nursing services.

India: Indian Bid to Enforce Children's Obligation to Aging Parents (August 27, 2007)
Older persons feel the effects of the rapid change of traditional values in India the most. As many adult children move into their own housing or leave the country to seek better employment opportunities, older persons increasingly feel lonely, isolated and without sufficient funds to support themselves. India’s government drafted a law that would make it “a legal obligation for children, heirs, or relatives to provide financial assistance to senior citizens.” While the draft has several legal holes to fill, some older persons say they would not use the law against their children. Ananta Khudaskar, a frail elderly man, says: "I want my son's love and affection, not his money."

China: China's Elderly Care Conundrum (August 23, 2007)
China continues to grow as one of the world’s most powerful economic powers. However, as a result of China’s one-child policy, not enough young people are joining the work force. This increases the burden of responsibility on younger workers to care for their elder relatives and puts an enormous load on future generations. Among them is four-month-old Jie Jie. His family counts on him to "to look after all of us, mum, dad, grandpa and grandma one, grandpa and grandpa two." 

Thailand: Thailand's Aging Population (August 19, 2007)
As a result of changing economic conditions and social values in Thailand, older persons “are more likely to live alone at home, especially in rural areas where the younger generations frequently migrate” to urban dwellings. Thai families are also becoming smaller, which leaves less potential care givers for the elderly. The article’s author argues that older persons should do more to ensure that they are aging healthy, as older persons can not rely on others to take care of them. 

China: Speeding Cars Makes Crossing the Road Difficult for Older Persons (August 11, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Compared to younger persons, senior citizens often walk much slower, have mobility problems, and are therefore more accident-prone on the roads. Rapid construction in the city has brought wider roads and higher speeds, which exacerbates the difficulty of older persons with mobility problems crossing the streets. According to new transportation regulations, vehicles should slow down at the crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. 

China: 300 Older Persons in Nanjing Help Over 100 Impoverished Students (August 5, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Three years ago, Nanjing resident He Yan established a senior citizens club with the help of the media. This year, the group’s action theme is “giving thanks and giving back.” He Yan says that in his hometown, there are many talented students who will drop out of school because their family cannot afford the 300 Yuan annual tuition. So, with the help of the Shizuishan Board of Education, the senior citizen club chose 103 qualified junior and senior high school students on whom to focus their aid. Both companies and individuals in Nanjing donated to the effort, and in less than 2 hours, these 300 older persons had helped 103 impoverished students.

Australia: Great-Great-Granny Earns Masters Degree at 94 (August 2, 2007)
A 94-year-old Australian woman recently became the oldest person ever to earn a master’s degree. She entered undergraduate study at the age of 70 and decided to pursue a master’s degree in medical science in 2002 at the University of California. Despite her accomplishments, Turner maintains that she is proudest of her seven children and two stepchildren.

China: Retired Couple Establishes Seniors’ Activity Center (August 2, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Every evening, the sound of music flows out from a backyard of a house in Dongguan Villa, Xing’an Neighborhood, Anqiu City—this is the sound of over 20 elderly singing or dancing, enjoying the happiness of their retirement life. This house is the home of retired couple, Minghao Yin and Xuecai Liang, as well as the place where they established the Xi Yang Hong Seniors’ Activity Center to help the local older persons have a happier and enjoyable life.

China: 1,000 Older Persons Experience the Misery of Electricity Loss: 7 Power Outages in Half a Month (July 29, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
For days, elderly apartments in Shuangyu town in Yangyi Village in Lucheng district have repeatedly experienced power outages, greatly distressing the older persons. The Longfeng Villas currently house over 500 seniors. During the loss of electricity, the villas do not have air conditioning or fans, and some older persons even experience breathing problems. The Longfeng complex has three older persons who require ventilators to breathe, but during a power outage not only their ventilators will not start, but the villas’ emergency bells will not work either. According to a customer service representative from the electricity company, because of the energy situation in the summer in Lucheng, the company has already planned to place restrictions on the commercial use of the electricity in the Shuangyu area to guarantee enough electricity for the residents.

Bangladesh: Open Departments in Hospitals for Elderly People (July 28, 2007)
At a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Association for the Aged, speakers urged the government to “provide medicine free of cost and open separate departments in all hospitals for elderly people.” In addition, speakers advocated for programs ensuring better health services for older persons, saying that current measures are “not enough and poor elderly people are still deprived of their fundamental rights.”

Australia: Cold Snap Takes Toll on Emergency Wards (July 24, 2007)
The Royal North Shore Hospital could barely handle the overflow of emergency room patients who came with “virulent winter illnesses” due to the large number of elderly people waiting for care. According to Sydney’s health services, if the government gave proper attention to the issue of care for older persons, hospitals could avoid delays and shortages of beds. When simple health problems are addressed at local care facilities for older persons, emergency patients can receive the immediate attention they require. 

China: What’s Email? 50 Retired Forestry Workers in Cili Learn the Computer (July 20, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Not understanding how to use a computer today is almost as bad as being illiterate in the past. Therefore, older people in Cili are taking a training class provided by the Cili District Forestry Bureau to learn about basic computer operations and ask questions. Studying the computer also helps these older persons keep their minds active, meet new friends, and “stay young.”

China: China Netcom Beijing Office Offering the Elderly “Warm Line” Service (July 19, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Lift the handset without dialing any number for 5 seconds and your phone will be connected to a family member’s phone automatically. This new “warm line” service designed solely for the convenience of the elderly, started this Tuesday in a community in Beijing and established the “express calling service” for hundreds of elderly there. When elderly people have emergencies, they can just pick up the phone in order to get immediate help.

China: Scam Company Received Over 900,000 Yuan from Older Persons by Fraud (July 18, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
A company, licensed in Hangzhou by a group of people led by Changjiang Bao from Hubei province, ripped off 51 older persons for a total amount of 910,000 Yuan within a single month. They told victims that the money were used for “investing in a duck raising project” and promised them “high investment returns.” Once they got the money, they ran away. A few days ago, the Hangzhong Police arrested the group led by Changjiang Bao and Jinyan Feng.

China: More Deaths Among Older Persons Living Alone: How Can We Guarantee Their Safety? (July 11, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In modern Chinese society, older persons and their children both require their own space, a change from more traditional times when several generations would live together. As of December 31, 2006, there were 172,400 seniors living alone in Shanghai, and it is a common occurrence for these elders to die alone; for example, there was one older person who was not discovered until a week after his death. Some communities in Shanghai have installed emergency bells or emergency beepers connected to the community service center.

China: Of 970,000 Older Persons, Barely 700 Senior Citizen Cards Distributed: Why So Slow? (July 3, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Among Hainan province’s 970,000 older persons, only about 700 have received their senior citizen “preferential treatment” card to date. Mr. Fu, an older person from the city of Haikou, claims that he completed an application for the card in March only to learn last week that the office had not sent out his forms yet. Many cities are reporting financial problems as the main cause for the delay.

China: Haidong Holds Twentieth Elder Athletic Competition in Hualong (June 28, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Haidong district held its twentieth Elder Athletic Competition in Bayan, Hualong on June 25. The competition is held to improve the physical and psychological strength of older persons and encourage them to undertake physical training, in addition to developing the area’s culture.

China: Thousands in Chinese Town Protest Forced Eviction (June 23, 2007)
Thousands in China have protested the eviction of a 90-year-old elderly woman from her home. Sources say that authorities have been trying to expel her since 2004 to make way for a real-estate project. Such practices are becoming quite common in China. The protest drew some 20,000 people and yielded quite a few arrests. The woman was reportedly seen on the roof of her house defending herself with a homemade gasoline bomb.

Japan: Japanese man is world's oldest at 111: Guinness (June 19, 2007)
A 111-year-old Japanese engineer, Tomoji Tanabe, received a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records officially certifying him as the world’s oldest male. His predecessor, Emiliano, Mercado del Toro of Puerto Rico, died at the age of 115 on January 24. Tanabe has repeatedly said that avoiding alcohol was a secret of his longevity.

Australia: Is This Any Way To Treat Our Elderly? (June 17, 2007)
According to the article, Australia’s most notorious criminals have healthier, more expensive meals than the country’s elderly. While about $5.70 is spent on a prisoner's meals each day, pensioners on the breadline who live at home have to budget for as little as $2 a meal.

Japan’s Elderly are Urged to Work (June 8, 2007)
The increasing presence of older adults in Japan has motivated the government to help the elderly become active in the workforce. It is vital for people to see them as “invaluable manpower instead of people who just need support and care.” A movement toward elderly employment could prevent poverty and “scandals over the payment of state pensions.” 

China: Elderly People Edged out of Tour Market (June 5, 2007)
Confronted with comparatively high costs, many travel agencies in Guangzhou, southern China, are dropping services specifically designed for older people. The director of one tour association blamed elderly people’s vulnerability to illness, as well as their tendency to spend less than younger tourists. Another company, however, said adding services for the elderly helped them boost their revenue by 80 percent.

Japanese pensioner climbs Everest, sets record (May 29, 2007)
A 71-year-old Japanese man has become the oldest person to climb Mount Everest, the Kyodo Tsusin news agency said Tuesday. KatsusukeYanagisawa said he was glad he made it, adding that the support of his friends was a great help to him. The previous record belonged to 70-year-old Takao Arayama, also from Japan.

India: Old Age and the Cold Shoulders (May 17, 2007)
The elderly population in India has roughly doubled in the last 25 years; however, their quality of life and care are declining with this rapid growth. For instance, 30 percent of the older population lives under the poverty line. Similar statistics hold true for other countries. The author points out that the UN’s Madrid International Plan of Action adopted in 2002 predicted this situation, underscoring that societies can perceive aged persons as a burden and an “inevitable threat to individual[s] today.” 

China: Shanghai Committed to its Aging Population (May 17, 2007)
More than 20% of Shanghai’s residents are now over the age of 60. By 2020, those over 60 will account for 25 to 33 percent of the city's total, while the number of younger working persons is expected to decrease. As a result of this development, the government has decided to increase spending on social security, which includes both pensions and healthcare. The municipal government has said that it will add 10,000 hospital beds for the aged each year. Currently, about 97% of Shanghai senior citizens have a pension plan.

Taiwan: The Employment of Aged Persons is a Struggle in Asia (May 15, 2007)
(Article in Arabic)
A recent study showed that executives in Taiwan were less prone to hire elder persons compared to their other executives in Asia. The study also found that less than 10 percent  of company executives had a concrete plan for hiring those over 50 years of age. Comparisons were made with Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Japan, and China. 48 percent of company executives in Singapore, for example, said that they have implemented strategies for the hiring of older persons. The study concludes by stating that a few Swedish companies that were surveyed did not fare well with regards to the employment of senior citizens. 

New Zealand: The Advantages of Old Age in Kiwi Workplaces (May 15, 2007)
According to a study, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of working boomers among the countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study illustrates the adaptations employers may be required to make to change demographics in the workforce.

Elderly Japanese Seen as an Important Sector in the Economy (April 15, 2007)
(Article in Arabic)
After realizing that senior citizens make up a large part of the Japanese economy, companies are now focusing on developing products and services for the elderly. Some of these programs include 24-hour medical care service that is expected to generate healthy returns for companies with such initiatives.

Japan: Impoverished Refugees Flood Japanese Cities (April 30, 2007)
While it is quite unknown, poverty in Japan affects many people, young and old. According to the author, older persons are among the most vulnerable. “Japanese homeless people are, mostly, middle aged and elder. The cruel economy is especially harsh to these senior people.”

China’s Elderly Are Yet to Surf the Internet (April 25, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
China has an elderly population over 140 million coinciding with the 140 million Internet users in China. However, very few Chinese older persons use the Internet. What accounts for this? Language barriers, difficulties of inputting Chinese, and limited access to necessary hardware, equipment, etc.

China: Community activities are not just for the elderly (April 20, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Older persons make up the main participants in community activities. Interestingly, few young people participate in such activities even though such activity would enrich their lives. Many elderly say that they would love the young people to participate in community activities as well. They feel that community activities should not be left to older persons.

Brunei: Young People Urged to Take Better Care of Elderly (April 17, 2007)
Brunei launched a program entitled “Family in Caring for Senior Citizens.” It encourages young people to take care of their old parents and to provide support to senior citizens. More than a coercion program, it requires “every member of society to take responsibility for their moral obligations:” Young people are taught that the family unit has major responsibility to care for senior citizens. The government also ensures older persons’ well-being: since the Old Age Pension and Disability Act in 1954, it provides a monthly pension to them. 

China: Elderly Working After Retirement Creates More Unemployment? (April 17, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In recent years, more and more retirees want to enter the labor market. Younger job seekers worry that retirees are competing with them for jobs. Many companies show their preference for the retirees for several reasons. Hiring retirees does not require paying social security tax, a 20-30% savings on labor costs. Moreover, retirees are usually experienced workers and do not need much training. Countering the younger workers’ worries, experts from a retiree association claim that jobs taken by older workers differ from those that most younger job seekers want. Therefore the younger workers have little need to feel competitive pressures.

China: Why Do the Elderly Often Become Scam Victims? (April 12, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
China has entered an aging society with its older population comprising 10% of the total population. The elderly now face frequent scams and many have suffered economic loss. The article discusses various reasons and measures that the older persons can take to safeguard themselves from falling into these traps.

China: Add the gender perspective into the elderly women’s legal rights system (March 29, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
In comparison with their male counterparts, China’s older women face many problems in securing legal protection. On average, they are worse off in terms of economic security, access to medical services, owning property as well as social integration and taking part in society. In China, around 70% of elderly women live in the rural areas where the social security system is almost non-existent. These rural elderly women face even more severe challenges than their urban counterparts. In 2007, China started to revise its “Law of Elderly Legal Rights Protection.” Experts and women’s organizations are advocating consideration of gender issues and changing laws to meet the particular issues facing older women.

China: Immigrant Elderly Hope for Transferable Benefits (March 29, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
China has based both it pensions and medical systems in a specific locality. Older persons must worry about not getting reimbursed for their medical expenses paid in other regions of the country. Elderly with chronic diseases who travel outside their home region have either to bring enough medicines with them or pay the expense themselves. During this year’s two conferences (National People’s Congress and Political Consultative Conference), many representatives proposed eliminating the restrictions on receiving pensions and reimbursing medical expenses across regions. With the fast development of China’s economy and more free movement of people among the regions, it is a necessary step to establish a medical and social security system that allows cross-regional use.

Korea: Two Koreas Hold First Reunions via Videos (March 27, 2007)
Since the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945 and the 1950-1953 Korean war, millions of families have been separated. Currently, virtual visits take place between the separated families via a fiber-optic video cable. This Red Cross initiative permits families to reunite families’ members via a television screen. It helps answer the urgency for older persons to see their relatives before dying. In the past decade, about 32,000 South Koreans died without seeing long- lost relatives from the North.

China: An Aging Society Needs Apartments For the Elderly (March 22, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
During the 5th session of the 10th Political Consultative Conference, Guo Songhai, the national commissar of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference submitted a proposal regarding apartments for the elderly. According to the proposal, building elderly apartments is one way to supplement the traditional family-support model of elderly care. While many cities already have many elderly apartments which are very popular among the elderly, there still remain many issues including demand for elderly apartments exceeding supply, and insufficient support from the governments at various levels to construct such elderly apartments.

India: Indian elderly cared well by their families and governments (March 21, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
According to this author, the elderly in India are very well respected and cared throughout the society. They enjoy preferential treatment including a government-funded stipend, various discounts at public parks, and seating on public transportation. Many Indian families still have three or four generations living together and the elderly are always the most respected ones in the family. To ensure income security for the elderly, India passed into law “National Policy for the Elderly” which protects the legal rights of the elderly.

Asia: Improve the Retirees’ Life and Create Opportunities for the Elderly in Asia (March 15, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
AARP, an American organization that services persons over age 50, with the help from two Japanese organizations, held a conference in Tokyo in February this year. The conference focused on ways to improve retirees’ lives and how to create opportunities for the elderly in Asia. Representatives from various countries including China, India, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and US attended this conference. They discussed how to utilize the huge untapped human resources among the retirees, how to help the elderly better integrate into the communities, and the proper function and role of the elderly in the family.

Asia: Age and Population: Older, healthier, happier, but poorer (March 14, 2007)
Asian elderly live longer and healthier than in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, many Japanese believe the country has an adverse demographic profile, fearing that the elder population will weigh down national economic growth. Other countries - like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore – appear less pessimistic. Older people are seen as helpful, contributing members of society, wise and also perceived as consumers. Meanwhile, the financial community sees the elderly as an easy target. For example, “bankers see a huge opportunity and are engaged in a race to create products that enable investors to place bets or hedge risks on longevity risk."

Japan: Japanese Nursing Home Kept Man in Cage (February 20, 2007)
Older people are facing some shocking abuses in unlicensed nursing home according to this Japanese report. Government approved facilities have grown too expensive for many Japanese. Families and older persons increasingly use the growing number of unregulated nursing homes where severe abuse takes place.

China: Immigrant Elderly Adapt to the Life in Shenzhen (February 13, 2007)
(Article in Chinese)
Shenzhen is a city that receives a large number of immigrant workers from other parts of China. In recent years, parents of these immigrant workers started to moved into Shenzhen as well so that the family can stay together. Although facing a new environment, many elderly chose to actively adapt to the life in Shenzhen by making friends, helping out with the neighbors, and picking up hobbies—they successfully found a new way of life in Shenzhen.

China : Elderly Gettin