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Pension
| Health | Elder Rights
PENSION
WORLD
Russia: Luschkov Forgave Debts to Retirees (November 13, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Yesterday Yury Luschkov, the Mayor of Moscow, declared that Moscow retirees will not be required to repay bonuses that were designed for non-employed retirees. There is a nuance, however, in Luschkov's declaration: retirees who are eligible to receive bonuses will not receive them in entirety because they already received insurance bonuses in August. Therefore, “the government forgave those older people who did not have a right to receive bonuses, but ignored those who had a right to receive them.” Many retirees have no other choice but to work; they can't live on their pension alone, even with negligible bonuses.
El Salvador: Pensions for Older Persons Distributed in Ten Days (November 7, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Social Development and Investment Fund in El Salvador developed a program for an additional pension to be handed over to 32 low-income municipalities. A $50 pension will be distributed twice a month. The government wants give universal social protection to older persons living in extreme poverty. Until 2010, the government plans to give pensions to all municipalities that have extreme poverty, with more than 43 million beneficiaries.
Switzerland: Four Pillars to Fund Pensions (November 2, 2009)
(Article in French)
Almost 25 years ago, the Geneva Association created its pension research program called “Four Pillars.” The association promotes a pension funding strategy based on four pillars: the mandatory public pension (“pay-as-you go” system); the complementary professional pension; individual savings; and seniors’ income earned in the workforce (mostly part-time). The Association encourages redefining the notion of “active period of life,” arguing that many older persons enjoy good health and have experiences and knowledge that can benefit all society.
HEALTH
US
What Can Prevent Walking Disability in Older People? (November 4, 2009)
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, today announced the award of $29.5 million in grant support over the next two years to determine whether a specific physical activity program can stave off disability in older people. The funding supports Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial, the largest ever undertaken to prevent mobility disability among older people at risk of losing their ability to walk and live independently. The University of Florida's Institute on Aging in Gainesville gave the grant.
WORLD
Russia: AIDS Shifting More Towards Older Persons and Women (November 12, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
In Russia, more than a million people have HIV/AIDS infections. In addition, the rate of growth of the newly infected is increasing, not just in Russia, but also across all Commonwealth of Independent Countries (CIC) with the exception of Belarus. In 2008 there were 20.6% more HIV/AIDS cases registered than in the preceding year. People transmit the disease through a “needle,” usually among the actively employed population. It turns out that 82% of those infected are persons 15-30 years old. However, for the last five years the age group has shifted towards older persons. The distribution of the infected among people younger than 25 years old dropped from 43% to 28%. Health personnel worry that older women are beginning to dominate men among the infected groups. Nevertheless, at present twice as many men have HIV/AIDS than do women.
France: A 'Health Bus' to Compensate for the Shortage of Doctors in the Country (November 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since summer’s end, a mobile medical bus has been driving all over Picardie, a French area with a shortage of doctors. The health worker goes from one village to another giving medical advice and caring for isolated persons, thus preventing disease. Many residents in the region are overweight and have diabetes and diseases associated with tobacco or alcohol. This initiative can help for older persons who cannot see a doctor in the closest city, which may be miles away. However, older people must overcome their resistance to this new program for nearby care.
United Kingdom: Good Results from a Double Seasonal/Swine Flu Vaccination of Seniors
(GSK) (November 9, 2009)
(Article in French)
In the United Kingdom, health officials want to prevent seasonal and swine flu (H1N1). Who should be vaccinated and how can we vaccinate people, especially older people, against these illnesses? A British laboratory, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), recently provided an answer to the second problem; the firm gave both the swine flu and the influenza flu vaccines at the same time to persons 60 years old and over. So far, the results are good.
Cuba: The Power of the White Robe (November 9, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Camaguey, Cuba, is the sixth most aging territory of Cuba, where life expectancy is 80 years. Older persons represent 16.3% of the population and receive community attention of all kinds. In 1958 there were only six hospitals, none of them in rural areas and one nursing home for older persons. By comparison, in 2009 there is a network of institutions and technology that guarantees medical and social assistance for older persons as well as children. Cuba has transformed itself into a world center of first quality healthcare.
France: Confront Strokes (November 3, 2009)
(Article in French)
Strokes cause terrible damage. They are the first cause of acquired handicaps for adults, the second cause of dementia and the third cause of mortality. And yet, in France the management of strokes is wanting: only 50% of patients make it to the hospital within the three hours during which the treatment is effective. People don't know the symptoms, especially older persons, who are affected the most.
Taiwan: Taiwan Designs a Medical Plan for Older Persons (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Taiwan Council for Economic and Development Planning of Taiwan is developing a long-term medical plan to adjust to the increasingly older population in Taiwan. The official starting date of the program will be in 2011 when Taiwan celebrates 100 years of independence. The long-term medical plan will offer universal coverage, with the government carrying the majority of premiums.
World: Internet Activates Older People's Brains (November 1, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
Researchers have found that use of the Internet by elderly and middle-aged persons helps them activate the main brain centers that control complex thinking and decision-making after a week of browsing the Internet.
Russia: Older People are in the Group at Risk (October 14, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Older persons belong to the group at highest risk of catching flu. The most effective way of preventing flu is vaccination. In addition, older people need to lead a healthy lifestyle: spend more time outdoors, play sports and eat healthy. Yet, if one maintains a healthy lifestyle, they may not qualify to receive a free vaccination in Russia. For that, a Russian citizen needs to belong to an “official” high risk-group decided by the government. Not all older persons belong to such a group: only those who work in kindergartens, retirement homes and schools. Those who don't work for such institutions have to be vaccinated using funds from their own budget.
ELDER RIGHTS
US
Elderly, A Bit Senile, Visting Vegas—Man Was Perfect Fraud Victim (November 10, 2009)
A 78-year-old—with progressive dementia and Alzheimers—visited Las Vegas for his high school reunion that ultimately cost him over $750,000 and his financial security. While in Vegas, the man befriended an unindentified 20-something year old who over the subsequent three years after their meeting, tapped into his financial information and secured over 28 credit cards and mass debt in his name. This case serves as a prominent example of elderly abuse that will launch the campaign for approval of the Elder Justice Act. The Act, which many advocates for older persons seek to pass in order to protect senior citizens against abuse, would require over $600 million to fund protective measures for the next four years. Approximately 90 percent of all elder abuse cases go unreported; passage and funding of this Act have yet to occur.
WORLD
France: Housing: What Seniors Want (November 11, 2009)
(Article in French)
Researchers at the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) reports housing trends for older persons in Europe. The findings: 62% of Europeans 50 years old and over live in a house rather than in an apartment; in 80% of the cases they own their house. INSEE emphasizes that older persons tend to look for middle-sized houses or apartments built on one level because it eases mobility and cleaning.
Russia: Older Generation's Question (November 10, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
The administration of the Ivanovsky District in Moscow finally decided to recognize the sacrifices of war veterans as part of the upcoming holiday: the 65th anniversary of WWII. One hundred and seventy-five veterans from the district received free trips to rehabilitation facilities (Russian-style 'sanitariums') and some had their household utensils replaced. The administration also created special computer classes for veterans so they do not lag behind the younger generation in technology. Veterans participate actively in the life of the district as well, taking part in a patriotic club where they can discuss social issues. This initiative is a good start, but it needs to continue after the holiday. Every year the numbers of war veterans decrease; they deserve much more for all the sacrifices they made.
World: Study Suggests Improving Work Environment for Older People (November 10, 2009)
(Article in Arabic)
British and Swedish scientists suggested improving the work environment conditions for older people if governments and companies wish elders to contribute to economic development.
China: Developing Senior Trips (November 9, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
China has not yet successfully taken advantage of its huge market made up of senior citizens. Senior travelers only account for 20% of China's domestic tourism, whereas seniors make up 50-69% of tourist business worldwide. China has lots of room to improve its approach to travel for senior citizens.
Honduras: The Abandonment of 74,000 Older Persons (November 8, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Around 74,000 older persons live in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. The majority of seniors do not have opportunities to improve their lives and feel they are destined to loneliness and abandonment. Employers discharge some older persons at age 60 year when it’s not unusual from them to become depressed. The Law for Protection of Older Persons states that the quality of life of seniors needs to be improved by developing different types of organizations. The reality is that there are not enough programs ensuring support and protection, especially for older persons who have no one to care for them.
France: Legal Support Obligation and Alimony: When Children and Grand-Children Pay for their Old Parents (November 6, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, the collectivity is taking care of the dependence of older persons but seniors still have to pay for their housing in specialized centers. When they don’t have enough money, the local governments may require the family to pay for them. Indeed, dependant older persons receive an allowance from some family members. The third-party payers can ask those members to contribute for housing as well. Thus, even if the total amount is still low, the number of legal actions from third-party payers towards the children or grand-children of dependant elderly are increasing.
Chile: Study Presented by Ministry of Planning Reveals the Increase of Older Persons in Araucanía (November 3, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A seminar titled “Social Protection System: A compromise for Older Persons in Araucanía” (a region in Chile) took place at the University of Santo Tomás of Temuco. Presenters announced the community achievements toward social protection of older persons. Participants also analyzed a study from the Ministry of Planning and the National Service for Older Persons on the “Dimensions and Territorial Expression of Ageing.” How will Chileans respond to the coming increase among persons over 60 years old? Their government is engaged and committed to Social Protection, an essential first step.
China: Parents Miss Their Children in Spain (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
When children go abroad, family reunions become much more difficult. Parents often cannot travel to visit their children as often as they would if they lived in same country. It is not as simple as getting on an air plane. Chinese citizens have to apply for visa. The process can be time consuming and foreign governments often deny such visas. As parents grow older, they tend to miss their children even more.
Ecuador: Facebook Attracts Older Persons (November 2, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Neilsen market research agency revealed that the number of Facebook users over the age of 50 has increased more than 513% in the past six months. Older persons use Facebook to establish friendships and overcome isolation. Some countries, such as Spain, offer courses to teach older persons how to use Facebook and learn how to improve communication with their families.
China: A New Model for Elderly Care (October 30, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
In a small town called Lucheng in Wenzhou Province, elder care started as a community responsibility and effort. Lucheng has nearly 110,000 older persons. The local government encourages local businesses to get involved in this movement. It is particularly important to reach out to the older ones with limited mobility and no one to look after them.
China: Demonized Aging People (October 29, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
How to support a rapidly increasing older population has always been considered a troublesome issue. The question is whether having more children is the solution. If social and family support were comprehensive and reliable, aging should not threaten our societies. The writer suggests that aging should be an integrative project to engage more people, agencies and businesses.
China: Inner China Is Aging Fast (October 26, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Chinese coastal areas became rich first. With fast-paced urbanization and a large population and resources flowing into the big cities, many older people in the interior areas became isolated. Many of these areas are aging faster than the government expected, so China urgently needs better policies to address the issue.
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