Global Action on Aging List-Serv Communication August 25-29, 2003

 

GLOBAL ACTION ON AGING
LIST-SERV AUGUST 25-29, 2003

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We appreciate your strong interest in our list serve! As GAA chronicles the assault on older persons' welfare in most parts of the world, we are grateful that more people want to be informed and want to take action! Just last week some 73 persons signed on to the list serve. If you have friends that you think would be interested, please let us know and we will send them a free subscription invitation.

Another positive sign: a Global Conference on Non-contributory pensions involving HelpAge International begins on September 4 in the United Kingdom. We'll have follow-up reports soon.

Have a good week!

Susanne Paul for Global Action on Aging

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PENSION

US

SOCIAL SECURITY

Medicare limits on therapy payments set to begin (August 25, 2003)
Despite a lawsuit and four years of reprieves, it appears the cap on Medicare payouts for physical, occupational and speech therapies finally will go into effect on Sept. 1. From that day forward, seniors will be limited to $1,590 annually for physical and speech therapies combined, with a separate $1,590 cap for occupational therapy. In 2003, the limit would apply only to services received during the last four months of the year, but the limit would be in effect for all 12 months of 2004. Health policy advocates, as well as therapists working with the elderly, say these ceilings will be devastating for patients recovering from strokes and other debilitating illnesses. The new restrictions would allow about 15 visits a year.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/socialsec/medlimits.htm

Arthritis treatment scrutinized Medicare officials blame Synvisc for overpayments (August 25, 2003)
Synvisc has been a moneymaker for its manufacturer, a subsidiary of Cambridge-based Genzyme Corp. And, it turns out, Synvisc also has been profitable for doctors who prescribe it. Federal Medicare officials have named Synvisc, an arthritis pain treatment that is injected into the joint, as one of nearly three dozen culprits they say contribute to large government overpayments to physicians, which cumulatively amounted to from $1.7 billion to $2 billion in 2002 alone. http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/socialsec/arthritis.htm

Solving the Drug Dilemma (August 22, 2003)
The House and Senate are struggling over what to do about the cost of pharmaceuticals under Medicare. Whatever the outcome -- whether, for example, consumers are allowed to import drugs from Canada or anywhere else, and whether government should negotiate with manufacturers over drug prices -- it will be no more than a short-term solution.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/socialsec/dilemma.htm

Drug maker touts discount plan (August 22, 2003)
Representatives of the country's largest prescription-drug maker barnstormed Iowa Thursday, urging senior citizens to apply for big discounts on popular medicines. Pfizer's "Share Card" offers most of the company's brands for $15 per month to Medicare recipients with relatively low incomes. Company Vice President Forest Harper said 8,300 Iowans have signed up since the program started last year. The company has given out 60,000 prescriptions worth $4.2 million to those people. "But you know what? It's not enough," Harper said.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/socialsec/discountplan.htm

PRIVATE

Retired and working (August 27, 2003)
Changing lifestyles and economic pressures are forcing retirees back to work and keeping senior citizens on the job longer than they expected. The desire to stay active and the boredom of retirement are part of the reason more senior citizens are staying in the work force. But many others aren't sticking around the office because they want to - they need to. More than 13 percent of people across the country 65 and older were employed or looking for work in March 2002, according to a recent Census Bureau report.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/private/working.htm

Corporations seek creative pension solutions (August 27, 2003)
U.S. Steel is strapped for cash but still has to shore up its underfunded pension plans. Its solution: Use land instead. Timberland, to be exact, 170,000 acres in all. That's surely thinking outside the box, something businesses are being forced to do as they try to cover the shortfalls in their pensions. But the creative route isn't without risk. There is a chance plans could end up worse off.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/private/steel.htm

It's never too late for older workers to catch up on retirement savings (August 26, 2003)
As much as we like to think of ourselves as masters of our fates, many things in life are out of our control. The weather. Crab grass. Drivers who won't use turn signals. There is one important aspect of retirement planning you can control: how much you save. And if you're age 50 or over, you have a golden opportunity to take charge of your portfolio. The 2001 tax bill allows workers 50 and older to make catch-up contributions to 401(k)s or similar employer-sponsored savings plans. This year, older workers can contribute up to $14,000 to their retirement plan, vs. $12,000 for younger workers. By 2006, older workers will be able to contribute up to $20,000 of pretax income to their 401(k) plans.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/private/retirements.htm

Pensions That Discriminate against Older Workers (August 25, 2003)
Pension plans increasingly under attack by older employees of IBM, though, it's becoming clear that a company's best interests are not always going to intersect with those of all its workers. That's why Congress needs to step up with clear legislation that would reform federal pension laws for the first time in a generation. Until then, lawsuits and divergent court decisions will become the norm, leaving both workers and companies in a state of pension limbo. Worse, facing higher costs, companies threaten they might abandon cash balance pension plans altogether.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/us/private/discriminatingpensions.htm

 

WORLD

Save Australia - keep working (August 28, 2003)
Australia's baby boomers have been asked to ditch ideas of an early retirement in the interests of the country's future. The Federal Minister for Ageing, Kevin Andrews, yesterday called for a huge change in attitude to tackle the workforce problems arising from Australia's ageing population. "The change required of employees is to abandon expectations of early retirement and ensure they update their skills so they remain employable," Mr. Andrews told the Ageless Workforce
Symposium in Sydney. "From time to time, a particular generation of Australians is called upon to rebuild our society in order to secure its ongoing prosperity. That time is now."
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/saveaustralia.htm

 

French may give up bank holiday to fund elderly care (August 28, 2003)
The French government, struggling with the aftermath of a deadly heatwave this month that killed up to 13,600 mainly elderly people, yesterday suggested cancelling a public holiday to fund better care for the aged. The secretary of state for the elderly, Hubert Falco, said the idea was one of the possibilities being explored "to try to establish genuine solidarity in the nation. It would be a holiday on which people would work in the cause of national solidarity."
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/holiday.htm

 

Russia: VTB Arm Named Sole Pension Depository (August 28, 2003)
The Finance Ministry named a state-owned company the sole depository for pension funds Wednesday, leading some to question the seriousness of the government's pension reform plans. A subsidiary of Vneshtorgbank, United Depository Co., or ODK, will hold pension savings accounts for those Russians who choose an asset manager, Deputy Finance Minister Bella Zlatkis told reporters. ODK will oversee investments made by companies that are given the right to manage pensions after those firms are announced Sept. 8, she said. Pension accounts for those who do not choose an asset manager by Oct. 15 will automatically be channeled to state-owned Vneshekonombank.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/atb.htm

Italy: Italy Seeks to Raises Retirement Age (August 25, 2003)
Premier Silvio Berlusconi's proposal to reform Italy's pension system by raising the retirement age by five years was received with caution Monday by his conservative allies. With Italy's aging population and declining birthrate, reform of Italy's pension system has been a key, albeit thorny, issue for governments in the last decade. The premier said in an interview published Sunday that Italy "needs to raise the retirement age by five years."
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/italyage.htm

UK: No release for elderly from income plans (August 25, 2003)
More than 10,000 pensioners in the United Kingdome are saddled with debts that they can never hope to repay more than a decade after being sold home income plans, consumer groups claim. Despite regulations against future mis-selling and a campaign to secure compensation for victims, the home income sales scandal lives on.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/incomeplans.htm

Brazil States Seek Payback to Support Pension Bill (August 25, 2003)
Most of Brazil's 27 state governors want to obtain concessions for their support on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's pension bill, which is scheduled for a second-round vote this week, CBN radio station reported. Opposition parties will attempt to derail the bill's voting this week, the station said. The government and allied parties reached a compromise to maintain the text of the pension bill that was passed two weeks ago in a first-round vote.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/brazilplan.htm

Japan: Pension funds calm despite JGB jitters (August 25, 2003) Japan's
pension funds have remained a pool of relative calm in recent weeks despite the volatility in Japan government bond (JGB) prices. Funds have been helped by equity gains that have offset bond losses, as well the introduction of policies aimed at diversifying their investment exposure across different asset classes.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/japanfunds.htm

Germany: Retire Later? Critics Blast Pension Reform Ideas (August 24, 2003)
The commission exploring ways to save Germany’s pension system has suggested raising the retirement age from 65 to 67. Politicians from across the spectrum have expressed outrage at the idea. Today, 2.3 persons work to support one retiree in Germany. But by 2030, according to reliable demographic estimates, that ratio could be more than halved. The Rürup Commission warns that, without reform, pension contributions would have to rise to between 24% and 25% of gross wages by 2030. Right now they are 19.5 percent.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/germanreform.htm

Germany: Retirees may have to brace for leaner times (August 22, 2003)
The German government is reportedly readying cutbacks in the country's pension system. According to press reports in the daily Handelsblatt and some other media, when the Rürup Commission presents its reform proposals next Thursday it is likely to recommend smaller annual increases or even a freeze in pension payments. Also expected from the commission, which is charged with recommending reforms to the health and social systems, is raising the official retirement age from 65 to 67 by 2025 and a ban on early retirements before age 64.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/commission.htm

India: Cabinet to take up new pension plan (August 22, 2003)
A contributory pension scheme for Indian government employees and the proposed National Tax Tribunal will be taken up by the Cabinet tomorrow, official sources said, The new contributory pension scheme, managed by independent fund managers, has been mooted by the Finance Ministry for all government staff employed after October 2002, as part of efforts to reduce the government's pension liabilities.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/cabinet.htm

Canada: Open Medicare to private services: doctors (August 21, 2003)
The Canadian Medical Association is joining a Supreme Court of Canada challenge to help reduce waiting lines and guarantee care for Canadians.

The country's largest medical association is arguing Canadians deserve health-care treatment in a timely fashion and, if that can't be found in their home province, it is incumbent on governments to pay for them to go elsewhere.
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/privatemedicare.htm

China: Chinese Social Security Coverage Continues to Increase (August 03, 2003)
Beijing, China - As the nation continues to increase social coverage, more and more Chinese labors are now under the coverage network. According to records provided by the Labor and Social SecurityDepartment, the percentage of pensions distributed in full and on time has moved from 95% in 1998 to 99.9% now. (The full text is in Chinese.)
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/SocialCoverage.htm

Chinese Enterprise Retiree Social Management Rate over 50% (July 30, 2003 )
Wuhan, China ­ Enterprise retirement social management service is referred to “after retirement formality, its management is no longer managed by its original organization but the local community where the retiree lives. Pension is managed by the community service organization that provides the corresponding management service.” Until the end of June, there were total 33,653 thousands enterprise retirees in China. Among them, there were 17,516 already practicing the social management service. The rate reached 52%, increased 8.5% comparing to last year. Experts pointed out that this is important issue in the community protection system; it guarantees the enterprise retiree having a peace and happy life; it is an important step for increasing living quality. (The text is in Chinese.)
http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/SocManagement.htm

HEALTH

US

Elderly patient boom faces specialist shortage (August 28, 2003)
Most senior citizens can see a family physician for the majority of their medical problems, but as they get older and sicker, their complex medical conditions often require the specialty of a geriatrician. That is, if they are able to find one. Currently, there are about 9,000 geriatricians in the United States, but the number is declining. The geriatrics society estimates 36,000 will be needed by 2030. Geriatricians specialize in medical problems associated with aging. They have several years of additional training in areas such as neurology, psychiatry and urology so they can recognize problems other doctors may consider normal aging.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/shortage.htm

New digital technique improves mammography results (August 26, 2003)
Radiologists are experimenting with contrast digital mammography to better diagnose cancer in dense breasts, according to a study appearing in the September issue of the journal Radiology. The researchers used intravenous iodine contrast in conjunction with digital mammography to evaluate 22 women with suspicious abnormalities disclosed by conventional (film) mammography and compared the findings.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/mammography.htm

Finally (or Not), Relief (August 26, 2003)
Palliative care shares the same goals as hospice care: providing patients with relief from pain and other unpleasant symptoms and offering them and their families a wide range of support services. But unlike hospice programs, which are targeted to dying patients, palliative medicine may be used to help those who are pursuing curative treatment and who may go on to live for many years. Studies of the effectiveness of palliative care programs show that they significantly
reduce patients' pain levels and control symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety and nausea. Palliative care also reduces hospital stays and pharmaceutical costs and increases patient satisfaction and quality of life, according to the New York-based Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC). Palliative care services are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/palliatives.htm

New facility in Stone Oak features latest in Alzheimer's care (August 26, 2003)
Stone Oak is one of the fastest growing centers of wealth in San Antonio, so it is no wonder that Resources for Senior Living decided to locate one of its Alzheimer's disease care centers there. The Charlotte, N.C.-based company opened the $7 million Haven last month as the city's latest assisted living center for people with Alzheimer's, a disease that's becoming more common.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/humanlife.htm

New model predicts likelihood of prostate cancer prior to biopsy (August 25, 2003)
A new, simple predictive model could reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies by 24 percent without sacrificing cancer detection, according to a study to be published in the Oct. 1 issue of CANCER and available online beginning Aug. 25 at the Wiley InterScience Web site.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/cancer.htm

Study Spurs Hope of Finding Way to Increase Human Life (August 25, 2003)
Biologists have found a class of chemicals that they hope will make people live longer by activating an ancient survival reflex. One chemical, a natural substance known as resveratrol, is found in red wines, particularly those made in cooler climates like that of New York State. The finding could help explain the so-called French paradox — the fact that the French consume fatty foods considered threatening to the heart but live as long as anyone else.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/stoneoak.htm

Enzymes Found to Delay Aging Process (August 25, 2003)
Scientists have found for the first time a way to rev up a potent "anti-aging" enzyme in living cells, an advance they said could speed the development of
drugs to extend human life span and prevent a wide range of geriatric diseases. It is too soon to say whether the latest findings will ever make the leap from the lab bench to the geriatrics clinic -- though some may choose not to wait: Of all the compounds the researchers tested, the one that boosted the anti-aging enzyme the most was resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine that has been credited with that beverage's ability to lower the risk of heart disease.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/enzymes.htm

Depression Weighs Heaviest on the Elderly (August 24, 2002)
As crippling as depression can be for young and middle-age adults, it's truly severe in the elderly, and more often fatal. And while depression and related illnesses afflict 20 percent of America's elderly, only a fraction are getting the treatment they need. "Depression kills not just through suicide," says Barry Lebowitz, director of treatment research at the National Institute of Mental Health. "[Elderly] people can be so debilitated by depression that they are not managing their hypertension or diabetes or they are not eating right. People die from the sort of excess disability that is created by depression in the context of other diseases."
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/depressionelderly.htm

Women prefer GPs to the Internet when trying to find out about HRT (August 22, 2003)
Recent media reports are littered with headlines such as 'HRT "doubles breast cancer risk"'. What impact are such headlines likely to have on women considering, or currently taking, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and where will they turn for further information and advice? A study jointly funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) suggests that, without significant policy rethinking, GPs are likely to remain the most
important source of information and advice to women, despite increasing access to sources of health information like the Internet.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/hrt1.htm

Still Hope for Stem Cells in Parkinson's Disease (August 22, 2003)
Even though stem cell transplants have yet to clearly benefit Parkinson's disease patients, there is promise that further refinement of the technique could lead to long-term relief of symptoms. It was thought that replacing the cells that produce dopamine would reverse the disease. Initial experiments where stem cells from fetuses were surgically implanted into the brains of laboratory animals were "spectacular," Dr. C. Warren Olanow, from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, told Reuters Health.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/parkinsondis.htm


WORLD

Better nursing for elderly (August 29, 2003)
A new initiative has been launched to encourage more nurses to undertake specialist training in how to care for older people. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and charity Help the Aged (HTA) have announced that they are to develop a new partnership that aims to focus on the development of nursing care for older people.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/nursing.htm

France: Heat row sparks initiative on elderly (August 26, 2003)
French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin was to meet Tuesday with health care professionals to discuss the plight of the elderly in the wake of a devastating heat wave that left thousands dead across France. The meeting, to be presided over by Raffarin himself, was to bring together government ministers, retirement home directors and workers providing in-home care to older people to flesh out an action plan to protect the frail and aged. The initiative comes as the centre-right government finds itself on the back foot, battling unrelenting criticism of its handling of the crisis stemming from the punishing heat that scorched
France for the first two weeks of August.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/initiative.htm

Canada: Appreciation of humor doesn't change with age (August 25, 2003)
A Canadian study of humor in older adults has found that appreciation and emotional reactiveness to humor doesn't change with age. Older adults still enjoy a good laugh. However, the ability to comprehend more complex forms of humor may diminish in later years. The findings are published in the September issue of the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/humour.htm

France: Holocaust of the elderly: death toll in French heatwave rises to 10,000 (August 22, 2003)
The summer of 2003 will be remembered as the year of the holocaust of the French elderly. France was reeling yesterday from figures that suggested some 10,000 people - mostly over the age of 75 - were killed by this month's heatwave, double the previous estimate. As a political storm raged over blame for the
deaths, President Jacques Chirac called an emergency cabinet meeting and promised an inquiry to examine "with complete openness" the failings of the health and welfare system.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/holocaust.htm

UK: £1 billion cost of elderly falls (August 20, 2003)
Falls among the elderly cost the British government £981 million a year, researchers estimate. Almost 60% of the cost is borne by the NHS, with the remainder spent on long term care. It was found around 650,000 people over 60 were taken to A&E after falling, and over 204,000 were admitted to hospital. The research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, said action was needed to prevent falls to protect patients and save NHS funds.
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/falls.htm

Hong Kong: Four Institutions burst out Flu Infection; 34 were hospitalized (July 27, 2003)
Hong Kong - Small infections of flu have burst out through Hong Kong. Several persons were infected in Salvation Army Lai-King Institute days ago. On July 26, 8 more were infected and sent to hospital. In addition, 3 nursing homes and mental institution located in Chai-wan, Yuan-long and Shang-shui appeared flu symptoms such as fever, coughing, etc., around the same time. Those infected were sent to hospitals for examination. So far, up to 64 were infected. Among them, 34 were hospitalized and 1 needed special treatment. Legislative Council Wing-Lok Lo warned, “The flu infection in many of the institutions is a sign for further infection among the society.” (The text is in Chinese.)
http://www.globalaging.org/health/world/hkFlu.htm

ELDER RIGHTS

US

Unfulfilled Retirees Back At Barracks (August 26, 2003)
When Capt. Dan Stebbins retired last year after 29 years with the state police, he made a list of projects to do in his free time, including yard work and home improvements. The state allows retired employees to reapply for their job within a year without losing their benefits. Such requests usually are granted unless there have been layoffs or the job has been eliminated. Sgt. J. Paul Vance, a state police spokesman, said the policy has been in place for as long as he can remember, but that only a small number of troopers have taken advantage of it.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/us/barracks.htm

Elderly inmates cost state up to $70,000 a year apiece (August 24, 2003)
The number of older inmates in Louisiana prisons is growing rapidly — and with it, the cost of keeping them. Prison officials expect the number of inmates to grow 15 percent by 2012. But even if it stayed the same, the number of inmates who are at least 50 years old could triple to more than 1,800, they say. Ailments common to the middle-aged and elderly mean their care can cost up to $70,000 a year apiece, more than double the cost for younger inmates.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/us/prison.htm

Ageism in the workplace (August 24, 2003)
The lagging economy and a graying work force have been prime factors in the record-high number of age discrimination claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in fiscal 2002. In the year ending Sept. 30, it peaked at 19,921. That translates to a 14.5 percent increase compared with the previous year. Age discrimination claims grew at a higher rate than all other types of discrimination except for those based on religion. Employment law attorneys and other experts say less-blatant examples of age discrimination, which are harder to prove, will most likely continue to rise as they have since 1999.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/us/ageism1.htm


WORLD

'Nursing home' jails for elderly (August 29, 2003)
Over-60s make up the fastest-growing age group in England and Wales, with 1,200 inmates - three times the number a decade ago, according to the study. The campaign group argues that steep rises in numbers have left the prisons struggling to deal with the health problems of the elderly. Building the kind of "nursing home prisons" that already exist in America could be the answer, the group argues.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/jailsuk.htm

Japan: Senior-friendly products good for all (August 29, 2003)
The population has been aging quickly, and in 2025 one of every four Japanese will be 65 or older. As people age, their vision, hearing, sense of balance, adaptability and other physical abilities inevitably deteriorate. The loss of these abilities progresses over time. Many elderly people suffer from multiple mild but progressive disabilities or are on the verge of becoming disabled. Therefore, a society nearing a phase in which a significant percentage of its population is elderly
should orient itself toward serving the needs of disabled people. In their efforts to develop products and services for the elderly, businesses need to bear in mind that they must also be serving the needs of people with disabilities.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/products.htm

India: Violence Against Elderly Growing (August 24, 2003)
The examples of the increasing incidence of abuse and violence against elderly people are provided in this article. An ominous trend likely to grow as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. According to HelpAge India Director-General, Maj Gen (retd) Inderjit S Dhillon, the organisation has for the past three years been conducting workshops with the Delhi Police to sensitize them to the special needs of the elderly.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/violence.htm

UK: Pensioner home loan warning (August 22, 2003)
Pensioners are able to obtain cash advances secured against the value of their houses through equity release or home reversion plans. Under such schemes, people over the age of 60 sell their home, or a percentage of their home, to a lender who collects on the homeowners’ death. In return they receive a cash lump sum, or a monthly income, or a combination of both.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/homeloan.htm

UK: The looming clash of the generations (August 22, 2003)
Some writers predict a new intergenerational war looming in the West. For once, youth could be on the losing side. Western countries need new social policies that address the consequences of demographic and technological change - but the baby boom generation that brought about the social revolution of the 60's and 70's could suffer under such policies, and has the numbers to prevent them from being adopted.
http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/looming.htm