A group of research from University of California, San Diego found that good sex can add up to a decade of life expectancy. Satisfying sex can help people in their 80’s to enjoy a high quality of life.

From Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego the researchers found that sexual satisfaction for elderly women was highly correlated to successful aging as well as highly quality of life.

This study was released online in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. The report indicates that quality of life; successful aging and sexual satisfaction were strongly related even in age of 60 to 89 were women experience a decline in physical health.

In the research, 1,235 women who were involved in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was scrutinized. WHI has been a major research program sponsored by the National Institute of health since 2003, focusing on finding causes of disability, death, and levels of quality of life for above 160 thousands vigorous post-menopausal women.

In research, groups were stratified into various age groups:

- 60 to 69 years
- 70 to 79 years
- 80 to 89 years

The researchers found at the end of the study that 61 percent of the group aged 80 and above said they had a satisfied sex life.

This same study was given emphasis when published in Indian News, giving various indicators of how sexual life contributes to longevity.

A recent TNN report suggests that regular sex enhance the brain power as well as positive hormone levels of an individual. In addition, orgasm has positive effects to the immune system as well. It strengthens the infection-fighting cells by approximately 20 percent.

Surprisingly, when couple experience orgasms they should hug each other as it facilitate the excretion of oxytocin hormone, which is directly linked to life expectancy.

It is really fascinating, cuddling increase’s people’s longevity, and in addition, being in relation reduces the risk of depression and chronic diseases.

According to the research, cuddling can increase life expectancy by as much as seven years.

Besides, satisfied sex keeps you physically and mentally healthy. It enhances your heart, brain and several hormones.

Men who are involved in at least three or more times of physical relationship in a week have 50 percent less risk of stroke and heart attack.

At any age, sex induces endorphins, which make you feel good and therefore lower stress significantly.

So simply by establishing planned sex a couple can increase their longevity by 2 to more years. Generally, sex is restricted to only night hours, but this need not necessary be so. Couples should enjoy sex whenever they feel the moment is right.

In addition, healthy food is essential for an individual to be able to have an enhanced sexual performance, and therefore, healthy food is directly and indirectly linked to longevity.

If you aren’t used to practice exercise, than sex can help you to boost the blood circulation and to burn some calories. Good sex can provide the same benefit as regular exercises.

So the prescription for planned sex provides the same benefits as regular exercises; 20 minutes of active sex can augment your metabolism and burn 30 calories.

For the case, of women sex does also reduce the risk of osteoporosis problems. Apparently, middle-aged women who have sex weekly have as much as 100 percent stronger protection to bones (Oestrogen levels) in contrast to women who do not have regular sex.

So a balance diet can boost the endurance, and thereafter help to promote satisfied sex experienced, which are pleasurable and at the same time fun.

It is a great strategy to add another decade to your life expectancy; satisfied sex life.

Source: India blooms

Anti Aging, Gerontology, Health And Aging, Longevity

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The aim of the study was to understand people in richer countries haven’t become happier over the last 40 years, although economic growth has ensured a general increase in income.

The led author for the study was Chris Boyce from the University of Warwick’s Department of Psychology. He said that the higher an individual’s income is in comparison to peers determines people satisfaction. Yet, the average income or the nominal income amount doesn’t have any noticeable relation to people’s happiness. In the research, it was found that having an income of 1 million a year won’t make you happy if one of your friends earns more.

The research was published in the Journal Psychological Science under the title: “Money and Happiness: Rank of Income, Not Income, Affects Life Satisfaction.” The study involved 3 authors Gordon Brown and Chris Boyce from University of Warwick’s Department of Psychology as well as Simon Moore from Cardiff University.

The study gathered figures to understand the longitudinal pattern of British households; Data on life satisfaction as well as earnings from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) for a period of 7 years was used.

One part of the study evaluated the relation of life satisfaction to the amount of income earned. It was found that satisfaction was rather attached to the income position of an individual than compared to age, gender, education levels and/or geographical location of people.

It was concluded that if everyone in society was made richer, it would not help to augment the overall level of happiness – as the issue is not income in itself, it is rather having a higher income than other people that really matters.

Source: Science Daily

Lifestyle

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Slowly progress in science research is finding the real benefits of spices and herbs. Apparently, herbs seem to be a strong protective attribute to various alarming diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Professor Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., from the University of Texas M.D says that modern science is finally being able to shed light on the reason why people have been using species and herbs for medication for millenniums.

In Aggrawal’s home-country India, there is a low risk of heart disease and cancer. This is associated with their extensive use of spices in various food menus. However, most of the Indians who have moved to a westernized eating pattern have experienced a higher incidence of these very same diseases. Apparently, when people eat less spicy food, they are deprived from the protective attributes provided by the herbs and spices. In other words, this explains why the Indian, who has adopted a westernized diet (defined as being fattier and meatier) is more prone to diseases.

The 8 healthiest herbs and Spices

1. Chile Peppers – Boost Metabolism

Research has shown that the wanted heat of chilly tend to enhance our metabolism. Components known as capsaicin, chipotle and cayenne provide this fresh aspect of papers. Various research shows that capsaicin actually help the body to burn up calories (boost the metabolic rate). This equally helps the brain to stimulate chemicals to make us less hungry. A recent study found that people who ate hot spicy pepper tomato juice consumed 16 percent less calories. The second compound known as capsinoids, present in milder chile and also in sweet paprika reduces the risk of ulcers. It induces enhanced ability to the cells in the stomach to tackle infections and bacteria. It equally helps the heart to stay tuned by preventing LDL cholesterol from being converted into artery-clogging forms.

2. Ginger – Help To reveal Upset Stomach / Fight Arthritis

Ginger has since long been observed as a relief to the stomach problem. Yet, Ginger does much more; it helps to reduce nausea and to heal our body after chemotherapy or surgery. A component full of inflammation-fighting properties like gingerols does even reduce the risk of cancer aches of osteoarthritis.

In a study, it was found that if people consumed ginger capsules for 11 days, they experienced 25 percent less muscle pain, after doing exercise.

3. Cinnamon – Regulates Blood Sugar

Several studies have shown that adding only one to two teaspoons of cinnamon a day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. It helps the body to regulate blood sugar.

4. Turmeric – Inhibit Tumors and Inflammation

Tumeric is used in India as a source to heal wounds. It is commonly used as a paste, tea to alleviate respiratory problems as well as colds. Modern science confirms that turmeric, with its compound curcumin is a proven antioxidant which has several anti-inflammatory abilities. Curcumin is used to relieve pain of injuries, arthritis as well as in dental procedures.

Turmeric, the goldenrod-colored spice, is used in India to help wounds heal (it’s applied as a paste); it’s also made into a tea to relieve colds and respiratory problems. Modern medicine confirms some solid-gold health benefits as well; most are associated with curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Professor Bharat also mentioned that it contains anti-carcinogens properties.

5. Saffron – Mood Elevator

In traditional Persian Medicine, Saffron was commonly used as a mood lifter, by adding it into tea. A study from Rooxbeh Psychiatric Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Science revealed that saffron help to relieve depression as well as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In the research, 75 percent of the women who suffered from PMS, experienced a fifty percent improvement in the management of their mood swings and depression after taking saffron.

6. Parsley – Prevents Breast Cancer Cells to grow

A few scientists from University of Missouri found that parsley prevents breast cancer-cell growth. This was found in an animal study where, they were given apigenin (a compound of Parsley) experienced an increase resistance against cancerous tumors.

7. Saga – Treats Sore Throat and Preserve Memory

It is recommended to sip saga tea to treat sore throat and an upset stomach. Other new studies suggested that saga even helped to prevent Alzhiemer’s disease by protecting acetylcholine, which is an important chemical in the brain promoting learning and memory. This was supported by a second study, where it was found that student taking capsule of saga extracts outperformed those who didn’t take in memory test and had an enhanced mood.

8. Rosemary – Improve Mental Focus & fight Bacteria

It was found in a recent study that people who had aromatic rosemary oil in their study room experienced enhanced score on alertness and memory tests. Commonly, rosemary is used to marinade poultry and meats. This herb improves the healthiness of the food being cooked. For instance, in a study released by Kansas State University in March 2010 found that adding rosemary in-ground beef reduced the potential development of heterocyclic amines (HCSs)- which is a cancer-inducing compound found in fried.

Source: Shine *Yahoo

Health And Aging, Lifestyle

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So does multi-vitamin really increase longevity? This is a still a debatable area and various studies produce different results.

In a review published in, ‘The New York Times’ in 2009 found after comparing various researches that supplement or vitamins did neither prevent chronic disease nor extend human lifespan.

A ‘Copenhagen University study’ which reviewed 815 different clinical trials related to the advantages of Vitamins A, E, and C, selenium and beta-carotene found no real benefits of taking such supplements. The research revealed that consuming these vitamins tended to raise the risk of death rather than longevity.

In addition, on a site called ‘Insider-medicine’ a study of a meta-analysis of 67 randomly selected clinical trials with above 200,000 participants suggested that consuming vitamins had no conclusive benefit to longevity.

Fascinating as it is, studies that are financed by pharmaceutical companies tend to reveal only the positive side of supplements and vitamins. In other words, those studies are or only good for the readers and not the users.

The fact that several studies report the same conclusion; supplements do not necessary promote longevity, gives us a doubtful trust on vitamins. Furthermore, there is a wide range of recognised institution that claims that supplements have only a minor positive effect. This makes us confused as it is contrary to our common belief.

So Does Vitamin Only Deplete Our Bank Balance?

On general people spend $75 a month of supplements and vitamins. However, this might end up being a waste of money. So why not reduce spending to $50 and the accumulative cash saving will be as much as $22k in 25 years. Instead of having consuming vitamin to live longer, save some of the money, and you will have a nice retirement pension.

There is a general belief that poor diets can be replaced with high intake of vitamins. However, the only solution to poor diets seems to be a good diet. People should consume vegetables, lean protein, fats and fresh fruits.

Nevertheless, the fact that some studies say that vitamins and supplements aren’t good for longevity doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consume them for medical conditions. For instance, men suffering from prostate cancer should consume various vitamins. A generalist is likely going to suggest some vitamins with some new lifestyle activities.

In America, the annual expenditure on vitamins and supplements is $23 billion.

Source: CBS News

Anti Aging, Longevity

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It was concluded in a researched conducted recently. The study entitled: “What is the Age of Reason” found that people in their 40s and 50s make sensible investment decisions as compare to both senior or junior to them in age and experience. In fact, the study came up with the best age for taking investment decisions and revealed the age to be around 53.

The study under discussion was performed and published by famous Brookings Institute. The study emphasized on evaluating the correlation between the investor age and his or her capability to make different financial decisions. The type of financial decisions included credit-card balance, Residential loans, vehicle loans, mortgages, to name a few. The study concluded with an acceptable confidence level that statistically 53.3 is the average age when the decision made were more sensible and fruitful for the investor. Equally, the chances of taking wrong decision was found out to be the lowest in compared to other age groups.

One of the researchers David Laibson said that the study analyzed a lot of data and reached the conclusion that mental capacity is at its peak in the age of 43 to 63. David Laibson 45, is a professor at Harvard University and aged the highest among the four authors of the research conducted.

The study came up with scientific evidence to claim that the mental factory works at its peak during the middle ages. This didn’t only apply to financial decisions; it applied to analyzing, processing and retaining information in general. In other words, our social and technical skills do significantly climb up to higher performance in our middle ages.

Fluid intelligence is the kind of intelligence that deals with the ability of mind to adopt, learn new knowledge and analyze it for possible usage. This kind of intelligence reaches it optimum points in our early 20s. This explains why young people are good at learning new things. On the other hand, Crystallized intelligence is obtained through aging and/or with “had been there done that” kind of life experiences, which obviously builds stronger with increasing age.

In the last few years dot-com boom had taken over the market, and everyone seemed to be going after investing in it like crazy. People in 20s were the biggest advocates of it and Warren Buffet (then approaching 70s) was out casted for his resistance to the whole technology thing. However, time has proven Buffet to be right on the spot while the young managers and traders are standing in the middle of nowhere with their decisions. It is not absolutely wrong to ask the financial advisor about his or her age, as now you have a scientific study supporting your question.

Mr. Harold Evensky who associated with Coral Gables (based in Florida) as Financial advisor says that increasing age make an individual smarter as far as decision making skills for financial decisions are concerned. Mr. Evensky who is about to turn 70 has significant experience in the different fields of finance. He further expressed that he feels that he is in a better position to make the right financial decision now, as compared to 2 decades ago. Apart from the all important factor of experiencing the financial world and life in general, he believes the contributors in better financial judgments are:
1. The reading habit of financial magazines and journals
2. Interaction with the people in the field
3. Teaching experience with graduate students.

It should also be noted that apart from his responsibilities as Financial Advisor with Coral Globes, Mr. Evensky is also transmitting his knowledge by working as Adjunct Professor in a Lubbock, Texas Institute named Texas Tech University).

Dr. Laura Carstensen also has the same thoughts about the age of the financial advisors. Directress of Longevity at Stanford Center, Stanford University expressed that she is not comfortable with having a wealth advisor of young age. In the field of financial expertise age isn’t an optional requirement. An aged person having experience of good, bad and ugly financial transactions and deals is the right candidate for the financial advisor post in her opinion.

Mr. Harold Evensky is not an exceptional, case as there are many other elder people in their 60s and/or approaching 70s or even in the 70s doing so well in the financial deals. This is all due to their tremendous experience, and knowledge in the domain.

Jeremy Grantham believes that financial market is not the right place for a young person. Mr. Jeremy Granthan is the chairman of GMO, LLC a financial investment management company based in Boston, Texas. Elders are more stable and firm in their decisions/ or rather not influences psychologically by changes in the market – they are rather the master of the market.

Mr. Jeremy Grantham recalled the mid 1970s bear market crisis. In 1973-1974, the bear market faced losses, and as a result he had to reduce the values of the associated company by half. This was a tough pill to swallow, but it helped Mr. Jeremy Grantham to come out unscratched from the recession hit years.

Harvard professor, Mr. Laibson believes that with increasing age the human’s ability to see the things from various angles is increases drastically. People develop a set of benchmarks from their past experience about what is the good or bad way of handling particular issues. Old player in the financial market are always expected to make best decisions due to their vast knowledge and experience.

Source: WSI

Lifestyle, Longevity

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Based on scientific research in both medicine and computer science, there are lots of authors that predict that humans could really live forever. For example, a British gerontologist by the name Aubrey de Grey believes that gerontology, the “ageing science”, has made huge steps in annihilating ageing; so huge and fast that, in 2008, he said that the first millennial child had already been born.

Another famous futurologist, the American Ray Kurzweil, wrote a book in which he also predicted immortality, but in a different manner. Published in 2005, “The Singularity Is Near” refers to a special moment in the development of artificial intelligence, when the human mind could be “downloaded” into hard drives and, consequently, operates in an artificial form until the end of time. Kurzweil so strongly believes his prediction that he has embarked on a vegetarian dieting and workouts, hoping he would live forever-up to 2030 – the year his foretell would fulfill.

Living “alive” or in a computer memory could prove, in the end, of total futility, dare other specialists say. A counter-strike theory was developed by academics who showed that, paradoxically, ageing and dying are for the better advantage of the species; though these processes are far from any individual human’s desire. For the Homo sapiens in general ageing and dying are profitable, because they contribute to adaptability and thus to the historical survival of mankind.

In other words, the counter-theory pretends that mortal people could exterminate the “immortals,” on a long-range period, leading to the restore of mortality.

The one to arbitrate the two currents was the evolutionary biologist Andre Martins of the University Of Sao Paolo Brazil. In a computer model, he simulated two antagonistic groups, competing over the control of a territory. Martins succeeded to prove that the “mortal” population could have the upper hand, in certain conditions. Martin filled a square with an equal number of blue (“mortals) and red (“immortals) dots; in the end, following the logic pattern and the conditions furnished by the software. The blue dots on the model square managed to “kill” their “enemies” and “conquer” most of the red territory.

Andre Martin's simulations 'pitted' two populations - one red, one blue - against one another, simulating their lives as they battled to 'control' an environment. Under some circumstances, it can be an 'advantage' for a species to 'prune' itself by dying

Source of Image: Daily Mail

Any computer model is far from having the complexity of natural phenomena; this proved to be true with Martins’ simulation, too: his populations acted very differently under very small software tweaks. In the initial stage, the “immortals” were in advantage (at least, those who were not killed in accidents). Then, Martins introduced random elements (mutations, for example) and found out that the balance tilted towards the “mortals.” The computer model showed that aging and dying helps our specie to adapt.

According to the Brazilian Scientists, as more random elements were introduced – such as mutations – the populations that were exposed to aging had benefits over the immortals. In other words, mutation is an explanation of why we age. In addition, it illustrates our inadequate understanding in how eliminating aging can alter our complex natural world.

Martin concluded that immortality of species can drive it own existence into extinction. Changes in mutation, is something that human adapts to as long as we reproduce, and die. Our future generation do slightly adapt to new conditions and changes.

Of course, Martins’ mathematical modeling aroused reactions. Bryan Appleyard, the author of the best-selling “How to Live Forever – or Die Trying” has attacked Martins’ conclusion: Saying that currently death doesn’t induce significant evolution. Our genes simply genes simply impoverish after our mid-twenties – followed by falling health.

According to Bryan Appleyard, the real world experience is likely going to be quite different from Martins’ computer model. The more common disadvantage of immortality is boredom of the mind. So a good reason to die might ironically be that people feel bad of being themselves to long.

Source: Daily Mail

Anti Aging, Gerontology, Longevity

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The results of these experiments dispelled the widely prevalent misconception that the mind diminishes as human gets old. Contrary to this belief, the findings indicated that the brain of the older professionals functioned in a more systematic and organized fashion, on the basis of the efficiency they displayed while working on a particular task.

A matching task, resembling a special game, in which the rules change frequently as it proceeds, was assigned to all the participants. The research experts provided the participants with a title, and they were thereafter instructed to couple up various words. The matching word where required to demonstrate relevance and sense with respect to the title. This involved a high-level analysis by the mind on the words chosen, before confirming the match.

Although the assigned task seemed quite simple, it was noted during the course of the experiment that, the aged professionals were using their brain far more efficiently by summoning the use of only specific parts of the brain, precisely when they were required.

According to the neuro imaging scans, the brains of the young and old participants registered extremely different reactions upon being told that their answers were wrong. Having committed an error was not such a big deal to the elders, in contrast to the young ones who fretted a lot over their mistakes. Every reaction by every participant came up clearly on the scans, indicating that certain brain parts which were not required for the task were unnecessarily hyperactive in the case of the young participants. On the other hand, the older group was pretty unperturbed by their mistakes and did not activate the very same brain areas until the next topic was initiated.

Dr. Oury Monchi, a study author belonging to the University of Geriatrics Institute of Montreal, drew a similarity between these test results and the famous Aesop’s fable of the race between the tortoise and the hare.

He said that the experienced brain of an older human being is well aware that being impatient and hasty will not get you anything. Getting old does not have anything to do with considerable deterioration of cognitive skills. This is a well-known fact. As per Dr. Monchi’s opinion, the brain of older and younger humans demonstrates achievement of almost the same level of performance when assigned certain tasks. He said that there is now a neurobiological proof indicating very clearly that as it ages, the brain masters the art of utilizing available resources in a much better manner, making humans wiser as they grow old.

Continuing the discussion regarding the similarity between the test outcomes and Aesop’s fable, he concluded that an individual must confidently utilize his/her capabilities and not let any kind of criticism hinder his/her progress.

Source: IB Times

Anti Aging, Gerontology, Longevity

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The number of aged Germans has given rise to an immediate need for elderly care. On 20th October 2011, a new regulation was passed by the Parliament of Germany with a view to simplify care giving to their family members, for people who have full-time jobs. Under this new law, an individual is allowed to work for a couple of hours less than usual for an additional two years, with only some minor financial constrains. Although this facility reduces the huge expenses as well as the shortfall of volunteers for care giving services, it does not do much to ease this shortage on a long-term basis. Owing to the difference of opinions in the parliament cabinet, decisions regarding several other critical matters have been pushed forward to the beginning of 2012.

In spite of having opted for a career option that is lowly regarded in Germany, professionally certified care giver Diana Andrzejewski would rather do nothing else than shift her job. She did admit though that she accidentally landed upon this job. She was part of a welfare project, the actual stipulated time period for which was one year. When asked to choose between a nursery school and a volunteering to care for the elderly, she opted for the latter. She was assigned a project in a nursing centre for these people and got involved in her job. She, afterward, realized that this was what she had been looking for.

Caring for the elderly regarded as an unattractive career

The director of St. Konrad Nursing Home in Berlin, Christiane Sievert, is constantly on the lookout for individuals like Diane, but they are very hard to find. She says that her efforts are practically useless. If a caregiver has reached his or her age of retirement and a replacement can’t be found, then it becomes a very difficult situation to manage.

When people think of a caregiver’s job, all that they can imagine is rotating shifts, eternal shortage of care providers and a meager salary. A caregiver who has been trained for three years manages does on average earning 2,200 EUR a month which is close to 3,000 USD. Nursing advertisements and promotions promising a rising career graph, which are extended by several nursing homes, don’t improve the situation, even if they are genuine.

Sievert recalled being at a trade exhibition where the fact was revealed that youngsters are not the least interested in pursuing a career as a caregiver.

Critical Times For Care Shelters Owing to Drastic Decline in Applicants

There have been very few applications since the 90s due to the reduction in the number of applicants allowed to work as apprentices, said Sievert.

The entire care-providing segment of Germany falls under the German Nursing Council. One of the council members, Andreas Westerfellhaus, said that the government of the country has been warned about this situation since several decades ago. He said that the leaders of the nation did nothing to curb the situation when it was possible to. Issues such as the lack of medical personnel were discussed way-back. Yet these severe issues in the nursing field were totally ignored. He also spoke about some nursing shelters that pay 5,000 EUR as a bonus to any employee who is able to recruit someone as a caregiver.

According to Andreas, Germany is already in the middle of an emergency in the care-giving industry, while the count of the aged people is on a constant rise. The required number of care giving professionals, by the year 2025, is expected to be around 300,000.

According to the study of the Nursing Council, hiring efficient care givers in Germany is going to get very expensive in the years to come, which has prompted the council to consider investing immediately in training schedules for the applicants.

Over a million caregivers and nurses in Germany have started looking for ways to improve their current working conditions. One of the alternatives they are looking at is, forming stronger and better unions to push for increased salaries, better work environment and reduction in the prolonged working hours.

Source: DW World

Anti Aging, Health And Aging

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Earlier, they were showered with affection, care and respect by their young ones. Their families ensured that all their needs were taken care of. Hence, they were not much out in the open. However, it is nowadays a different scenario.

South Asia will experience a dramatic increase in its elderly population by nearly nine times between 2010 and 2025 when life expectancy increases to 75 years for men and 82 years for women.

World Bank statistical findings indicate a consistent increase in the global senior citizens population from 1948 onwards, thanks to reduced mortality death and longer lifespan. The global population of people who are above 60 years of age was reported to be 251 million and 488 million in 1950 and 1990 respectively. This figure is expected to rise by another 146 percent by 2025, thereby making the total count of senior citizen; 1,250 million. The developing part of the globe, especially South Asia and Asia would feature majority of the present and future rise. In South Asia, there will be a prominent increase in the elders. From 2010 to 2025 the average life span for women will rise up to 82 years whereas for men it would be 75 years; representing a rise in the senior population by more than nine times.

Senior population in Pakistan accounts for approximately 7.2 million with a consistent rise reaching 10 percent of the total population. By 2020, it would account for another 5 percent translating to additional load on the younger population who would need to take care for them. Governmental policies are also altered to address this change; Additional nursing and medical attention are needed for their care.

In accordance with their cultural requirements, the west region of the world has since long been promptly taking measures to ensure care for the aged. This has pre-dominantly led to building shelters for the helpless elders. Both, the public and private sectors have such shelters in the West. Building such well equipped shelters for the elders, falling in line with the cultures and traditions of our society is the challenge faced by us.

The Senior Citizens Welfare Trust recently conducted a study which established that 98 percent of the elders would rather stay home with their loved ones than take shelter in such homes. The cold environments of externally managed shelters are not really comfortable substitutes for the elders to get emotionally as well as socially in the company of their families. Although we may not quite support the effort to establish such shelters, the undeniable requirement of a few seniors is still not met. The ones really needing such homes are the aged people who are left behind by their kids in pursuit of better career prospects.

Although there is no doubt that kids surely wire finances to care for their parents wants, the need for a proper accommodation with domestic help still prevails. The elders don’t feel at home in a condominium-styled building complex.

The society is bound to extend their help in sharing some of the duties or elderly care and not leave it all to the government. However, healthcare is a service that can only be executed by the government.

Survey reports indicate that children forcibly have to admit their parents suffering from long-term chronic sickness such as dementia, paralysis or Alzheimer’s disease to foster care, as these are tremendously exhausting, both financially and emotionally. Much as they would like it, children are unable to shoulder the rising economic dependency generated by these ailments, not to mention the increasing expense of living. This makes it mandatory for every government and private hospital to have a geriatric ward which is well equipped to treat such ailments among the elderly which can only be addressed under constant medical surveillance.

Not all the aged people need to be in medical care and can be easily taken care of by their family with the aid of domestic care and medicines at subsidized costs.

The Zakat fund resources should be extended to poor households to help in caring for the elderly. This complements our cultural pattern of keeping our elders within our families.

Our nation does not specify any particular age of retirement nor does it extend any benefits to its nationals which make it obligatory for people to keep working for as long as possible.

Professionals such as nurses, teachers, engineers and craftsmen are utterly lost after they retire. Our nation should find use for their abilities and expertise in building its future. This would also make them feel wanted.

The entire world encourages its aged clan to extend their services towards volunteering for the society and its noble causes. There is a lot of need for such activities in slum areas, childcare homes, hospitals, etc.

Many senior citizens also suffer from loneliness. They yearn to interact with people of similar age-groups and enjoy activities, which are both fun as well as useful. This need could be fulfilled by starting day-care centers which offer facilities such as a library, recreational and functional activities, etc. Also recommended are topics such as training on first-aid techniques, health education, medical and eye checking camps free of cost.

Responsibility of these challenges needs to be shouldered by the government and society together. Political support and the urgency to chalk future plans is the key to tackle these issues. Even if they seem trivial in the present day, it would be very unwise to let these problems of our senior citizens get out of hand. It’s about time we act on them without any further delay.

Organizing seminars, discussions and processions on the event of International Senior Citizens Day every year is not going to suffice. Some firm measures leading to everlasting benefits are the immediate need of the hour.

Source: Dawn

Anti Aging, Gerontology

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Only 35% of the people questioned said they were prepared for retirement; both occupationally and economically, for what were to come after their active life. Half of them declared they were enjoying retirement.

Almost 60% of the sample population, aged from 55 to 79, said they needed more money because their pensions were not enough, while a third mentioned that they could not cope with a retirement life. Korean elders are among the most active in OECD countries, as they labor almost 100 minutes per day, while the average rate reported in OECD is approximately half an hour per day.

The fact that such a large majority of the pensioned Koreans is either active or in search for a working place (and then inscribed in statistics as “participants in economic activities”) ranks the country on the second place in OECD, only to be topped by Iceland, with over 35%.

The chances they would really find work are rather bad, and the trend is to get even worse. Korean economy is slowing down because of the global recession. Young people give up with their search for jobs and continue their studies in the hope something would improve by the time of their graduation. The total number of the inactive population is around 35%, including; children, students, house wives, pensioners an, etc. This puts an enormous pressure on the social insurances budget of the country.

In Korea, the inactive population percentage is high, which is a concern for the local government.

Source: Chosun (English)

Anti Aging, Gerontology

© Jimmy Eriksson for Anti Aging and Human Immortality News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment

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