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PENSION
WORLD
France:
Retirement: New Turn of the Screw on Retirement Before 60 (October
19, 2009)
(Article in French)
Since 2003, thanks to the 'extended career plan,' people who
started to work very young have been able to retire earlier, as soon
as they had worked the required years for retirement. However, last
year the government limited access to this plan. Consequently, the
administrator now controls the number of persons who benefit from the
plan. Those who do not match the criteria risk heavy sanctions.
Switzerland: Avenir
Suisse: For a Gradual Rise of the Retirement Age (October 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Avenir Suisse, a task group funded by major Swiss
corporations, has reopened the debate on the Swiss social security
system: AVS (Survivors and Aging Insurance). In fact, the government
wants to change the pension system because it says that funds are not
sufficient to support the aging of the population. Avenir Suisse puts
forward a much- debated program: gradually increase the retirement
age (one month each year) until reaching age 67.
Report:
Europe: Correcting Gender Inequality in Pensions: The Experience of
Five European Countries (September 2009)
It used to be that
activists ignored gender inequality in pensions. However, people are
increasingly seeking divorces. And non-marital unions pose challenges
to the pension system rules. The authors present several approaches
that Germany has undertaken, along with Italy, the UK, Sweden and
France, to reduce gender inequality in pensions and to guarantee that
women obtain adequate pension rights. The nations focus their concern
on the idea of a pension system based on individual rights. Some
experts suggest adopting universal pensions (which are the same
amount for everyone) in order to correct for gender inequality.
Russia:
Retirees in Moscow Better Off Than in Other Regions (May 8, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Retirees in Moscow will be receiving at least 10.5 thousand rubles
per month at the end of 2009, significantly greater than in other
regions of Russia. This amount will be greater than twice the minimum
wage. Moreover, for retirees with special needs in Moscow, there will
also be a 20% increase to their new pension. However, only retirees
in Moscow will enjoy 'high' pensions. The government seems to care
more about those living in Moscow than in other regions in Russia.
HEALTH
WORLD
Report:
World: Cash for Care: Implications for “Carers” (October 2009)
Employing a family member as a care-giver? Many countries have
introduced “cash for care” measures. Thus, instead of receiving
services, an older or disabled person can choose to receive a
personal budget of an equivalent value to purchase care themselves,
either from an agency, by directly employing a carer, or even a
family member. Will “cash for care” become the new universal
model for care-giving?
Russia: Denial of Emergency Help to Retirees is Against the Law - Federal Department of Healthcare (October 23, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
A tragic event happened in Kurganskaya province. An old person died after doctors ignored his relatives' numerous calls to the hospital for emergency help. According to the residents of the village of
Glyadyanskoe, local doctors ignored their calls earlier as well. It was later revealed that the head doctor in the local hospital decided to save money on gas and make money from his richer patients. As a result, one of the orders he gave to other doctors was not to help patients over 70 years old. After this incident, the Federal Department of Healthcare passed a law that made denial of emergency help a violation of the law. Even though this new law might not immediately eliminate the problem, it gives retired people who are dissatisfied with their medical help an opportunity to appeal to branches of the Healthcare Department. This new order applies as well to those who don't have Russian citizenship or medical insurance.
Spain:
The Dentists Association Estimates that 10,000 Older Persons in
Spain Will Be Diagnosed with Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer in 2009
(October 22, 2009)
(Article
in Spanish)
The Dentists
Association of the Palmas Province in Spain estimated that in 2009,
some 10,000 older persons will be diagnosed with oral and
pharyngeal cancer. It also estimated that the average age when
women run the risk of oral cancer is 67 and men at 61. People who
have been smoking and drinking alcohol are more prone to becoming
ill from oral cancer. In recent years, women suffering from oral
cancer have increased. To address this growing problem, more than
3,000 dentists will offer free oral health exams to both old and
young persons.
Algeria:
Barkat Signs WHO's Initiative On the Right to Sight (October 21,
2009)
(Article in French)
On October 21, 2009, M. Barkat, the Algerian Minister of
Health, Population and Hospital Reform, ratified WHO documents to
introduce a right to sight in Algeria: “Vision 2020.” WHO
launched the program in 1999 as part of a worldwide initiative to
eliminate the major causes of blindness by the year 2020. Last
year, Algeria conducted a substantial survey about the major
diseases causing blindness as preparation for creating this
national strategy to cope with the problem.
Russia:
A Loss of Time, or Who Earns on the Lines? (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
Recently in the city of
Chelyabinsk an old woman died waiting in line for her therapist.
Such cases are not unique in Russia. The average Russian spends
from 1.5 to 4 years of his/her life waiting in line. The government
has spent 10 billion rubles to modernize healthcare. However, new
computers have slowed down the process because many medical stuff
do not know how to use them. It is important that money be
allocated to training medical stuff on use of new technology. The
author suggests that the long lines prevalent in free medical
clinics tend to favor many doctors who have private (for-profit)
clinics, because they encourage their patients to use their
commercial sites.
Mexico:
HIV Positive People Discriminated Against in All Areas (October 20,
2009)
(Article
in Spanish)
Beatriz Ramírez
Amador, director of the department of HIV/AIDS at the Health
Institute in Mexico, recognizes that Mexicans still discriminate
against people with HIV/AIDS, many of whom have been abandoned by
their families. The National Questionnaire on Discrimination in
Mexico establishes that older persons with HIV/AIDS are among those
facing the greatest discrimination. Reports reveal that the labor
rights of people with HIV/AIDS are often violated as well.
Egypt:
The End Of Shisha (October 20, 2009)
The sun is just breaking across Cairo and few people are out and
about. It is Friday. At a middle-class Zamalek café, older men
enjoy the morning air's crispness as their conversations blossom
and they discuss the week's political and sports stories. At each
pause in their chat, a plume of gray smoke billows from their
mouths, pulling in the flavor that accompanies a drag of shisha--or
water pipe--smoke. “The reason shisha is being cut back is
because of the poor sanitary conditions that often are found in
local cafes that people frequent. Swine flu can spread quite easily
in the pipes if they are not cleaned properly” an official said.
ELDER RIGHTS
US
Quest
for Long Life Gains Scientific Prospect (September 29, 2009)
During a recent conference hosted by Harvard University, Sirtris
Pharmaceuticals presented its anti-aging research to an eager,
aging crowd that included the likes of those cutting calories to
live longer and individuals who strived to live until 120 years of
age. The company spoke of its drug that mimics resveratrol—found
in red wine—and activates sirtuins, which strengthens the body
against the degenerative diseases that accompany aging. In order to
test this drug, mice and rats were placed on a 30% reduced diet,
and were found to live 40% longer. The drug, in contrast to
resveratrol, is much more potent and may be issued in smaller
doses. While many people are awaiting its launch on the market, it
is currently still being tested in clinical trials.
WORLD
Argentina:
Proposition to Declare the Program University for Older Persons a
Provincial Interest (October 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The Program University for Older Persons has grown in importance
throughout Argentina. Almost 1,000 older citizens in Argentina have
benefited from the creation of the program. The objective is to
generate intergenerational change, to train older persons and to
increase the levels of physical, mental and social health of the
older population. The initiative demonstrates that every age has
the right to education.
Russia:
A List of Foreign Countries known for the Best Retirement (October
22, 2009)
(Article in Russian)
From the magazine Forbes, the best countries for retirees based on
safety, medical and financial services, good climate, rich culture,
and visa issues are Austria, Thailand, Italy, Australia, Panama,
France, Malaysia, Spain, Ireland and Canada. Even though these
countries are in the top ranks for retirement, each has some
disadvantages that retired people need to explore before moving
into their preferred country. For example, Thailand is known for
its political instability; Canada for its cold climate; Spain for
its long fiestas. For Russian retirees, however, the option of
traveling to different countries is unrealistic at the moment,
considering their pension level.
China: 34-Year
Passion for Clean Environment by 59-Year-Old (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Tiande Zhang has been a street cleaner for 34 years. He loves to
drive his car to work and spends three hours a day cleaning his
assigned area. Zhang has had chances for promotion, but he said he
enjoys what he is doing and so has remained at his job as a street
cleaner for 34 years.
China:
92-Year-Old Retiree Loves To Play Stock Market (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
Baolin Zhang is 92 years old has been playing the stock market
every day for 16 years. When his daughter bought a computer, he
learned how to buy and sell stocks on line, which means that he
doesn't have to get on an overcrowded bus every day to pursue his
hobby. When he makes a small profit, Zhang often asks his wife to
buy some delicious Chinese sweet treats to celebrate.
Taiwan:
Exclusive Trip for Senior Citizens (October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The Taiwanese government proposed a tourist plan for retired senior
citizens from mainland China. The theme of this tourist plan is
“walk a little bit slower, eat a little bit softer, cook a little
bit better, and see a little bit deeper.” The government of
Taiwan is eager to bring more mainland Chinese citizens over 60
years old to know more about the beauty of the island.
World: High
Tech Electrical Appliances - Over the Heads of Older Persons
(October 21, 2009)
(Article in Chinese)
The words on TV remote controls are too small to read. Microwave
instructions are too “profound” to understand. Sometimes, high
tech electrical appliances do not make life easier, at least for
older persons. It can be hard for young people, too, as functions
increase and instructions become more and more complicated. Special
efforts should be made to enable everyone, including the older
people, to enjoy the benefits of modern technology.
France:
Demography, the French Exception (October 20, 2009)
(Article in French)
France faces the aging of its population. The increase of
life expectancy and the post-war baby boom are the two major causes
of this aging. Consequently, the balance between the different
generations will be changing: today there are four middle-aged
persons for each older person; within 50 years there will be only
two persons of middle-age for one older person.
France: Seniors Leaving the Employment Market in Masses; In Coming
Years Huge Numbers Will Reach End of Careers, Raising Concerns
(October 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
Through the example of a small area in France, the Vaud,
the writer underlines a major challenge: the retirement of
baby-boomers. About 40% are still working and will retire within
the next ten years. This cyclical effect can be positive in some
areas where there is a job shortage. However, in other areas,
companies will have to find a solution to avoid the loss of years
of knowledge and skills, especially in sectors such as health.
Canada: Negotiations in the Public and Para-Governmental Sectors:
Retirees' Voices Should Be Heard (October 14, 2009)
(Article in French)
On September 30, the Quebecois Association of Retirees
introduced a legislative bill concerning the pension system and the
rights of retirees. This issue is a key one in Quebec, where the
major pension fund of public and para-governmental sectors faces an
important shortfall. Major trade unions announced a tour throughout
Quebec to discuss the issues, underlining the need to consult
retired persons about their particular needs as part of the
negotiations.
Mexico: Reynoso
Welcomes Older Persons (October 11, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
During a meeting with the president of the Association of Older
Persons in Mexico, Governor Luís Armando Reynoso expressed his
determination to maintain and continue developing programs and
projects related to older persons. The government, sensitive to the
aspirations of older persons, wants to promote their permanent
participation in society through the State System for Development
of the Family.
ARMED
CONFLICT AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
WORLD
Afghanistan:
Virtually No Safety Net for War Victims' Families (October 20,
2009)
Afghanistan has the highest population of widows and orphans in
Asia, according to government officials. Unfortunately, even with
so many victims of war, Afghanistan does not have a law in place to
deal with the hundreds of thousands of war widows, orphans and
disabled people requiring care.
AGING
WATCH
Latin
America and Caribbean: Interview with Dirk Jaspers-Faijer (October
2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Dirk Jaspers-Faijer, director of Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean, affirmed the growing awareness of
aging as an important issue for society and its development. He
highlighted the notable advances that the governments and people
have put into action throughout Latin American and the Caribbean
that benefit older persons. Although there are still enormous
challenges ahead, he said that older persons and the organizations
that represent them are gaining more and more prominence locally
and on the national scene.
Argentina: Interview with Monica Roque (October 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Monica Roque, national director of Politics for Older
Adults of the Department of Social Development of Argentina,
reported that in Argentina the paradigm of the rights of older
persons has been installed vigorously. Older people are taking part
in many organizations dedicated to their interests. Roqué shared
that Argentina has drawn on international law to demonstrate that
Latin America and the Caribbean needs a binding legal instrument
that protects older persons.
Chile: Interview with Paula Forttes Valdivia (October 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Paula Forttes Valdivia, director of Senama, a large
Chile-based advocacy group promoting the rights of older persons,
emphatically stated that the aging population constitutes a reality
that cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the demographic data and the
requirements unique to older people dictate that their rights and
needs be recognized.
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