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Research on Aging current issue

Shifts in Public-Private Provision of Retirement Income: A Four-Country Comparison
Gran, B. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
In the midst of governmental budget battles in the late 20th century, many countries' public pension programs faced challenges. In some countries, private provision grew in importance, but shifts from public to private retirement income did not automatically occur. The author examined retirement income programs in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, and New Zealand from 1980 to 1995 to evaluate the components of pension programs, both public and private, that were or were not protected from cutbacks. The author explores ways in which the public sector cooperates with the nonpublic sectors to form retirement income policy in these four countries. He then evaluates the explanatory frameworks scholars use to study social policy change by examining parts of pension programs that were maintained and those that were reduced. The author suggests that some factors take on greater explanatory importance for the diminution and durability of pension programs when both public and private pension programs are considered.
Placing Elderly Parents in Institutions in Urban China: A Reinterpretation of Filial Piety
Zhan, H. J., Xiaotian Feng, , Baozhen Luo, Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The authors examined changing attitudes about filial piety, or xiao, using data from intensive interviews with 20 elderly residents, 14 family members, and 9 staff members in Nanjing, China. The findings reveal that respondents interpreted the notion of xiao in terms of their own social worlds and on the basis of their own social locations and contexts. The increasing unavailability of adult children, various benefits of institutional care, and children's financial assistance for older parents are major explanations for xiao behaviors, even when elders are placed in institutions. The high cost of professional care in institutions is contributing to a shift in attitudes about institutional elder care from stigma to privilege. The authors argue that China can expect an increasing need and demand for elder care institutions as a large number of Chinese baby boomers retire.
Health Behaviors and Transitions of Physical Disability Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Ying Wu, , McCrone, S. H., Lai, H. J. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0000
This study examined the transitions of disability over 5 years among older adults and the influences of health behaviors on these transitions. Data was obtained from the community cohort of the National Long-Term Care Survey in 1994 (n = 5,089) and their follow-up data in 1999. Generalized logit regressions revealed that obesity increased the risk of disability. Light drinking decreased the risk of disability. Among disabled individuals, the risk of status decline was higher for those underweight or physically inactive, and those taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements regularly or working on a hobby were less likely to further decline in the disability statuses. In an older population, having more contacts with friends, having regular social activities, and having a body mass index ≥ 25 were beneficial to survival. These findings indicate that older adults may have greater personal control over their lives based on their choices about lifestyles and social connections.

Harvard Medical Research: Aging

Modifiable Factors Associated With Long Life
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:00:01 -0500
A healthy lifestyle during the early elderly years—including weight management, exercising regularly and not smoking—may be associated with a greater probability of living to age 90 in men, as well as good health and physical function. Additional topics at Aging More consumer-oriented research news at Consumer information
Coverage Improves Health and Reduces Heart Complications
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:41:02 -0500
A 12-year study of over 7,000 Americans shows that individuals without health insurance experience a dramatic improvement in their subsequent health trends when they become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Additional topics at Aging More consumer-oriented research news at Consumer information

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