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PENSION
WORLD
Russia:
Care of Seniors Stimulates Economic Growth (March 22,
2009)
(Article in Russian)
International Forum "Older
Generation" was held in St. Petersburg this week. The forum attracted over 300
delegates including researchers in gerontology and elder care from all over the
world. Representatives of the Russia's Pension Fund emphasized that care of
seniors in times of the economic crisis is a national priority and the
government will continue to increase pensions in 2009.
China:
Nearly 17,000 Rural Old People in Gui Yang City Receive Pensions Every Month
(March 12, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
By the end of
February 2009, the number of rural people participating in the rural old-age
insurance program in Gui Yang has reached 46,400 persons.. Some 16,914 people
above 60 years old have started receiving monthly pension. Gui Yang City has
also made efforts to expand coverage of old-age insurance and medical insurance
for urban workers to migrant rural workers in the city. By January 2009, some
39,000 employees have signed up for old-age insurance.
Ivory
Coast: Legal Retirement Age: Workers Adjudicate on Advantages and Drawbacks of
the Reform. Interview of H. Oulaye (March 3, 2009)
(Article in
French)
The interviewee explains the different reasons why the civil
servants' legal age for retirement was extended to 57 years old. In his country,
as in many African states, some people are afraid of retirement because they
have not prepared it. The proposed change will not lower retirees' incomes so
the reform is not necessarily seen as bad. The decree is supposed to provide a
transiton to the eventual retirement age of 60 years. One of the pernicious
effects of this measure is that it does not encourage hiring of young graduates.
Rather, it leads to maintaining some categories of workers to their
positions.
HEALTH
US
We
Think: A Means Test for Medicare Drugs Makes Sense to Raise Money for Health
Reform (March 16, 2009)
In his first budget plan, President Obama has
proposed charging higher-income seniors more for prescription drug coverage
under Medicare Part D. Higher-income seniors already pay more in premiums under
Medicare Part B, which covers physician costs. Under current law, all but the
lowest income seniors are charged equally for the same taxpayer-subsidized
prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D-about 25% of the cost. Are the
decision makers considering the often high costs involved in
means-testing?
Exercise
is the Best Way to Fight Old Age (March 16, 2009)
'Growing Old' is
different from 'natural aging.' We can choose the latter by opting for a healthy
lifestyle with lots of exercise. The hard reality of human biology is that we
were built to move. Exercise is the master signaling system that tells our cells
to grow instead of fade and in the process can make us stay younger! We can
choose to make our cells grow or decay.
Arm
Fracture Can Predict Hip Fracture Risk (March 13, 2009)
Older women
who suffer a fracture of the upper arm are five times more likely than average
to sustain a hip fracture within a year, a new study finds. When an older woman
suffers a broken arm, steps should quickly be taken to reduce her risk of future
falls and bone fractures. Common reasons for falls among elders include
medication side effects like dizziness, neurological problems, poor vision and
mobility and balance problems.
Overweight
and Its Complications Leads to Senile Dementia (March 13,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
A latest US study shows that
people suffering from overweight and its complications such as diabetes and
heart cardiovascular disease are 23% more likely to be affected by senile
dementia. Researchers from University of California at Los Angeles discovered
this result by conducting a four-year tracking research on 5,000 females at the
average age of 66 years. And from another research on older males, researchers
reached a similar conclusion.
Many
Seniors Not Selecting Lowest Cost Medicare Drug Plan (March 13,
2009)
Most seniors facing the choice of various health plans don't
always choose the ones with the lowest cost. In a recent survey, only 6% of the
participants opted for the lowest cost plan offered in their area in 2006, which
could have saved them up to $520. One problem might be too many plans, confusing
buyers. Also, seniors might be giving too much importance to premiums and not to
out-of-pocket costs.
Epilepsy
in the Elderly (March 13, 2009)
Epilepsy is difficult to recognize
and treat in older people. Epileptic seizures in older people might be confused
with unclear etiology, memory disturbance or giddiness. Confusion after a
seizure might last longer in older patients and it might be diagnosed as
dementia or stroke. More research is needed.
GOA
Cites Fraud in Medicare In-Home Services Billings (March 12,
2009)
According to the Government Accountability Office, fraud and
abuse increased Medicare spending on home health services as some providers
exaggerated patients' medical conditions or billed for unnecessary services.
Medicare pays for visits by nurses, aides and physical therapists for homebound
enrollees. Every dollar that is lost to fraud is a dollar that could go to
improve the life of older Americans.
WORLD
France:
Seniors in Planes: Some Precautions to Take (March 18,
2009)
(Article in French)
Reaching retirement age is the
opportunity for many seniors to treat themselves by taking trips to the other
side of the planet. Nonetheless, as a recent study highlights, many health
incidents (often minor) may appear during long-haul flights, especially among
persons affected by heart, lung or respiratory diseases. For flights lasting
more than 8 hours, it is recommended to be careful. The authors say that if
medical accidents during flights are increasing, it is first and foremost
because more and more people travel with pre-existing medical problems.
Australia:
Homes Seem Death Sentence for Elderly (March 17, 2009)
The Department
of Health and Aging of Australia says that about one in four people arriving in
nursing homes die within the first three months of arrival. Men fare the worst,
with about half dying within a year, and only about 12% living for more than
five years.
France:
Suicide of Older Persons: an Attempt to Put a Stop to Suffering (March 17,
2009)
(Article in French)
Even if its rate is very
frightening, suicide among seniors is an underestimated and taboo issue in
France. Causes are multiple and personal, but very often, widowhood, trauma due
to the war, illness or feeling of loneliness or worthlessness explain why older
persons commit suicide. The phenomenon is often neglected because "nervous
breakdown" is regarded as going hand in hand with old age. The author says that,
the problem should be tackled by government as part of public health programs,
as is the case in the United States.
United
Kingdom: Thousands of Dementia Patients Cared for by Untrained Staff (March 17,
2009)
In Britain, thousands of older people with dementia live in
care homes where the staff has no training in how to deal with their conditions.
Directors and staff who lack specialized knowledge about caring for people with
dementia are more likely to control residents' behavior with anti-psychotic
drugs, which diminishes their quality of life.
Canada:
Excessive Sugar consumption Linked to Ageing (March 16,
2009)
(Article in French)
It's well known that the
reduction of the daily calorie intake, by cutting the quantity of sugar ingested
for instance, may prolong life. According to a recent study by Searchers from
Montreal University, it is the ability of cells to detect the I-Glucose sugar's
presence that would intervene in the phenomenon rather than its use. This study
permits scientists to understand better the relationship between diseases
related to ageing and excessive consumption of sugars in contemporary
diets.
France:
Seniors and Hydration: Need of an Increased Vigilance... (March 16,
2009)
(Article in French)
Some 70% of French people do not
consume the recommended 1.5 liter of drinks a day. Nonetheless, the impact on
hydration on their physical and cognitive performances is very important. In
fact, hydration deficiency may lead to significant dysfunctions, especially on
focusing capacity among adults. The evolution due to ageing makes old people at
a high risk of dehydration so it is necessary to implement an active prevention
policy.
Australia:
Aged Care Nurse Sham (March 16, 2009)
Many believe that elderly care
centers are endangering their residents in Australia. Only one registered nurse,
on average, is available for every 42 high care residents living in care homes.
Many facilities do not have senior nurse wards overnight or available on
weekends. Insitutions often pay low wages and some workers receive only three
weeks of training. Common problems include a lack of understanding for
medications needed for bed sores, offer very poor nutrition and fail to
administer medications. A sorry situation that violates human rights of
elders.
Singapore:
Wellness Programme for Elders to be Extended Islandwide (March 15,
2009)
The Singapore government is working to extend its 'Wellness
Program' to the entire island. An initial step is organizing social fun nights.
Another key feature of the program is health screening for the elderly. Unlike
other community-type screenings, follow-up is a must. Despite the recession, the
government intends to invest in such schemes.
Australia:
Prostrate Cancer Links to Alcohol (March 14, 2009)
Researchers from
the National Drug Research Institute said a review of 35 studies on alcohol and
its link to prostate cancer showed the risk increased for men the more they
drank. Men who drink two or more alcoholic drinks a day are 20% more likely to
get prostate cancer. For four drinks a day, the chance was 25% higher and for
six standard drinks a day, the risk was about 35% higher.
World
: Caffeine to Reduce Dementia (March 13, 2009)
(Article in
French)
A recent Finnish and Swedish study has assessed the impact of
coffee consumption on people aged 65 and over on Alzheimer's disease and the
risk of dementia. According to the findings,, a few cups a day would reduce the
risk of developing these pathologies. Small drinkers (less than two cups a day)
are the more affected by those diseases and tend to be more depressed. The less
important risk has been observed among moderate drinkers of 3 to 5 cups a day
who enjoy a decrease in the risk of dementia by 65 to 70 % and of Alzheimer's
disease by 62 to 64%). The risk seems to increase again for heavy coffee
drinkers.
Ireland:
Nursing Home Costs Could Use Up Entire Farm Value (March 13, 2009)
In
Ireland, the entire value of small farms may be eaten up to cover the costs of
nursing homes unless a bill on nursing homes support plans is amended. According
to the plan, a part of nursing home care costs could be met by putting a charge
of 5% a year for three years on a person's private residence. No such charge is
put on non-liquid assets such as farms.
Portugal:
Portugal Aims to Cut Stroke Deaths by Curbing Salt (March 13,
2009)
The ruling party in Portugal wants to slash the use of salt in
bread, the cause of many blood pressure problems. Portugal currently has one of
the highest mortality rates from strokes in Europe. The daily salt intake in
Portugal is double the daily limit recommended by the World Health Organization.
Excessive salt consumption can lead to high blood pressure and strokes, and
reduces life expectancy.
United
Kingdom: Caring for Elderly Parent Costs 132, 549 Pounds (March 12,
2009)
Babygloomers--defined as those who support both their own
children and their parents-- are seeing their budgets stretched to the limit. A
new survey suggests that the overall cost of caring for a parent in Great
Britain is 132,549 pounds, based on the amount of unpaid care adult children
invest in their elderly parents over a 10-year period plus the cost of
residential nursing care.
Sweden:
Never too Late to Start Working-out and to Quit Smoking (March 11,
2003)
(Article in Chinese)
A research studied carried out
on a thousand Swedish men from age 50 years and older shows that those who do
not do regular work-outs until 50 years old still end up living a healthier and
longer life by 1.1 years to 2. 3 years on average. And this conclusion also
applies to quitting bad living habits such as smoking. Researchers said that
although it is always good to abandon bad habits as early as possible. It's
never too late to stop.
United
Kingdom: Higher IQ, Longer Life; Slower Reaction, Shorter Life (March 10,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The University of Edinburgh and
the British Medical Research Council's joint research first investigated the
relation between the speed of reaction and life span. The intelligence reflected
by a reaction to environment was found to be a more scientific standard to
measure life span than blood pressure, exercise capability, or weight.
Scientists explained that intelligence could show coordination, balance, and
flexibility of all body parts. And more and more evidence has also continued to
prove a potential connection between a higher IQ and a quicker reaction and a
longer and healthier life.
France:
Sleep of Older Persons, an Indicator of Mortality (March 3,
2009)
(Article in French)
A recent study highlights that an
excessive and regular somnolence during the day for people over 65 has an impact
on the death risk, especially death from cardiovascular origin. Although
scientists have examined severe sleep disorders for a long time, the
consequences of diurnal drowsiness are quite a recent discovery.
India:
Steroid Use Major Risk for Glaucoma (March 2009)
Self-medication of
steroid-based eye drops, skin creams and inhalers can lead to glaucoma, a cause
of irreversible blindness with no cure. According to the World Health
Organization, there are 45 million people worldwide who are blind. About 80% of
those are 50 years or older and more than 90% of the world's visually impaired
people live in developing countries like India.
ELDER
RIGHTS
US
He's
80 and in Demand (March 13, 2009)
He loves me, he loves me not:
dating at any age can be quizzical. An elderly woman asks a social columnist for
advice in handling the current lull in her relationship with a gentleman friend.
He answers by suggesting direct communication and confrontation as the key to
keeping a healthy relationship.
Baby
Boomers 'Under Water' (March 13, 2009)
Many middle-aged homeowners,
seduced by the rising prices of years past, failed to save for retirement and
may owe more than their homes are worth. About 15% of older baby boomers between
the ages of 54 and 64 are in this predicament. The near-zero level of saving and
the highly inflated housing market led to the decline of overall personal
wealth. Before liquidating any valuable assets or refinancing a mortgage,
financial advisors recommend other less drastic
actions.
WORLD
Europe:
Help Lobby for the Buitenweg Report on Equal Treatment (March 27,
2009)
Wednesday, April 1, the European Parliament will hold its
plenary vote on the Buitenweg Member of the European Parliament's Report on the
proposed EU Directive about equal treatment of older people. According to
AgePlatform, adoption of this legislation will combat discrimination that older
persons face in Europe. Click here for a template letter you can use to urge
your representative to the European Parliament to support this
Directive.
Russia:
Families for Lonely Seniors (March 21, 2009)
(Article in
Russian)
Seniors left and forgotten by their own relatives find support
in "foster families" - a new trend in social care in Russia. Young couples take
seniors in their homes providing care and fighting social isolation and
loneliness among the seniors. The article tells about successful stories of the
pensioners who found "new" families.
France:
Experiencing Ageing: a Conference which Expresses the Revolution of Ageing,
Column from Serge Guerin (March 16, 2009)
(Article in
French)
On the occasion of a recent international and multidisciplinary
meeting, world researchers from gathered to present and compare their views,
work and investigative fields on the theme of ageing. The author would like for
this area to get greater attention.. Ageing is polymorphous: getting older in
urban or rural area, getting older when you belong to privileged classes or the
one more economically fragile. Ageing is not a linear and univocal process
leading to decline, but should rather be regarded as a wide range of
possibilities able to generate multiple strategies, reversals and
adjustments.
United
Kingdom: 80-year-old Catwalk Model up on "Fashion" Magazine (March 11,
2009)
(Article in Chinese)
UK's 80-year-old model was
recently put on the cover of "Fashion"Magazine. This woman also takes on catwalk
shows for worldwide well-known fashion designers and appears in commercials of
cosmetics. Just by working for magazine commercials, she sometimes earns as much
as $1,000 a day. UK's newspaper, "Daily Mail", called her "the oldest catwalk
model in the country."
Cameroon:
Nursing Homes for Older persons coming soon (March 5,
2009)
(Article in French)
A project of nursing home
construction in ten different areas in Cameroon is currently under way. This
work comes at the initiative of a French association, "Lumiere du Monde" which
works hand in hand with its local affiliate, "Lumiere du Cameroun". Based on the
European pattern, a first centre will open in 2010 and welcome about fifty
residents, who will be served by doctors from both Cameroon and France. |
