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Health Issues around the World
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Issues and Older People and HIV/AIDS
Africa
Zimbabwe: In a Crackdown, Zimbabwe Curbs Aid Groups (June 4, 2008)
In Zimbabwe, life circumstances are very hard. Citizens are suffering from the food crisis, especially old, sick people and children. They need a lot of help. Many non-governmental organizations want to help but their motives are suspect, according to the Zimbabwean President Mugabe.
Uganda: Ugandan Elderly are Not Well Cared For (November 8, 2007)
Uganda’s Constitution recognizes the rights and value of the elderly, and maintains that provisions be made for their welfare. A seminar organized by the Uganda Network of Aged and Retired Persons (UNARP) focused on determining how well the state has been carrying out the constitutional provisions. The seminar revealed issues that need to be addressed: economic dependency aggravated by small social security benefits, segregation and isolation, chronic loneliness and seniors burdened with caring for children of relatives dying from HIV/AIDS. The Government as well as citizens should participate in providing more resources to elderly persons.
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Americas & Caribbean
Report: Canada: Hormone Replacement Therapy: An Analysis Focusing on Drug Claims by Female Seniors 2000 to 2007 (June 2008)
Estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT) first began to be used in 1941 in the United States and Canada to treat menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. However, in the 1970’s it was linked to endometrial cancer and its use declined until the 1980’s, when it was reintroduced with progestin to become combination HRT. Then in 2002 combination HRT was found to cause breast cancer and current medical guidelines now call for doctors to prescribe the drug only in severe cases at a minimal dosage and time period. This report analyzes current rates of HRT and finds doctors prescribing 24% fewer prescriptions a year for it.
Canada: Making Roads Safer for Seniors and Others (June 20, 2008)
Seniors can look forward to a relaxed commute thanks to an integration of transportation guidelines that the Canadian and US governments share. These changes will improve road layouts, signs and vehicle ergonomics. As people age, it sometimes becomes more difficult to cope with driving their cars. These joint changes for highway signage will make roads safer for persons of all ages.
Canada: Safe Haven for Abused Seniors Vital to Aiding Their Escape (June 17, 2008)
Some Canadian elders can now feel safe and secure with the opening of Pat’s Place in Toronto. Pat’s Place is a ‘safe haven’ for those older people who suffer abuse at home. Pat’s Place offers support and counseling for those in need. With 4-10 percent of elders over 60 years old reporting abuse and much more going unreported, Pat’s Place is a beacon of hope, support and security for all seniors who have endured abuse over the years.
Argentina: Wine, Good for the Heart and Against Aging (June 7, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Red wine might be better for slowing ageing than originally thought. Red wine influences cardiac health. Scientists are studying the chemical resveratrol in red wine. They want to discover how many glasses of wine are required for an "anti-age potion." Scientists hope to create medicine capable of activating protean agents.
Latin America: Health Of Older Persons, Including Active And Healthy Aging: Regional Strategy (June 2008)
The member states of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) include Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. By 2050, this Region of the Americas will be home to 310 million persons 60 years of age or older. The authors propose strategies to ensure that older people attain active and healthy aging. PAHO emphasizes the importance of regional and international human rights conventions and standards to support advocacy for older persons.
Cuba: Secrets Revealed by Fidel Castro’s Doctor on How to Reach 120 Years (May 27, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Eugenio Selmanos published a book containing the secrets of those who lived over a century. Doing good deeds and loving are amongst the secrets of the long-lived people of Cuba. It seems that 120 years is reachable without big sacrifices. Yet, to live to 120 years, one must prepare
oneself before 60 or 50 years of life have elapsed.
Canada: Antipsychotic Medicine Endanger Older Persons (May 26, 2008)
(Article in French)
Canadian researchers found that antipsychotic medicine for people with dementia is extremely dangerous and can cause death. First, they dry the mouth and bring on difficulties with swallowing. Second, they can cause pneumonia and dizzy spells. Doctors must be aware of these dangers before prescribing such powerful medications.
Mexico: Elders Combat "Sadness" with Free Viagra from Mexico City (May 9, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Mexico City’s government under the Group of Democratic Revolution has launched many programs during the last few years to help older persons. Recently, the government began distributing free Viagra pills, monthly, to the city’s elderly men to help them fight depression. Sexual activity produces endorphins in the body, which help combat infections or depression, and the body can more easily respond to treatments and therapies. Is the government also distributing condoms to protect against getting or giving HIV/AIDS to sexual partners?
Argentina: Meningitis Causes Eight Deaths (May 5, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
A 70-year old retired woman died after being hospitalized with meningitis symptoms, becoming the eighth meningitis victim since 2008. Argentinean sanitation authorities took preventive measures to avoid an outbreak among other retirees.
Chile:
Chilean Mayor Distributes Free Viagra to Older Residents (April 30,
2008)
(Article in Arabic)
A Chilean mayor undertook to distribute Viagra
pills to men over age 60 in his city on account of improving their
quality of life.
Cuba:
Cuba Will Treat the Elderly with Ocular Problems (April 21, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Cuban authorities are offering treatments to poor older persons for their
ocular problems. The authorities want to help elders in poor social and
economic conditions to solve their health problems. Cuban authorities will
pay about 30,000 euros to treat those with ocular abnormalities. The
elders will get new glasses to improve their vision.
Dominican Republic: Warning of Increased Cases of Parkinson's (April 14, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Rapid ageing of the world population will result in more cases of Parkinson’s. This disease affects 6.5 million people in the world. In many countries, the numbers of applications for admission overwhelm the few facilities that are equipped to provide appropriate care. Resources are lacking, but the costs will be enormous for nations that do not act immediately to respond to these needs.
Mexico:
Obesity Causing Ageing (April 11, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
The overweight
and obesity epidemic plagues Mexico. The epidemic is provoking premature
ageing. Poor health is increasing the use of medical treatments,
amputations, and cardiac and kidney diseases. Many
cannot afford to age before their time with the necessity of medical
maintenance that is beyond their capacity to pay. The
first stage of ageing will be skipped with people going directly to the
second.
Mexico: Healthy Ageing (March 31, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Genetics, economics, and the environment are important for good aging. Having more education and a higher social-economic level gives a person the opportunity to live longer. People should have access to health services, for prevention of illness and for appropriate treatment, a healthier diet, exercise, and access to activities for a longer and more productive life. Why not make life better for all and give them a good old age?
Mexico: Seminars to Understand Ageing (March 28, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
In November, the Campaign for Memory will take place, including a series of discussions on a “quality life” in old age. During the three days, adults can receive an early diagnosis from the University Hospital about their memory capacity. If problems are present, the elders will receive immediate medical attention to prevent severe future incapacities. During April, seniors may also be part of a forum, “Family Impact of Alzheimer’s.” Another conference will feature “Elderly Benefits of Exercise.”
Canada: Out of the ER (Emergency Room): Finding the 'Right' Setting for Elderly Patients
(March 24, 2008)
The rate of emergency department visits by Ontarians 55 years and older has increased to over 1 million annually since 2004. Older patients suffering from chronic illnesses most likely require greater medical attention and a hospital bed. The surge of emergency visits by older patients has contributed to the overcrowding of the emergency rooms and increases waiting time for all patients. This situation calls for greater emphasis on health care spending priority and a focus on preventive health care to lower the rate of emergency visits by seniors.
Costa
Rica: Costa Rican Elderly Women Have Inferior Health Than Men (March 24, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Researchers in the Central-American Center of Population (CCP) carried out a study about the Costa Rican elderly population. Compared to men, 60 year old women had greater obesity, abdominal circumference and depression. Also, they face more deteriorated memory capacity and physical capability than men. Older women are more sedentary and eat more daily calories than recommended. But, elderly men consume more tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
Argentina: They Identified a Combination of Genes that Will Help Delay the Process of Aging (March 14, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
Scientists have identified 25 genes that regulate the life cycle. The mushroom and the Worm C were used in the study. Fifteen of these genes are similar to those in humans. Scientists believe there is a way to guide these genes to stop aging and the problems that accompany it. They also discovered that some of the aging genes react to nutrients, supporting the theory that nutrition can lengthen life.
Canada: Special Care Afforded to the Elderly (in Quebec) (March 14, 2008)
The provincial government of Quebec has adopted measures that will add $1 billion to the budget for services to older persons. In the next few years, benefits will include an increase in the tax credit for home-support expenses and a $3,300 benefit for elderly couples living at home with a total income of $25,000. Funds will also be authorized to develop nursing and rehabilitation services as well as home support for elders. Caregivers will also receive benefits. It is hoped that these measures will reduce the strain of a growing older population on the Province’s social and health services.
Canada: I'm Sorry, Smitherman Says (February 28, 2008)
Ontario Minister George Smitherman is apologizing for his insensitivity towards the matter of dirty diapers left on residents in nursing homes. His critics suggest that he fails to see the problem, which lies with the lack of staff, not the diapers’ lack of absorbency. The author claims that Smitherman’s proposal to don an adult diaper to understand the problem is not solving anything. The government says it has increased funding for more nurses while critics suggest the money will not have any effect until much later. In the meantime, the problem persists.
Canada:
Smitherman Considers Wearing Diaper; Unionists Lobby for More Care for Seniors (February 28, 2008)
Ontario Health Minister George Smitherman proposes wearing an adult incontinence diaper for one day to try to gain a perspective of a patient’s experience of living in a nursing home. This proposal comes in the wake of complaints about nursing home residents wearing dirty diapers due to the lack of caregivers and their available time to change the residents. Diapers with larger capacity are being kept on residents for most of the day. It is obvious that the issue lies with the lack of caregivers and their workday hours, not the capacity of the diapers. Premier Dalton McGuinty will decide whether increasing work hours for caregivers would allow them to provide more efficient care to the residents.
Canada: More Than One-quarter of Seniors Living at Home Report Chronic Pain (February 21, 2008)
With the elderly population rising rapidly, more and more seniors report struggles for a comfortable quality of life. Many reports and surveys neglect to include seniors living in institutions. With an “age tsunami” on the horizon in Canada, a review of those seniors with chronic pain needs to be addressed. As the population grows older, pain can reduce happiness and restrict social interaction. There is a significant need to treat those suffering to improve and enhance the quality and comfort of their lives.
Canada: Pay to Keep Seniors at Home (February 19, 2008)
The New Democratic Party (NDP) wants $6 million to go towards improved services for seniors, but the Health Minister for Nova Scotia maintains that the proposed new services are unnecessary because they already exist. The services include paying for caregivers to help seniors stay at home, which is believed to be cheaper than nursing home care. Seniors who might have continued to stay in their homes are tying up many nursing home beds. Legislators are working to create additional beds by 2010.
Report: Canada : Chronic Pain in Canadian Seniors (February 2008)
Chronic pain is a major health issue for seniors in Canada . Thirty-eight percent of the elderly living in long-term care institutions and twenty-seven percent of seniors living in private households experience pain on a regular basis. Researchers found a correlation with an increase in pain and unhappiness among the elderly. The results suggest that efforts focused on reducing pain would have a positive effect on the happiness and well-being of seniors.
Canada:
Benefit Costs for (Toronto) City Workers Soar: Rising Healthcare Expenses and Aging Workforce Mean City Paid 12.8% More for Employees Last Year (February 15, 2008)
Toronto employees see that their job benefits are costing more and more and are expected to increase further due to the aging workforce. The average age of the workforce is 45 years. More workers are claiming health care benefits, which figure largely into the budget. Since the end of mandatory retirement, the city anticipates the growth in numbers of older workers. The Toronto government is currently working on a plan to reduce the enormous cost of benefits.
Canada: Too Few Specialists for Too Many Elderly Patients (January 10, 2008)
Canada faces a shortage of geriatricians due to medical students disinterest in pursuing geriatric residencies. The small number of physicians caring for the elderly will affect older persons who develop dementia, because there will be less support and medical attention available to them. The article suggests that misconceptions and prejudice about working with older patients may contribute to the shortage. Will medical students and the larger community begin to consider the negative impact of such prejudices against elders?
Canada: Mental Exercise Helps Keep Brain Healthy (January 10, 2008)
An Ontario woman who showed early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, traveled through Europe to disseminate the advice that daily mental exercise helps keep the brain healthy. Her mental exercise regimen includes puzzles and video games. Scientific evidence appears to back her experience, suggesting that regular mental stimulation leads to good brain health. Other suggestions for exercising the brain include using the less-dominant hand to perform activities such as playing musical instruments, or learning a new language.
Canada: Training Helps Workers Understand; Facilities Say Program Offers Fresh Insights into How to Handle Patients with Dementia (January 10, 2008)
A nursing home worker in Ontario found an effective way to deal with a difficult dementia patient through a training workshop. As the number of nursing home residents with dementia grows, it is important to train more caregivers to provide specialized care. Many long-term caregivers have had no formal healthcare training. A proposed provincial law may be passed to make dementia care skills a requirement for nursing care workers.
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Asia Pacific
Reports | Articles
Reports
Asia: Primary Healthcare for Older People: A Participatory Study in 5 Asian Countries (April 2008)
Researchers from Help Age International analyze the health care services for older persons in five Asian Countries, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. These experts put forward some recommendations for governments as well as report on best practices and the success stories of some of the countries. Clearly, the researchers point toward setting up some
form of health care system to serve older people and others, especially in rural areas.
Australia: The Financial Impact of Entering Aged Care (September 2007)
This report illustrates the likely aged care costs – dubbed ‘aged care shock’ –
that Australians can expect to face in their retirement. The figures “indicate that retiring Australians (and especially women) face a considerable risk that they will require aged care services during their remaining lifetime and that the private cost of those services will substantially impact on their finances if they have not planned for those costs.”
Articles
China: Daily Afternoon Naps of Half Hour May Increase Longevity (June 29, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Mortality is increased by 180% in people who sleep only 4 hours daily as opposed to someone
who gets 7-8 hours of sleep. Seniors who take a daily afternoon nap have reduced incidence of disease. US researchers have found that daily afternoon naps of 30 minutes can reduce coronary heart disease by 30%. However, for naps to be beneficial, they should be taken lying supine, providing total relaxation, not simply dozing off in a chair.
China: Cobblestones Not Suitable for All (June 22, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Walking barefooted on cobblestones for health is not for everybody. Older people with wounds or inflammation on their feet should avoid walking on these surfaces as it could increase their injury. Elders who are recuperating from an illness and diabetics with lower limb vascular insufficiency are also warned against walking on the stones. Seniors with osteoporosis and arthritis need to be cautious and regulate the time they spend walking on cobblestones.
China: Heart Problems Masking as Gastritis in Elderly People (June 17, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
A 69-year-old man who had gastric pains learned from his doctor that he was suffering from acute myocardial infarction. Symptoms of heart problems in the elderly can be atypical, taking the form of gastric pains, toothache, pain in the mandible or neck, or even nausea and vomiting. Most older people who have acute myocardial infarction have coronary heart disease and a history of angina pectoris. It is prudent to check the underlying cause of symptoms for heart disease.
China: Taking Care in Hot Weather (June 16, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
A health expert in Sichuan Province has given tips to older people to survive in hot weather. Older people should take someone with them when they go outdoors, drink more water and other cooling beverages. They should increase their intake of vegetables and plain foods as well as get adequate rest, especially naps in the afternoon. The expert urges them to get a medical examination at the start of the summer. Those with cardiovascular diseases should avoid working and staying in places with high temperatures.
China: Benefits of Milk for Older People (June 5, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Milk contains all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions, making it a suitable food for old people. Milk has a calming effect on the body and can reduce anxiety. Daily consumption of milk is beneficial to older persons with high blood pressure. However, those with gastric ulcers should not drink milk, as it will increase acidity in the stomach.
New Zealand: Elderly at Risk with Poor Eating (June 4, 2008)
Although the official numbers of elderly suffering from malnutrition may be going down, there are still a lot of aged poor at risk of malnourishment. As seniors deny that they have poor eating habits, families are often unaware of the problem. "For different reasons they just don't cook for themselves. They can't get to the shop or they're so independent they don't want people to think they can't cope," says Jean Wilson, a member of a New Zealand Food Safety committee.
Japan: Ruling Parties to Trim Health Premiums for Elderly People (June 4, 2008)
The government in Japan has put the finishing touches on a proposal to modify a scheme recently introduced to reduce 85% of fixed health care premiums for seniors 75 years and older. The premium reduction is intended to benefit seniors whose primary source of income is derived from pension benefits. The ruling parties hope to help reduce the burden on lower income seniors.
China: “A Place to Call Home” (June 3, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
On May 31, thirty elderly people from the Sichuan earthquake zone were transferred to an old age home in the centre of Yongning Province. Madam Huang Zhengzhi was one of them. After the earthquake, the 85-year-old woman could not stay in her old age home and moved into a tent shelter for 10 days. Madam Huang still fears that another earthquake will strike while she’s asleep. She sits on a chair clutching her blanket when she sleeps. After evacuating to the new home, Madam Zhang is slowly letting go of her fears and feeling more at ease.
Japan: Holding Hands May Be a Key to Longevity (June 2, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Researchers in Japan discovered that couples who hold hands regularly live longer. Holding hands closes the emotional gap between couples, which may lead to greater immunity and to slow organ aging. In a province in Japan, divorced people and those who lost their spouse were found to live an estimated 5 and 12 years less for women and men respectively, compared to “blissful” couples that hold hands regularly. Couples in constant disagreement are more prone to breast and esophagael cancers in women and high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and ulcers in men.
Nepal: 76-Year-Old Nepali Becomes Oldest Person to Climb Mt. Qomolangma (May 25, 2008)
Even for a young person it is hard to climb Mt. Qomolangma. That is the world's highest mountain at 8,848-meters. Recently, a 76-year-old Nepali became the oldest person to climb this mountain.
Singapore: Two Programs to Help Elders Stay Healthy (May 20, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Singapore will have 6 centres implementing the “Wellness Programme” which emphasizes elder health through programmes such as health screenings. Another 6 centres will focus on healthy living through physical activities known as “Seniors Connect Plus.” Although programmes between the two segments may vary, their end objective is to promote healthy living among older persons. Administrators hope that 1,000 seniors can be reached within a 2 year period.
Japan: Health Insurance for Elderly Needs Clarifying
(May 13, 2008)
Older Japanese don’t like their government’s new medical insurance system designed for older adults 75 years and older. Critics point out that the Health Ministry did not grasp that older people might not understand this major change. According to the new system, when medical costs exceed insurance payments, it is unclear as to who is responsible for the costs. Currently, working generations cover elder care costs through a national health care system, but elders with higher incomes are responsible for insurance premiums. The government must clarify the new system to relieve the concerns of many elders and the working generation alike.
South Korea: Publicity Campaign Kicks Off to Help Prevent Elderly From Committing Suicide (May 12, 2008)
Suicide rates among the elderly are soaring in South Korea. The number of old people committing suicide tripled in just a decade. Authorities point to financial difficulties and a lack of family support as the main reasons for such high suicide rates. The government is launching a TV publicity campaign calling for citizens to take a supporting role in caring for seniors.
Singapore: Needy Seniors to get Subsidy for Chronic
Disease Management at Private General Practitioners (GPs) (May 9, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
From 2009, low-income seniors above 65 years will be able to obtain subsidies for chronic disease treatment at private clinics. Chronic illnesses encompass diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension. Beneficiaries include needy olswe people and the disabled whose household income is less than S$700, and those on public assistance regardless of their age. Needy seniors need not to wait in queue to see a doctor at government clinics, as they can be seen by private GPs.
Malaysia: Research on Ageing Men (May 6, 2008)
Medical doctors and analysts in Malaysia will invite more than 1,000 men to have exams in the hospital for the ‘Subang Longitudinal Study on the Ageing Men.’ The study began on May 4, 2008, when more than 200 older men showed up in the hospital for physical examinations. Doctors want to give them better care and advocate for healthier lives. It is hoped that the same kind of study will be launched for women’s health as well.
South Korea: Secrets to Longevity (May 3, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Researchers in South Korea have found that one of the secrets to longevity and good health is eating less. Hereditary factors contribute 50%. A study of centenarians showed that their incidence of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, chronic diseases and cancer were predominately lower than in the rest of the populatio | 
