Elder
Rights: World
-
Archive 2010 -
Articles in Arabic
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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
Background
Documents
Tanzania:
National Ageing Policy (September 2003)
In Africa, after Mauritius, Tanzania is the
second country to have a developed policy on
ageing. Older Tanzanians face many problems
including poverty and inadequate health care and
pensions. Elders lack any meaningful
participation in the important national
decision-making.
Reports | Articles
Reports
Africa: The Rights of
Older People: African Perspectives (November
2008)
The African Union, through its African Charter on
Human and Peoples Rights, has developed a broad
and impressive framework for the protection of
rights of older persons in Africa. At the domestic
level, however, most African countries still have
to develop specific policies and legislation.
Although some 25 national constitutions make
provision for rights of older persons in some
form, only three prohibit discrimination on the
grounds of age. The Report suggests developing a
specific treaty that provides a mechanism for
implementation and accountability of human rights
for older people which is currently lacking.
Articles
Benin: Over 47
Killed and 100,000 Including Older Persons
displaced due to Heavy Flooding in Benin and
Other Areas in Western Africa (October 12,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
According to the United Nations humanitarian
agency, OCHA, over 1.5 million people have been
affected by floods. Benin was affected the most
with 640,000 victims.
South
Africa: Govt, Elderly to Work Together (June 24,
2010)
The South Africa Older Persons Forum partnered
with the South African Government to improve
services for older people and to implement the
Older Persons Act which was launched officially
July 15. They will register old people for
services and review funding criteria for
frail-care residential facilities. After
establishing the Act, the SA Older Persons Forum
circulated information to older people, NGOs, and
organizations to promote an active life for those
who are aging.
South
Africa: They Kick like Grannies, Proudly (June
21, 2010)
A group of frail older women in South Africa
started playing soccer as a joke. Now they are
running and competing on the field, leaving
cultural expectations in the dust. The group
emerged from a "healthy living" project for older
women in townships around Tzaneen. More than forty
women regularly take part; other teams have sprung
up and matches are held regularly in a local
stadium. The women will participate in the US
Adult Soccer Association Veterans Cup in
Lancaster, Mass., in July.
Senegal: Older
People Ask for a More Efficient Government
System for Seniors (June 17, 2010)
(Article in French)
Several associations point to the government
denouncing the fact that older people are
neglected once they retire. While five ministries
deal with aging concerns, the associations demand
a unique structure to improve conditions for
seniors. They reported that 300 notices sent to
different ministries went unheeded. They want to
draw attention to what seniors, with their
experience, can bring to the country. And they
want the government to understand and remedy the
difficult living conditions elders face.
Malawi:
A Conference in Malawi on Old People (June 14,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Malawi held its first meeting on the rights of old
people in Africa. The International Conference,
“Ageing in Africa: Sensitizing the Nations,” was
celebrated from June 2-3 in Lilongwe. The
government of Malawi, Bingu Silvergrey, a
Foundation, and the Community of San Egidio
organized the event. Participants at the
conference created a Bill of Rights for the
Elderly stating that it is necessary to provide
home care and the assistance necessary for life
with dignity to all older citizens in
Malawi.
Africa:
How Our Elderly Are Not Cared for, Especially
the Females (June 12, 2010)
In Africa, the majority of older people work to
support their families until they find it
physically impossible to do so. However, as
younger people become more involved in urbanized
lives and seek opportunities for work in the city,
their older parents are often left in the rural
areas without care. Older women who worked their
entire life taking care of the household, in
particular, need to be guaranteed a decent living.
Malawi:
African Societies Need Plans to Assist Elderly
People, Says Mutharika (June 2, 2010)
Bingu Wa Mutharika, the Malawian President and
current African Union chairperson, spoke at the
African Elderly Conference, emphasizing that older
persons should not be ignored in society. They
have the right to enjoy the advantages of
socio-economic development, he said.
Sierra
Leone: Pastor Morie S. Ngobeh, "The Joy of
Seeing Them Free is What I Love" (April 13,
2010)
Pastor Morie S. Ngobeh, who puts his age at “over
70,” has been spat on and stabbed by addicts at a
center for drug abuse and mental illness in Sierra
Leone 's capital, Freetown. In this article, the
pastor tells the story about how he started to
counsel drug abusers and of the courage and
patience required to do the work he loves.
Uganda:
Growing Old in Uganda (April 6, 2010)
Uganda has an aging population that needs more
attention, according to research conducted by
HelpAge International. Although the government has
developed a range of programs to support older
people, financial incapacity and political
unwillingness have produced little action.
Burkina
Faso: A Review of Laws for Legal Protection of
Older Persons (January 26, 2010)
(Article in French)
In Burkina Faso, older persons suffer from
discrimination and violence, particularly older
women, who are banished because people think they
are witches. To solve this problem, some
associations organized a workshop on January 22 to
find solutions to improve the current laws that
are not clear concerning the rights of older
persons. Those associations based their
suggestions on a study by a legal consultant and
will pass their proposition on to the authorities.
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Americas & Caribbean
Background Documents
Peru: National Plan for Elderly (2002-2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Plan for Elderly was created to
lay out action steps that the government would
take on aging issues in Peru. The elderly
population in Peru is 7.2% and could reach 13% by
2025. This plan aims to integrate the elderly in
the society, by increasing the quality and
quantity of health care services, by creating
policies of food assistance and by helping old
people enjoy a pleasant life with their families
and in society. Another National Plan objective is
promoting a positive image of older persons.
Mexico:
Law For Older Persons in Mexico City (Distrito
Federal, México) (1999)
(Article in Spanish)
A new law for older persons in the city of Mexico
(Distrito Federal de México) took effect in
1999. This law affected all persons older than 60
years old. The law’s aimed to integrate the
elderly into society and to improve the quality of
life. The law includes sections related to health,
food, social assistance, participation, and
work.
Reports
Canada:
Senior Population in Peel Region: Trends,
Characteristics and Issues (March 2010)
This report provides information on trends,
characteristics and issues among the senior
population in the Peel Region of Canada. It uses
data from the 2006 Census of Canada and the
1996-2006 Portraits of Peel reports. The authors
want to reach policy and decision-makers in the
government, social services, not-for profit and
business sectors, community groups and founders in
the Peel Region. Hopefully, the readers will find
the information valuable in their planning and
decision making on priorities for developing and
enhancing social services, infrastructure and
community and recreational activities for seniors
in Peel Region.
US:
Cultural View on and Response to Mistreatment of
Elderly Korean American Immigrants: A Social
Development Intervention (2010)
Older Korean immigrants suffer elder abuse, a
growing social problem in the US and will likely
increase dramatically. This study addresses
cultural views and responses to mistreatment of
elderly Korean immigrants. When asked about four
hypothetical scenarios, interviewers asked
individuals to identify whether they perceived
scenarios to portray elder abuse and asked them if
they would seek help in such a situation.
Trinidad
and Tobago: Ageing in the Caribbean: Exploring
Some Major Concerns for Family and Society
(March 24- 26, 2010)
In the English-speaking Caribbean, older people
now represent 10-13 percent of the population.
Their presence and value in society can no longer
be ignored. The author examines the economic and
health needs of the older population and the
support they receive from governmental agencies
based on research conducted in Trinidad and
Tobago. The paper examines societal and cultural
changes over the years, such as family size, that
impacts older persons in today’s Caribbean. The
author urges the promotion of the well- being of
older persons. But is the Caribbean region
prepared for the older population?
Caribbean: ‘Active
Ageing’: A Qualitative Study in Six Caribbean
Countries (2010)
Based on data collected in six Caribbean
countries, the researchers examined the economic,
social and health situation of older Caribbeans.
They note that ageing is taking place in a context
of low economic performance, changing
intergenerational relations, fragile institutional
structures and reduced access to health care
services. Older persons in some countries pointed
out that they have insufficient incomes and
inaccessible health care.
Mexico:
Validation of the Subjective Well-Being Scale in
Family Caregivers of Elderly People (January
2010)
(Report in Spanish)
The researchers wanted to explore the validity of
the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS) in familiar
caregivers of older adults suffering from diabetes
mellitus type 2. Some 142 family caregivers from
Hermosillo, Sonora, participated. The SWS revealed
four elements that explain 55% of the variance
that turned out to be valid and reliable: the
first identified their affective situation and
their satisfaction with life, both of them
valuable issues in designing and implementing
psychological support programs for family
caregivers.
Articles
Canada:
Government Making Effort to Change How Canadians
View Aging (December 6, 2010)
(Article in French)
The symposium “Spotlight on the Image of Aging”
was held in Montreal, Canada December 2, 2010. The
organizers hope to dismantle negative stereotypes
about aging and celebrate seniors throughout the
country who lead an active life in their
community.
Venezuela : The Society Has
Forgotten the Older People (November 25, 2010)
(Article
in Spanish)
In Venezuela
there are only 33
geriatric of the Social Security System with
three thousand beds. This is a very low figure
if it takes into account the older population.
According to the latest census of 2001, there
are about a million and a half of older people
that live in the country.
Nicaragua : INE Orders 50%
Cut in Energy Bill to Retirees (November 23,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Nicaraguan Energy Institute (INE) has
ordered the distribution companies to apply a
discount of 50 percent in the payment of bills
for retirees and users of that service from this
month. The measure will benefit over 20,000
people.
Mexico: Most
Older Workers Do Not Receive a Salary: INEGI
(November 14, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Two out of three older workers do not receive a
salary as they are freelance. Most of older adults
have fewer job opportunities, despite their
increased costs for health care.
Canada: The First
Informational Program about Abuse and Fraud
against Seniors in Quebec (November 12, 2010)
(Article in French)
The Quebecois program
Aîné-Avisé is a new tool to
increase awareness among seniors, professionals
and the general public about abuse and fraud
against seniors. Through its website and
informational sessions, police, professionals and
volunteers have created a comprehensive
description of abuse and fraudulent acts affecting
seniors and how to prevent them.
Ecuador: 50% of Older People, Homeless
(November 12, 2010)
(Article
in Spanish)
Most older people in Ecuador
live in precarious
conditions. According to a survey by the
Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion (MIES)
one third of older persons live in extreme
poverty. The report also reveals that 18% of the
adult population has hearing problems.
Ecuador:
Center Will Examine the Secrets of Old Age
(November 8, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Ecuador
already has, in Vilcabamba,
the first National Institute of Gerontology
(Inigo). The center will create a database with
indicators on the demographic reality of older
adults that will help to define national
policies for the care of this segment of the
population. In addition, center will offer
courses for professionals in geriatrics.
Chile: "It
is Inconceivable that we have Only 30 Nursery
Homes in Chile" (November 1, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
In Chile there are only 30 geriatricians.
According to the president of the Chilean Society
of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Juan Carlos Molina
Yons, this is inconceivable. "We need about 300,"
he said Friday in a seminar on older adults and
geriatrics.
Colombia:
Four Thousand Associations of Older Adults Ask
Governments of Latin America and the Caribbean
for Specific Actions (October 30, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
More public policies to combat exclusion and
poverty faced by many older people are needed. The
Federation of Senior Citizens (Fiapam), a
federation with four thousand organizations in 26
countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, held
its fourth congress Intergenerational the 28th and
19th October in Medellin, Colombia. The
associations ask governments to fight for older
people rights.
Colombia:
Grandparents Buried in the Roads (October 18,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The streets can be very dangerous for older
people. This year on roads in Medellin 83 people
over 50 years have died, a rate that is similar to
the one in 2009, according to the government. Most
of the victims, 75, were pedestrians. The figures
for the whole country are even more alarming: in
the period between 2004 and 2008, 5,077 people
over 60 years died in the country, victims of
traffic accidents.
Argentina:
Older People Immerse themselves into the Digital
Age (October 10, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older people have lost their fear of the computer.
In Argentina, one in 4 over age 45 has a profile
on any social network. Moreover, computer courses
for adults over 50 years old have more attendees,
and the average age of enrollees is 70
years.
Colombia:
Measures to Prevent Falls and Injuries among
Older Adults (September 24, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Congress will debate a new law to reduce
unemployment among the population over 55 years.
The rule known as the 'law of the last job' offers
incentives like exempting the income tax to
companies that have 20 percent of older
workers.
Mexico:
Telecare, an Alternative for Seniors (September
26, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Mexico celebrates the first year of telecare
equipment to care for older people at home. This
system allows an older person to be assisted by
trained personnel through constant communication.
The user has an alarm button on a bracelet or
necklace for emergency situations.
Colombia:
Measures to Prevent Falls and Injuries among
Older Adults (September 24, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Congress will debate a new law to reduce
unemployment among the population over 55 years.
The rule known as the 'law of the last job' offers
incentives like exempting the income tax to
companies that have 20 percent of older
workers.
Canada: Edmonton
Senior Driver Claims Elder Abuse (September
22, 2010)
Alberta senior David Erisman claims it was a case
of elder abuse when medical professionals
attempted to take his driver's license away.
Earlier this year, his doctor asked him to perform
a series of tests, and declared Erisman
incompetent to drive because he failed one portion
of the test. Some think that the practice of timed
tests is discriminatory towards old people, and
that senior rights were violated in this case.
Paraguay:
Congress on Seniors Starts Now (September 20,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
From the 20th to the 22nd of September, the first
Congress on Latin American Intergenerational
Relations and Active Ageing will be hosted. The
goal is to raise awareness on aging, and do it in
a positive way. In addition, the congress will be
a space for dialogue to exchange ideas,
information and experiences and the development of
intergenerational relationships.
Honduras:
25% of Complaints Given are about Violence and
Abuse of Older Adults (September 20, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
About 25 percent of the complaints that come to
the Office of Consumer and Senior Citizens, is
crimes related to physical and psychological
violence towards older people. The main causes of
abuse of old relatives are alcoholism and drug
addiction of children and grandchildren.
Chile:
Hope and Quality of Life in Chile in the Next
Century (September 11, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Chile has experienced major changes in the last 90
years. Life expectancy has grown dramatically from
31.5 to 78 years on average for men and women. And
in 2020 the average life span is expected to reach
80. However, there still are inequalities, and
life expectancy is different between those with
more than 13 years of education and those without.
Mexico:
Eight Out of 10 Elders Live in Poverty
(September 7, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older people in Mexico continue to increase in
numbers and now represent 8.7 percent of the
population. The vast majority of old people live
in poverty, eight out of ten. According to the
National Population Council projections, the
government must urgently act to address the needs
of its older citizens.
Argentina:
6 Dead at a Retirement House in Argentina
(September 1, 2010)
(Article in French)
A malfunctioning radiator caused a fire that
burned down a retirement home located in Cordoba,
Argentina. The blaze killed six elderly people and
injured another 5 older persons. Some 13 older
people and one nurse occupied this “home."
Peru:
"There Is No Respect for The Rights of Older
People" (August 26, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Peru, like other countries in Latin America, held
the day of the Elderly last Thursday. This
celebration became an occasion to protest the
violation of older people’s rights, a problem that
persists in Latin societies. "The authorities and
the youth have forgotten us," said Juan Machaca in
an interview for the newspaper Correo.
Bolivia: Old People
Associations design a bill on Elderly Rights
(August 26, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The National Association of Senior Citizens of
Bolivia (ANAMBO) wants the Legislative
Plurinational Assembly to debate a bill calling
for the creation of a Ministry for the Elderly. If
enacted, it would give comprehensive care to older
people.
Brazil:
Brazilian Old People Become Excellent DJ's
(August 2, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
"I'm not a grandparent, I'm a DJ.” With this
slogan, a music faculty based in Sao Paulo teaches
older adults to become professional DJ’s. It is
never too late if you feel the music. Students
learn how to handle music equipment and become
familiar with the various electronic beats to know
how to captivate their audience.
Costa
Rica: Families Will Receive Money to 'Adopt' Old
People (July 28, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Costa Rica wants to reward families in solidarity
with older persons. The network of care programs
for older adults will pay a subsidy to families
that have an old person in their home who is
considered socially vulnerable. To ensure the
quality of life of the “adopted,” at least one
family member must be trained on how to care for
older adults.
Mexico:
Experts Ask to Prioritize the Care of Older
People (July 25, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The main problems of older people in Mexico are
disability, isolation, neglect and abuse, said
experts engaged in research on aging. This sector
of the population accounts for 10 percent of the
population and is increasing rapidly. During the
seminar, "Aging and Social Protection,” health
experts asked the government to prioritize the
care of older adults in public policy.
Mexico:
Lack of Employment for Old and Young People
(July 12, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
If you are over 45 years old, it is difficult to
find a job in Guadalajara, Mexico. The economic
crisis and the issue of unemployment have the most
impact on young and older adults. The former have
difficulties due to lack of experience and older
people have difficulties because of their age.
Older adults have plenty of experience but their
age stigmatizes them among many employers.
Colombia:
Time to Give Up the Keys? Precautions to Elderly
Drivers (June 26, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older drivers can be dangerous to themselves and
others. A study of Legal Medicine shows that in
2009, some 5,796 people were killed in Colombia in
traffic accidents, of which 1,098 were ages 60 to
80 years or more. Although most injuries and
deaths occur among young men, seniors are the next
largest group of victims. Therefore, it is very
important for older persons to identify the right
time to stop driving.
Canada:
Canadians and Retirement (June 14, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to an opinion poll, retired Canadians
are worried about the quality of life for their
remaining days. The opinion poll also discloses
that later retirees are more confident about their
financial means than those who retired earlier.
While the Ministers of Finance of Canada gathered
at Prince Edward Island to discuss the retirement
system changes, the government published the
poll.
Bolivia:
More than 33,400 Old People Suffer Neglect and
Abuse in Bolivia (June 14, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ombudsman of Bolivia, Rolando Villena,
reported that more than 33,400 older persons in
the country suffer neglect and abusive conditions
in Bolivia. Villena said the Ombudsman
institutions will address this issue through
efforts to raise awareness, through various means
including volunteering, educational programs, and
cultural events that help draw attention to
abusive situations.
Bolivia:
Demonstration against Mistreatment of Older
Adults (June 13, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The United Association of the Elderly and Persons
with Disabilities held a demonstration against the
mistreatment and abuse of older people in La Paz.
"As our society ages, the percentage of
mistreatment of older adults increases rapidly,"
said the head of the association, Ledy Suarez. The
march commemorated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
on June 15.
Ecuador:
World Forum in Ecuador to Treat Aging (June 4,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Dr. Marco Proaño Maya presented his book,
Life has no Age, in the auditorium of Catholic
University of Ecuador. Proaño warned that
societies need to react quickly to the the rapid
aging of the population. He proposed creating a
global forum, based in Ecuador, to raise
international awareness and help old people to
utilize their skills.
France: Twelve
Proposals to Adapt Housing to the Aging
Population (June 2, 2010)
(Article in French)
As the French population ages, the country needs
to improve and adapt its housing options to old
people. The secretary of state with the National
Agency for Housing has stated that some measures
should be implemented very soon to address the
problem. The Government allotted 500 million
Euros to The National Agency for Housing for the
next seven years to encourage older persons to
make repairs on their houses.
Argentina:
Old People and the Benefits of New Technologies
(June 1, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Extension Department of the National
University of Litoral is organizing a computer
workshop for seniors. They will create meeting
places for older people to realize their
potential, promote their integration into new
technologies and strengthen their identity in a
society of rapid change.
Peru:
Retirees Increasingly Face Phone Scams (May 31,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Phone scammers love to find an older person who
falls for their tricks. The head of the National
Police Division of Scams, Colonel Pedro Franco,
explained that criminals call their victims and
say that they have an outstanding bonus for them
but they must pay first 10% of it to a specific
account number if they want to collect it. The
Scams Division has dismantled 14 gangs and
arrested 25 people so far this year for this type
of crime.
Canada:
Baby Boomers Consider Themselves Young and in
Good Health (May 7, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent survey, Quebecois baby
boomers feel 10 years younger than they really
are. They set the age of the elderly at 80, and
are actively preparing for their retirement.
Eighty-one percent of them have a regular medical
check-up and plan to remain involved in their
community. Sixty-five percent plan to live mostly
on their own once they retire; 50% rely upon state
services to provide assistance (meals, specific
care, etc.).
Colombia:
The Market and Old Age (May 3, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
In Colombia, marketing agencies are beginning to
target the increasing population of older persons.
While some see this as stereotyping the “old,”
others argue that this is a smart way to increase
revenues while providing this population with new
services and benefits.
Canada:
Wow! Grandma is a Rebel! (April 27, 2010)
(Article in French)
This article is about the “Raging Grannies.” They
are social justice activists, all women old enough
to be grandmothers, who dress up in clothes that
mock stereotypes of older women, and sing protest
songs. They typically write the lyrics themselves,
putting their political messages to the tunes of
well-known songs. Their causes include peace and
environmental activism.
Canada:
Elder Abuse Among Immigrants a Growing Concern
(April 26, 2010)
Increased reports of elder abuse among the
immigrant population in the Toronto area have
sparked concern. Many of the seniors reporting
elder abuse have stated that they were not aware
that they were being abused and only after
learning about preventing it were they able to
recognize past abuses. Immigrant seniors are often
abused financially and emotionally at the hands of
their Canadian family members or caretakers and
must be made aware of their rights before the
abuse occurs.
Canada: Elderly to Get a
Best Quality of Life (April 16, 2010)
(Article in French)
The Quebec Government will grant up to 11 million
dollars a year over the next three years to
encourage and support older persons in this period
of their lives. As the secretary Marguerite Blais
says, "ageing is not a disease" and all must be
done in order to help elders stay active in
society. Dr Rémi Bouchard adds that
medicine is only a part of elder needs. Projects
like "La société Alzheimer" or
"Carrefour des aînés de la capitale"
have been created to take care for them to avoid
loneliness. At the provincial level, the
Government will support 200 projects.
Mexico:
GDF Committed to Combating Elder Abuse (April
10, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Marcelo Ebrard, Chief of the Federal District
Government, has created a specific agency aimed at
targeting elder abuse. Titled the Specialized
Agency for Defense of the Elderly, this agency
will address violations committed against the
older population in Mexico. Ebard recognizes the
shift in family care giving and hopes that
programs such as this will prevent future elder
abuse.
Argentina:
Sexuality Courses Offered to Grandparents (April
8, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Argentine government is sponsoring courses on
sexuality and older persons. These courses provide
education on maintaining a healthy diet and other
helpful tips for not losing sexual desire in old
age. According to the author, older people reap
tremendous health benefits if they can maintain a
healthy sex life for both body and spirit.
Canada:
Elderly Pedestrians More At Risk (April 6, 2010)
(Article in French)
In 2009 in Montreal, two pedestrians, victims of a
fatal accident, were over 55 years old. The
assumption is that older pedestrians are involved
in accidents because they often walk more slowly
than young people and have poorer sight and
hearing. Consequently, the Montreal Police Service
decided to focus its prevention campaigns on older
people to increase motorist awareness about their
particular needs and physical shortcomings. The
number of pedestrians killed in Montreal is
currently decreasing thanks to speed reduction and
an increase in the number of policemen regulating
traffic.
Mexico:
Protecting the Vulnerable Over 60 Years Old, Old
Town Goal (April 3, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
A new program in Durango called “Old Town” offers
a wide range of services to those who need them.
The residents enjoy many free services, such as a
comprehensive geriatric assessment, program
support to new entrants, continuous monitoring,
therapies to improve functional capacity and
mental health of residents through rehabilitation
techniques; occupational workshops, an emergency
button in each room, dental, medical consultation,
psychological consultation and podiatry. Adults
are self-sufficient and independent. They enter
and leave Old City according to their needs,
making them independent and in control of their
decisions.
Bolivia: Elderly Patients
Living in Nursing Homes and Hospitals Not
Allowed to Vote (April 3, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older persons living in nursing homes, patients
admitted to hospitals or clinics and older persons
admitted to rehabilitation centers were not able
to cast their vote for departmental and municipal
elections on April 4 because the National
Electoral Court (CNE) had not made preparations
for these persons to vote.
Canada:
A Restricted Driver's License Better Than
Nothing (March 29, 2010)
(Article in French)
In Alberta, health experts propose to grant a
'limited' driver's license to older persons
instead of totally preventing them from driving
once their reflexes have slowed down. A driver's
license represents independence. A study currently
underway will test older people's capabilities on
the road and the conclusions will be announced in
2014.
Canada:
Old People Illiteracy, a Silent Handicap (March
27 2010)
(Article in French)
In Quebec, about half of the population cannot
fully participate in social opportunities, partly
because of reading difficulties. Illiteracy is
frequent among older persons, affecting between 40
and 80 percent of the older population. It can be
a barrier to both health and culture.
Canada:
Program Aims to Curb Elder Abuse in Asian
Community (March 25, 2010)
A new initiative of Winnipeg's Filipino community
targets elder abuse and prevent it from being
tolerated in the name of cultural tradition. The
Innovative Cultural Approaches to the Prevention
of Elder Abuse Program received more than $100,000
in federal funding on March 19. Program designer
Gemma Dalayoan said its preventative efforts can't
begin soon enough. "Elder abuse is like a cancer
that spreads quietly and rapidly without being
noticed," said Dalayoan, president of the Manitoba
Association of Filipino-Canadian Teachers. Her
organization and Knights of Rizal will be offering
the program in partnership. Dalayoan said the
ICAPEA program focuses on Winnipeg's Asian
communities and doesn't aim to replace Canada's
existing elder abuse awareness and prevention
programs.
Canada:
Prison Population In Canada Is Aging (March 20,
2010)
(Article in French)
In Canada 22% of prisoners are over 50 years old.
The federal prison of Montée-Saint Francois
in Montreal has one of the more aged populations
in the country: more than half of the prisoners
are over 50. Many of them were condemned because
of sexual abuses. They are often discouraged,
don't have any social life, don't want to think
about the future and sometimes cannot work because
of their precarious health. Prisons have to adapt
to this growing aging population and to provide
specific services to meet their particular needs.
Canada:
Aging Women (March 20, 2010)
(Article in French)
Society tends to reject older women. According to
journalist Nathalie Collard, many people
discriminate against them because they cannot
procreate anymore and thus have a “lower value.”
She also denounced the fact that younger women are
considered the model of aestheticism in today's
society.
Mexico:
Popular Initiative Presented for Older Adult Law
(March 19, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Government authorities in the city of Xalapa in
the State of Veracruz presented a legal initiative
that would protect the older population. In
Veracruz it is estimated that 11.79 percent of the
population is older than 60 years of age, making
it the second largest older population in the
country. At the moment there is no legal
protection for this group. Many older people live
in poverty. The law proposes the creation of the
Veracruzan Institute for the Older Person to
represent and help the elderly population.
Argentina:
The Olympics for the Older Age Started in Puerto
Madryn (March 13, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
More than six hundred older adults from all over
the country participated in the various activities
organized for the XXI Older Age National Olympics.
“We are proud and happy that taking into account
the time of crisis we are going through in the
country, the elderly have realized that they have
to enjoy life and they are having a good time with
the activities that are offered," said Irene
Urquia one of the collaborators from the Center of
Retired Older Adults of Puerto Madryn.
Haiti:
Earthquake's Burdens Weigh Heavily on Haiti's
Elderly (March 12, 2010)
No strangers to hardship, older Haitians find
themselves distinctly vulnerable and emotionally
burdened these days. They have grown old in a
place where so many people die young. With
longevity comes survivor's guilt. A preliminary
census released last month by an aid organization
found that roughly 7 percent, or about 84,000, of
the estimated 1.2 million Haitians who had been
displaced by the earthquake are over 60 years old.
Officials often overlook older people in relief
efforts because they are frail, less mobile and
less vocal in their demands for food and water,
United Nations officials explain. But the needs of
the old seem elusive, advocates say, because they
include intangibles like security, continuity and
hope.
Mexico:
The Older Adult is the Most Important Member of
the Family (March 7, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Department of Human and Social Development of
the State of Morelos in Mexico has launched an
initiative on behalf of the older population. The
program's main objective is the insertion of older
adults into the labor force. “You have to draw on
the wisdom of older adults; we must involve them
in the work life because they have much to teach
current and future generations,” explained Esponda
Gaxiola, General Secretary.
Canada:
Protect Yourself Against Fraud (March 4, 2010)
People pretending to be relatives in trouble are
targeting seniors in the hope of catching them
off-guard. Fortunately, more seniors are
empowering themselves to nip such attempts in the
bud. They are learning about these scams, as well
as alerting police. Awareness of scams is growing
among older adults, empowering them to not only
keep their peers informed, but also their
families. Where they might once have told their
grandchildren not to talk to strangers, the
current advice might be not to give their social
security number to someone asking for it on the
Facebook social networking website.
Ecuador: 30 Older Adults
Learn How to Use the Internet (March 1, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Center of Experience for the Older Adult in
Quito began offering computer classes to the older
population in the city. The Internet has become an
attractive tool since many older adults want to
learn how to do Internet transactions and also how
to communicate with their families and friends in
other places. “We have to be more up to date to
keep up with modernity. Age is not a problem when
there is will and determination,” a 78-year-old
student said.
Bolivia: Older Adults
Ask Police Authorities for More Security
(February 28, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older adults in Bolivia are demanding more
attention from the police since many have been
robbed while cashing their monthly pension checks.
The older population receives a monthly social
pension of 200 bolivianos, called the dignity
bonus, to cover personal expenses. Sadly, many
older persons save their money for several months
to cash a bigger sum later on, making them a more
attractive target to robbers. It has been reported
that older persons have been hurt--physically and
psychologically--because this pension is the only
money they have to help them live with dignity.
Haiti:
Elderly Lack Food, Medicine and Dignity in
Post-Quake (February 22, 2010)
Despite the risks facing younger women and
children in Haiti since the quake left 1.2 million
people homeless, older persons represent the most
vulnerable group by far, according to a rapid
needs assessment conducted by the United Nations
in mid-January. Older people, however, are in
danger of being overlooked by the relief effort,
says HelpAge International, which has been trying
to improve conditions for the elderly since the
7.0 quake that killed 212,000 people. Through the
efforts of NGO's and other international
organizations, living conditions for old people
may begin to improve.
Honduras: The
Grandmother of the Grandparents (February 20,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Eighty-five-year-old Engracia Ramona Sevilla heads
Casa Eva, an assisted living facility that she
shares with four other older adults. She takes
care of the house and has gained the respect of
its residents and the volunteers that come to
help. Her passion is to help others; she prefers
to feed her younger friends before touching her
own food. In Honduras it is estimated that there
are more than 500,000 older adults; only 1.5
percent benefit from a pension. Unfortunately,
studies show that the average pension is below the
minimum wage.
Colombia: Older
Adults Showed Vitality (February 16, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Last Monday Colombians celebrated the Barranquilla
Carnival along with the 10th Carnival of Older
Persons. Six different folkloric groups danced in
the parade stepping fast to traditional dances and
wearing beautiful costumes. Groups of older people
came to the event and proved that age is not an
obstacle to participate and enjoy the Carnival
from beginning to end. “I've been participating
for 10 years and every year I look forward to
entertaining everyone with my dance. I am 63 years
old and I still have a lot of strength,” said
Carmen Sierra, the 2010 Queen of the Carnival.
Cuba: To Teach With Love
(February 15, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The University of Havana launched a special
educational program for older people on
Valentine's Day. The program started 10 years ago
and has now extended to a national level. It
offers older adults the opportunity to continue
learning in a University setting and at the same
time be able to share their knowledge with younger
students. “Education is not the patrimony of any
age,” says the director. Thanks to the program,
many students are aware of the aging issue and are
now specializing in Geriatrics at the
University.
Ecuador: Salt and
Pepper for 5 Older Women (February 15, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Five older women have created their own catering
company named “Salt & Pepper.” The Center of
Experience of the Older Adult (CEAM) in Quito is
their main client; every time they have an event
they order food from the micro business. The five
women work in the afternoon after they have
finished with their regular day's work. They
prepare all kinds of traditional meals and finger
food for the events. “To have our own business
makes us feel useful,” says one of the
owners.
Canada: Love Would Become
Stronger With Aging (February 13, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent Canadian study, older
persons are happier in love. On the Spanier scale,
used to measure satisfaction in a couple's
relationship, people of 65 years old and over
score between 119 and 120 points, whereas the
national average is 114. The Spanier scale
measures sexual satisfaction, but also
communication and how the couple cooperate and
relate to one another.
Chile: More and More
Grandmothers Drug Trafficking (February 13,
2010)
(Article in French)
In Chile, more and more older persons are drawn
into drug trafficking. Indeed, drug dealers hire
seniors, especially women, because they don't draw
the attention of the police and often are
supported by their neighbors. In fact, drug
trafficking is a way for grandmothers to escape
poverty and have an income to support
themselves.
Haiti: Elderly
Haitians Getting by on 1 Meal a Day (February
11, 2010)
Elder Haitians camping in tents outside their
collapsed nursing home are eating one meal a day
of rice and dried beans, trying to make a supply
last and wondering what they will do when that
runs out. They are like thousands of other victims
of Haiti's Jan. 12 earthquake, waiting desperately
for aid to reach them four weeks after the world
responded with unprecedented amounts of food and
money - too much for aid workers and Haitians to
distribute. No food aid reached the Asile Commune
home, on the edge of Port-au-Prince's Bel Air
slum. Despite visits by aid groups and U.S.
Marines, long-term help has not materialized.
Chile:
City Authorities Offer Solution to Older Adult
Who Lived Without Running Water for 8 Months
(January 29, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Despite living in front of the city's water plant,
an older man was not able to receive running water
at his home. The situation went on for eight
months until one of his neighbors, María
Bizama, filed a complaint on his behalf and called
it to the attention of the media. As a result,
city officials promised to fix the problem, and
Nicasio Cea Garcés will soon live in
dignity with running water at his home.
Authorities also reminded the community to use the
Older Person Hotline designed to denounce any
abuse or mistreatment and also to find information
about the services and opportunities offered to
older people.
Chile:
Old Age Acts! Regional Radio Theater Revived
(January 20, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Older people in Coltauco created a talk show on
the local radio station called “Older People in
Action!” With this initiative, the older people
can express their thoughts and concerns and share
their knowledge with the whole community. They
recently held a show dedicated to the great
philosopher Aristotle, talking about his life and
works, helping the younger generations learn
something new and interesting. This project shows
that age is not an impediment to doing what you
like.
Chile:
University of Valparaíso Gave 21 Diplomas
to the Graduating Class of 2009 of the Program
University of the Older Adult. (January 15,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
After two years of study, 21 older adults
graduated with certificates in Art Appreciation,
Valparaiso Patrimony, English and Computers from
the University of Valparaiso Program for the Older
Adult. The program started in 2002 to create
activities for the growing older population--in
this region, 13.9 percent of the population. This
year the University plans to expand the program
and offer more courses taught by prestigious
academics of the University.
Chile:
The First Center for Long Stays of Older People
Opened in Chile (January 15, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
This February the Center for Long Stay for Older
People will start functioning, thanks to the
National Secretary of the Older Adults in Chile.
The Center will house around 72 people over the
age of 60, offering gardens and large spaces with
natural light and equipped for the comfort of
older persons. “The older people are being left
behind in a world that moves faster every day and
this space will give its residents a place to live
with more tranquility,” a senior citizen
said.
Argentina:
Taking Care of Those Who Take Care (January 11,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The program, “Live at Home,” created by the
Undersecretary of the Third Age of the City of
Buenos Aires, helps many older people become more
independent. The people who apply are given a
stipend to pay for their rent and basic living
expenses and this way they can stop living in
nursing homes. They avoid institutionalization in
nursing homes and enjoy the possibility to live by
themselves with an option of having a geriatrics
expert visit for regular checkups.
Costa
Rica: Candidate for Congress Victim of Abuse for
Being an Older Adult (January 11, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
José Joaquín Vargas was going to his
usual medical checkup when he entered the bus and
showed his senior citizen identification. The bus
driver seemed bothered by Mr. Vargas and called
him a “lazy old man.” At age 72, Vargas is one of
the candidates for Congress in Costa Rica, and is
tired of being treated as an inferior person just
because he's old. “With the support of my fellow
senior citizens we will have a voice in the
Assembly and a chance to defend our rights as
Costa Rican citizens," he proclaimed in a recent
speech. His campaign's priority is raising
awareness about the rights of older persons.
Mexico:
Older People are Asked to Denounce Mistreatment
(January 8, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The institute for care of older people in the
Federal District has found many cases where
families victimize their elderly relatives. It is
known that some relatives take advantage of the
older person's benefits such as food stamps and
pensions. In consequence, the institute has
started to cancel food stamps not claimed by the
beneficiary. In addition, the institute has asked
older people to report any mistreatment, violation
or forgery of identity that might result in loss
of their property.
Ecuador:
Tourism Now Focused on Older Travelers (January
3, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The Ministry of Tourism offers offer travel
packages for older people. The program, called
“Travel Easy,” includes discounted tickets and
special sales for hotels and resorts. According to
the program director, more than 200 businesses
have joined the program and they meet the
accessibility requirements for older people,
including ramps, comfortable spaces and areas to
rest. During this first stage, the Ministry will
only offer a discount; however, in the second
trimester of 2010, Social Security and Fomento
National Bank will start funding travel costs for
the elderly.
Return to Top of
Page
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
Report: Australia: Age
Discrimination- Exposing the Hidden Barrier
for Mature Age Workers (2010)
Commissioners for the Australia Human Rights
Commission have documented the unlawful age
discrimination against mature age workers in the
workplace. They are beginning to raise awareness
about the issue. While Australian federal
anti-discrimination laws are related to human
rights law, there is no international agreement
on the specific rights of older people. Nor does
Australia have a foundation for recognizing the
legal rights of the older population. This
report details the ways in which mature age
workers experience job discrimination in
Australia.
India
& Nepal: Signing of Memorandum of
Understanding Between Geriatric Center Nepal and
Senior Citizens Council of Delhi, India (May
17-22, 2010)
This interesting report records the process of two
institutions devoted to older persons in their
respective countries, Geriatric Center Nepal (GCN)
in Nepal and Senior Citizens Council of Delhi
(SCCD) in India. These centers collaborated with
the commitment to serve the aging population in
both countries. The collaboration spanned three
months and set an example for the cooperation of
aging and advocacy-related NGOs in neighboring
countries.
Japan:
The Role of Home Ownership in Japan's Aged
Society (February 2010)
Among the many social issues Japan is facing due
to its increasingly aging population, home
ownership has been at the center of these core
issues. Japanese society has had a long history of
being focused and driven by home-ownership. Since
the 1990s, a more volatile and uncertain economy
has made it more difficult for younger cohorts to
access home ownership, undermining traditional
mechanisms for maintaining the ‘home-owning
society.’ Within older cohorts, economic
conditions relating to home ownership have also
become noticeably differentiated, leading to
considerable stratification among older
persons.
Pakistan:
Elder Abuse: Tip of the Ice Berg (January 2010)
The current demographic profile of Pakistan shows
a total population as 172,800,048, among which the
population over 65 years of age constitutes 4.2%.
In view of the widespread poverty, economic
disparities and inadequate health facilities,
older people are suffering a number of setbacks.
Increasingly, Pakistanis live in nuclear families,
a situation that increases older persons’ problems
for care. The government of Pakistan sought to
learn about a number of problems among elderly.
Some that they identified included loneliness,
depression, fear of dying, lack of social
relations, painful medical conditions,
deprivation, lack of resources, and loss of a
partner. Old people form an important group of the
population. Any neglect or abuse will have long
term negative repercussions for the society in
general and country in particular.
Articles
Japan:
Japanese Prisons Facing Swelling Elderly
Population (December 9, 2010)
During the last decade, the number of older
Japanese prisoners has doubled, up to 16%. Because
of financial pressures and lack of family support,
older people are often convicted of minor crimes
such as shoplifting and theft, where at least in
prison they are provided shelter and meals.
Japan:
Japan’s Seniors Flocking to Arcades (December 7,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In Japan, more and more elderly people find
arcades appealing. Game centers are good places
for the elderly to have some fun and make new
friends. More over, playing games may also help to
improve eye-brain coordination. In some game
centers in Japan, these silver-haired gamers make
up one third of their costumers.
China:
Increasing Living Expanses Force Elderly to
Return to Labor Market (December 7, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
As food prices continue to increase in mainland
China, more and more retirees came back to work.
Previously the elderly people on career market
aged from 50 to 70, but now some old people in
their 70s are seeking for jobs as well.
China: An
87-Year-Old Man Obtained Three Bachelor’s
Degrees in 27 Years (December 6, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Dai Bicheng, an 87 years old senior citizen in
Jiangsu Province, has obtained three bachelor’s
degrees in Finance, Management and Economics by
self-education. He also started learning English
and Japanese, of which he had already passed 8
exams of 13 in total.
China: An
Age-old Old-age Dilemma (December 6, 2010)
Professional caregivers and home care services are
in huge demand in China. In 2009, the number of
people aged 60 and above reached 167.14 million,
and this number keeps increasing. It was estimated
that China needs 10 million caregivers,
approximately 1 percent of its population.
However, there are only about 200,000 caregivers
across the country now.
China:
72-Year-Old Sand Painting Craftsman Looking For
Successor (November 29, 2010)
（Article in Chinese）
A 72 year-old retired man, Chen Shaoyong, is
seeking a craft successor for a unique sand
painting technique invented by him. Chen spent
more than 10 years on sand painting and even sold
his apartment to sponsor his sand painting team.
His works, highly evaluated by experts, are
collected by several museums in Liaoning
Province.
China: A
Senior Volunteer Team Has an Average Age of 74
(November 29, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Five elderly people in Yantai City proved that you
are never too old to help others by forming a
community volunteer team. Although their families
don’t support them, they regularly clean their
community, collect and sell wastes to sponsor a
low-income family in the neighborhood.
North Korea:
Impoverished North Korea Facing Aging Society
(November 22, 2010)
North Korea is facing the problems associated
with an aging society. The aging population in
North Korea is six years younger on average than
South Koreans because their life expectancy is
much shorter. The proportion of people in North
Korea older than 65 is larger than that in China
or the average of developing nations.
China: Hundreds Mourn
the Father of Streets Children (November 17,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Hundreds of citizens of Jinan City came to mourn
Zheng Chengzhen, who had adopted 400 children in
23 years. Most mourners have never met Zheng
before, but they were moved by his story and
voluntarily gathered to pay respect to this
hero.
China: A
Special Teacher and Her 15 Special Students
(November 16, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Every morning 15 elderly people in wheelchair wait
for their special teacher, Ms. Tian in a park in
Yangzhou City. No matter how busy she is, Ms. Tian
spends one hour everyday with her special students
chatting or teaching them singing. All of Ms
Tian’s students suffer physical disabilities; some
of them also have Alzheimer's.
China:
Every Elderly Man Is a Museum (November 16,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Yong Nian Lou, a community elder care center in
Shanghai, opened an “age museum” in its building
that attracts a lot of neighbors and visitors. The
manager said the age museum wants to preserve the
life stories of elders and to present their social
values.
China:
A Late Apology from a Former Red Guard (November
15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In April, 63-year-old senior citizen Shen Xiaoke
wrote a long letter to his high school principle
Chen Bi, who is 87 years old now, to ask for her
forgiveness. 44 years ago, as a member of Red
Guard in the Culture Revolution, Shen criticized
and denounced his principle at public meetings
with other classmates. After being regretting for
20 years, Shen finally felt relieved when Chen
accepted his apology.
China:
Father of 400 Street Children Died (November 15,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
63-year-old single man Zheng Chengzhen, who was
called as “the father of street children,” died on
November 14th. In the past 23 years, this
low-income old man has adopted more than 400
street children who had ran away or been abandoned
by their families. None of these children returned
to the streets.
South
Korea: 17 Injured and Dead in Elderly Home
(November 12, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
More than 200 firefighters tried to put out
a raging fire at a nursing
home in Seoul last Friday. Some 17 people were
injured and others lost their lives.
Singapore:
Early X'mas Cheer for Seniors (November 8, 2010)
On Monday, thirty boys from Boys Brigade sent
special Christmas gifts to 10 families— ranging
from re-painting their rental housing block
carrying out spring-cleaning. The Boy’s Brigade
Share-a-Gift project, initiated in 1988, received
4,588 wish lists from senior citizens this
year.
China: A
Senior Citizen Established a Successful Business
at 100 (November 8, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Xu Yiqing, a 102-year-old senior citizen in Xi’an,
earns 15,000 RMB ($2200) monthly from the business
he started two years ago. This older man says that
his key to success and wealth is helping others as
much as possible. His current project, building an
animal shelter on his farm, will be a temporary
home for vagrant dogs in Xi’an.
China:
80 Senior Citizens Escaped Unhurt from Fire
(November 7, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Some nineteen people died in a shopping center
fire in Jilin City, Jilin Province on November 5.
More than 80 senior citizens, who were taking a
dancing class in the mall when the fire broke out,
escaped unhurt. Remaining calm under pressure,
they climbed out the window to a balcony and
called the police.
South
Korea: Families Bid Farewell after Reunion
(November 1, 2010)
Families are separated again with tears farewell
after a three-day reunion that was too short to
make up for the last six decades they spent apart
after the Korean War broken in 1950. Most of the
separated family members are now in their late 70s
to 80s, and 80,000 applicants of South Korean
family members are still waiting for reunion. The
Koreans who were briefly reunited over the last
weekend are likely to never see each other again.
China:
A Senior Citizen Commits Suicide during
Negotiations with Vice Mayor (November 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
On the morning of October 30th, a senior citizen,
Cui Dexi, doused himself with gasoline and set
himself on fire on the roof of his house. He was
protesting the forced demolition of his house in
Mishan, Heilongjiang Province. The Vice Mayor of
Mishan City carried out the demolition and the
relocation “negotiations” with Cui and his
family.
New
Zealand: 'Appointment with Death' Cards Shocking
for Elderly (October 31, 2010)
Religious extremists are sending cards to older
persons asking them to predict the date of their
death and suggesting that they contact evangelists
to avoid going to hell. Initially the evangelists
want to make older people aware of their mortality
and invite them to join a religious group.
However, the cards can be misused since they can
be ordered easily from an anonymous website. Some
older persons felt upset and shocked when such a
card arrived in their mail.
China:
Resistance to Elderly Remarriage Forces Many to
Live in "De Facto" Relationship (October 30,
2010)
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a key
government think-tank, shows that 80 percent of
widowed senior citizens want to remarry. However,
most choose to cohabit rather than marry their
partner. Less than 10 percent register for a new
marriage. What prevents these old people from
getting married?
Australia:
NRMA Steps into the Driving Seat for Elderly
(October 28, 2010)
The National Roads and Motorists' Association
(NRMA), a member-owned mutual organization
offering roadside assistance, motoring advice and
other services, advised the state government to
improve transport options for the elderly. NRMA
asserted that trains should stop longer at
stations to allow the elderly more time to board,
and regular shuttle buses should run to local
shops and hospitals to encourage the elderly to
use public transportation.
China: Filial
Tradition of Support Disappearing (October 26,
2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent study of about 1,300 older
persons in Guangdong Province in the south of
China, more and more people in urban zones over 60
years old can no longer count on filial tradition
for support.
China: 6 kWh
For 5 Years: Energy Saving or Poverty? (October
26, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Recently, a 74-year-old man living in Chongqing
provoked hot discussion on the Internet. Qingtian
Zhang, who only used 6.1 kWh of electricity over
the past five years, was called the “most frugal
person.” Some people consider him the example of
energy saving, while some point out that poverty
is the major reason the old man is eligible for
this “most frugal person” title.
Korea:
South Korea Suggests Senior Citizens Over 80 Be
Allowed to Visit Hometown on both Sides in Korea
(October 26, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
On Inter-Korean Red Cross talks held October 26,
Seoul proposed monthly reunion events for 100
families beginning in March. South Korea also
suggested that seniors over the age of 80 be
allowed to visit their hometown on both sides
starting in April next year. However, Pyongyang
disagreed with this proposal, and the two Koreas
remain divided on the issue of family reunions.
Asia:
Fraud against Dementia Patients on the Rise
(October 25, 2010)
A growing number of dementia patients in Asia are
being defrauded of their money and assets by
relatives and friends. Legal experts advise the
people at risk to protect their wealth while they
are still able. If older persons do not invest
their wealth for future use before they lose their
mental capacity, they may be subject to abuse and
family conflict as children compete to control the
finances of their elderly parents.
China:
Grey-Haired Workers Flock Back to Job Market
(October 25, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Now more and more retired senior citizens go back
to work either to alleviate financial pressures or
to pursue their dreams. Experienced elderly
workers are very welcome on the job market,
especially in industries such as accounting,
architecture, medicine, administration and
engineering. Do elderly workers receive societal
support during periods of high unemployment?
China:
A Senior Citizen Collected 40,000 Cigarette Buds
in a Month (October 25, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
On October 1, Shengyun Li, a 73-year-old citizen
in Hunan Province, volunteered to collect
cigarette buds on the streets for two hours every
day. The harvest is plentiful: in 23 days he
collected more than 40,000 cigarette buds weighing
a total of 12 pounds.
South
Korea: Debate Rages on Free Subway Tickets
(October 22, 2010)
Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik recently disapproved
issuance of free subway tickets for elderly
citizens, causing ongoing public arguments.
Elderly citizens largely opposed the decree,
claiming that the beneficiaries of the free subway
were mostly needy people and that affluent old
people would rather rely on private cars.
Japan:
Japanese Empress Recognizes the Difficulties of
Aging (October 21, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Empress Michiko of Japan recently celebrated her
76th birthday. She shared the experiences and
challenges she faces as she ages. Japanese women
enjoy the highest life expectancy in the world,
and they have kept this position for the past 25
years. There are over 41 thousand people 100 years
old or over in Japan.
India:
A 100 Year Old Man Goes back to University to
Get his PhD (October 19, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Born in 1911, Mr. Das witnessed his country gain
independence from British rule. He served as a
lawyer and a judge before retiring in 1971. He is
determined to have the prefix Dr. before his
name.
India: At
100, Indian judge plans to get PhD (October 18,
2010)
Bholaram Das, an 100-year-old Indian man, has
enrolled in a PhD program at Gauhati
University—making him the perhaps the oldest
university student in this country of more than
one billion people. Congratulations!
China:
Shanghai Tests Using GPS to Help Locate Elderly
(October 14, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai Civil Affair Bureau has tested the Global
Positioning System (GPS) and a monitoring system
for tracking the movements of senior citizens. The
GPS device has the capacity to send a message to
families if the older person with memory loss or
another condition walks away from home. The GPS
will signal the position of the older person if he
or she gets lost. Also, the monitoring system
automatically tells the relative via e-mail or
text message if an older person has been
motionless for longer than 10 hours at home.
Singapore:
Seniors Win Award for Innovation (October 12,
2010)
Dressed in black polo tees and red vests, friendly
local senior volunteers provide directions and
other services to travelers at the Singapore
Changi Airport. These senior citizens are members
of the Changi Senior Ambassador program, a
partnership project between Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP) Singapore and the Civil
Aviation Authority of Singapore. RSVP Singapore
won the “Outstanding VWO Award in Innovation” for
initiating an impressive range and variety of
ideas.
Japan:
Japanese Living Longer, Lonelier (October 7,
2010)
Japan is the second oldest society in the world,
and fastest aging, but many Japanese are now
growing old and dying alone. Despite a culture
that heavily emphasizes respect for the elderly,
3.86 million Japanese seniors are now living
alone, separated from or ignored by their
families.
China: Funeral Services
Volunteer: Let Elderly Die with Dignity (October
5, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Guixia Lin is a volunteer of “The Friends of
Sunset,” a project carried out by the Banyan
Service Group for the Elderly in Hong Kong. Lin
has provided more than 30 senior people with
funeral and burial services. “The Friends of
Sunset” is aimed to accompany lonely old people
who do not receive care from their families
through the dying process, as well as to perform
simple but dignified funeral ceremonies for them.
China: Suicide Climbs
Among Elderly (September 28, 2010)
The annual suicide rate among elderly Chinese aged
70 to 74 in cities surged above 33 per 100,000
people between 2002 and 2008, up from 13 per
100,000 people in the 1990s. Increasing medical
costs and relocation from family ties are
considered the main causes for the surge.
China:
High Suicide Rate Haunts Chinese Elderly, but
Declines Among Rural Women (September 27, 2010)
The suicide rate among the elderly living in urban
areas rose to a worrisome high in recent years due
to the changed environment of young people moving
into urban areas and taking on fewer obligations
for care of their aging parents. On the contrary,
there is a significant decline in rural women's
suicide rates during the last 20 years due to the
mass migration to urban areas. Experts advised the
Chinese government that they need a policy on
suicide prevention.
China:
Senior Housing Expands to Suburbs (September 22,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Due to dramatically increasing prices of houses,
most families cannot afford apartments in the
city. More and more senior citizens move to the
suburbs, leaving the city apartments to their
children and grandchildren.
China:
Senior Citizens Trapped in a Flooded Nursing
Home in Gaoxiong (September 21, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Typhoon Fanapi made a direct hit on Taiwan on
September 18. Thirty-one senior citizens in
wheelchairs were trapped in a flooded nursing home
in Gaoxiong, soaked in water. Taiwan’s Red Cross
rescue team and local firemen evacuated the old
people to a temporary shelter.
China: A
Fraudulent Company Cheated Thousands of Senior
Citizens (September 17, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
A fraudulent company named “ShiYiBaiNian” cheated
thousands of old people of their hard-earned money
in China. The company sells counterfeit medicines
made of food and health products to old people at
high prices, deceiving them that the medicines
will cure their chronic diseases. Why are old
people the targets of fraud? This article reveals
the hidden reasons behind this case.
China:
Elderly Suicide Not A Noble Act (September 14,
2010)
According to Li Baoku, the President of China
Aging Development Foundation, the suicide rate
among the rural elderly in China is four to five
times higher than the world average. The idea that
elderly suicide is an honorable self-sacrifice to
family is extremely worrying, and the young
generation’s denial and neglect about elderly
suicides make the problem even worse.
China:
Internet Gaming Addiction Affects Old People
(September 13, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
People associate computer gaming addiction with
teenagers. However, increasing numbers of old
people have become addicted to Internet and
computer games in China. Research suggests that
loneliness is the main cause of Internet addiction
among the elderly. Family care, communication and
regular social activities are the most effective
measures to deal with this problem.
China:
Four Killed in Arson Attack on A Nursing Home in
Heilongjiang Province (September 11, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
A resident of a nursing home in Yi Chun,
Heilongjiang Province, killed four old people and
set the nursing home on fire. Two other old people
were injured in the attack and the arsonist was
arrested.
China: A
Senior Miner Digs Underground Home (September 2,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Chen Xinnian, a 64-year-old former miner in China,
dreamed about improving his home for his family.
Because he could not afford the high prices for
houses , he has tried to build a home underground.
He successfully dug a 50-square-meter apartment
six meters below the ground in his own yard in
Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province.
China:
Shared Housing: A New Way to Improve the Quality
of Elder Care (September 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
As the aging population grows dramatically in
China, people are trying many approaches to care
for older persons. Unsatisfied with the poor
service at nursing homes, some old people prefer
sharing senior apartments and caregivers with
others. This new method of elder care, though
considered convenient and economical, is facing
many problems.
China: One Child
Policy Exacerbates China’s Aging Population
Problem （August 30, 2010
(Article in Chinese)
In the late 1970s, the Chinese government
implemented the One Child Policy in order to
alleviate the economic, social and environmental
problems in China. More than 30 years after the
policy was introduced, the first only-child
generation has become parents of their own
children. Therefore, the massive pressure of
taking care of their parents and children now
falls on these young couples. In China, this
problem has been named the “4:2:1” phenomenon,
meaning that increasing numbers of couples will be
solely responsible for the care of one child and
four parents.
Japan:
The Search for Missing Older People Sheds Light
on Social Problems (August 23, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A Japanese media frenzy over missing centenarians
has cast a spotlight on the isolation and
loneliness potentially faced by millions of
elderly as the government struggles to cope with a
rapidly graying population. With investigations
underway, officials have found many older people
have moved away from their family homes, never to
be heard from again, showing how the vulnerable
with few friends can easily fall through the
cracks of a weak support network
China: Senior
Citizens above 80 Receive Old-age Allowance in
Shenzhen (August 22, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
According to the new Old-age Allowance Policy
issued by the Shenzhen Civil Affairs Bureau, the
government will grant 200 yuan per month to senior
citizens aged 80 to 99 in Shenzhen and 500 yuan
per month for those aged 100 and above. The Civil
Affairs Bureau will send allowance regularly to
the bank accounts of qualified senior
citizens.
Japan: Man Kept Dead
Mother in a Backpack (August 20, 2010)
Japanese investigators have been searching for
missing old people. In the latest gruesome
discovery, a woman's son told police that his
mother died in 2001 but he was unable to pay for a
burial. Some 40,000 old people in Japan are listed
as above 100 years of age. Investigators are now
searching to find whether the centenarians are
living; Japanese officials believe that dishonest
relatives may have been exploiting the welfare
system.
Japan:
200 People Over 100 Years Old Remain Missing in
Japan (August 13, 2010)
(Article in French)
Following the case of Sogen Kato, a national
investigation has led to the conclusion that more
than 200 Japanese centenarians are missing,
probably dead. The city of Kobe has the most cases
of disappearances with 105 out of its 847
centenarians unaccounted for. The Japanese public
is shocked and the families of the disappeared
suspect fraud.
China:
31% of Chinese Population Will Be Age 60 or over
in 2050 (August 12, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The ageing population in China over 60 years old
reached 167 million in 2009, making up 12.5
percent of the total population and it continues
to grow fast. The percentage of older people in
China is projected to reach 31% in 2050. There are
nearly 40,000 nursing homes in China, but less
than 9 nursing home beds per thousand of older
persons.
Japan:
Editorial: Missing Old People
(August 5, 2010)
(Article also in available in Chinese)
More than 40,000 citizens in Japan are over 100
years of age; however, not all old people are
cared for by their families. An increasing number
of cases of missing older citizens reflect that
old people and their families are out touch with
one another.
Indonesia: Older Persons
Bury Themselves to Avoid Eviction (August 4,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Three Indonesian older persons buried themselves
in protest against government orders to remove
them from their homes. They buried themselves in
holes 50 cm deep so only their heads were visible.
The residents admitted that they do not own the
land but this is their last hope to persuade
Jakarta’s government to allow them to stay.
Burma: Fabled
Burmese Fighters Forgotten (August 2, 2010)
Sixty-five years after World War II, many
Burmese Karen tribesmen veterans are still
living in poverty and hardship. During war
times, the tribesmen fought with the British
to drive the Japanese out of Burma. However,
these veterans now live as refugees in jungle
camps astride the Thai-Burmese border or
inside their ravaged homeland.
India: No
Country for Old People? (July 30, 2010)
India
is facing problems of aging. By 2050, a quarter
of the population will be over 60. The need of
services for seniors is increasing, especially
for older people in global families. With
children working overseas, the graying
generation in India is not only calling for new
laws to guarantee them a fulfilling retirement
life, but also preparing for a non-traditional
elder lifestyle, that is leaving their homes to
go to nursing homes and senior care centers.
Japan:
A New PC for Seniors in Japan (July 27, 2010)
(Article in French)
Fujitsu unveiled its new computer this week. While
the number of seniors increases and makes up 30%
of the Japanese population, the company reports
that only a low proportion of seniors use PCs.
This new computer, simple to use, has been
especially created for older persons. Already half
of Japanese over 60 years old use a Fujitsu phone,
the raku-raku phone.
China: More than 8
Million Older Persons Need to Reside in Nursing
Homes (July 27, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
According to the Chinese Welfare Fund for the
Elderly, 8.3 million older Chinese need to stay in
institutions that provide services and care for
them. However, the service industry cannot meet
the needs of so many; at present, only 3 million
beds are available.
Australia: Smart Houses
Key to Keeping the Elderly at Home (July 27,
2010)
Healthy Longevity, a security equipment company
in Australia, introduced a recent technology to
benefit the elderly: the smart house. According
to the company, smart houses equipped with
movement sensors and intelligent systems help
keep aged people well and living in their own
homes.
South Korea: 1 Million
Older Persons Living Alone (July 23, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
According to Korean statistics, more than one
million older persons over the age of 65 are now
living alone. The number of older persons living
without a spouse or children has been increasing
by 50,000 every year. These numbers reflect the
fact that Korean society is aging very rapidly,
pointing to the urgent need for adequate social
programs for this population.
India: Resorts for
the Elderly (July 23, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Due to economic and social changes, as well as
shrinkage of the traditional family, a new
housing sector has emerged for older persons.
Due to the growing number of retirees, real
estate companies are now focused on building
luxury homes for the retired in an effort to
provide comfortable housing for them in urban
areas. And what about the poor?
China: China's
Seniors May be Exempt from Death Penalty (July
23, 2010)
Favoring youth and seniors in terms of criminal
treatment was always a tradition in ancient
China. For the first time, China’s lawmakers are
lightening death penalty charges by suggesting
that senior citizens be exempted from the death
penalty, according to the eighth amendment to
China’s Criminal Law.
Japan: Future
Shock: Japan Faces Demographic Nightmare (July
21, 2010)
Japanese citizens confront a severe demographic
problem. According to some researchers, the
Japanese government must try to tackle the
current low fertility rate, high life expectancy
and a traditional discouragement of immigration.
It is estimated that by 2055, 40% of the
Japanese population will be age 65 years or
above; most will not be in the workforce, it’s
predicted. Perhaps Japanese will devise a way to
meet these challenges as the climate changes and
threatens the territory of island nations.
Japan:
Elderly Living Alone Increasingly Dying The Same
Way (July 21, 2010)
Japanese society has seen an increase in the
number of people dying alone, so much so that they
have named it “Kodokushi” (lonely death). The
number of people aged over 65 who died alone has
increased: 2,211 in 2008 compared to 1,364 in
2002. The government assumed that families would
step in to take care of older persons, thus
minimizing funding for social welfare.
China: Older
Man Got Fined for Laughing in Court (July 18,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Tianfang Yuan, a senior citizen in Wuxi, China,
was fined 1000 RMB (around $150) due to
interference with a court order. Mr. Yuan sat in
the court as a member of the audience. However,
he laughed and talked loudly during the trial
and ignored warnings from the judge. Yuan
eventually paid the fine after the local court
rejected his appeal.
China:
One Million Extra Octogenarians Each Year (July
16, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent Chinese Committee on Aging
report, the proportion of seniors is growing in
China. The number of people over 80 years is
expected to increase by one million each year.
This phenomenon is the direct consequence of the
one-child policy. It is a challenge for China,
because the retirement system, the global economy
and the service industry are not ready for the
aging population.
Australia:
Older Homosexuals Unnoticed (July 15, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
A study in Australia shows that older gay people
are made to feel invisible in nursing homes. One
third of caregivers that participated in the
survey affirmed that they do not provide a
welcoming environment for older gay people. The
authors of this study, Curtin University and GRAI
(Association of Retired LGTB), will create new
guidelines for the care and protection of this
group.
China:
Elderly Marriage Confronts Multiple Difficulties
(July 12, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Cohabitation among older persons in China is
becoming popular. Remarriage was once considered
against tradition. A parent proposing to take such
a step faced strong opposition from the children.
Also, dealing with property ownership after
marriage adds more difficulty for older persons. A
lawyer suggests that younger adults should respect
their parent’s remarriage and work together for a
good solution.
Japan: Elderly Woman
Breaks Student's Nose for Failing to Give Up Bus
Seat (July 9, 2010)
Tamiko Masuta, a 66-year-old Japanese woman, was
arrested for assaulting a teenager. Masuta
attacked a student and broke his nose after he
refused to give her his seat on a bus. This
incident reveals the fact that some older people
in Japan still expect the younger generation to
follow tradition and show respect to them.
However, young Japanese now have ambiguous
viewpoints on manners and on older persons.
Philippines:
How to Get Rid of Bad Air with Laughter Yoga
(July 6, 2010)
Dr. Madan Kataria founded Laughter Yoga in India
in 1995; now there are 6,000 Social Laughter Clubs
in 60 countries. In the Philippines, Paolo
Trinidad has introduced the new yoga approach to a
range of students including abused children being
treated at Hospicio de San Jose, the oldest
orphanage in the country. According to him,
“seniors are so easy to teach.” During laughter
yoga, participants simulate laughter and combine
it with traditional yoga breathing and postures.
During the yoga sessions, he uses such techniques
as smile medication, and states that 15 minutes of
laughter yoga is equivalent to a 30-minute jog.
Thailand:
Youth Do Have Time for Elderly: Study (July 3,
2010)
A study discovered that school-going children and
working adults have a positive attitude toward
older persons. Researchers also found that
students in a higher socio-economic stratum are
more likely to hold positive attitudes toward
older people, but this phenomenon does not exist
among working-age people.
India:
India’s Elderly Make a Move for Freedom (July 3,
2010)
Older residents in the Ashiana Utsav
community of Bhiwadi, India, are enjoying their
sunset lives. Breaking a tradition of living with
their children, the older persons gather in a
retirement community and have a fulfilling social
life. The Ashiana Utsav retirement community
exemplifies how Western-style retirement centers
can be adapted for India to serve the elderly in
their later years. But what is the financial
cost?
South
Korea: Crisis in South Korea: Feisty Old People
Who Want Subway Seats (June 21, 2010)
In South Korea, some seats in the subway are
reserved for the handicapped, pregnant, and
elderly. Sometimes disputes break out between
younger people and older people over who has the
right to those seats. Read this South Korean
blogger who writes about the tensions between the
generations.
China:
80-year-old Man Sued His Daughter Due to
Homeownership Conflict (June 19, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In 2002, Mr. Liu asked his daughter to help him
purchase an apartment in Nanjing, China. However,
when Liu decided to sell the apartment in 2009, he
found his daughter was listed as the property
owner on the real estate license. Liu sued his
daughter and vowed to “fight till the end.”
China:
China Will Enter Severe Aging Stage by 2050
(June 18, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
By the year 2050, there will be one senior person
(older than 60 years old) for every three people
in China. This group may face multiple challenges:
a lack of public social pensions and incomplete
community service for older persons and potential
health product scams. However, the Chinese may
come up with inventive approaches that will serve
the older citizens of 2050.
China:
Empty Nest Tragedy: Divorced Older Man Found
Dead at Home (June 18, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Mr. Meng, a 68-year-old man in Tianjin, China, was
found dead at home almost one month after he
passed away. After his divorce, Meng lived by
himself while his children worked abroad. His
tragedy is a reflection of the “Empty Nest
Elderly” in China. Older persons, whose children
live away from them, need both nursing assistance
and psychological attention.
North
Korea: Older Generation Living in Fear of War
(June 14, 2010)
Older people living in North Korea are still
fearful about the possibility of war between North
and South Korea. Especially older persons who
experienced the Korean War during the 1960s, say
that they “cannot take another war during our
lifetime.”
Malaysia:
Is There Life after 50? (June 13, 2010)
Although not entering the aging stage as early as
their developed country counterparts, Japan, South
Korea, and Malaysia will face aging issues in the
coming decade. By 2020, there will be 3.3 million
older people in Malaysia, 210% more than in 1990.
The Malaysian Aging Society suggests that life is
better for older people because of greater
self-confidence. Women, in particular, are urged
to discover their own identity.
Japan: In
Gray Japan, Mountain Victims Are Older (June 10,
2010)
In Japan, mountain climbing is a popular outdoor
sport. However, statistics show that the victims
in Fuji Mountain climbing accidents tend to be
increasing as older people have taken up the
sport. From 2006 to 2009, 10 out of the 16 deaths
in Fuji Mountain climbing accidents were climbers
40 years and older. The oldest was a 69-year-old
man.
India:
Older Persons in Indian Society Challenge
Traditions and Taboo Practices (May 31, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Second marriages among older persons and the
establishment of romantic relationships later in
life, through the internet and social networking
sites--not to mention through the help of their
children--are indicative of significant changes in
traditional Indian society in recent decades.
Older people in India are living their lives with
more energy as opposed to the past trend of simply
remaining at home and practicing religious
worship.
Laos: Elderly Laotian's
Wish Granted: He's Going Home (May 20, 2010)
John Doe Xiong, an 88-year-old Laotian who never
got his passport returned after failing to apply
for political asylum in 2008, finally got his
passport and will go back to Laos soon. Laos’
government held Mr. Xiong, a Hmong tribesman who
fought on the US side, held him prisoner for
more than seven years. As his health worsened,
Xiong was eager to go home since he wanted to be
buried in accordance with Hmong tradition.
China:
Community Service for Old People: Japan's
Experience and Implications (May 6, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Community service for old people in China has been
developing for only two decades and still requires
refining. China could learn from Japan by
designing community service policies, developing
not-for-profit nursing organizations, emphasizing
education for caregivers and enriching the social
life of the elderly.
China:
Low Marriage Rates of Old People Due to Division
of Property (April 27, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The number of old people posting dating ads is
increasing annually. However, only 10% of romance
in old age leads to marriage. Children's
disagreements, problems of property division and
housing arrangements are the main issues that
force the majority of old people to cohabit rather
than getting married. However, Chinese law does
not protect cohabitation.
China:
Crime By Rural Old People Cannot Be Ignored
(April 15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Recently, old people in aging rural areas and
rural labor migrants in urban areas have turned to
crime. The writer focuses on Meixian, China, a
rural area where elder crime emerges due to old
peoples’ limited understanding of their legal
rights and lack of social interaction as they age.
Often, old people in rural areas commit crimes
against young girls or against the mentally
infirm. To reduce crimes by the older rural
residents , local governments should combine
education about legal rights with appropriate
penalties for the perpetrators, along with
improving community life for old people.
China:
To Protect His Son: Story Behind Self-Immolation
(April 2, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In order to build 310 national highways, several
homes were removed. One of which was the property
of Xihui Tao, a 92-year-old senior and the father
of Xingyao Tao. Tao never reached an agreement
with the local government in terms of compensation
and believed that 75,000 yuan was too low for an
eight-room house and one pig hedge. Fighting
against enforced removal, Xihui Tao decided to set
fire to himself.
Japan:
Japan's 'Lonely Deaths': A Business Opportunity
(April 6, 2010)
Taichi Yoshida, owner of a small moving business,
has noticed a significant trend over the years. An
alarming number of those that use his services are
the family members of those that have died as
'lonely deaths.' Kodokushi, as this phenomenon is
referred to in Japanese, is becoming increasingly
common among Japan's aging population. In 2008 in
Tokyo, more than 2,200 people over 65 died lonely
deaths, according to statistics from the city's
Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health. With a
lack of space in nursing homes, many of Japan's
elderly live alone and receive no care from family
members.
Singapore:
Family Support for Elderly Under Strain in Asia
(April 5, 2010)
The long-time Asian tradition of providing care to
the old is quickly passing. With increased
modernization and changing traditions,
particularly for marriage, Asia's aged cannot
solely rely on their children to provide the
long-term care necessary in their older years.
Public and private institutions, however, have yet
to step up in support of the aging
population.
China:
70-Year-Old Senior Made 8 “Cell Apartments” to
Solve Housing Problem for Youth (April 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Inspired by Japanese “Cell Motels,” Rixin Huang
made 8 “Cell Apartments” in one rented apartment
at Liulang Zhuang, Beijing Haidian District.
Although the rent is only 50 yuan per month, none
have been rented. Huang thinks this concept can
meet market needs and that young people will
eventually take advantage of the opportunity to
live in a cell.
China:
Municipal Administration Is Rude Again; Who Is
Guarding Rights of Seniors? (March 29, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The main character reported in this article is
over 50 years old. She has no husband and supports
a child in college by selling fried yams. While
seniors should not move into areas considered
illegal to sell their food items, can't government
officials at least designate places for them to
make a living? This question is especially
important if the government is unable to provide
social safety nets for seniors.
China:
Guangxi Area Seniors Protest Poor Roads (March
28, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Because residents were eager for new roads to be
built, they pretended to go out carrying water and
knelt down to arouse the attention of government
authorities. According to local officials, the
plan was to build the road in 2006 with government
subsidies. Because of a disagreement about
connecting Nongwen Village, construction stopped
after one mile. Without roads, it is hard for
stay-at-home seniors and kids to connect to the
outside world.
China:
Guangxi 92 Senior Carried Water For Life, Fell
On His Knees To Request Government Built Roads
(March 25, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Southwest China is experiencing constant dry
weather. Some residents need to walk more than 10
mile long mountain routes to carry water to drink.
Young people in rural areas are working in the big
cities. Only seniors and children are staying at
home. Because roads have not been built since last
November, seniors have to carry water from the
designated water provision spot. A 92 year old
senior cried and hoped the government could build
roads as soon as possible. He said he is afraid
that one day he may die on the road.
China:
Jin Zhou to Hire Nanny for Seniors Over 60
(March 22, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The government will provide new services to the
city's residents who are over 60 years old, who
have a low income and cannot live independently.
Services include housekeeping service, health
service, day care and terminal care. Service
stipends can only be used for purchasing
stay-at-home services. Recipients cannot use the
money for medical costs or any other activity.
India:
No Mercy Killing (March 21, 2010)
Mercy killing of terminally ill older persons is a
crime in India. But what if there is a social
practice by which ill elderly people are put to
sleep, with the knowledge of all the family
members? Shocking though it may be, Virudhunagar
and other southern districts in Tamil Nadu seem to
have had a long-established practice called
“thalaikoothal” that permits families of older
persons who are often bedridden and terminally
ill, to give the old person a ceremonial oil bath
followed by tender coconut water in the belief
that it will induce pneumonia, leading to eventual
death. In a rapidly aging population, those lucky
to get retirement benefits have at least a
bargaining chip with the family. Those without
this protection have to suffer the vagaries of
stressed-out families, emotionally and
financially.
China:
When the Senior Cash Coupon Could Be Used Easily
(March 18, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Since January 2010, Beijing began to issue
seniors over 80 years old 100 yuan senior cash
coupon per person per month. However, seniors
cannot spend coupons easily. For example, the
designated restaurant cannot serve the proper
dishes that meet the community’s expectation.
Designated groceries are always crowded with
seniors. Grocery stores even refuse to accept
coupons.
China：
The Second Group of Cheap Rental Apartments Have
Been Assigned to Disabled Seniors (March 17,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
One 70 sq. apartment only costs 30 yuan per month,
compared with 39 sq. apartment 400 yuan per month
at market rate. This is a great deal for older
persons with disabilities.
China： Seniors Are Still
Lured to Experience (March 17, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The press found that the Kang Fu Bao
multi-functional healing bed exaggerated its
functions and presented false advertisement.
However, some seniors are still visiting at stores
and want to try it.
Japan:
An “Aging” Economy (March 15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Will the Japanese economy ever recover? Many
economists are pessimistic when they look at the
needs of its ever-growing aging population.
However, this is no longer solely Japan's
challenge. A growing number of older people means
many challenges around lifetime saving.
China:
Dai Hao: Accelerates Process of Insurance
Capital Investment in Industry Serving Seniors
(March 10, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In the Lianghui proposal, Dai Hao suggested that
related government agencies should provide policy
support for the industry that serves seniors.
These supports may include: separating the senior
service industry land use from other land use;
combining senior industry land use with future
city planning; creating the senior service sector
as an independent investment item.
China: Liu Jiang, Deputy
to National People's Congress, Head of
Department of Civil Affairs: Communities to
Construct Seniors' Home (March 9, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In Liu Jiang's mind, the ideal scenario for
serving seniors is to provide a gym and game room
so they can relax and enjoy the rest of life. The
community home for seniors should also provide day
care. Families could send seniors to the facility
on their way to work and pick them up on the way
back home. This is an ideal way to reduce the
family pressure of caring for seniors and satisfy
seniors' need to socialize at the same time.
China:
National Party Congress Member Chen Wanzhi: Many
Seniors at Confucius's Hometown Have No
Supporters (March 8, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The “Xiao” culture lasted for thousands of years.
It emphasized the need for young people to
respect, protect and take care of seniors. Chen
Wanzhi proposes re-establishing and legalizing the
traditional “Xiao” culture.
China: Health Talk
Considered Scam by Seniors (March 8, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Seniors at Li Village who attended an early
morning health talk considered it a scam. However,
those who attended were rewarded with gifts and
encouraged to go again. The attendance at these
talks has been steadily increasing.
China: Seniors Become
Traffic Advisors (March 8, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
A group of seniors started fast walking for
exercise and while they walked they witnessed a
lot of traffic accidents. After eight years of
walking (with no accidents), 500 seniors have now
become civil traffic advisors.
China:
Seniors Feel Lonelier In Lantern Festival Than
In Spring Festival Eve, “Kongchao” Seniors
Should Be Careful About After-Holiday Depression
(March 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Fireworks are everywhere during the Lantern
Festival, providing as much happiness among people
as in the Spring Festival Eve and the first day of
New Year. However, the happier the surrounding
celebrations are, the lonelier “Kongchao” seniors
may feel.
China:
Privileges for Older Persons (February 26, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The former Secretary General of the United
Nations, Kofi Annan, once said that we give
various titles to the current times we live in and
he added another title called “Aging Era” to
describe it. Many countries around the world have
developed facilities and services for older people
to cope with this new trend in our time.
China:
I Celebrate Spring Festival With “Kong Chao
Seniors” (February 21, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
At every Spring Festival, Chinese people often
focus on seniors and senior organizations during
the entire celebration. The recent Spring Festival
of the Year of the Tiger saw more than 23,000
volunteers in Harerbin visit Kong Chao Seniors'
homes.
China: Seniors in
Suqian, Jiangsu Province, Live in a Garage, Get
the Attention of Secretary of Municipal Party
Committee (February 20, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Garages in communities should be used for cars,
bikes and storage. Many older adults in Jiangsu
Province who can’t afford more appropriate housing
have found that living in garages offers one
solution. These conditions have come to the
attention of the Secretary of the Municipal Party
Committee.
China: Xiamen
Established System to Serve Seniors (February
19, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“An Kang Plan” is a system specifically designed
to serve seniors who meet the low-income special
care requirements. Those seniors can receive three
hours per week from a housekeeping service and one
hour per week of medical service with the local
government assuming all expenses.
China: How do Older
People Choose Nursing Homes? (February 17, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
A study reveals that one of the biggest reasons
that older people move to a nursing home is “lack
of family support.” Some people decide to live in
a nursing home because they do not want to trouble
their children. They answered that price matters
the most when they choose their future “home,”
mainly because they tend to have few financial
resources.
China:
Hainan Trees Shade the Street, Winter Resort for
Seniors (February 16, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Hainan is located in the most southern part of
China, and seniors from the northern part, covered
by ice and snow, come to Hainan Province for
Winter and Spring festivals.
China:
Seniors Cannot Understand “Chun Wan”; New Words
Show Social Trends (February 15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Chun Wan” is a big national celebration TV
program presented by the China Central TV Station.
Every Spring Festival eve, people--especially
middle-aged and senior people--sit in front of the
TV to enjoy this show. However, many new words
used online were introduced to “Chun Wan” this
year, leaving seniors left behind as “internet
illiterate.”
China: This
Spring Festival They Are Not Lonely (February
15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The Spring Festival is a time traditionally spent
with families. In Xinjiang Province, warm-hearted
people take home more than 1,000 seniors who have
no families to celebrate the New Year.
China:
Celebrate Spring Festival with 21 Parents
(February 15, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Ms. Dong spent her spring festival with residents
at her home for seniors. Most of them had diseases
when they were sent there, and their families did
not want to take care of them. At Dong's place,
they found a home.
China:
260 Thousand Seniors are Enjoying Stay-at-Home
Senior Care (February 14, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In 2009, governments in Guizhou Province invested
8.45 million yuan to develop stay-at-home senior
care. To assure that the most needy people get
care, services are provided free, at low cost or
at market cost according to the individual need
and income situation.
China:
What's After Prison? (February 10, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Many older prisoners find themselves in desperate
need of family and social support. Those who find
that their families reject them, often fail to
readjust to society and end up in prison over and
over again. An 86-year-old man, Sun Laiyou,
described in the article, is an extreme example of
this dilemma.
China:
Who Replaces Housekeepers? (February 10, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
As the Chinese New Year approached, many people
returned home to their families, and so did many
housekeepers. For this reason, house chores became
the older parents' responsibility, while their
children were at work. Older people have a problem
finding time to rest, even after retirement.
South
Korea: 'Creating Jobs for Seniors Crucial'
(February 9, 2010)
The welfare policy for older persons should focus
on creating jobs, enabling seniors to feel that
they are contributing to society. "Senior citizens
want to engage in social activities even if they
don't get paid for what they do. While working,
they wish to do something that could contribute to
society," said Cheng Un-tai, chairman of the Seoul
Metropolitan Federation of the Korean Senior
Citizens Association. As chairman of the
association representing one million senior
citizens in the nation's largest city, Cheng has
spearheaded several programs to offer 100,000 jobs
each year to senior citizens in Seoul.
China:
Communities in Kunming to Establish Day Care
Centers Conveniently Located for Seniors
(February 7, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Kunming communities are establishing new day care
centers within a 15-minute walk from the clientele
they serve and will provide needed services to
seniors and disabled people.
China:
Shanghai Adds 10,000 More Beds in Seniors' Homes
This Year (February 6, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai is providing stay-at-home senior care
service to 250,000 seniors. At the same time, it
is trying to promote “Institution Senior Care,”
“Migratory Bird Senior Care” and other types of
new senior care models to create a sustainable
senior care system.
India: Ancient
Dialect Extinct After Last Speaker Dies
(February 5, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
One of the world's oldest dialects, tracing its
origins to tens of thousands of years ago, has
become extinct after the last person to speak it
died on a remote Indian island. Boa Sr, the
85-year-old last speaker of "Bo," was the oldest
member of the Great Andamanese tribe, R.C. Kar,
deputy director of Tribal Health in Andaman, told
Reuters on Friday.
India:
Ancient Tribe Becomes Extinct as Last Member
Dies (February 5, 2010)
The last member of an ancient tribe that has
inhabited an Indian island chain for around 65,000
years has died, a group that campaigns for the
protection of indigenous peoples has said. Boa Sr,
who was around 85 years of age, died last week in
the Andaman islands, about 750 miles off India's
eastern coast, Survival International said in a
statement. Activists are expressing alarm over her
death. Boa Sr was believed to be the oldest of the
Great Andamanese, members of ten distinct tribes.
Survival International estimates there are now
just 52 Great Andamanese left. "Boa's loss is a
bleak reminder that we must not allow this to
happen to the other tribes of the Andaman
Islands," Survival director Stephen Corry said.
China:
Tibet Officially Begins New Rural Area Pension
System (February 4, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Pension distributions began February 3 as part of
the new pension system created for rural areas.
The system has two components: a basic pension and
an individual pension. Seniors at age 60 or over
could receive 55 yuan per month as a basic pension
without paying for insurance or a fee. The amount
of the basic pension will go up as the economy and
social situations improve.
China:
“House Slave” (February 3, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Fang Nu” is a term for people who borrow in order
to own a house. Since the second half of 2009, the
amount of debt has been increasing along with the
ever-growing real estate market. Among the people
who go into debt, the number of older people has
been increasing. Older generations are not buying
houses for themselves. They buy houses for their
children so they can get married and start their
own families.
China:
Huang Xiuliang's “Gu Gua Lao Ren Festival”
(February 2, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Gu Gua Lao Ren” refers to seniors with no
relatives to stay with them. January 30, 2010, is
the fifth festival at Shandong Heze. Huang
Xiuliang, while not a wealthy man, has spent more
than 100,000 yuan to help Gu Gua Lao Ren. More
than 400 seniors have received help from the
society.
China:
Senior Grandma Learns English (February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Liu Mian lives in Suian Zhangpu County, Fu Jian
Province. She started to learn English at the age
of 66. Now after eight years she can have basic
conversations in English. At the senior English
class party on January 1, she sang “You and Me,”
the theme song of the 2008 Beijing Olympic
Games.
China: 256
Senior Universities in Xiamen While Most
Community Senior Universities Are Not Functional
(February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In Xiamen, senior people at the age of 60 and over
account for 12.4% of the number of total citizens.
Although over 50% of seniors are willing to learn
something new, senior education is still
marginalized. The main reason seniors do not
attend the schools is that universities for
seniors are not located near their homes.
China:
Loneliness Became the Main Concern of “Kong Chao
Lao Ren”; They Feel the Society Has Abandoned
Them (February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Kong chao lao ren” refers to seniors who live
alone because of their children's absence for
study, work or marriage. Living alone makes them
feel lonely and depressed. This phenomenon has
become an important social problem.
China:
Senior Grandma Learns English (February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Liu Mian lives in Suian Zhangpu County ,Fu Jian
Province. She started to learn English at the age
of 66. Now after eight years she can have basic
conversations in English. At the senior English
class party on January 1, she sang “You and Me,”
the theme song of the 2008 Beijing Olympic
Games.
China: 256
Senior Universities in Xiamen While Most
Community Senior Universities Are Not Functional
(February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
In Xiamen, senior people at the age of 60 and over
account for 12.4% of the number of total citizens.
Although over 50% of seniors are willing to learn
something new, senior education is still
marginalized. The main reason seniors do not
attend the schools is that universities for
seniors are not located near their homes.
China:
Loneliness Became the Main Concern of “Kong chao
laoren”; They Feel the Society Has Abandoned
Them (February 1, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Kong chao lao ren” refers to seniors who live
alone because of their children's absence for
study, work or marriage. Living alone makes them
feel lonely and depressed. This phenomenon has
become an important socialproblem.
Philippines:
1,000 Grandparents to March to Mendiola (January
31, 2010)
One thousand senior citizens are scheduled to
march from Morayta to Mendiola in Manila Monday
morning to press President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
to sign the Congress-ratified Expanded Senior
Citizens' Act immediately. Fransiskus Kupang,
executive director of Coalition of he Services for
the Elderly (COSE) said, “We are entitled to the
additional benefits specified in he bill. We will
fight for our rights to better social protection.
We will show our determination with a march to
Mendiola. The bill has to be signed.” If passed,
the Expanded Senior Citizens' Act seeks better
social protection for the country's seven million
elderly, including but not limited to additional
medical services and insurance, assistance with
utilities and a tax exemption.
China:
How to Provide Seniors “Emotional Care” (January
31, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
“Emotional care” refers to emotional and
physiological care, where in China the care
providers in a family are the children. When
seniors don’t receive the respect and the physical
care they once enjoyed within the family, they may
suffer tremendous emotional pain.
China:
China Senior Industry Association (January 30,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The China Senior Industry Association was
established January 30 in Beijing, China. The
organization aims at developing a new market among
seniors and strengthening elderly support in every
way. Chen Chuanshu became the first president of
the organization.
Australia: Jail Those Who
Hurt Elderly, Say Police (January 30, 2010)
A disturbing increase in attacks on Queensland's
most vulnerable people has police calling for
offenders who assault the elderly to be jailed
automatically. A series of high-profile attacks in
the past 12 months has added to the perception
that elderly people are increasingly at risk of
violence. Queensland Police Union president Ian
Leavers said people convicted of assaults on
people older than 65 should be automatically
jailed for a minimum of three months. Police have
becoming increasingly frustrated with arresting
people who commit crimes of extreme violence only
to have the courts impose little or no actual jail
time.
Cambodia:
Association to Unite Capital's Senior Citizens
(January 29, 2010)
The Ministry of Social Affairs has established
Phnom Penh 's first Association for the Elderly,
one of hundreds that have been set up nationwide
to assist Cambodia 's senior citizens. Members of
the association are required to pay dues of 2,000
riels (about U.S. $0.50) per month, which are used
to provide financial assistance to members who
become sick or injured. “We wanted to establish
this Association for the Elderly because it
expresses that we are paying attention to the old
people, not only in the province but also in the
city,” said Dr. Pay Sambo, deputy director of the
retirement and pensions department at the Ministry
of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth
Rehabilitation.
China:
Wulumuqi, Senior Welfare Service Organizations
Could Obtain Three Kinds of Subsidies in 2010
(January 26, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Subsidies include an opening subsidy, an operation
subsidy and a low income support subsidy. The
organizations will need the government’s approval
and depending on the scale and satisfaction of
residents, organizations will get different
amounts of supporting aid.
China:
An End of One-Child Policy? (January 25, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai is one of the most aged cities in China.
It has launched a variety of governmental projects
to cope with its aging population. One of them is
to encourage a second child. Interestingly, the
idea hasn't excited many Chinese couples so far,
although lifting the ban on the one-child policy
may seem one approach to caring for China's aging
population.
India: Indian Elders Fear
Fraying Family Net (January 24, 2010)
As India's elderly population grows, the
traditional structure of a large, extended family
is changing. While the elderly members of the
family used to be respected and cared for
unconditionally, many issues, both cultural and
economic, are changing this dynamic. Some younger
relatives simply ignore the older ones, saying
that they do not have the time, resources, or
interest to care for them. Many older persons are
beginning to move into old-age homes where they
can engage with people their own age and be part
of a more lively community.
Philippines:
Bill Pushed Imposing Stiff Penalties on Violence
vs Elderly Pushed (January 24, 2010)
A bill seeking to impose stiffer penalties on
physical and emotional violence against older
people has been getting strong bipartisan support
in the House of Representatives. Senior Citizens
party-list Rep. Godofredo Arquiza last week filed
House Bill No. 7107 with the Lower House set to
adjourn in three weeks. HB 7107 proposes special
protection for senior citizens who are sometimes
subjected to emotional and physical abuses even by
members of their immediate families or caregivers.
Arquiza, who also authored the bill granting
additional privileges for the elderly, said it is
the duty of the state to enact measures that would
“promote human dignity and safeguard the rights of
senior citizens.”
Taiwan:
Index of Aging Breaks Record (January 23, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a recent study, the population of
people over age 65 reached 2,457,468 last year in
Taiwan, which accounts for up to 10.63 percent of
its total population. Its index of aging has been
increasing, showing that Taiwan is aging at a
relatively fast pace.
Taiwan:
Index of Aging Breaks Record (January 23, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
According to a recent study, the population of
people over age 65 reached 2,457,468 last year in
Taiwan, which accounts for up to 10.63 percent of
its total population. Its index of aging has been
increasing, showing that Taiwan is aging at a
relatively fast pace.
China: A
New Era for Elderly Welfare (January 21,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Looking back at the last decade, Chinese society
has taken many initiatives to cope with the
increasing older population in China. The
government has pushed a number of reforms to
support its aging society. While the government
has done most of the work regarding older persons,
the private sector has to promote a more elder
friendly society.
China:
Gansu Province to Raise the Stipend for Every
Senior Citizen (January 21, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
People over age 100 will receive a stipend of
1,200 RMB per year, people of ages 95 to 99 will
get no less than 700 RMB per year and people age
from 90 to 95 will get no less 500 RMB per year.
At the same time, the government will reduce the
health care burden for seniors and provide basic
living expenses for all senior people who meet set
conditions.
China:
Too Old To Challenge the US (January 19, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
While some people in the US fear that China will
take over the US role of leadership in the world,
an article from the New York Times claims that
China will soon lose its momentum. China is still
a very poor country in many aspects compared to
the US. What's more, China's aging population and
lack of workforce due to the one-child policy may
become an obstacle for its economic growth.
China:
Xunyang Gouyuan Xiang, Shanxi Province: New Life
in the Remote Mountain Areas (January 19, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Xuanyang Xiang has 12,315 people scattered among
the mountains. To meet the needs of seniors, a
home was established and 80% of the seniors moved
in. For those that don't want to leave their
homes, their neighbors assumed responsibility to
care for them; 74,000 RMB per year is distributed
to those that help seniors in the neighborhood.
China:
Promote New Pension for Senior People in Rural
Areas (January 17, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
A new rural pension plan involves a pilot project
covering 10% of the counties. By 2020, the new
plan will cover most senior people living in rural
areas. According to the plan, the central treasury
will provide 55 yuan per person per month as the
basic pension while the local treasury should
provide at least 30 yuan per person per
year.
Australia:
Pensions Cut for Elderly Fijians Who Criticize
Regime (January 15, 2010)
Older Fijians who speak ill of the country's
military regime will have their pensions cut in
the latest move to silence the population.
Self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama,
in power since a December 2006 coup, says the new
decree effective this week is designed to stop the
spread of dissent and "promote stability."
Pro-democracy supporters are outraged at the
action, saying cutting off pensioners' lifelines
is a serious breach of human rights.
China:
Senior was Saved Because of a Bottle of Milk
(January 14, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Shanghai's new Jiangwan community provides one
bottle of milk per day for the single senior
people living in the community. The staff of this
community checks everyone's milk receptacle every
noon. If someone has not picked up the milk, staff
will visit that senior's apartment to check if
they feel well and if they need help. The new
Jjiangwan community pays for all the milk.
India: A
Mixed Feeling about India's Population (January
13, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The United States Bureau of Census recently
announced that India is going to overtake China to
become the country with most population in the
world by 2025. China is facing severe social
problems coping with its aging population. While
some people welcome the fact about India's
population increase, it imposes a question of what
kind of impact it may bring to the country.
India: A
Mixed Feeling about India's Population (January
13, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The United States Bureau of Census recently
announced that India is going to overtake China to
become the country with most population in the
world by 2025. China is facing severe social
problems coping with its aging population. While
some people welcome the fact about India's
population increase, it imposes a question of what
kind of impact it may bring to the country.
Myanmar:
The Kindest Cut (January 7, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Long hair is highly valued in Burmese society,
celebrated in literature and songs. But now women
are being forced to part with it as a last resort.
In Myanmar, where one-third of the population of
57.6 million live below the poverty line, hair
traders say selling hair has become a way of
making ends meet. Many poor old women have to sell
their damaged, excess hair for a small amount of
money.
China:
Beijing's First Coupons for Senior and Disabled
People Distributed on the First of Every Month,
Valid for One Month (January 2, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
The Beijing government is distributing coupons
each month that can used by senior and disabled
people to purchase services, home supplies and
meals in restaurants. All services and merchandise
are provided at favorable prices.
Return to Top of
Page
Europe and Central
Asia
Background
Documents
Serbia:
National Strategy on Ageing (2006-2015)
Serbia has adopted a strategy on aging for the
period up to 2015. The strategy encourages the
development of a society for all ages where
stakeholders as well as the citizenry give
attention to the needs and contributions of older
persons. The Serbian population is one of the
oldest populations in the world, numbering 1.2
million individuals, a sixth of the population.
Reports
United Kingdom: The
Forgotten Age, Poverty and Social Exclusion in
Later Life (November 24, 2010)
In this new report, the Center for Social
Justice examines the causes that have led to the
abandonment of the older people in British
society, which are in a situation of loneliness,
poverty and increasing social exclusion, despite
the social advances.
Austria: Mainstreaming
Ageing (Autumn 2010)
In its
Autumn 2010 Report, the European Centre for
Social Welfare Policy and Research in Vienna,
Austria, details events and histories of events
related to aging in Europe and the world. It
highlighted an upcoming event: Finland’s
“CONFIDENCE 2010 International Conference- Open
Doors to ICT (Information and Communication
Technologies) for Ageing and inclusion
France:
Older Persons and New Technologies, a missed
opportunity (October 5, 2010)
(Report in French)
Advances in technology have boomed in recent
years. How can these new technologies be put to
use for seniors? This report outlines the
technological contributions to the problems
concerning older persons, such as the Wii gaming
system and GPS-bracelets for Alzheimer
patients.
Belgium: Promoting the
Project for Life and Autonomy for the Elderly
at Home through the Development and Use of
Their Anchorage and Roots (2010)
(Report
in French)
Belgian researchers are proposing ways to
promote a longer active and autonomous life for
older people. They want to use already existing
resources (family, medical, psychological,
social) in a more proactive and effective way.
They want to insure that older persons remain
independent at home as long as possible. And, as
the persons age, he or she would gradually begin
to use these resources as the need changes or
grows.
France:
Live Together Longer (June 2010)
(Report in French)
The French “commissariat au plan” puts forward a
number of ideas about how the public should
respond to the aging of the French population. The
nation’s ageing process will speed up by 2035.
While one person out of five was 60 years old or
more in 2005, there will be one older person for
every three persons in 2050, according to INSEE.
This ageing process will deeply transform French
society. Interestingly, one suggestion has been to
make aging get older: One university suggests that
people will have to be 75 years old before being
considered truly “old.” The writers want to open
professional training and employment to all
persons as well as help firms better understand
their older workers’ challenges, both at work and
at home.
Europe:
Elder Abuse in Europe: Background and Position
Paper (June 1, 2010)
The European Commission and the National Center
for the Protection of Older People (NCPOP), an
Aging Studies institution based in Ireland,
collaborated to produce this report. It looks at
the phenomenon of elder abuse in Europe after
1975.
EU: Intergenerational Solidarity: Policy
Challenges and Societal Responses (June 2010)
This report that Asghar Zaidi, Katrin Gasior and
Alexandre Sidorenko prepared, is based on the
“Conference on Active and Healthy Ageing”
presentation made during the Spanish EU Presidency
event on 29-30 April 2010. The report explores
earlier plenary sessions which had addressed
policy practices at local, national and European
levels focused on encouraging solidarity among
generations.
Russia-Finland:
When Borders Separate People (June 3, 2010)
(Report in Russian)
The Finnish Immigration Service decided to deport
82-year old Russian citizen, Irina Antonova. The
woman entered the county with tourist visa in
February 2008. At present her visa has expired and
Finland immigration authorities now require her to
leave the country. However, her health condition
raises difficulties for her transportation. Now
the situation has become more difficult and
political with little compromise from either the
Finnish president Tarja Halonen or Russian Prime
Minister Putin. Yet, the Finnish immigration
services remain stern in following the Law. Who is
responsible for Antonova's health care: the family
of her daughter in Finland? Or, the Finnish
authorities? Or the Russian authorities?
European Union:
European Charter of the Rights and
Responsibilities of Older People in Need of
Long-term Care and Assistance (May 2010)
Various partners from ten different countries
launched a discussion on how best to recognize and
affirm the rights of the most vulnerable older
people, especially the increasing number who
receive long-term care. Advancing age does not
affect a person's rights, duties and
responsibilities. The charter focuses especially
on the right to dignity, self determination,
health care and freedom of expression. These
rights are not fully respected today. The authors
want the charter enforced so that older people can
enjoy their rights.
Europe:
Informal Carers: Who Takes Care of Them? (April
2010)
In the past, informal and unpaid carers of the
elderly have not been counted due to a lack of
methodological data. This is slowly changing due
to a question of fiscal sustainability concerning
long-term care services and an increase in
movements by informal carers. In its policy brief,
The European Centre attempts to increase knowledge
about informal carers and the challenges they
face.
Europe:
Mainstreaming Aging (Spring 2010)
Take time to check out this newsletter! The Spring
2010 issue of Mainstreaming Aging features
articles on Women’s Work and Pensions, The
European Institute of Gender Equality, Gender Pay
Gaps in EU States, Poverty Risks for Older Women
in EU Countries, and the Gender Dimension of
Retirement. Take advantage of all the great
information provided here and share it with
others!
United
Kingdom: Fear of Dying in an Ethnically Diverse
Society: Cross-Sectional Studies of People Aged
65+ in Britain (March 30, 2010)
This researcher aims to examine fears about dying
in an ethnically diverse population sample, and in
a more homogeneous population sample, aged 65 and
over. Results concluded that ethnically diverse
respondents were more likely than the British
population respondents to express fears about
dying on all measures used. Helping older people
to express fears about dying is important when
planning supportive end-of-life care.
Practitioners should not assume that fears about
dying are the same in different social groups, or
that extensive family support protects one against
such anxiety. Older ethnic minorities had more
anxieties about dying than others. Those with the
most family support were also likely to express
fears. These findings have serious implications
for commissioners and practitioners of primary and
secondary care.
Romania:
Recognition of Elder Abuse by Home Care Workers
and Older People in Romania (January 2010)
Do home care workers and older persons themselves
recognize elder abuse in Romania? Apparently no
previous studies looked at such abuse in Eastern
Europe. The researcher tried to determine the
proportion of home care workers and older people
receiving care from a Romanian home care service
who correctly identified elder abuse in a
vignette, and who detected elder abuse at work.
United
Kingdom: The Potential of ICT in Supporting
Domiciliary Care in England (January 2010)
Beginning with a brief overview of the social care
system in England, the author looks at unpaid
carers (mostly family members, but sometimes
friends or neighbors) and paid home care workers,
who support older, sick or disabled people of all
ages in their own homes. He also shows how ICT
(including telecare) supports care providers,
highlighting both major public-funded initiatives
and investments, and other approaches embraced by
voluntary and private sector organizations.
Europe:
Poverty Risks for Older People in EU Countries –
An Update (January 2010)
Authors of this Policy Brief provide the latest
evidence on how EU countries differ in terms of
poverty risks for older people (aged 65 years and
over). EU-SILC data for 2008 show that, on
average, older people face a higher poverty risk
rate than the total population: the rate for older
people was 19% as opposed to rate for the total
population of 17%. In general, countries with low
poverty risk rates for older people have a good
social safety net, usually a basic pension (e.g.
the Netherlands) and/or they offer strong
redistribution of earnings-related contributory
pension schemes in the form of minimum guaranteed
pensions (e.g. Austria).
Articles
Russia:
Retired Military Personnel “Regain” Money from
the Government (December 16, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Hundreds of retired military agents in the city of
Amur are suing the military commissariat for
failure to pay their pensions. The agents have
been receiving reduced pensions for the past 10
years. In 2010 alone, the local city court saw
over 1,700 petitions about inappropriate pension
payments. Since these retirees must go through the
city court, appeals, and regional courts, they
must wait about six months in court before getting
the proper pension. In the region of Amur, the
military commissariat has violated the rights of
7,500 people.
Switzerland:
Three out of Four Swiss are Happy with their
Standards of Living. (December 15, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Despite the fact every seventh Swiss risks
entering poverty, three out of four are satisfied
with their quality of life. Of these, elder
persons are the most vulnerable. Some 26.4 % of
those over 65 years risk becoming poor; for those
living alone, some 32.8 % face risk of poverty.
Russia:
Do not Await a Response: Novosibirsk sets a
precedent in the Fight Against Bureaucracy
(December 14, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The Leninsky Court of Novosibirsk ruled that
federal officials must address the concerns of an
older couple, rather than dismissing them. After
officials at the Health Ministry of Russia refused
to continue writing to Nina and Valerii Gurko
about their complaints regarding their daughter’s
operation that resulted in her death, the older
couple filed a suit against them. Those at the
Ministry did not recognize the court's decision
which found that the officials must reply
appropriately to the parents of this dead
daughter.
Switzerland:
More Than 100 Seniors Protest Against
Discrimination by Public Transportation
(December 14, 2010)
(Article in French)
Over 100 seniors protested against new rules for
the public transportation card for seniors. Since
December 12, 2010, the senior card no longer
allows riders to use public transportation before
9am. The protesters want to see these unjustified
time restrictions lifted.
France:
A “Society for Every Age” Is Not a Question of
Money (December 14, 2010)
(Article and Videos in French)
The think tank “Une société pour
tous les ages” invited the press to a talk on
December 8, 2010. The speakers addressed issues
dealing with the right to autonomy for older
persons and how to create a society for all ages.
According to the speakers, creating such a society
is not a question of money.
United
Kingdom: Pensioners Forced to Turn Hobbies into
Jobs (December 8, 2010)
Many older working Britons prefer to cut their
work hours rather than retire completely, while a
third of them are forced to retire. Through
shifting down, older people continue to be
economically active and gain the benefits of
employment, but without the stress and long hours
that they may have experienced.
Russia:
A Businessman Sues an Elderly Man for Writing a
Letter to the Pressident of the Russian
Federation (December 7, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Eduard Taran, a Russian businessman, filed a
lawsuit against Peter Orekhov, an elderly male
from Moscow. In his letters to Russia’s president,
the retiree asked for a “thorough check” of the
businessman and his firm “RATM”. Taran is suing
the pensioner for 100 000 rubles for moral damages
because he believes that the negative image of him
and his firm was portrayed in the media as a
result of Orekhov’s letters, who hadn’t reported
his concerns to the media at all..
Europe: “You
Have to Take Charge of Your Aging” (December 6,
2010)
(Article in French)
Housing for older persons is a rapidly developing
market in Europe, especially in the north. The
journalist Isabelle Guisan went to explore various
types of housing arrangements that have recently
appeared in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and
Germany. The book “JF centenaire cherche
colocation” (“100-year-old SWF ISO Roommate”)
recounts her trip.
Russia:
Older Persons Will Remain Without Compensations
(December 2, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Valentina Matvienko, the Governor of
Saint-Petersburg, proposed changes in the law “On
Regional Standards on Housing” by discontinuing
the current compensations given older persons and
large families. Since many of the aging population
remain with 800-1000 unspent rubles each month,
government officials believe that this is money is
“unsubstantiated income”. Older persons worry that
before long, the government will leave them
without the means to maintain a living.
Russia:
Moscow’s Older Persons- Beyond 101st Kilometer
(December 2, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin wishes to
relocate the city’s population of older persons to
the town of Pereslavl-Zaleski, Yaroslavl region,
which houses only the summer dwellings of many
Muscovites. The province is presented as a
“heaven” where life is not as stressful or
expensive as in Moscow. While this might be true
in the summer, winters in the province are very
difficult to get through. Lack of heating, snow
filled streets, poor public transportation, and
inadequate medicine are only some of the problems
to overcome. Why then must the older persons
relocate to the province? Because their apartments
in Moscow are worth money.
Russia:
A Sizeable University for Older Persons Will Be
Opened in the Kurskaya Region (December 1, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Russia’s largest university for older persons will
be opened in city of Zhelesnogorsk of Russia’s
Kursakaya region. Over 350 older persons will have
a change to study from subjects like law to
cooking and gardening. The aim of this project was
to not only provide education opportunities for
the county’s aging population, but to provide
venue for interaction and socializing.
France:
“Gerontechnology”: How to Avoid Retirement Homes
(November 16, 2010)
(Article in French)
The number of people 80 years or older in France
is expected to double by 2035. Faced with the
impracticality of doubling retirement home
capacity, the French government has adopted a
policy to support the use of “gerontechnology” for
seniors who wish to stay independent longer.
Belarus:
The Institute for Older Persons Appears in
Belarus (November 15, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The first ever Institute of the Third Age was
opened in Brest, Belarus under the “Active third
age” project. Here, 60 year old men and women over
55 will have the opportunity to study for free.
The goal of this institute is to help the
country’s older population adjust to the modern
conditions of life, while remaining active and
productive.
United
Kingdom: Elderly Not Valued by the Young
(November 11, 2010)
According to a report, less than half of young
people feel that seniors are important to society.
Half of young people have not spent quality time
with anyone over the age of 70 within the last six
months. Many young people are disconnected from
older persons. Experts assert that recognizing the
value of older people is important.
United Kingdom:
Inflation 'Is Higher for Elderly' (November 11,
2010)
Researchers found that the cost of living rises
faster for older persons than the typical
household in the United Kingdom. They explained
that older persons mainly spend money on food and
fuel, which costs more and more. The impact of
inflation on those 55 or over has been
significantly underestimated; it worsens as people
age.
United
Kingdom: Abuse Measures for Elderly Proposed
(November 9, 2010)
In the United Kingdom, a Member of Parliament has
proposed legislation for measuring and preventing
the elderly from physical and emotional abuse. The
bill would reinforce existing policies designed to
protect the elderly from a range of abusive
trends. The legislation would also emphasize
prevention, demonstrating the need for a major
cultural shift towards understanding the
circumstances and factors and acknowledging the
reality of its effects.
Ireland: Thousands of
Elderly Abused (November 9, 2010)
According to the National Study of Elder Abuse and
Neglect, at least 10,000 Irish elderly people have
been abused in the last 12 months. Elder abuse can
take several forms, including physical, financial,
psychological or sexual. The highest levels of
mistreatment of the elderly occurred in
intergenerational households or complex household
structures. Experts said that one of the most
important steps in preventing elder abuse is an
increased awareness among older people themselves,
their families and the wider public.
France:
Discrimination Against Seniors: IBM France
Summoned before the Court by the Trade Union
“Force Ouvrière” (November 3, 2010)
(Article in French)
After examining results from IBM France's employee
evaluation system, the trade union Force
Ouvrière (F.O.) found that “several
statistical indicators reveal an unfavorable score
for those over 50 years old.” F.O. summoned IBM
France before the court to address this apparent
age discrimination.
Russia:
Buried in a Dump (November 3, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The bodies of an elderly couple, which disappeared
two years ago, were found near St. Petersburg.
Kamil Muradov, with Arkhan Aliyev and others,
strangled the couple, hit them in the chest with a
screwdriver, and left them for dead in a dump.
Muradov stole and sold the elderly couple’s car,
and is currently hiding out in Azerbaijan. Aliyev
awaits his sentence - will it be life in prison?
United
Kingdom: Britain’s Pensioners Suffering
Disproportionately from Cuts, Cold (November 2,
2010)
According to new research from Age UK, more than
half of all UK residents aged 60 and above are
dreading the onset of winter because of the
government’s decision to change Winter Fuel
Payments. Age UK has launched a Spread the Warmth
campaign, which provides support, advice and
practical services to older people through the
colder months.
France: Senior
Housing, a Future Investment Sector (November 1,
2010)
(Article in French)
With the aging population in France, the three
categories of aging (youth, adult, elderly) will
need to be rethought. Some financial companies are
already targeting the retirement home market for a
long-term investment.
Russia:
Two Older men Place nonexistent Ministerial and
Gubernatorial positions for Sale (October 27,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
The police detained two males, age 60 and 70, for
selling high federal positions. The press
secretary stated that the older persons were
probably involved in the federal system in the
past. According to the Department of Economic
Security Ministry, the market for such services
has recently become quite extensive.
Europe : Nora Berra
Reminds EU of Issues on Aging (October 25,
2010)
(Article in French)
French Secretary of
State for Elderly Affairs attended the Council
of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs
meeting in Luxemburg. The meeting dealt
primarily with the European strategy for work
and the social dimension for 2020. In this
context Secretary Berra stressed the
importance of addressing questions on aging
and intergenerational solidarity.
Russia: A
Taxi Driver ran Over an Elderly man and
Continued his Route because of Rushing
passengers?... (October 25, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The driver of a shuttle taxi in Dnepropetrovsk
heavily injured a 73-year old man and without
offering help continued his route. The shuttle ran
over the elderly man when while walking on the
sidewalk, he stumbled and fell on the road. The
degree of the driver's guilt has not been
determined by the investigative agencies and the
court.
Russia:
The government of the autonomous region of
Buryatya makes a contract with single older
persons for a lifetime of social services
(October 21, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Older persons who don’t have any relatives that
could claim themselves as heirs can enter into
contracts with the government of Buryatya starting
January 1, 2010. In return for a lifetime of
social services and care, the deed of the elderly
person’s residence will be transferred over to the
Republic of Buryatya. The aim to such a contract
is to guarantee support and social protection for
older people that live alone and have no surviving
relatives.
Russia:
Military retirees of the Ulyanovsk region
Demanded that Putin’s office Resign (October 19,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
Activists and military retired persons went on a
hunger strike on October 19 protesting the
government’s aging policies. They are demanding
that Vladimir Putin’s staff and the government of
Ulyanoovsk resign. They are also asking that the
laws affecting veterans be enforced and pensions
expanded. Additionally, these military retirees
intend to hold an ongoing hunger strike for their
constitutional rights in November.
France:
Which Fruit and Vegetables Battle Aging Best?
(October 18, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A study conducted by French magazine “Top Sante”
discussed the fruit and vegetables that are the
best for fighting cancer and aging. According to
the study, consuming 5 kinds of produce each day
can help prevent cancer. Berries (blueberries,
blackberries and strawberries), apples, pears,
bell peppers, avocado, broccoli and many others
have a high level of Salvestrols which is a key
ingredient in cancer prevention and lead to longer
healthier lives.
United
Kingdom: Think Tank Warns against Legalizing
Assisted Suicide (October 18, 2010)
A think tank in the United Kingdom asserted that
the law allowing assisted suicide should be
changed. They argued that legalizing assisted
suicide would put older persons, among society's
most vulnerable, at risk of being bullied into an
early death.
France: Seniors
Behind the Wheel: No More Dangerous Than
Others (October 18, 2010)
(Article in French)
This article questions the common conception that
older persons pose a safety concern on the road.
In rural locations driving is often essential for
older persons to stay autonomous. According to the
national police, drivers older than 60 years
account for no more than 15% of fatal car
accidents.
Ukraine:
Food Packages for Elderly Collected in
Supermarkets Across Odessa (October 14, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The Odessa Branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross is
conducting a food drive in the region’s
supermarkets. Consumers can donate a portion of
their purchases at their local supermarkets, from
which food packages for the elderly will be
assembled.
Russia:
Why Are Elderly Prey to Swindlers? (October 14,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
Many criminals use trust to swindle the elderly in
Russia. According to psychologists, not only do
people lose their abilities to think critically
when they get older, but many elderly people lack
care and attention from their loved ones.
Criminals use this vulnerability to take advantage
of the elderly. Russia’s police urge the
population to be more attentive while
psychologists suggest that loved ones pay more
attention to their elderly.
Ukraine:
An Elderly Woman and a Prisoner Won a Case
Against Ukraine (October 14, 2010).
(Article in Russian)
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled
against Ukraine in two court cases. The country is
obliged to pay Georgiy Znaikin, a former police
officer, 6,000 euros for violations during
detention. Lyudmila Bogatova, an elderly woman, is
entitled to 1.2 thousand euros for delay in
payment of her pension. The court proceedings took
place on October 7.
Belgium:
Growing Older Without Being Cut Off From the
World (October 14, 2010)
(Article in French)
The project “Ancrage et racine” looks at ways to
prepare people for elderly age. The idea is that
those who are prepared–with formal and informal
means of assistance already in place–will stay
autonomous and independent longer, gradually
incorporating forms of assistance as the need
arises. This proactive and interdisciplinary
approach places the elderly person as the main
actor in the choices to maintain a normal living
environment.
Russia:
Refuses a Light, Old Man Beaten to Death
(October 7, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
A young man in the Kherson region asked an old man
for a cigarette, and beat him to death after he
refused. Initially, the young man knocked the
victim’s teeth out, after which the elderly
gentleman tried twice to hide. Each time the
offender found his prey and ended up beating the
older man to death. The attacker stands to serve
10 years in prison for homicide.
Russia:
Gonochenko Values Renovation of Veterans
Apartments: C (October 7, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Alexei Gonochenko, chairman of the Board of
Veterans of Stavropol District and Regional Duma
deputy, gave the District’s authorities a C for
not finishing repairs in veterans’ apartments. He
also stated that his amendment to the newly
created budget didn’t pass. Gonochenko wanted to
increase veterans’ pay by a mere 120 rubles a
month in 2010.
Russia:
Police Officer Who Beat Elderly Chgerkessk Man
Appears in Court (October 6, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Investigators in Cherkessk, capital of
Karachay-Cherkess Republic in Russia, concluded
their investigation of a criminal case regarding a
30-year-old police officer, Zaur Nartokov, accused
of beating a 63-year-old man. The incident
occurred in April of 2010 when the accused man, by
kicking his victim in the chest, broke six of his
ribs and injured his neck and shins.
France:
Helping to Prevent Domestic Accidents for the
Elderly (October 4, 2010)
(Article in French)
Minister of State for Employment Laurent Wauquiez
and Secretary of State for Trade, Crafts, Small
and Medium Enterprises, Tourism, Services and
Consumer Hervé Novelli signed an agreement
to improve domestic safety for the elderly. The
program is threefold: identify the risks,
experiment with preventative measures and spread
awareness about these risks and preventative
measures to the older population.
Switzerland:
Geneva Students Help Elderly on Public Transport
(October 2, 2010)
The Geneva Red Cross honored the elderly Friday,
the 1st October by sending 200 volunteers,
including 100 students from the International
School of Geneva, to bus and tram stops throughout
the city, to help people over age 65 use public
transport more easily.
Russia:
Medveded Sends Luzhkov Into Retirement
(September 28, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The President of the Russian Federation Dmitry
Medvedev relieved Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of
Moscow, of his post. The President’s decree stated
that the cause was “loss of the president’s
trust.” The 74-year-old now ex-mayor, after 18
years of service, wasn’t planning to leave his
post in the near future. However, according to
Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, since the
relationship between the president and the mayor
didn’t improve, necessary measures had to be taken
to manage the situation. Luzhkov also lost his
rights in the United Russia Party, where he was a
member of the governing body.
Germany:
Students Work for Senior Citizens and are Given
a Place to Stay in Return (September 25, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Because of high rents in Germany, students are
forced to find alternative places to live. Eveina
Heuf, a 23-year-old law student, is one of many
students who offer services to older people as
compensation for a room in which to live. This
benefits the elderly since having a live-in helper
makes their lives easier. But finding a nice
student is a toss of the dice.
France :
The XXI Century Will be the One to Recognize
Older Persons (September 24, 2010)
(Article in French)
As people grow older, the question of aging
activism is becoming critical, especially in the
context of funding retirement. Long life without
the expectation of serious disability appears to
be growing very fast. Further, older persons have
many valuable resources to offer. Therefore, it’s
urgent to help them to find jobs, which, contrary
to what one might think, won’t cause unemployment
among young people, as the example of Nordic
countries demonstrates.
Russia:
Impostors Posed as Censor Workers Stole Money
from the Elderly (September 23, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Disguising themselves as census workers, two women
and a man lied to a number of retirees in the
Bryanskaya region and stole their money. The
police detained the perpetrators by the use of
fingerprint and shoe prints at the scene of the
crime. The suspects pleaded guilty and the stolen
money was found and confiscated.
UK:
Exposed: The Conmen Who Prey on the Elderly and
Vulnerable (September 21, 2010)
Rogue salesmen are preying on elderly and disabled
people in their own homes. They promote faulty
mobility aids such as stair lifts and scooters at
rip-off prices. Trading Standards has launched a
nationwide crackdown on these firms, winning
millions of pounds back for vulnerable residents
over the past year.
Russia:
Homeless Victims of the Saratov Fire to Receive
Aid from the Pension Fund Until October
(September 15, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The Pension Fund of the Russian Federation will
lend assistance to the victims of the September 2
fires in the Stratovskaya region until October 1.
The non-working elderly will receive up to 25
thousand rubles, depending on the amount of
property damage. All of the now homeless fire
victims have already been given an initial sum of
20 thousand rubles for immediate needs, and are
promised 100 thousand more from both the regional
and federal budgets. The Pension Fund took quick
measures to generate official paperwork. The
gathering of documents necessary to receive
compensation is nearly complete. The completion of
the construction of new homes is planned for
October 25.
Sweden:
Retired are Wooed Before General Election in
Sweden (September 9, 2010)
(Article in French)
Before the upcoming General Election in Sweden on
September 19, all parties are trying to win the
vote of older persons, who represent almost one
fourth of the electorate (1.7 million out of 7.1).
Moreover, older persons are well organized in
small parties and most of them will actually vote.
To persuade older persons to vote, parties are
announcing tax cuts, a promise that might be kept
since the Swedish economy is improving.
France:
Abusing Nurses Receive Fine in Court (September
2, 2010)
(Article in French)
Two retirement home nurses were recently found
guilty of humiliating a patient with Alzheimer’s
and were sentenced to 800 Euros in fines in court.
Additionally, they are required to pay an extra
1,000 Euros each for damages and interest.
Russia:
Fire in a Nursing Home of Tverskaya Oblast Took
the Lives of Nine People (August 30, 2010)
(Article in Russian, also available in Arabic)
A World War II veteran pensioner drenched himself
in gasoline and lit himself on fire. Despite a
long wait for a private room in a nursing home, he
continued to share space with two other people.
Such fires in nursing homes and specialized
institutions occur frequently in Russia. In March
2007, some 62 pensioners and one nurse died, 30
were hospitalized, and 35 were saved in a nursing
home fire in the Yeisk district of Russia´s
Krasnodar region. Within the last five years,
officials have documented nearly 20 such fires.
It’s unclear whether inefficient response or
outdated fire alarms prevent fire personnel from
putting out the fires.
Europe:
IMF Warns of Elder Demographic Growth (August
27, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Europe today stands at the crossroads of aging and
growth. After the high birthrates after World War
2 and increased prosperity, this past century has
faced a wave of demographic growth. However, it is
expected that there be another wave of demographic
change that calls for a search for new solutions
in Europe.
Russia:
Court Finds Former Nursing Home Director Guilty
of Misuse of Power (August 26, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
A recent court decision found the director of a
nursing home guilty of misuse of powers. The
director exposed elderly people in the nursing
home of Yakutsk to physical and financial
punishment; he kept them in isolation and withheld
money from their pensions. The court prohibited
the ex-director from working in the state service
sector and was sentenced to probation without
prison time.
Russia:
Due to a Small Pension, a Person with
Disabilities Shot Two Federal Employees and
Killed Himself (August 24, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
A 50 year old person with disabilities, Sergey
Rudakov, committed suicide after shooting the
lawyer and director of the Social Insurance Fund
in lower Tagil. According to his suicide note,
those in power designate money for themselves
instead of assisting the needy like himself. After
twenty years of unsuccessful court hearings, he
continued to receive an inadequate monthly
disability pension of 8,000 rubles.
United
Kingdom: Son Guilty of Killing 100-Year-Old
Mother (August 23, 2010)
A son stabbed his mother in the neck, resulting in
her death. After killing his mother, Michael
Fitzgibbon, 62, confessed to manslaughter.
Psychiatrists agree he was suffering depression of
“moderate severity.” Also his family had not
noticed that he suffered the early stages of
Parkinson's disease. GAA and many other aging
organizations demand that the caregivers of older
persons have the physical resources and financial
support they need to manage their caregiving
responsibilities.
Germany:
Retirees Prefer Jaguar (August 16, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Older Germans are big fans of expensive car
brands, mainly Jaguar and Mercedes. According to
statistics, the average buyers of new Jaguars are
getting older every year, reflecting the aging
German population. European car makers are more
likely to follow the preferences of their older
clients by focusing on safety, gas mileage and
environmental friendliness.
Russia: Elder
Professors Face Employment Problems (August 14,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
If not addressed in a timely way, the approaching
demographic changes could cost university
professors their employment. Experts expect
decreasing numbers of students, brought on by
lower birth rates, to enter Russian universities
in coming years, eliminating thousands of teaching
positions. Older educators are particularly
vulnerable to lay-offs.
Russia: Aid for Victims
of Fires (August 13, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
While the destructive fires of recent weeks have
apparently receded, the departments of the Pension
Fund of Russia continue to work in emergency mode.
Many old people lost their property, including
identification papers for their pensions,
complicating the process of payments. Authorities
are working to issue duplicates of the documents
necessary to obtain allowances and state
compensatory payments.
Germany:
Elderly Make up Most of Car Accident Victims
(August 8, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
It is well known that older Germans are cautious
drivers; however, those who are pedestrians or
ride a bicycle often fall victim to slipping under
the wheels of cars. According to the Central
Bureau of Statistics, children and old people
comprise the largest percentage of victims in road
accidents.
Russia:
Dead End for Economists (August 5, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Last year, social allowances and payments were
adjusted by 13 percent. Nevertheless, the income
of pensioners, World War II veterans, and disabled
elders barely reached the minimum wage level. The
need for social allowances as well as their
potential consequences are discussed in this
article.
World:
Senior Delinquency to Increase (August 3, 2010)
(Article in French)
As humans tend to live longer and in better
physical health, seniors who had criminal records
at a younger age could pursue this kind of
activity even longer. In Japan, around 55,000
Japanese seniors beyond the age of 65 are arrested
each year and jails must be adapted to seniors’
needs. In France, the center of strategic analysis
points out that seniors seem to be less threatened
than the rest of the population even if they are
first targeted for some offenses.
Elderly Across Europe Live in Extreme Hardship
& Poverty - Women (August 5, 2010)
Older persons are amongst the most vulnerable
groups that have been deeply affected by the
economic crisis. Hundreds of thousands of older
persons across Europe, struggling for their
everyday survival. Many suffer a shocking level of
poverty. The number of older persons begging in
the streets goes to prove that their human right
to an adequate standard of living is not
respected. Politicians ignore the aged, seeing
them as non-productive and worthless in modern
society. The human rights of the older generation
must not be further undermined as governments
introduce their austerity programs.
Holland:
A Retiree from Holland Gave Himself a New Car as
a 100th Birthday Gift (August 3, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
What gift would someone like to receive for his or
her 100th birthday? A retiree from Holland gave
himself a brand new car. The birthday person
explains that he continues safe driving habits and
stays calm in all situations. His doctor recently
confirmed that his state of health indicates he
can still drive safely.
United Kingdom: Old Man
Beaten to Death in Front of London Mosque (July
27, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A gang of schoolboys brutally attacked a Muslim
old man leaving a mosque with his granddaughter.
Police link the assault on the retired care worker
to a series of other attacks on older Asian people
near the mosque. Police are treating these attacks
as racially motivated.
Russia: Two Retirees
Escape from Moscow to the Island of Freedom
(July 27, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Two retired brothers from Moscow, Boris and
Anatoly, found a way to escape the heat and city
noise by going to an island in the middle of a
pond northeast of Moscow. They enjoy island life
every year from April to October and claim such
visits fulfill their long-time childhood dream.
Poland: Two Men
Sentenced for Robbing Elder Woman (July 24,
2010)
In Youngstown, Poland, two 21-year-old men were
sentenced to more than 10 years in prison after
robbing an 83-year-old lady with a gun.
According to the victim, one man put a handgun
to her face during the robbery. Since the
attack, the victim said she has suffered
“nightmares, sleeplessness, anxiety, chest pains
and panic attacks, for which I’ve been in and
out of the hospital.”
United
Kingdom: BBC to be Accused of Sexism and Ageism
(July 20, 2010)
(Article in French)
Selina Scott, a former anchorwoman at BBC, has
compiled a dossier looking into the sexism and
ageism against women at the BBC. According to her,
the obsession with youth and rejection of older
women in television has increased. The 59-year-old
woman also describes how women are pushed aside.
She hopes her report will “trigger nothing short
of a ‘revolution’ within the Television
Center.”
Sweden:
Swedish Family Lived with 191 Cats (July 20,
2010)
An old Swedish woman lived in Stockholm with 191
cats. Many of these cats were sick or injured
and 173 were put down at the house. The
remaining 18 cats were sent to animal shelters.
According to Swedish law, a family can have a
maximum of nine cats. A social services
coordinator suggested that animal lovers contact
local shelters to deal with stray pets and
injured animals instead of simply taking them
into their homes.
UK: Oldest
Briton, Born when Victoria was on the Throne,
Dies at age 111 (July 20, 2010)
Eunice Bowman, Britain’s oldest person at age
111, passed away early this month. She was born
when Queen Victoria was still on the throne, and
had lived independently until two years ago.
When asked about the secrets to her longevity,
she said "I have never drank alcohol or smoked.
I have had a happy life." She also said a
"tipple of honey" had
helped: "The tipple of honey is what keeps me
going, really. I've had a simple life, but I've
had some great memories along the way."
UK: Conservatives
Accused of U-Turn on 'Death tax' to Care for
Elderly (20 July, 2010) The government has
been accused of making a U-turn on the death tax
policy that funds long-term care for older
persons. It was one of the most explosive issues
of the general election. Andrew Lansley, the
health minister, announced that a commission on
the funding of care and support will report
within a year, after examining a variety of
funding options. They need to consider these
options considering that the UK is expecting 1.7
million more persons needing care over the next
20 years.
UK:
Many Elderly Britons 'Lack Medical Cover Abroad'
(July 16, 2010)
According to recent reports, the number of
traveling Britons requiring consular assistance is
very high. Why? The older tourists experienced
include failed insurance policies due to
unreported health conditions, lost or stolen
passports and arrests. The authors suggest
travelers be more accurate and precise when
preparing for a trip: choose an insurance policy
and check the Internet for additional information
about travel to the country of interest.
France:
Aging Gracefully, the French Way (July 14, 2010)
Do French women know secrets that allow them to
age gracefully? If yes, what are those secrets? Is
aging a matter of make-up or mind, practical
strategy or life habits? The ways women on both
sides of the Atlantic approach aging are discussed
in this article.
Russia: Nearly 12,000 Unemployed Retirees in
Moscow Region to Receive Reimbursements (July
13, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
To improve social and living conditions of
unemployed retirees, the Pension Fund of Russia
plans to distribute about 9.7 million rubles as
one-time payments. The measure will cover near
12,000 people.
France:
Aging Might Be an Opportunity (July 6, 2010)
(Article in French)
A July 5th survey shows strong support for the
aging population. The results advocates indicate
that aging necessitates living in good mental and
physical health. Rather than years lived, health
is the true sign of aging. The survey recommends
maintaining the senior employment rate along with
equal access to continuing education.
Seventy-seven-year-old
English Woman Achieves 7th Dan Black Belt in
Spirit Combat International Jiu-jitsu (July 6,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
When is it too late for an outstanding
achievement? Seventy-seven-year-old Ena Mallett
from England proved it was not too late to become
the first woman to receive her seventh black belt
in Spirit Combat International Jiu-jitsu. Working
as a crossing guard at school, she also teaches
martial arts. No doubt she can stand up for
herself.
France:
Patrols to Protect Elderly (July 4, 2010)
(Article in French)
The French government has unveiled its
`tranquillité seniors` (senior tranquility)
plan aiming to protect seniors against burglaries.
The government plan modeled this program on the
`tranquillité vacances` (holiday
tranquility) plan. Aggression and burglaries
against the elderly have increased over the past
few years because older people often make an easy
target for robbers. The government will hand out
1.5 million flyers to warn older people about the
dangerous areas and situations and to remind them
how to react in such a situations.
France: A Cry of
Alarm from the Oldest Woman on the Internet
(July 4, 2010)
(Article in French)
A 98-year-old woman, wrote this account
highlighting the bad conditions of nursing homes
in France. According to her, some thirty persons
share a single fan. Only one room enjoys air
conditioning to serve more some 65 nursing home
residents. She describes her difficulties in
getting a doctor’s appointment. Alas, she is
describing the most modern nursing home in Isere
that opened its doors in 2009.
United
Kingdom: Elderly Motorists Need More Support
(July 4, 2010)
In the United Kingdom, 86% of older motorists
(70-year-olds) have had no additional driver’s
training since obtaining a license 30 years ago.
Older motorists are more likely to cause an
accident and are more affected by road conditions.
The UK government has launched a project to
encourage driving safety for older drivers.
Medical checks, driving evaluations and better
public transport could all help older drivers stay
safe on the roads.
UK: Time for
Britain to Give Workplace Ageism the Sack (July
2, 2010)
Fabio Capello, England’s soccer coach during this
summer’s World Cup, is in his sixties, as are a
number of Britain’s best soccer coaches who are
also in the height of their careers. According to
the author of this article, the practice of ageism
in the workplace is on its way out. He predicts
that older people will stay on in top roles, a
practice that will almost certainly become the
norm soon, as long as Britain foregoes ageism
towards older workers
France:
Only 18% Still Working at Age 62 (June 29, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to Ministry of Employment statistics,
less than two seniors out of ten (18%) are still
in the labor market at age 62. The survey
indicates that seniors’ participation in the labor
force activity quickly decreases after age 54.
Seniors who prolong their paid work are mostly
executives and those employed in intellectual
professions while manual and low-skilled workers
leave the labor market much earlier. The survey
notes that the senior unemployment rate has
increased above that of the last economic crisis.
United
Kingdom: Older People May Prefer Flats to Rent
in London (June 29, 2010)
In London, England, older citizens usually live in
big houses while many working families are
squashed into overcrowded homes. The London
government is encouraging older people--especially
those who can barely afford their houses--to rent
out empty rooms or move into smaller flats.
France:
Retirees may Participate in Financing Dependents
(June 23, 2010)
(Article in French)
France is facing difficulties in financing
services and accommodations for frail seniors. To
solve the problem, the French parliament plans to
require retired people to subscribe to private
insurance should they experience a loss of
autonomy. The proposal will also raise the rate of
the general social contribution. This system would
gradually replace the current personal autonomy
allowance which is insufficient, according to the
government.
United
Kingdom: Woman Who Had Sex Change Wins Legal
Right to Pension at 60 (June 22, 2010)
In England, male workers are entitled to state
pensions at 65 years, and female workers at 60
years. Christine Timbrell, a woman who had a
sex-change operation 10 years ago, won her court
case to receive a pension from the age of
60.
France:
“Live at home”: autonomy, inclusion and life
plan (June 18, 2010)
(Article in French)
The French government has launched a project
called Living at Home to allow seniors to continue
living in their residence as long as possible.
Nora Berra, the French Minister for aging, has
pointed out that as life expectancy increases,
ageing is no longer synonymous with disease and
poverty. This project aims to enhance the quality
of home life and the autonomy of old people by
providing them with new technologies and services.
Older persons can continue to live at home,
supported by their close relatives and
neighborhoods.
France:
They Complete their Pension by Knitting (June
18, 2010)
(Article in French)
Jeremy Ernsellem is a 24-year-old man who created
the website Golden Hooks that provides a network
to grandmothers who want to knit from home to
complete their pension or because they feel bored.
The grandmothers are compensated for each hat or
scarf they create. They earn an average of 400
euros per month. This operation is a great success
in France and more old women are joining the
group.
France:
Ageing Sectors (June 15, 2010)
In sectors like agriculture, energy or health,
seniors make up 30% of the employees. Therefore,
these business sectors must address the issue of
population aging as soon as possible. It is
essential both because of the population change
and because it demonstrates a willingness of the
French government for seniors to work longer.
Russia:
Head of International Committee of the Council
of Federations, Mikhail Margelov, Asks European
Ombudsman to Defend Russian Citizens (June 15,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
The Head of the International Committee of the
Council of Federations, Mikhail Markelov,
addressed a letter to the Ombudsman of the
European Council asking the official to defend the
rights of an 82-year-old Russian citizen. The
older woman spent the last two years in Finland
with her daughter's family on an expired tourist
visa. While the Finnish immigration service
requires Russian citizens to leave the country,
the woman's health condition raised difficulties
for her transportation. Sadly, she does not have a
place to live or relatives to care for her in her
hometown.
United
Kingdom: Older People Mentor Troubled Teens in
'Granny Knows Best' Project (June 14, 2010)
In London, more than 50 older people are becoming
mentors to troubled teenagers in a
Government-backed project that hopes to prove that
“Granny knows best.” If the project is successful,
it may expand nationwide.
Moldova:
Alliance “for European Integration” Refuses to
Help Pensioners and Disabled People (June 11,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
Oksana Domenti, a Communist Party deputy, has
accused the administration of ignoring legislation
regarding vulnerable groups in the population. The
previous administration adopted the New Strategy
for Social Development which included pension
reform. However, the current administration has
done nothing to implement the strategy.
United
Kingdom: Phones with a Loud Ringtone Popular
among Older Persons (June 8, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A British company produced a new line of cell
phones that emit a ring tone that sounds similar
to an electric drill. Older customers responded
very positively. The phone also featured large
font sizes that made it easier for older people to
read letters and numbers.
Russia:
The first Olympic Competition in Computer
Science Involved Pensioners in Chuvashia,
Russian Federation (June 8, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Older persons in Chuvashia spend less time sitting
on a bench as the popularity of computer clubs
grows among the retirees who can now enjoy them
free-of-charge. In the past six months, six
computer clubs have opened their doors, with a
recent Olympiad testing computer skills among the
older population.
Germany:
Germany’s Responses Towards An Aging Population
(June 7, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Since the year 2000, the German government has
launched multiple projects to approach the aging
of its population. These projects regard older
persons as a valuable resource in society. They
encourage senior citizens to participate in
community service with young people, provide
mentoring to high school students and live in
multigenerational houses.
United Kingdom:
£20m Lottery Fund to Tackle 'Lonely'
Elderly in Wales (June 7, 2010)
The Big Lottery Fund in Wales will sponsor a
voluntary project for the next three to five years
with grants of between £200,000 and
£1m. The Fund’s directors want to encourage
befriending and social interaction among old
people.
Finland: Finland Makes
Its Seniors Want to Work (June 6, 2010)
(Article in French)
The employment rate for seniors has strongly
increased in Finland in the past 10 years.
According to most commentators, firms now
encourage seniors to work by taking care of them
and improving the quality of work life. They
implemented programs to provide workers with
better working conditions, thanks to dialogue and
follow-through between older workers and their
bosses. However, even in Finland, seniors are
often the first to be dismissed in times of
company crisis. The article also highlights the
issue of retirement financing; the effective
retirement age is 59.8 years.
European
Union: Putting Young and Old to Work (June 6,
2010)
In European Union countries, people aged 15-24 and
55-64 have the highest unemployment rates. In this
article, Thomas Mann, centre right German member
of the European Parliament, talks about his report
that would tackle unemployment among both young
people and those who are older.
Russia:
School for the Arts for Elderly People (June 2,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
The School for the Arts for older people is
opening in Novocherkassk. The project, “Golden
Age--a time to live creatively,” aims to improve
the quality of life for the older population by
increasing the range of opportunities to realize
their creativity and develop their skills.
Russia: What
a Victorious Generation Should Expect (June 2,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
A veteran of WWII who reads the Russian newspaper
Argumenty i Facty asks a question on state
provision of housing for veterans. The Prime
Minister of Russia, V.V. Putin, answers the
question.
France:
New Measures Favor Employment of Seniors (June
1, 2010)
(Article in French)
Laurent Wauquiez, French Secretary of State for
Employment, discusses the issue of employment of
seniors in an interview by Le Parisien, a French
newspaper. In France, the senior sector's
employment rate is only 17%. Wauquiez revealed
that the government is currently planning to
exempt firms that hire seniors from charges.
France:
Women's Pensions: Let's Correct All Disparities
(June 1, 2010)
(Article in French)
The debate over pension reform in France seldom
includes the issue of pension disparities between
men and women. According to the Laboratory on
Equality--which gathers associations, trade
unions, business leaders and members of the media
to promote gender equality--the French government
should take into account inequalities from which
women are suffering in the workplace in terms of
wages, employment rates and imposed part-time
work. According to the organization, the
government should begin implementing existing laws
concerning wage equality between men and women.
France:
Fillon Announces Reform of Dependency ''By the
End of 2010'' to Take Effect in 2011 (June 1,
2010)
(Article in French)
The French Prime Minister Francois Fillon
announced on June 1 that dependency reform for
older people and people with disabilities would be
determined by the end of 2010 in order to take
effect before 2011. Some departments want to
reconsider how to finance the reforms because they
are in a difficult financial situation due to the
current economic crisis.
Russia: A Mass Murderer of Pensioners Released
Once Again (May 28, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
"I do not know how to express to our older
citizens, all the dangers that surround them,”
stated the chief of criminal police, Andrei
Konovalov. One such danger includes killings of
female pensioners in Krasnoufimsk, most of which
occurred within the same area, according to the
local media. This is a security concern because
older women are prone to giving strangers access
to their homes
United
Kingdom: Dunkirk Veterans Revisit the Scene of
Their Salvation 70 Years On (May 27, 2010)
In France’s port city of Dunkirk, World War II
Veterans gathered to remember almost a quarter of
a million Allied troops who had retreated from
Hitler's forces at the end of May 1940. During the
battle of Dunkirk, thousands of boats set sail to
rescue the Allied troops at the government's
request. It was part of Churchill's "miracle of
deliverance" that the flotilla of little ships
plucked more than 300,000 servicemen, who are now
very old persons, from the Nazi soldiers.
France:
Poor Management of Billions of Euros on
Pentecost Monday (May 24, 2010)
(Article in French)
In 2003, the French Government used Pentecost
Monday to create a Solidarity Day in hopes of
raising extra money to support older people. The
Government raised 2.21 billion Euros in 2009. Yet,
many associations and commentators believe this
money has been poorly managed and that it has not
been used to improve the lives of older
people.
United
Kingdom: Hanging Out With My 'Grannies' (May 22,
2010)
Stephanie Theobald teaches creative writing at a
nursing home to rekindle her relationships with
old people after the death of her own grandmother
when she was very young. Through Isolated Elders,
an organization based in London, Theobald has
experienced fruitful relationships and gained life
lessons such as the importance of
intergenerational interactions in “a country that
doesn't seem to like old people much.” Global
Action on Aging recommends the positive benefits
of volunteering at nursing homes.
Russia:
Moscow Expecting an Increase in its Population
of Older Persons and Immigrants (May 21, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
A decline in fertility rates in Moscow has caused
a decline in the working population.However, the
percentage of retirees is on the rise, noted the
popular Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda.
Moscow's population continues to grow due to
newcomers immigrating to the city from other
countries.
France:
Let's Develop Art of “Aging Well” (May 18, 2010)
(Article in French)
In an editorial published in Le Monde, the French
writer Marie de Hennezel, introduces the reader to
a new way to view ageing. Growing older is usually
seen as a decline in health and productivity even
though it is accompanied by increased wisdom and a
host of valuable experience to contribute to
society. It is real 'work' to age well because
while it assumes loss of certain abilities, it
also opens older persons to new perspectives.
Hennezel wants people to discover the 'other face
of aging' and the wealth linked to it.
France:
More and More Old People Victims of Crimes (May
17, 2010)
(Article in French)
French deputy Edouard Courtialreported on security
for older persons to the French Minister of
Interior, Brice Hortefeux, on May 16, 2010. He
noted that robbers and swindlers often target
older people. Such thieves , falsely represent
themselves as electrical company agents or chimney
sweepers. On this basis, Brice Hortefeux outlined
measures to get better security for older
persons.
Russia:
Can a Pensioner Survive Without a Computer? (May
15, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Imagine for a moment a new social network on the
Internet whose membership consists solely of older
persons. It is a network set up for pensioners and
retirees to communicate, reminisce, and even
reunite after years of separation. Luckily, this
network exists, and is shared by people who have
something to share with each other and the
world.
France:
Meals Delivered to Homes Serve Social Purpose
(May 14, 2010)
(Article in French)
Older people are sometimes lonely. When they
request meals to be brought to their homes, mainly
for health reasons, it is also an opportunity for
them to talk to someone. At times, the person who
brings meals is also a confidant. In the city of
Saint Etienne in France, this service has improved
over recent years. The price of the meal has gone
down and municipal officers are staying with older
persons for eight minutes, instead of only two
minutes, as they did in previous years.
United
Kingdom: Britain Looks Ahead for Its Elderly
(May 14, 2010)
Among the social issues affected by the growing
aging population in the United Kingdom, housing
has become the central focus. According to this
article, in Britain the number of people older
than 60 - estimated at 10.8 million in the 2001
census - is predicted to increase to 17.8 million
over the next 25 years. There is simply not enough
housing for all older persons, promptingdevelopers
to come up with a plan of action to accommodate
the growing population.
Bulgaria:
Russian Pensioners are Buying Property in
Bulgaria (May 14, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Former Soviet Union citizens are buying apartments
in Bulgaria in great numbers. What seems
particularly surprising is the fact that a large
percentage of them are former Soviet
citizens--Russian pensioners to be exact. An
average apartment in Bulgaria can cost up to 10
thousand euros but that does not stop the Soviet
pensioners from shopping. Even if a price for an
apartment seems high, they get monetary as well as
emotional support from their children.
Russia:
Elderly of Khabarovsk to Learn Computing (May
14, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The main idea is to create conditions for
mastering a government program called the
"Electronic Government." As intended by the
program's creators, “Electronic Government” allows
people to contact the leaders of the country and
region directly as well as to receive timely
information about any changes in legislation and
responsibilities of the bureaucratic
apparatus.
Spain:
Older Persons Begin their Emancipation (May 13,
2010)
(Article in Spanish)
In Spain theeconomic and social transformation has
ended the taboo on older persons’ homes. Older
personsprefer autonomy above all; however, when
they cannot live alone, they increasingly opt for
professional help because they do not want to
burden their children. Many families are asking
for the financial benefits granted by the
Dependency Law to pay caregivers, most of whom are
immigrants.
France:
Still Forgotten by the Republic (May 12, 2010)
(Article in French)
French veterans from former colonial possessions
such as Morocco or Senegal do not receive the same
amount of pension as veterans from metropolitan
France if they do not live in Europe. The authors
ask the French government to take responsibility:
it is impossible to aspire to integrate the
grandchildren of those veterans in France if they
are not treated as former soldiers who fought for
the nation. Many veterans from former colonies are
still alive; there is still time for action.
Romania:
Romanian Pensioners Revolt Against the Austerity
of Government (May 12, 2010)
(Article also available in Russian)
Pensioners in Romania decided to protest against
the austere measures of their government. “This
rebellious demonstration was attended by thousands
of retirees,” claims the Russian press. Eventually
the police broke up the protest.
Switzerland:
Aging: A Gift Rather than a Burden (May 11,
2010)
(Article in French)
The Curaviva Association recently elaborated on a
“Charter of civil society for dignified relations
with the elderly.” They call for citizens to take
on responsibilities in regards to the aging of the
Swiss population. They contend that older people
are not a burden: they pay taxes and their
experiences constitute a gift to society. The
association fights against the rejection of older
people from other members of the community.
Lithuania:
Lithuania to Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Great
Victory (May 8, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Due to the fear that the "Peace March" in
honor of the Second World War will attract a large
number of people with different nationalities and
religions, the Lithuanian government is trying to
diminish the importance of the march which has the
potential to create a nationwide reaction.
France:
The Oldest Person in the World is French (May,
4, 2010)
(Article in French)
The world's oldest woman has died. A Japanese
woman, Kama Chinen, passed away Sunday at her care
home on the island of Okinawa at age 114. The
title of the world's oldest person has now gone to
a 114-year-old Frenchwoman, Eugenie Blanchard. She
lives on a Caribbean island and still enjoys a
glass of champagne every now and then, especially
on her birthday.
Russia:
Pensioners Living in South-West Moscow Will Be
Protected by Local Police (May 3, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Police officers in the South-West district of
Moscow are under orders to monitor all pensioners’
apartments carefully, particularly those who live
on their own. The police issued these new orders
due to many grisly murders of pensioners. Why?
Thieves wanted their property, mostly their
apartments.
France:
For Seniors, Employers Have no Heart (April 27,
2010)
(Article in French)
France has one of the lowest senior employment
rates in Europe due to older persons leaving the
labor market at about age 58. This article gathers
stories about people rejected by their employers
due to their age. For instance, Daniel G., a
56-year-old marketing director who was fired two
years ago without any valid reason, sent 300
resumes to firms without receiving a single
positive response. Martine G., 55 years old, was
fired after being diagnosed with cancer. Many
employers don't take into account the valuable
experience older people bring to a job.
France:
Age Revolution? Let's Talk About It! (April 23,
2010)
(Article in French)
Extension of life expectancy during the last 40
years is recognized as social progress in France
and throughout the world. Consequently, the French
minister for older people, Nora Berra, is trying
to create awareness about the social role of older
people in French society: people over 60 represent
22.6% of the global population. In this editorial,
she reaffirms that the French government is not
giving up on the elderly. Moreover, she states
that a plan to combat Alzheimer's disease is a
political and financial priority for President
Sarkozy.
France:
Cities to Adapt to Seniors (April 22, 2010)
(Article in French)
Over the last decade in the French city of Lille,
the population of residents aged 75 and over has
increased in high proportions. Consequently, the
city--as well as most other French metropolitan
areas--must adapt its installations to the
seniors. In the past, decisions were taken without
consulting older people, whereas now they demand
to be heard about their needs and insist on being
involved in decision making. One of their main
concerns is for the provision of nursing homes
located in downtown areas.
Russia:
In Russia, Pensioners Are Not Left in Poverty
(April 20, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
There are no more pensioners living below the
official poverty line in Russia. That was stated
by the Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the 20th
of April at the State Duma. He also talked about
the work of the government over the past year.
Putin's speech in parliament was broadcasted on a
television channel “Vesti 24”.
France:
Firms are Reluctant to Hire Seniors and to Keep
Them (April 16, 2010)
(Article in French)
The employment rate of the 55-64 years old in
France is 7 points under the European average
(38,9% against 46%). To solve this problem, a
senior plan, registered in the financing law of
the Social Security for 2009 has been set up.
Firms with at least 50 employees had until January
31st to reach a three year settlement with their
employees. If such a settlement could not be
found, companies will have to pay 1% of their wage
bill as a fine. Nevertheless, the real utility of
this plan still has to be proved. First, the
firms' goals remain modest. For instance,
Microsoft aims to keep 1% of the 55 years old and
more as employees in its firm. But above all,
companies neglect to recruit persons in this
senior age bracket. Several specialists point out
the fact that it will be difficult to resolve this
issue if firms have no recruitment goals to
meet.
France:
Poor Retired People: Associations Sound the
Alarm (April 15, 2010)
(Article in French)
A gathering of 37 French associations battling
against poverty and social exclusion ask the
government not to forget older people. They want
to raise public awareness about the poverty
touching older persons as more and more live below
the poverty level. The economic crisis has made
the seniors' situation worse. They are asking the
government to increase the amount of the
retirement allocation.
Netherlands:
Dutch Older Woman Imprisons Electrical Company
Employee Cutting Off Electricity for Unpaid Bill
(April 13, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A 65-year-old Dutch woman locked up an electrical
company employee who came to her house for the
purpose of cutting off her electricity due to the
non-payment of a 42.000.00 Euro ($57.000.00) bill.
The employee called the police, who released the
employee and the woman was taken to the police
center for questioning.
United
Kingdom: Mother and Daughter Try to Smuggle
Corpse on Plane (April 7, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Tucked up in his wheelchair and wearing a large
pair of sunglasses, the older traveler might have
looked like he was simply catching a nap as he
waited for his flight. But something didn't seem
quite right. As his family tried to check in,
airport staff became suspicious. To their horror
they discovered that the 91-year-old was dead.
France:
Seniors and Cash (April 7, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent survey, people over 65 years
tend to retain more cash than young people. They
generally carry around 59 euros (around 80
dollars) in cash, whereas people under 30 usually
have less than 20 euros (about 26 dollars).
Moreover, more than half of people over 65 keep
cash at home and generally don't hide it. They
withdraw money several times a month and try to
find a secure place for safekeeping. However, they
put it inside an office area that offers minimal
security.
Russia:
Director of Retirement Home in Yakutsk Cruelly
Mistreated Elderly Residents (April 6, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The director of a retirement home in Yakutsk will
have to appear in court. Apparently he behaved
outrageously toward older residents in the home.
He was accused of unlawfully depriving the freedom
of older and disabled residents.
United
Kingdom: Couple Who Sent Suicide Letter to BBC
Killed Themselves (March 31, 2010)
An older couple that sent a letter to BBC
criticizing UK laws on assisted suicide was found
dead in their home in November. The couple had
spent a long time planning their suicides and had
actively advocated changing the law to give people
the right to choose how and when to end their
lives.
France: Ideas to Help
Older Persons to Get Out Of Their Houses (March
30, 2010)
(Article in French)
The example of Colette Saraille, an 85-year-old
French woman, shows how hard it can be for older
people to get out of their homes. Public
transportation is not always adapted to their use;
Nursing homes are sometimes too far from shops and
commercial centers.
United
Kingdom: Labor Offers Elderly a Care Deal from
2014 (March 30, 2010)
The government pledged on Tuesday to cap the cost
of residential care for older persons as welfare
for the aged emerged as a political dividing line
ahead of the general election. It said citizens
would only have to pay for the first two years of
stay in a care home from 2014--at an initial cost
to the state of 800 million pounds--and held out
the promise of a free national care service for
all after 2015. "This is an issue about the future
of Britain and the future of our society from
which we must not hide," said Prime Minister
Gordon Brown. "These are tough decisions to take
in times of economic restraint. But with a rapidly
ageing society, the costs of inaction are far
greater than the costs of reform."
Europe:
How Old Is Elderly? (March 29, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent survey of 21 countries led
by the European Social Survey, people's
perceptions of older persons and youth are
different, depending on their country of origin.
For instance, English people consider themselves
old at age 58, whereas Cypriots think they are old
at 67. If a cleavage exists in people's
representation of older persons between northern
and southern Europe, young and older persons also
have different points of view concerning the time
in which people become
France:
Four Illiterate Malians, Given no Training for
Advancement, Win Trial (March 26, 2010)
(Article in French)
Four illiterate Malian apprentices between ages 54
and 62 worked in a Parisian hotel kitchen for 25
to 33 years and were given no opportunities to
progress beyond the apprenticeship. They decided
to sue their employer for not allowing them to
progress and won their case.
France:
At Ages 23 and 72, They Exchange Housing and
Services (March 26, 2010)
(Article in French)
Regis, a 23-year-old musicology student, rents a
very cheap room in 72-year-old Annie's house in
exchange for walking her dog and teaching her how
to use the Internet. Intergenerational housing is
both convenient and enjoyable for both housemates.
Consequently, this kind of arrangement is growing
in France.
United Kingdom:
Retired, and Supporting a Family (March 25,
2010)
Andrew Webster was teaching English at a private
school in west London and had just turned 67 when
he got a retirement notice in his pigeonhole. With
still dependent children, he had been looking
forward to slowing down gradually, but not this.
His employer wanted to make use of a law passed in
2006 enabling companies to tell staff to leave on
any date after their 65th birthday, for no reason
other than their age.
Russia:
Grandmother Online (March 24, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
An information form called “Senior” was given out
to the people of St. Petersburg. Considering that
every fourth person in St. Petersburg is an older
person, the form had to capture the precise
interests of older persons. The survey showed It a
big demand for computer literacy courses. Because
of this, the government created a program was
called “Grandmother Online.” Unfortunately, the
great popularity of this program has created a
long list of older persons who are waiting to get
started on the computer.
France:
The 12th Senior Citizen's Exhibition Started on
March 25 (March 23, 2010)
(Article in French)
The 12th senior's exhibit took place in Paris
March 25-27. The exhibit focused on the needs of
seniors, especially in the areas of employment,
new technologies, lifestyle, health and tourism.
Russia:
The Elderly Are Being Taught Computer Literacy
(March 22, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
March 22 marks the beginning of free computer
courses for old people living in St. Petersburg,
Russia. Courses follow a special program called,
"Basics of Computer Literacy,” especially designed
for this age group. Designed for a total of 80
hours; classes are held in groups of 10 people.
France:
''Ageing Has Become an Illness'' (March 22,
2010)
(Article in French)
Sociologist Nathalie Lancelle denounces the
stigmatization of older persons in France. She
believes it is due to people's fear of death.
Consequently, they tend to treat older people
poorly and to behave inappropriately toward them.
France:
Senior Employment: Give Priority to Tutoring
(March 16, 2010)
(Article in French)
To encourage firms to employ seniors, human
resource managers in more than 500 French firms
believe that tutoring is the most suitable
training method, as shown in a Bearing Point
survey. It would be an efficient way to prevent
loss of expertise when more experienced persons in
a firm retire.
Canada:
Older Persons Have to be Encouraged to Give up
Driving When Unable to Drive Safely (March 15,
2010)
(Article in French)
According to a Canadian Medical Association
editorial, everyone in society should help older
people drive as long as they can. On the other
hand, it is also important to help them to give up
driving when they no longer drive safely.
Spain: The
Association of the Third Age Will Create a
Website for Use by Older Adults (March 15, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Spain has introduced a new program to encourage
Internet use and improve the mental and
psychosocial health of the older population says
the Association of the Third Age. The program,
called “Mayor para mayor.com,” launched a web page
designed for older adults that includes various
links and resources on aging issues and health and
leisure activities. The Association wants to
educate older persons and teach them about the
Internet and other available new technologies.
Ireland: Boyle
Protest as Service for Elderly Ends (March 14,
2010)
More than 200 people from Boyle protested the
closure of daycare services at a local nursing
home. Older users of the service at the Plunkett
Home marched along with local families,
politicians and business people. Boyle parish
priest Father Gerry Hanley, who took part in the
protest, said a “lifeline” had been taken away for
the 50 people who used it, many of whom lived
alone and had no other social outlets. “I think it
is a shame to pick on the elderly, especially
those who live alone, and I think the service
should be continued,” Fr. Hanley said.
Ireland:
Technology for the Elderly Maturing (March 12,
2010)
Ireland could be a test bed for technologies that
will change how a graying population is cared for.
When it comes to the business of ageing and the
technologies that will change how a graying world
population is cared for and managed, Ireland has
unique opportunities on which it should
capitalize. Speakers at a Business of Ageing
conference in Dublin last week noted that several
Irish companies were leading developments in
related areas. They were also confident that the
country could become a focal point for research
and pilot schemes involving new technologies in
the field of ageing.
France:
10th Sleep Day: Seniors Sleep Quite Well… (March
10, 2010)
(Article in French)
The 10th Sleep Day will be held on March 19, 2010.
The National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance took
an interest in the sleep patterns of older persons
to study specific health-related findings.
According to a French survey institute, retirement
often leads to modifications in sleep rhythms,
around age 60. Also, persons over 80 years of age
may begin to experience sleeping problems.
United Kingdom:
In Britain, a Debate Over Care for the Elderly
(March 9, 2010)
Governments across Europe are struggling to cope
with the needs of rapidly aging populations at a
time of shrinking revenue. Prime Minister Gordon
Brown, facing a tough election, has pledged free
home care for older people with “severe care
needs” in England and Wales, regardless of a
person's financial situation. The change would
fundamentally shift away from the UK’s
means-tested system. But the plan is already
proving controversial because it would require
additional spending when Britain is under pressure
to cut its record budget deficit substantially.
Relatives and friends still provide most elder
care, while state-financed care is available only
for those with low incomes. As a result, many
pensioners are forced into poverty or into selling
their houses if they must move into a nursing
home.
Switzerland:
To Encourage Older People to Use the Internet
(March 9, 2010)
(Article in French)
A Center for Older People at Zurich University
shows that 40% of people of 65 years old and older
use the Internet. The advantages of being
connected on the web are becoming more and more
important. Nevertheless, seniors can find the use
of the Internet complicated. Younger members of
their families as well as friends give the best
support to new internet users.
France: Feminism
Doesn't Take Into Account Age and Ageing (March
6, 2010)
(Article in French)
The writer claims that a cleavage among different
generations of women has begun to emerge. In the
professional world, as well as in everyday life,
older women tend to be victims of discrimination.
Younger women in particular often reject them. The
author deplores that this trend does not attract
the attention of feminists.
Adygea:
The Government of Adygea Congratulates Women on
Women's Day (March 5, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
On March 5th, the Government of Adygea organized a
special event honoring all women who participated
in the Great Patriotic War. There are about 500
women war veterans currently living in the
Republic of Adygea, and those able to come to the
celebration were personally congratulated by the
President of the Republic, Aslan Tkhakushinov. The
events were held on International Women's Day,
annually celebrated on March 8.
United
Kingdom: Gorilla Mystery Solved After 54 Years
(March 4, 2010)
A 77-year-old British man revealed that the
temporary theft of a stuffed gorilla from a museum
in 1956 was a student prank he perpetrated with
two friends. Fred Hooper, 77, said he and two
friends sprang Alfred, a stuffed silverback
gorilla that died in 1948 at England's Bristol
Zoo, from the Bristol museum in 1956 while they
were undergraduates at the University of Bristol,
the Daily Mail reported Thursday.
France:
Nursing Homes Do Not Understand Residents’ Needs
(March 3, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent survey, only one nursing
home in three carries out an analysis of the
complaints they receive from their residents.
Administrators say that they lack sufficient staff
to implement such an investigation. The French
Minister for Older Persons, Nora Berra, has
promised to try to improve the situation by
tracking all the written complaints.
United
Kingdom: Grandparents Risk Hardship by Taking on
Childcare (March 2, 2010)
Grandparents in some of the UK's most vulnerable
families risk hardship by taking time off work to
provide free childcare, a report claimed today.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the
charity Grandparents Plus found that working-class
grandmothers of working age living on low incomes
were more likely to have given up work or reduced
their hours to care for grandchildren than those
in wealthier families. Across demographic groups,
one in three families rely on grandparents to
provide some kind of childcare on a weekly basis;
among single-parent families that figure rises to
between half and two-thirds.
United
Kingdom: Don't Turn a Blind Eye to Elder Abuse
in Cumbria (February 24, 2010)
The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board encourages
people to report suspected instances where
vulnerable adults are being abused or neglected in
various ways, such as sexual and physical assault,
theft and fraud. Mike Evans, independent Chairman
of the Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, said:
"Abuse and neglect can only be reduced if people
know about what they can do if they spot a
suspected problem. It's not someone else's
problem, it's everyone's business and we need your
help to step in and prevent abuse and neglect."
United
Kingdom: Thousands of Elderly People Suffering
With Rheumatoid Arthritis Needlessly, Say MPs
(February 23, 2010)
According to Members of Parliament, thousands of
old people needlessly suffer the agony of
rheumatoid arthritis because general practitioners
only receive two hours of training on how to spot
the condition. Guidelines state that patients
should receive treatment within three months of
the first appearance of symptoms, but the average
wait is nine months. This has not improved in six
years. There is no cure, but experts say that if
arthritis is diagnosed in the first three months,
drugs can be given that limit its
progression.
France:
Older Persons at the Heart of Our Cities and Our
Territories (February 23, 2010)
(Article in French)
The theme of this year's National City Competition
is “Older Persons at the Heart of our Cities and
our Territories.” All French cities of 20,000
inhabitants or more can participate by submitting
an application describing successful local
projects aimed at older persons.
Russia:
Triangular Shaped Envelopes for War Veterans
(February 19, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
During the Great Patriotic War in Russia, all
letters were triangular in shape. Due to a
shortage of paper, people were often unable to
even put their paper letters into envelopes. Now,
in celebration of the war’s 65th anniversary, the
Russian Postal Service has decided to make
presents for the veterans: triangular-shaped
envelopes. With 1.5 million triangular letters
already produced, each veteran will be able to
send three of them to anyone in the world.
United
Kingdom: Charities Back Government Plans to Pay
for Care of Elderly with Inheritance Levy
(February 19, 2010)
Andy Burnham, the secretary of state for health,
favors a progressive estate levy to pay for a new
social care system for the elderly, the Guardian
has learned. The development came as a conference
of charities, local authorities and experts backed
government plans for a comprehensive system that
would take into account people's ability to
contribute. The health secretary has dismissed
proposals to force people to pay a compulsory
£20,000 inheritance tax, saying it was not
"progressive enough." The secretary favors a
traditional inheritance levy. This tax would be
deducted from the estates of older people when
they die, replacing a system that forces many to
sell their home to fund nursing home bills.
France:
Nora Berra Launches the Mission 'Living at Home'
(February 18, 2010)
(Article in French)
On February 17, Nora Berra, the French Minister
for Older Persons, launched a mission focused on
'Living at home.' The purpose of this mission--to
be conducted by experts--is to identify the
challenges of long-term care and to suggest
concrete solutions.
United
Kingdom: Man Left to Live in 'Horror Film'
(February 18, 2010)
UK citizens reacted in shock to images showing the
interior of a recluse. Now many citizens have
serious doubt over the Council's ability to take
care of its most vulnerable tenants. The
pensioner, a mental health patient whose family
asked not to be named, has lived alone in
Hampstead, refusing contact with friends or family
for more than 25 years. Neighbors said they had
made more than 1,000 complaints to the Camden
Council about the smell coming from his house
since he was placed there in 1984. The Council has
been alerted as to the most recent state of this
tenant's living and physical condition and claims
to be providing adequate resources to rectify the
problem.
Russia:
Most Russians Certain the Elderly Have a Right
to Work (February 16, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Most Russians assume that older people can
continue to work after reaching retirement age, if
they wish. This opinion is common among pension
recipients and residents of large and medium-sized
cities. Another popular point of view thinks the
elders are forced into working against their own
will; Russians with this point of view are in the
age group of 35-44 years of age. A small
percentage of people claims that the aged just
take up work places; others think the situation
has both pluses and minuses. Seven percent of
Russians agree that people should still work, even
in old age. This data is based on the results of
interviews carried out in 42 regions of Russia.
Estonia:
Elderly in Estonia--Problem or a Resource?
(February 12, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Although the elder citizens of Estonia actively
use many forms of mass media, the internet still
remains inaccessible. Only 10 percent of people
older than 63 years of age use the internet while
more than half of those people have not been able
to access this resource. Due to that fact, the
elder population is relying on traditional and
non-electronic means of communication while the
younger generations are becoming more and more
submerged into the electronic world.
Russia:
Kadyrov's Mother Put Him to Shame Due to a
Lawsuit with Law Defenders (February 9, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Aymani Kadyrova, the mother of Chechen president
Ramzan Kadyrov, urged her son to stop legal
proceedings against the 56-year-old head of the
human rights center Oleg Orlov, and the
82-year-old chairman of the Moscow Helsinki group
Lyudmila Alekseeva, given the age of these people.
France:
Saône-et-Loire Passes a 'Local Tax' for
Disabled and Older Persons (February 7, 2010)
(Article in French)
In France, many rural areas with low fiscal funds
and a high aging population are facing budget
issues. In Saône-et-Loire, Councilor Arnaud
Montebourg has passed a new local tax to help
disabled and older persons. With the State
participating less and less in the funding of the
department's expenditures, M. Montebourg speaks
about a “duty of solidarity between generations.”
Finland:
More than 100,000 Seniors Live in Poverty
(February 4, 2010)
(Article in French)
Finnish residents are facing the coldest winter
since 1987. It is difficult for poor people to
afford the additional heating expenses. According
to a recent study of the Finnish Retirement
Center, the poverty risk increases with aging and
loneliness; more than 100,000 older persons live
at the limit of the poverty line. And yet, most of
those seniors are proud and therefore don't want
to accept any help from the State.
United
Kingdom: House Prices Prevent 1.5 Million Adults
Looking After Elderly Parents (February 1, 2010)
One and half million adults are unable to look
after their elderly parents because they cannot
afford to live near them, leaving families with
little choice but to sell homes to pay for
expensive private care, according to research
released today. Although the government's green
paper on families, released last month, described
grandparents as the "unsung heroes when it comes
to informal care arrangements for children," the
housing charity Shelter said the survey it
commissioned showed that a lack of affordable
homes is isolating and fracturing families.
France:
Attacks Against Older Persons: Hortefeux Wants
to Strengthen Criminal Sanctions (January 31,
2010)
(Article in French)
After the recent murder of two retirees, Brice
Hortefeux, the French Interior Minister, increased
the severity of criminal punishments for
perpetrators of attacks against older persons.
This announcement sparked off many reactions. For
instance, the Minister of Justice, Michèle
Alliot-Marie, revealed that currently judges are
not enforcing 40% of criminal laws on the
books.
France: Switchover to
all-DVB-TV: Mail Deliverers Going to Older
Persons' Rescue (January 30, 2010)
(Article in French)
France is gradually switching from analogue to
digital terrestrial television (DVB-TV). In
Alsace, where the switchover will be completed
February 2, 2010, some postal workers have been
trained to help older persons install DVB-TV in
their homes. This service is provided free to all
seniors 70 years old and over who ask for it. The
government is funding La Poste, the French mail
service, to offer this service.
Germany:
German Pensioner Torches Car Battling Frost
(January 27, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
A 76-year-old German man trying to thaw out his
car incinerated it instead when he decided to
speed things up by putting a blow heater under the
hood. The man left the heater on next to the
frozen windshield washer tank and returned
indoors. Shortly afterwards he heard two
explosions and returned to find the car ablaze.
Europe: Spanish EU
Presidency and European Commission Commit to
Combat Poverty Among Older People (January 26,
2010)
(Article also available in French)
At the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty
and Social Exclusion opening conference held
January 21 in Madrid , both the Spanish Prime
Minister Zapatero (on behalf of the EU Presidency)
and the President of the European Commission
Barroso highlighted the issue of persisting
poverty among older people. To resolve this
problem, President Barroso placed an emphasis on
instruments such as economic growth and job
creation while the Spanish Prime Minister urged
the inclusion of a strong social pillar within the
new EU2020 Strategy.
United
Kingdom.: Elderly Residents are Having a Wii Bit
of Fun (January 22, 2010)
Residents at the home in Rainer Close, Stratton
St. Margaret have shunned crossword puzzles for a
brand new Nintendo Wii to get them up and active
as well as challenging them mentally. The system,
designed specifically for older and disabled
people, combines the use of a Nintendo Wii
console, a desktop computer and a DVD player
linked to a projector system with specially
customized features including a keyboard with
large, easy to use keys, a track ball mouse system
and touch screen applications. All programs are
expected to improve residents' mental activities
and dexterity.
France: Grandpas Ghetto
(January 19, 2010)
(Article in French)
Small villages for older persons are the new
alternative to nursing homes--a new concept
developed in France. For instance, “Les
Chasselas,” thirty houses in a high security
village in the south of France welcomes rich
seniors who want to avoid isolation without losing
their independence. However, the residents are not
really participating in many group activities and
some of them are lonely. The concept of regrouping
older persons in villages almost closed to the
outside world is questionable.
United
Kingdom: Frail Elderly Drivers 'Should Be Banned
From Motorways' (January 18, 2010)
Frail older drivers should be banned from
motorways and the fastest dual carriageways to
help prevent accidents, a motoring group has
suggested. The Institute for Advanced Motorists
has called for a new class of license that would
enable older drivers to maintain their mobility
and independence while protecting them from roads
with a 70 mph speed limit. Statistics have shown
that 30,000 drivers over the age of 60 were
involved in crashes in which somebody was killed
or seriously injured between 2000 and 2006. What's
the comparable data among younger persons?
France:
Seniors: Both Hedonists and Generous (January
16, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent Ipsos survey, French people
60-70 years of age are
pleasure-seeking: 87% of them own their own homes
and 53% have a monthly income of 2500 euros and
over. They are also generous with their close
relatives, especially because, since January 1,
older persons below 80 years old can give money
(up to 31,395 euros) to their children,
grandchildren and even great-grandchildren without
paying any tax to the government.
Russia:
It Became Dreadful to Live (January 14, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
Many older people in Saint Petersburg still live
in communal apartments (where many different
families occupy each single room in the
apartment). The situation is worse than it was
before because many of the people who live with
older people are drug addicts, immigrants and
members of other groups that use force to kick
older people out of their rooms so they have more
space to live. This article is a direct challenge
to President Medvedev asking him to make a change
and help protect older people from domestic
violence.
Ukraine:
Police Break up Retirees Under the Walls of
Timoshenko (January 13, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
As a protest against the government's actions in
social security, retirees from the Party of
Regions gathered in front of the Executive
Ministry building. However, the protest didn't
last long because policemen assaulted the retirees
and broke up the demonstration. Apparently, Julia
Timoshenko, who is a candidate for the post of the
President, is using these methods to reach the
highest office in the country. Retirees and other
citizens voting at the second round of elections
for the President should make their wishes known
if they want a positive change in their society.
France:
The Boom of Medicalized Nursing Homes (January
12, 2010)
(Article in French)
In France, retirement centers with medical
facilities are a fast-growing sector, especially
for private companies. Dependent retirees over 85
years old are becoming more and more numerous as
post-WWI and WWII baby boomers age. Since the
dramatic effects of the heat wave that hit France
in 2003, each year the government introduces new
rules. Consequently, prices already largely exceed
the average pension of retirees.
Ireland:
Home's Abuse Reaction Criticized (January 12,
2010)
Serious shortcomings in the way allegations of
elder abuse have emerged in a nursing home run by
the Health Service Executive in Trim, Co Meath,
Ireland. In a published report of an independent
inspection of St. Joseph's Community Nursing Unit
by the Health Information and Quality Authority
(Hiqa), researchers found staffing levels at night
time were inadequate, as well as no plan for
emergency evacuation of the center. Further, the
working patterns and provision of staff did not
always ensure continuity of care or maximize
residents' safety. This report challenges the
Authority's capacity to keep elders free of abuse.
Untied
Kingdom: Michael Parkinson Says Care of Elderly
'Downright Unacceptable' (January 12, 2010)
In his role as the government's dignity
ambassador, former talk show host Michael
Parkinson condemns standards in hospitals and care
homes. Parkinson, who also speaks out about his
mother's care in her final years as she suffered
from dementia, describes some homes he has seen as
"little more than waiting rooms for death" and
says he had been appalled by letters members of
the public sent him. Reports of these increasing
incidents motivated Parkinson to take action
against those responsible for this lack of care.
He was to assure that Older persons' dignity is
protected and that they receive proper care in
their final years.
United
Kingdom: Carry on Working: Employees Could Keep
a Job into their 70s and 80s Under Harriet
Harman's Plan to Scrap Forced Retirement
(January 11, 2010)
Britain's Deputy Labor leader, Harriet Harman, is
taking action against the current retirement age
and pushing for a change in the age to be
dismissed. As a result of this age modification,
Britons would not be forced to work beyond 65, but
would have the option to work, meaning they could
stay on into their 70s or even their 80s. Age
discrimination will be barred in the provision of
goods and services so that older people are not
unfairly disadvantaged on things such as travel
insurance and loans. Workers would no longer be
forced to retire at 65 under radical new
government proposals and would also be given the
right to request flexible hours from their
employer.
United
Kingdom: Inquiry Call Into Couple's Death
(January 10, 2010)
An older couple was found dead in their own home
despite the efforts of a Northampton Member of
Parliament (MP) to get them help. Sally Keeble,
Northampton North MP, had been trying since before
Christmas to get social services to visit the
couple, and now demands a multi-agency inquiry.
Police found the bodies of Jean and Derek Randall,
in their 70s, during a week of record low
temperatures across the UK.
Spain: It Is Never Too
Late to Start a Project (January 8, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Everyone has different ways to live in their
retirement. Many older people have hopes and
dreams but some actually make them a reality. Here
we see some examples of older people in Spain who
have chosen older age to do the things they always
wanted to do. Examples: Joana Purjà,
decided to write a children's book at the age of
84; Georgina Regàs opened a museum at age
72. They say they now feel they have the courage,
the commitment, and the time to do it, something
that a few years earlier they did not have.
Belorussia:
Unemployment Benefits Will Increase (January 5,
2010)
(Article in Russian)
In 2010 the Belorussian government promises to
help the unemployed with unemployment benefits.
This is relevant to older people because if they
can show that they can still work and are still
looking for a job, then they can apply for
benefits. The main issue, however, is that the
amount of the benefits is so low-14.5 dollars per
month-that it is humiliating for people to apply
for them. Leonid Zlotnkov says that even if
unemployment benefits increase in the pre-election
year, the increase will not be significant.
France:
Seniors Employment: Companies Will be Judged on
Their Results (January 4, 2010)
(Article in French)
Most French companies won't have to pay the new
'senior's tax' that was implemented January 1,
2010, to promote and encourage the employment of
older workers. In most companies and sectors,
management and unions found agreement on the
employment of people 50 years old and over. The
remaining questions now concern the quality of
those plans and their actual implementation.
United
Kingdom: A Happy 102nd New Year for Birthday
Twins (January 1, 2010)
(Article also available in Arabic)
Britain's oldest twins, Betty Richards and Jenny
Pelmore, have a double reason to celebrate New
Year's Day: their 102nd birthday. The sprightly
pair came into the world on January 1, 1908, the
year when Henry Ford produced his first Model-T
car. They were born in Manchester when King Edward
VII was on the throne and the doctor who delivered
them arrived on horseback.
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Page
Middle East and
North Africa
Reports
Palestine:
West Bank Barrier a ‘Health Hazard’ (July 2010)
Israel's separation barrier makes it difficult for
Palestinians living in the West Bank to obtain
proper health care, according to a new report from
the United Nations. The report, prepared by the
Office of the coordinator for Humanitarian
Affairs, found that thousands of Palestinians have
limited access to East Jerusalem hospitals because
of the barrier. This is because ambulances are
routinely delayed at checkpoints, and Palestinian
vehicles are not allowed to pass through barrier
checkpoints, forcing sick or elderly patients to
walk.
Egypt: Socio-Demographic Factors Related to
Functional Limitations and Care Dependency
Among Older Egyptians (2010)
The author describes the socio-demographic issues
influencing functional limits and care dependency
among older persons who have and those who don’t
have care in Egypt. Both the ageing population and
age-related functional limitations are increasing
in Egypt. Age and gender influence this
phenomenon; now researchers want to explore the
relationship to socio-economic status in the
country.
Articles
United Arab Emirates:
Distribution of Medical Supplies to Older
Persons in Remote Areas (December 7, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Center for Social Development in Fujaira
started a program marking the international
Volunteer Day. This program provides older persons
who live in remote areas with medical and
medicinal supplies as well as periodical medical
exams in the comfort of their own home.
Saudi Arabia: Death Toll
Rise to 33 and 4 Pilgrims in Critical Condition
at Hajj (December 5, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A new report show statistics of the death toll
this hajj season. 33 people died, most of whom
were seniors who were not strong enough to perform
the physically demanding rituals.
Egypt: Programs to Care
for Older Persons (December 2, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Over 200 Volunteers joined the "Loving by Caring"
program created to aid older persons who do not
possess any kind of help. This program is
considered a win-win situation since it increases
the number of jobs and gives the senior citizens
the help they need.
Saudi Arabia: 16 Iraqis
Dead - Mostly Seniors - During Hajj Season
(November 20, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A representative from the Iraqi Organization for
Hajj and Umrah announced that 16 Iraqis died
performing the Hajj. Most of the seniors were were
sick before hand and experienced difficulty in
performing the rituals which require a certain
level of physical fitness.
Palestine: Conference
Against Older Person Violence in Nazareth
(November 17, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A conference was held at the Holy Family Hospital
in Nazareth, highlighting violence committed
against older persons. This initiative was taken
due to the rising levels of violence against weak
older persons in the area.
Saudi
Arabia: 6221 Wheelchairs to Aid the Elderly
and the Disabled During the Hajj Season
(November 1, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Saudi Arabian Government is providing over
6,220 free wheel chairs and 100 electric wheel
chairs for older persons and the disabled to
help them during their trips to Makkah (Mecca)
during the approaching Hajj season. Since many
Muslim rituals require walking for long
distances, families often employed workers to
help older or disabled pilgrims by pushing their
wheelchairs. The Saudi Government will also
provide special broadcasts in 10 different
languages for the 2 million pilgrims that visit
Makkah every year.
Egypt: Allocating 3 Gates
and 110 Wheelchairs at an Airport in Cairo to
Prepare for the Hajj Season (October 25, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Engineer Hussain Masoud, worked together with
Egypt Air and made all the necessary changes to
make the terminal sending off travelers to perform
the Hajj, an Age friendly terminal. They allocated
gates for older persons to avoid the traffic
caused by the many pilgrims this time of year.
Also hired more staff to aid with this expansion.
United Arab Emirates:
468 Older Persons in Dubai, Living Without Any
Financial Support (October 22, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Over 468 seniors live alone in their houses in
Dubai. Some of them have domestic helpers. Out of
8039 seniors, 7571 live with their families.
Family ties in the Middle East are tight, and for
an older person to live with their family is the
cultural norm. This explains the lack of programs
and laws made for the elderly. But the fact of the
matter is, not everyone is fortunate enough to
have a family to live with.
Lebanon: Minister of
Social Affairs: Improving the Conditions of
Older Persons Standard of Living Reflect our
Level of Civil Progress (October 20, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
At a launch Party hosted by the Minister of Social
Affairs in Lebanon, the Lebanese ministry of
Social Affairs with support from the United
Nations launched the Family Affairs and the
Population and Development Programme. The National
Organization for the permanent care of the aging
also published the National report on the services
available to older persons in Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia:
Agricultural Convention Attracts Large
Number of Older Farmers (October 8, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Boris L., a
Soviet-born 78-year-old male, has demanded
compensation for a burial plot that he
purchased seven years ago. Administrators
promised him a space, but the lot does not yet
exist. Boris L. demands compensation for
emotional and financial injuries in the amount
of 124 thousand shekels. The original plot was
next to his deceased wife.
Morocco :
Life Expectancy in Morocco Increases by 11 Years
(October 6, 2010)
(Article in French)
The National Planning Commission (HCP) released a
study showing an increased life expectancy of 11
years in Morocco between 1960 and 2010. Only 16%
of those over 60 years old receive a pension and
only 13% have medical coverage. The HCP fears an
increase in the intergenerational gap as the
percentage of elderly in the Moroccan population
is projected to rise from 7% to 21% by 2060. To
combat these trends, they call for a strategy
based largely on family solidarity.
Israel: Burial Plot
taken from Russian-speaking Elderly Man; He
Demands Compensation (October 6, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
The annual Agricultural Convention in Saudi
Arabia entertained over 24,000 guests from all
over the world. A large percentage of the
guests were older farmers interested in
farming date trees.
United Arab Emirates : Walkathon
Organized for Elderly (October 4, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Agency of Family development in Abu Dhabi
organized a festival and a
walkathon for the older people of the
community. The agency aims to promote better
physical health and show the importance of
exercise for all generations and how it
prevents diseases. They also offered free
medical checkups for all participants.
Egypt: 411.7
Thousand Elderly in Work Force (October 4,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A survey conducted by the Central Agency for
Public Mobilization and Statistics showed that
over 411,000 in the workforce are 60 or over.
This demographic accounts for around 13% of
the workforce in Egypt. Men represent 75% of
this statistic.
United Arab
Emirates: Week-long events to Celebrate the
International Day of Older Persons (October
1, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A group from a nursing home in Sharjah
organized events for seniors to mark the
International Day of Older Persons. The
events, lasting for a week, will consist of a
series of lectures designed for the elder
generation to raise awareness on aging and
elder rights in the region. Arts and crafts
and other social events are also planned,
along with a strong focus on visiting and
caring for older disabled citizens.
Kuwait: Ministry of
Health Makes Deals with Medical and Insurance
Companies to Offer Medical Healthcare for
Older Persons (September 29, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A Ministry of Health official stated that they
would discuss signing contracts with medical and
insurance companies to provide healthcare for
older people. This includes home care, nursing
home care, free treatment and medication. They
are also considering designated parking for
seniors regardless of their physical ability.
Tunisia:
Ederly Protection Agency in La Manouba—Aging
with Dignity (September 24, 2010)
(Article in French)
The Association for the Protection of the Elderly
in La Manouba is fighting against depression among
the elderly, who, often lacking family and
financial support, suffer in silence. This
retirement home offers activities to give its
residents back a sense of confidence where they’ll
feel useful, such as gardening or making plaster
statues. They’ll also have easy access to
healthcare, which was rarely available to them in
their previous homes.
Tunisia
:First Arab Day For The Elderly- Strengthen the
integration of seniors in society (September 24,
2010)
(Article in French)
Tunisia celebrates the first Arab Day For The
Elderly, aiming to reintegrate elderly and retired
people into active society in various target
areas: maintaining an active family and social
life; using their knowledge base and skills in the
service of the development of the country;
decreasing the generational gap in regards to
social interactions; providing easily accessible
healthcare. In addition to providing more funds
for already established organizations, the
government plans on creating new organizations and
clubs where the elderly can interact with their
peers as well as with younger generations.
Kuwait: Raising Social
Awareness for Older Persons in Society
(September 22, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
In celebration of the upcoming International Day
for Older Persons, Ali Al-Mulla, in cooperation
with a group of public benefit organizations,
formed a Permanent National Committee for
elderly rights in Kuwait. The proposed new laws
and rights for older persons include: financial
aid, medical care, providing free means of
transportation, providing a personal nurse or
aide, starting community programs involving
older persons, offering academic and art classes
as well as a place to live and a job if they are
willing to work.
Saudi Arabia: The
Ministry of Social Affairs in Hafr Al-Batin
delivers 3,190 aid checks to seniors, widows
and divorced women (September 18, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Ministry of Social Affairs of Saudi Arabia
began distributing 3,190 aid checks to elderly
people, widows and divorced women in the city of
Hafr Al-Batin, the first such assistance to this
group. Those in this demographic are expected to
collect their checks at the town center and show
proof of identification to expedite the
transaction. The town also sent out a group of
police to scan the rural areas and villages for
elderly people who may be unaware of this
program or are physically unable to pick up the
check personally.
Egypt: Ministry of
Social Solidarity Announces September 25 as Arab
Day for the Elderly (September 10, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Dr Ali Al-Moselhi, Minister of Social Solidarity,
announced that September 25 of each year will be
dedicated to celebrate the Arab Day for Older
Persons.. The Council of Arab Social Affairs
Ministers approved this proposal at its last
meeting, pointing out that the plan has been
developed during mutual visits between officials
in Egypt and various Arab States. This initiative
will provide a public opportunity for citizens to
consider older persons’ needs, particularly for
social and medical care.
Jordan: Human Rights
Organizations Bombarded by Complaints on Elderly
People’s Rights Violated in Nursing Homes
(September 5, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Human rights organizations continue to receive
complaints about many humanitarian violations
committed against older people in nursing homes.
The National Center for Human Rights stresses the
need for legal accountability for those who abuse
the elderly. The Universal Declaration on Ageing
in 1993 named five basic principles to protect old
people; the include: right to independence, right
to receive care, right to Participation, right to
self-fulfillment and the right to dignity.
United Arab Emirates:
Community Development Authority in Dubai
Organizes a Gathering for Senior Citizens and
the Youth (September 5, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Community Development Authority of Dubai
organized a meeting during Ramadan bringing
together older citizens and a group of young
people. They wanted to educate the younger
generation about customs and traditions of the
past and increase understanding among old and
young. This event also showed the city's
appreciation for the seniors’ achievements and
their impact on developments in their society.
Saudi Arabia: National
Association for the Aged (September 3, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
According to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Census,
people who are 65 years old or more make up about
3 percent of the population. This percentage will
increase in the coming years as health services
are created and the country achieves greater
social and economic development. As the government
recognized the significant services elders had
given to their homeland, it established a national
committee for the elderly eight years ago.
Turkey: Turkish retiree
decided to exchange his vote for a wife (August
23, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
A surprising request came from a Turkish retiree
in time of ongoing referendum. The old man
complained on his lonely life and asked a Party
representative to find him a wife. Instead he
promised to vote for amendments to the
Legislation. The reaction of the Party
representative in unknown.
Saudi Arabia: Study Shows
Importance of Social Centers for Elder Life
(August 15, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
According to a special study, Saudi Arabia needs
to review and analyze patterns of violence against
old people in its society. The authors suggest
establishing public centers of psychosocial health
to provide older persons with appropriate care.
This is especially important due to the increasing
proportion of older persons in Saudi society.
Qatar: Activities for
Older Persons During Ramadan (August 5, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
With the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the
Ministry of Social Affairs, which represents the
interests of older persons and people with
disabilities, will launch programs for old people.
It will launch several initiatives and campaigns
directed at young people and students of various
levels of education to promote the notion of
honoring one’s parents and celebrating older
persons.
Jordan: Laboring Older
Persons (August 1, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
In Jordan, economic conditions causing the high
cost of living is causing older persons to
continue to work jobs such as street peddling. The
pensions distributed to them are not enough to
cover even the most basic of needs, and older
persons need to pay for things such as medical
expenses. Thus, many older persons resort to
further employment rather than asking help from
institutions or people.
Palestine: Older Persons Rehabilitation Project
to Start in Rafah (July 21, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
HelpAge International has initiated the field
survey phase of its project to rehabilitate older
people in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza
strip. The older population in Gaza is
experiencing marginalization in various social and
health services, leading to increasing
psychological problems. HelpAge International
wants to integrate older persons back into the
community.
Kuwait: No Exception
to Retirement after 30 Years of Service (July
14, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Council of Ministers is refusing to keep any
members in office who have exceeded 30 years of
service. No exceptions were allowed; the council
wanted to ensure that new blood could take up all
available leadership positions.
Saudi Arabia:
National Organization for Human Rights
Recommends Lowering Housing Costs (July 12,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
At a housing seminar led by the National
Organization for Human Rights, governmental and
private organizations discussed the right to
housing. A series of recommendations was also made
at the seminar to make housing more accessible to
disadvantaged groups including beneficiaries of
social security, pensioners, low-income families
and single mothers. Attendees recommended
developing and implementing new legislation to
promote more affordable housing and to revise
building regulations and codes to help reduce
costs and increase land supply for housing.
Kuwait: Al-Nahar
Publishes Council of Ministers Statement on Law
to Protect Older Persons (July 11, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
In a meeting chaired by President Abdelaziz
Bouteflikia, the council of ministers issued a
statement approving the draft law in regards to
the protection of older people. The draft law is
also in support of community solidarity with the
older population, expected to grow to 6 million
persons in Kuwait within two decades.
Middle East: One in Five
Older Persons Subjected to Violence (July 8,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The proportion of elder victims constitutes 1 out
of every 5 older persons in the Middle East,
indicative of the high rate of elder abuse. At a
meeting for International Day of Elder Rights,
representatives from various Arab countries
referred to two reasons for the lack of care and
neglect. First, family members intentionally fail
to assist the older person, causing direct or
indirect harm. Secondly, family members may be
unable to provide care due to employment and other
priorities, ultimately leading to neglect.
Palestine: A
Wheelchair Turns an Older Woman’s Life Around
(June 29, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
An older woman living in the Jabalya refugee camp
near Gaza had the very modest dream of living the
last years of her life comfortably. Housed in a
small room, surrounded by four walls, abandoned by
family members, this woman knew of nothing beyond
the grief and harshness of the world that existed
beyond her tattered walls. Her life was turned
around after a surprise visit from a team from
International Relief and Development. Not only did
they provide her with physical therapy, nursing
care and psychological support, but they also gave
her a wheelchair that turned her life around and
moved blood back into her veins.
Bahrain: Ministry of
Development Seeks to Establish Unique Services
for the Elderly (June 26, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Fatima Mohammed Al-Balushi, the Minister of Social
Development, said that the ministry was trying to
forge a unique service for older persons in
Bahrain. She wants older persons to have better
lifestyles without disabilities, to maintain an
active life, and ultimately to strengthen their
place within the family unit and in their natural
environment. She suggests stronger family ties and
improved intergenerational communication.
Palestine: Military
Retirees Condemn the Continued Denial of their
Civil Rights (June 24, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The National Organization of Military Retirees
held a lengthy meeting in Jenin that was attended
by Bassam Zakarneh, the President of the General
Union for Public Officials. He stressed the need
to support union workers in the civil service and
its retirees’ demands for their end-of-year
service bonus as a right guaranteed by law. The
retirees appealed to all trade unions to support
their claim to receive a pension; denying their
right to receive this pension also denies the
history of the Palestinian people and their
struggle.
Saudi Arabia:
Tourism Agencies Demanding to Reduce the
Pilgrimage Age to Less than 70 Years (June 21
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Owners of several tourism agencies set the maximum
age at 70 years old for travel on the pilgrimage
to Mecca to practice the strenuous ritual of
“Umrah” during the upcoming Ramadan. They want to
avoid problems and health complications for older
persons since Ramadan will take place in August,
when temperatures reach 48 degrees Celsius.
Kuwait: 50
Researchers Meet at the Crossroads of Care and
Rehabilitation of Older Persons (June 17, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Ali Hasan, Director of the Department of Aged
Care, announced the start of the operational phase
of a government program and the comprehensive
development plan for the rehabilitation and care
of older persons. Three projects would be included
in the development plan, including the expansion
of services for older persons, personnel training
and the development of mobile services.
Israel: National
Insurance Employee Suspected of Stealing Money
from the Elderly (June 16, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A police spokesperson issued a statement to media
saying that authorities suspected that a staff
member of the National Insurance Institute in
Nazareth stole money from older persons.
Apparently he withdrew the amounts from the funds
of widows applying for retirement benefits after
the death of their husbands, pocketing hundreds of
thousands of shekels.
Palestine: How does the
Blockade in Gaza Affect Older Persons? (June 16,
2010)
(Article in
Arabic)
The Widad Organization for social rehabilitation
conducted a study of 1,138 subjects to determine
the social problems afflicting older persons in
the Gaza strip resulting from Israel's blockade.
The study looked at issues of sex, age, location
and refugee status. The results indicated an
inverse relationship between social support and
psychological problems in older people in Gaza:
16.6 percent of older persons experience fear,
16.3 percent experience sensory problems, 15.8
suffer from allergies, 15 percent suffer from
depression, 15.8 percent experience feelings of
hostility, 18.2 percent are experiencing a
deteriorating quality of life and 19.3 percent are
lonely.
Algeria: Gang Targeting the
Elderly Arrested (June 8, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Police authorities in the province of Relizane
managed to put a stop to a gang that has targeted
older people living alone. Gang members, masked
and carrying bladed weapons, have robbed older
persons in broad daylight.
Palestine: Opening of the
Exhibit “The Tenderness of Ancestors” at
Al-Najah University (June 8, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Committee for Philanthropy in collaboration
with the Directorate of Social Affairs held an
exhibit titled “The Tenderness of Ancestors” at
the Community Service Center of Al-Najah
University. It displayed a variety of cultural
artifacts and crafts as well as homemade items
that older persons produced. Signficantly, the
exhibit directors called attention to the
Palestinian heritage and also provided older
persons with an opportunity to show that they
continue to be productive members of society
despite their age.
Jordan: Latouf Inspects
Shama Homes for the Elderly (June 1, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Hala Latouf, Minister of Social Development,
conducted an inspection of the Sameer Shama
Nursing Homes and reviewed the conditions of its
residents. During her visit, she listened to the
staff explain the different services offered and
the new programs being implemented, including
rehabilitation programs as well as psychological,
social, and nutritional programs designed for each
individual resident which will be supervised by
specialists.
Middle East: Aging and the
Exchange of Government Chairs (May 28, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Arab states prohibit persons over the age of 60
from assuming leadership positions in the
government to make room for younger professionals
and to inject new blood into institutions deeply
rooted in the notion of exchange of power. Despite
health conditions that lead older persons to
retire, they can still teach young professionals
the elements of leadership. This philosophy is
unfortunately absent from many Arab institutions.
The author believes that laws are needed to
institutionalize the relationship between the old
and the young in Arab society.
Kuwait: Al-Afasy
Introduces Three Mobile Service Sections for the
Elderly in Hawalli, Al-Farwania, and Al-Ahmadi
(May 26, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr.
Muhammad Al-Afasy, decided to provide care
management to older persons by providing them with
mobile service centers. The mobile service centers
will be established in the provinces of Hawalli,
Farwaniya, and Ahmadi, according to a Ministry
press statement.
Iraq: New Amendment to
Improve Care for the Elderly (May 25, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Iraqi government primary spokesperson, Ali
Al-Dabagh, has announced the council of ministers’
decision to issue an amendment for the first time
to change the law governing nursing homes. The
amendment gives the Secretary of Labor and Social
Services more power in certain humanitarian
cases.
Kuwait: Increasing
Awareness of Elder Needs (May 25, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Ali Hasan, Director of the Board for Elderly Care
in Kuwait, expanded a campaign raising awareness
of the needs of older persons in all aspects of
life. This campaign urged all members of the
community to fulfill their role of serving their
country and their community. The campaign expanded
to a number of schools through a series of
lectures called “My Mother and Father Are the
Crown of My Head.”
Morocco: The Elderly and
Retired Meet at the Palace (May 25, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Assembly of Social Work for the Elderly and
Retired, organized a meeting at the Great Palace
which included 64 organizations, concerning the
status of retirees. Since its establishment, the
Assembly has sought to represent the voices of
older persons and retirees at national seminars
and in correspondence with concerned ministries,
noting that they are often responsible for wasting
the energy and experiences of the retired.
Palestine: Elderly
Palestinian Man Dies From Being Unable to
Receive Treatment Abroad (May 24, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the
death of an olderPalestinian man who resided in
Gaza. His death was caused by the Israeli siege
that has been in place for three years. The Arab
Republic of Egypt called for the need to keep the
Rafah crossing open continuously in order to
facilitate the travel process for Palestinian
patients. Will Israel’s government or citizens
respond to this humanitarian right?
United Arab Emirates:
1,600 Older Persons Receive Home Care in Sharjah
(May 21, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
1,600 older persons in the emirate of Sharjah will
receive comprehensive health services in their
homes, provided by the Department of Home Care for
the Elderly. The Department offerscare for older
persons within their own homes and around their
families in order to establish the optimal
environment for social stability and psychological
adjustment. The doctor from the department
conducts periodic home visits to keep track of the
health status of the beneficiaries. In addition,
the department established a new program to
further enhance its services by educating the
family of the older person on how to treat and
care properly for them.
Palestine: Widad
Organization Distributed Gifts to Students who
Respect the Elderly (May 19, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Widad organization for community
empowerment and development distributed gifts to
twenty-five students in Gaza who competed in a
project that promotes psycho-social support
ofolder persons. The competition revived the
principles of respect for older personsoand
promoted this concept throughout the community.
Widad selected tstudents via a questionnaire
distributed to older persons in the
community.
Morocco: The Philosopher
Mohammed Abed al-Jabri Dies at 75 (May 4, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Official sources reported on Monday that the
thinker and philosopher Mohammed Abed al-Jabri,
died on Monday in Casablanca, at the age of
approximately 75 years. The Moroccan thinker is
one of the pioneers of contemporary Arab thought
and well-known by a number of intellectual and
philosophical publications. Some of his writings
raised lot of controversy, most recently an
article which stated that "the Koran was signed by
some alteration and that Sunni scholars have
admitted this.”
North Africa: What Future
For Older People ? (April 13, 2010)
(Article in French)
Owing to the extension of the life expectancy, the
population is aging quickly in Maghrebian
countries and in the Middle East. Moreover the
fecundity rate is decreasing, slowing down the
population renewal. Social aids are not sufficient
to have a decent life and older people are often
forced to live with their children. To face the
aging of the population, the regional government
is considering a reform of the pension system
Tunisia: Tunisian Head
of State Chairs Ministerial Council to Discuss
Protecting Older People (March 31 2010)
(Article in French)
On March 31, a ministerial council was held to
discuss protection for older persons. They took
several measures to improve the quality of life
for the elderly. For instance, they will promote
education in the field of geriatrics along with
suggesting that the number of geriatric services
in public hospitals be increased.
Egypt: Young and
Elder People Celebrate Valentine Day (February
14, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
In Egypt, as in many different countries all over
the world, the young and old celebrate Valentine's
Day. On this day they exchange gifts and nostalgic
memories about their younger days. The event helps
owners of small shops to profit more when people
spend lavishly on gifts, flowers and chocolates.
Israel: When Old Age
Isn't Golden (February 7, 2010)
Elder abuse was among the subjects raised at the
10th annual conference of Nefesh-Israel, a
voluntary organization of observant social
workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and others
headed by Dr. Judith Guedalia and Leah Rosen. The
conference discussed the negative images of the
elderly in Israeli society, the fact that many are
hidden from view, and the notion that behavior
inside the home need not be made public,
contributing to difficulties in exposing abuse.
The victim is often unaware of his or her rights,
ashamed of being maltreated and of “poorly
educating” an abusive child.
Algeria: Algeria
Presidents Maker Died at Age of 72 (January 28,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Retired Major General Belkheir, the Algerian
ambassador in Rabat, and one of the most
influential officials in the military since
independence, died Thursday at age 72. Belkheir
died after a bitter struggle with an incurable
disease that kept him bedfast for months. His
disease forced him to seek treatment in several
European capitals such as Paris and Madrid before
returning to Algeria for treatment during his
final days.
Tunisia:
Distribution of Assistance for Older Persons -
1,172 Beneficiaries of Ben Arous's Government
(January 8, 2010)
(Article in French)
This writer underlines the importance that the
Tunisian government attaches to older persons. For
instance, the Ben Arous Regional Association for
the Protection of Older Persons launched a
campaign called “Mild Winter” to help older
persons. The association organized a ceremony to
distribute assistance to destitute and older
persons who have no other support.
Egypt: A
74-Year-Old Egyptian Calligrapher Draws 8600
Portraits for the Word “Allah” (January 7, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The Egyptian calligrapher Mohamed Hossny spends
most of his time in his tiny room drawing artistic
portraits, hoping it may lead him one day to fame
and appreciation. He draws thousands of different
portraits for the word “Allah,” none of them
similar in look. Since he retired, Hossny spends
most of his time practicing his artistic work.
After reaching age 70, he became partially deaf
and suffers from Parkinson's, still insisting that
disease will not stop him from his creative work.
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Page
Global
Reports
Report:
Current Status Of the Social Situation,
Well-Being, Participation, in Development and
Rights of Older Persons Worldwide (August 2010)
In August 2010, the United Nations' Economic and
Social Council along with Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights published a report
covering the "CURRENT STATUS OF THE SOCIAL
SITUATION, WELL BEING, PARTICIPATION IN
DEVELOPMENT AND RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS
WORLDWIDE". The writers discuss and analyze older
persons' demographics, their economic status,
health-care status and their human rights.
Report:
World: National Center on Elder Abuse
(July-August 2010)
This National Center on Elder Abuse newsletter
details current world events focusing on elder
abuse, awareness and also articles on specific
issues regarding abuse. Many persons across the
globe observed the 5th World Elder Abuse Awareness
Day recently and stated that elder abuse is not to
be tolerated anywhere.
Report: Follow-up to
the Second World Assembly on Ageing (July 22,
2010)
(Report also available in Arabic,
Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)
The report includes information about
national efforts to establish ageing-specific
policies and programmes and to integrate ageing
concerns into national development plans and
about activities of the United Nations system in
support of ageing policies and recommendations
for consideration by the Assembly.
Report:Follow-up
to the Second World Assembly on Ageing:
Comprehensive Overview (July 21, 2010)
(Report also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)
With an ever changing global population,
this report provides a comprehensive overview of
the current status of the social and economic
situation, well-being, participation in
development and rights of older persons
worldwide. It also addresses poverty, health
care and access to health care.
World: Trends in World
Inequality in Life Span since 1970 (June, 2010)
The trends in the variance of length of life, and
in the variance of length of adult life in
particular, are not well understood, while world
inequality in length of adult life has remained
stagnant. The present research examines life-span
inequality in a broad, balanced panel of 180 rich
and poor countries observed in 1970 and 2000.
While the share of inequality within countries has
decreased over time, inequalities between
different countries have unambiguously increased.
The sources of widening inequality in length of
life between countries remain unclear, but signs
point away from trends in income, leaving patterns
of knowledge diffusion as a potential candidate.
World:
Aging and Development, News and Analysis of
Issues Affecting the Lives of Older People (May
2010)
HelpAge International’s latest newsletter raises
the public’s attention about the link between
ageing and development. Articles explore the
situation of older persons in Haiti, older women
and health, and HIV risks for over 50s. Read the
article about old people’s perspective on climate
change, that advocates for old persons to be
included in the decision-making process.
World:
Forgotten Workforce: Older People and their
Right to a Decent Work (May 2010)
More and more older people are working in jobs
that are low-status, hazardous, insecure and low
paid. Help Age International launched a new report
about older people’s right to decent work:
“Forgotten Workforce.” It deals with the
difficulties older people face in low- and middle-
income countries in terms of working conditions,
payment, exclusion from credit or training
programs, and lack of job opportunities.
World:
Older Women and Beijing: 15 Years on (February
2010)
The Beijing Declaration recognized age
discrimination as one of the barriers to women’s
empowerment and advancement. Older women were
specifically mentioned in the Beijing Platform for
Action with regard to their poverty, health,
violence against them. Fifteen years later, this
report questions to what extent have governments
and others implemented promised programs and to
what extent have older women and population ageing
guided priorities for future action?
World:
Part-time Work as a Pathway for Increasing
Participation Rates and Extending Work life-
-The Dutch Experience (February 2010)
In the Netherlands, part-time work arrangements
for older workers have benefits such as extending
work-life, less work hours with little or no
change in remuneration, gradual progression into
retirement and greater work participation amongst
this age group. However, the part- time
arrangements conflict with the Equal Treatment
Acts Legislation on Age in the Netherlands. The
practice increases the cost of labor for
employers. Officials are evaluating new legal
measures to assess these effects.
World: Living Longer?
Working Longer? Reflections on Morbidity in the
Light of a Rising Pension Age (February 2010)
This slide presentation displays the change in
pension ages over time. The writer explores
whether these changes in the work-life span will
expand or compress morbidity.. Will people tend to
live longer but have no change in the number of
“bad years” of poor health in old age? Or will the
number of “bad years” increase? The writer
questions the effect that common diseases have on
morbidity, living longer and working longer.
World:
The Human Rights of the Elderly: An Emerging
Challenge (2010)
Human rights of older persons is a relatively
recent phenomenon born from a perception that
older persons raise specific human rights
challenges which have not been addressed by
prevailing medical or welfare paradigms. Some of
the salient features of older persons as a
category of the world’s population include the
difficulty of defining "old age," the paradox that
the old may be both powerful and vulnerable, and
the dilemmas raised by inter-generational
injustice. This report examines how human rights
issues play out in subtle and novel ways for older
persons. Apart from examining rights of the
elderly, the authors also suggest a number of
emerging problems. The writers predict that the
difficulties encountered by some older persons
will change the focus from the state to the family
unit, care institutions and the global legal
order.
Articles
World:
How to Treat Older Persons (July 20, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Sensitivity is required in the treatment and
interaction with older persons. It is necessary to
deal with older persons in a manner that avoids
any embarrassment or discomfort. This article
provides a list of what must be taken into account
when interacting with older persons and what
behaviors should be avoided.
World:
Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities (June 29,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The World Health Organization announced the
creation of a global network of cities that are
age-friendly. The network seeks to help cities
create urban environments that allow older persons
to be healthy participants of society. New York
City is the first city to join the network and
will receive the first certificate of membership,
to be presented to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
World:
Wisdom is not Associated with Age (June 17,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
A group of German researchers proved that wisdom
is not associated with age. Older persons are not
necessarily wiser than younger persons. The study
concluded that wisdom is rare and only 1% of the
participants in the study were considered to be
“wise,” according to the five criteria of wisdom
on which the scientific research was based. The
study shows that older people are less likely than
younger persons to criticize themselves when
solving personal problems; life experience helps
them solve social problems.
World:
The Unique Challenges Facing Elderly Victims of
Sexual Abuse (June 15, 2010)
Age and physical condition make older victims of
sexual abuse very vulnerable. Older people who are
sexually abused are more likely to suffer physical
injuries as a result of an assault. Older victims
are also more likely to have a higher instance of
psychosocial trauma. In recognition of the World
Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the writer urged
stronger action to stop sexual abuse among older
people. Caring people must pay more attention to
elder’s injuries that possibly result from sexual
abuse. They must also communicate more frequently
with older people.
World:
Speak Up For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day -
Age Concern (June 14, 2010)
June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Age
Concern, an organization that works to serve older
people's needs in New Zealand, calls on the public
to speak up if they suspect elder abuse and
neglect.
World:
GNP, Aging and Expenditures (June 6, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The phenomenon of aging will result in increased
public spending that will reduce the gross
national product (GNP) in both developed and
developing countries. It is important for States
to address the challenges of population aging
without sacrificing the needs of older persons.
World:
Elderly Models Enjoy Their Profession (June 4,
2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Aging will not be a problem for senior models. In
Europe, many companies hire older persons to be
models and appear in commercials that are aimed at
older customers. This article introduces four
senior models who are still active at an old age.
World:
Social Protection Urgently Required for World's
Aging Population (May 20, 2010)
Older people's rights and social protection need
urgent reconsideration in light of the growing
population of older persons, estimated to reach
22% of the global population by 2050. Despite the
international human right to social security, it
is estimated that only 20% of the world's
population of older persons receive any form of
social security. The authors also describe the
discrimination older women face.
World:
Elderly Revisited: From Degeneration to
Fulfillment (May 3, 2010)
(Article in French)
Nowadays, older people can be as creative and
efficient as young persons. They can be employed
to do the same tasks and make a unique
contribution because of their experience. There is
a changing mentality regarding older people's
place in society; their potential is increasingly
taken into account and they are viewed less often
as being infirm and useless to the rest of the
community.
World:
Book Sales Reach 60 Million for 75-year-old
Author Erich von Däniken (April 22, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The world recently celebrated Swiss researcher and
author Erich von Däniken's 75th birthday.
Born in 1935, he received international fame due
to his published research and exploration of the
depths of ancient civilizations, including how
they were formed. The author demonstrated an
innate curiosity about the link between anonymous
objects that came from the heavens, and the
ancient civilizations. In 1968, Däniken wrote
Chariots of the Gods? Unsolved Mysteries of the
Past, a book which proposes technologies and
religions of many ancient civilizations were given
by space travelers, welcomed as gods.
World: The Shock of the Old: Welcome to the
Older Age (April 8, 2010)
As the population continues to become older,
nations such as Japan and Germany are overwhelmed
with their status as some of the world's most
elderly countries. Demographically, the world as a
whole is becoming older. As fertility rates
continue to fall, it is difficult to predict when
and if the population will rebound. In addition to
the increased population it is clear that people
are living longer lives and creating a “silver
market.” Older persons are remaining active longer
and are continuing to be productive into old age,
both professionally and through education.
World:
From the Age of Labor to the Labor of Age.
(March 25, 2010)
This article gives different perspectives on the
employment rights of older people. In England, the
story of a 71-year-old entering a new field of
employment is contrasted to the story of a French
woman forced into retirement by her employer.
China's ageing population and their unique
situation is referenced as well. The author
explores the implications of early retirement for
the ageing population and the effects of the
economy on older people.
World: Good Planning, Good Aging (March 21,
2010)
(Article in Arabic)
The aging phenomenon is spreading everywhere and
it is no less dangerous than the climate change
phenomenon that threatens our planet, a specialist
claimed. This phenomenon is not only happening in
North America and Europe but also in many Asian
countries like Japan, China, Singapore and Hong
Kong. In 2050, the estimated population of people
over sixty in Asia will be more than one
billion.
World:
International Women's Day (March 8, 2010)
International Women's Day was celebrated on March
8 as the Commission on the Status of Women met in
New York to review how the Beijing Declaration and
Platform for Action has been implemented by
governments around the world. Fifteen years after
its adoption, we continue to reflect whether the
lives of older women have improved. References to
older women and recommended actions could be
stronger but they are present in discussions
related to poverty, health, violence against older
women, obstacles they face entering the labor
market, discrimination at work and as a civilian
group particularly affected by armed
conflict.
World: German
Retirees Help in the Development of the
Developing World (March 5, 2010)
(Article in Arabic)
Anyone who thinks that the role of expert ends
with retirement is mistaken. Some Germen retired
experts established a special program to share
their experiences with the developing world and
especially the Arab world. Established in 2003,
the “Senior Experten Service” program is one of
the biggest programs in Germany to provide aid to
companies, institutes and official administrations
in the third world.
World:
Three-Quarters of Seniors Have a Cell phone in
the US, 41% in France (February 16, 2010)
(Article in French)
According to a recent study released during the
Mobile World Congress, 71% of people 65 years old
and over have a cell phone, on average, in
Germany, France, Sweden, the UK and the US.
However, the differences can be major among those
countries. For instance, only 41% of French older
persons have a cell phone, whereas 91% of Swedish
seniors own one.
World:
Coming Home Under World Economic Crisis (January
27, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Many children continue to stay with their parents
even when they grow older in China. People tend to
think the country's one-child policy is the
reason. However, this phenomenon has been observed
worldwide, mostly due to the severe economic
crisis. The writer chose the UK and Argentina as
examples of how people and society are reacting to
the situation.
World:
More Babies for Aging Society (January 25, 2010)
(Article in Chinese)
Many countries are beginning to feel anxious about
their increasing aging population while the birth
rates continue to decrease. In fact, many
governments have launched programs to encourage
women to give birth. For example, the government
promises free university education for a third
child in South Korea, where the birth rate is at
the world's lowest level.
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