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Pensions, Problems, and Plans
In This Issue:
Upcoming Deadlines
Announcements
Research & News
Funding Opportunities
Resources
Policy
Upcoming Deadlines
Early Bird Deadline: September 22nd for GSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting
Join the Gerontological Society of America in Atlanta for the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting, November 18-22. Here you can listen to over 400 multidisciplinary sessions, network with a global audience, learn about emerging trends and more! View detailed information and plan your trip with the online meeting planner at the Meeting Program portion of the GSA Website. To learn more, visit www.geron.org/asm.
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Announcements
2009 Hartford Doctoral Fellows Seek Faculty Appointments
The Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program prepares the next generation of social-work innovators and leaders for faculty positions in CSWE-accredited institutions. If you’re looking to fill such a position, please give serious consideration to this talented pool of individuals. Visit the GSWI website to download curricula vitae and bio-sketches of Hartford Doctoral Fellows searching for faculty appointments: http://gswi.org/programs/hdf/curricula_vitae.html.
Call for Editor: Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), the educational unit of The Gerontological Society of America, invites applications for the position of editor of the Journal of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. The incumbent will succeed Dr. Pearl Mosher-Ashley, whose term will end in December 2010. For more information, download the announcement here. The deadline for nominations and applications is October 30.
Generativity Accepting Submissions for Winter Issue
The Hartford Practicum Partnership for Aging Education (HPPAE) is accepting submissions for the winter issue of Generativity: Advances Social Work in Aging, an alumni and student e-journal, at http://socialworkleadership.org/nsw/students/ejournal.php. You can view the previous issue here (http://socialworkleadership.org/nsw/students/ejournal_spsu2009.php).
Ripples Brings Back Profiles in Social Work
This month's featured social worker is Dr. Nancy Giunta, Hartford Faculty Scholar and Assistant Professor at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. Dr. Giunta tells us what attracted her to a career in social work and shares how the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Initiative has benefitted her work.
Dr. Nancy Hooyman Receives Significant Lifetime Achievement in Social Work Award
Nancy Hooyman, Principal Investigator for the Council on Social Work Education's Gero-Ed Center will receive the award at the 2009 CSWE Annual Program Meeting in San Antonio, TX this fall. Congratulations, Dr. Hooyman! For more details on this award, please visit the CSWE awards page here: http://www.cswe.org/CSWE/about/2009+CSWE+Awards.htm.
Dr. Barbara Berkman Receives Prestigious Kent Award
This distinguished honor is given annually to a member of the Gerontological Society of America who best exemplifies the highest standards for professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. The Kent award was created in 1973 in memory of Donald P. Kent for his outstanding leadership in translating research findings into practical use. The winner traditionally presents a lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year. Congratulations to this year's Kent Award Winner, Dr. Barbara Berkman, Helen Rehr/Ruth Fizdale Professor of Health and Mental Health at Columbia University's School of Social Work, Principal Investigator and National Program Director for the Hartford Faculty Scholars Program.
New Social Worker Book Club Reads "Still Alice"
“The New Social Worker Book Club” has an official group on Facebook. You can join the group at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?&gid=98840583520 – the club has now grown to 514 members. The group will be reading Still Alice, by Lisa Genova. This novel, told from the point of view of a 50-year-old Harvard psychology professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, has taken the literary world by storm. Linda May Grobman, ACSW, LSW, leader of the Facebook group will conduct a discussion of this book online at http://www.socialworkchat.org. For more information, follow the Facebook group or check back at the website.
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Research & News
Age Not a Deterrant in Using Illicit Drugs
In just five years' time, the use of illegal drugs has doubled amongst the number of fifty-somethings. From 5.1% in 2002 to 9.4% in 2007, U.S. News & World Report states. A new analysis from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration poses a sharp contrast to rates in other age brackets, which have remained the same or decreased over the same period of time.
Hairstylists Can Help in Identifying Older Clients in Need of Health Services
It's no secret that hairstylists often hear an earful while clients get pampered in a chair. As their clients age, hairstylists may be able to help identify their needs; they often hear about clients' problems and can tell when repeat clients are starting to suffer depression, dementia, or self-neglect, says Keith Anderson, in an article from the Research News at Ohio State University. Stylists could play an important role by offering information on local community services to older adults. Without taking too much time out of their own important schedules, salon workers could use their close relationships with clients to help improve quality of life.
The Next Big Thing: College Grads Taking on Health Care in Volunteer Capacity?
When the government focused on education and advertised the increased need for teachers, college grads flocked to the Teach for America volunteer training program. Now, the next big thing could be Heal for America, a similar program for college grads interested in medical care in the home. The hope is that this program would help to diminish shortcomings in clinical care and medical education. While these volunteer workers would not receive a doctorate, they would receive enough medical training to take vital signs, assist patients in monitoring prescriptions, and give advice on preventative care, such as diet, exercise, and hygiene. Instead of using public funding, each program would be paid for by the county Medical Society and Visiting Nurse Service; no public money, federal or state, would be used. The program would operate only with written consent from the patient or surrogate. The idea could also be used in schools, says Dr. William V. Healey, who wrote an article on the idea for the Wall Street Journal.
US Looks to Montana in Case of Assisted Suicide
Last year, Montana became the third state, after Oregon and Washington, to allow euthenasia. The decision was made by District Judge Dorothy McCarter to allow the former truck driver and terminally ill Robert Baxter to ask his doctor for assistance in ending his life. While Mr. Baxter passed away only a few hours after the official decision was made, the change in policy has been put on hold until the hearing held this month. The initial ruling is crucial because, while two states already have a policy in place regarding "death with dignity", as supporters call it, Montana is the first state to come to a decision via the justice system; both Oregon and Washington voted on the issue in prolonged public debate. Supporters of assisted death reason that if the ruling holds in Montana, arguments could be made in other states using this case as precedent.
Some Seniors Sold on Life Settlement
While younger people may have a variety of options in a bear market, many older Americans are opting for a trade-in on their life insurance policies in order to replenish retirement accounts. A "life settlement" may be attractive to seniors who no longer need a life insurance policy. Some sell their policies outright to brokers, while others may take out loans against their life insurance policies or receive payouts through an accelerated death benefit instead of opting for an all-out sale. The Dallas Morning News explains in more detail.
Social Groups Factor in Health and Healing in Older Adults
While many people are familiar with diet and exercise as preventative measures in health and aging, as well as their influence on recovery and sustaining quality of life, there is growing evidence that another factor may play into this equation. Being a member of an active social group can reduce risk of stroke, dementia, and even the common cold. "On the basis of what is now a very large body of research we would urge the medical community to recognise the key role that participation in group life can play in protecting our mental and physical health. It's much cheaper than medication, with far fewer side effects, and is also much more enjoyable," says Dr. Catherine Haslam of University of Exeter. For the full release, please see the University of Exeter's announcement on EurekaAlert!
Universal Health Care Cuts Disparities in Stroke Risk
Risk of stroke varies with social and economic status, but research from Italy suggests that this can be partially prevented through a universal health care system. In a study conducted from 2001 to 2004, the research team found that the people most likely to have a stroke had the least privileged economic status and those least likely to have a stroke had the highest economic status. For more, read the release from Reuters Health.
Aging Population Could Put Strain on Japan's Low-Cost Health Care System
As Democrats and Republicans fight over health care reform in the United States, on the opposite side of the globe, the Japanese are paying half as much for services that often acheive better medical outcomes. How does Japan do this? They ban health insurance profits, regulate doctor fees, and tolerate some shortcomings most Americans would not. Additionally, there are many other differences in the way the Japanese handle health care, such as visiting a doctor up to fourteen times a year, choosing any primary care or specialist doctor the patient wants, and more freedom to choose when to see the doctor of their choosing. However, many health-care economists say that Japan's plan is not sustainable in the country with the world's oldest population. Without reform, Japan's stagnant economy won't be able to continue to fund health care in the same way. See the Washington Post article for more information on the future of Japan's health care system.
Delayed Gratification: Australians Put Off Retirement
The global financial crisis isn't only a worldwide phenomenon, it's one that spans generations. While younger people look to keep their jobs or attempt to find new ones, the older workforce is putting off retirement. Despite the desire to cease working and live off of hard-earned pensions, Australians have made clear that they plan to put off retirement anywhere from three to six years. For more from the Sydney Morning Herald, click here.
CMS Considering More Preventative Measures in Form of HIV Screening Tests
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are considering a move to screen for early detection of HIV. Reuters report that 19 percent of all HIV cases in the US were diagnosed after the age of fifty. United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius stated, " Knowing about their HIV status can help patients live longer, fuller lives as well as avoid unintentional transmission of the virus to others." The CMS intends to screen those most at risk for the disease and pregnant women in particular, but will not deny the screening to anyone who requests it. CMS will take public comment on the decision for 30 days before making its final ruling, which is expected by December 8.
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Funding Opportunities
New Funding Opportunities from NIH
The National Institute of Health has a number of grant opportunities, which include, but are not limited to the following:
Network Infrastructure Support for Emerging Behavioral and Social Research Areas in Aging Grant
Healthy Aging through Behavioral Economic Analyses of Situations
Grant
Effects of Gene-Social Environment Interplay on Health and Behavior in Later Life
Grant
For a more complete listing on the NIH funding available for aging-related research, please click here.
Grants.Gov Web Site Upgraded to Accommodate ARRA Searches
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius unveiled a new feature on Grants.gov to help users find and apply for The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant opportunities. Grants.gov contains information about finding and applying for all federal grant programs.
This new feature on the homepage of Grants.gov will direct users to Recovery Act opportunities and other Recovery Act resources and links to www.whitehouse.gov/recovery and www.recovery.gov
For more information about Grants.gov, go to http://www.grants.gov.
For more information about The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery and http://www.recovery.gov.
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Resources
Government Issues Resource on Proposed Health Care Reform Specifically Targeting Women
HealthReform.gov reports that older women are more susceptible to the rising cost of healthcare. This new resource outlines what the issues are that face older women and effects of proposed changes to the health care system that would help this key demographic.
Convening Paper: Direct Care Workers
The Scan Foundation presents Perspectives On: Investing in California's Direct Care Workforce by Increasing Geriatric Training Opporunities. The paper includes: why direct care workers are essential to quality nursing home and home health care, California certification and continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants and home health aides, effective strategies and exemplary ongoing training programs for direct care workers, developing geriatric curricula, ideas on supporting training for direct care staff, and suggested opportunities for California.
Growing Smarter, Living Healthier : A Guide to Smart Growth and Active Aging
"Growing Smarter, Living Healthier: A Guide to Smart Growth and Active Aging," a new publication, is intended for older adults who are interested in how our communities work and how we might help them become more age-friendly. The guidebook addresses the basic principles of neighborhood design and why community design matters and how becoming involved in community's decisions about growth can make it a better place to live. To place your on-line order, follow the link to http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/order.htm.
Kaiser Reports and Video Examine Health Benefit Packages And Health Reform
The Kaiser Family Foundation issued three new reports and a video that collectively examine the range of health care needs and costs that people face today against the backdrop of the scope of health coverage that may be available to them under health reform. Children and Health Care Reform: Assuring Coverage That Meets Their Health Care Needs and Individuals With Special Needs and Health Reform: Adequacy of Health Insurance Coverage examine the needs of children and adults, respectively, focusing on those with low-to-moderate incomes and multiple health challenges. Oral Histories: Report from a Dental Fair for Uninsured Adults, and a companion video of the same title, profile patients attending a dental fair in rural Virginia to highlight the impact on adults of lack of coverage for oral health services. The reports and video and an archived webcast of the briefing are available online.
State Variations and Health Care Reform
The Kaiser Family Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured presents state-level data on the varying impacts of potential health reform on individual states and in Washington, DC. This resource includes interactive tables and maps which include information on each state. The data illustrates regional and state variations in poverty rates, major industries, unemployment rates, fiscal conditions, health care costs, distribution of health coverage, primary care workforce shortages, unmet health care needs, and other indicators.
An Aging World, 2008: International Population Reports
This U.S. Census Bureau report examines nine international population trends identified by the NIA and the U.S. Department of State: the aging of the world's population; increasing life expectancy; the rising number of the oldest old; populations that are declining in size; the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases; changing family structures; shifting patterns of work and retirement; evolving social insurance systems; and emerging economic challenges. The report also provides information on life expectancy, health, disability, gender balance, marital status, living arrangements, education, labor force participation, and retirement among older people around the world.
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Policy
Critics of Organized Labor Latch on to Provision for Early Retirees
While three House committees and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee have already approved variations on a provision that would allow the use of $10 billion to subsidize employer-sponsored health plans covering early retirees, ages 55-64, critics maintain that it is one of a laundry list of giveaways to unions. Backers of the initiative include United Automobile Workers, the United Steelworkers and the A.F.L.-C.I.O., who refer to it as the "temporary catastrophic reinsurance program" because it would be used in cases where the early retiree's medical claims were over $15,000. While unionized companies are more likely to offer health coverage to those retiring early, non-unionized companies are equally eligible to benefit from the program. For a more in-depth analysis of the provision, please see the article posted in the New York Times.
AARP Endorses Health Care Reform Despite Dissention in the Ranks
AARP, formerly known as the American Association for Retired Persons, has lost over 60,000 members since July 1 of this year.
AARP supports health care reform in general, but the organization has not endorsed any of the major health care reform bills currently under consideration in Congress, despite reports to the contrary. The organization is finding itself in the middle of a contentious debate. For the full article on AARP and health care reform from the Wall Street Journal, please click here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125081113262647937.html.
Public Pensions Source of Stress in Ohio
When the economy lost ground, all of Ohio's five public pension plans were washed away. Since the end of 2007, the public pension plans have lost billions of dollars, forcing Ohio to consider restructuring the system to give less benefits or require more contributions from state workers, or perhaps both. Specific changes could include: increased employee and employer contributions, increased minimum retirement age, increase in the number of years used to calculate the final average salary from three to five, elimination, reduction or delay of annual cost-of-living adjustments, and elimination of the lump-sum death benefit. For more information, please see the full article from the Columbus Dispatch.
Is Mandatory Retirement Antiquated? Nova Scotia Latest Province in Canada to Say "Yes"
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports on the many provinces giving up the mandatory retirement age. While pensions are down and work ethic is up, many Canadians want the option to work longer. British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, and Ontario have all eliminated mandatory retirement ages in the past few years and Nova Scotia just recently threw its hat into the ring.
Greece Uses Bonds to Remedy Pension Woes
Reuters reports that Greece plans to use bonds in order to raise almost 5 billion euros to settle the debt owed to the country's social security system. The country remains optimistic despite a record of late payments after raising more than 50 billion euros this year to fund its budget deficit. However, according to the European Commission, the country's debt is set to exceed 100 percent of its GDP in 2009.
Israel Considers Mandatory Pension Plan for the Self-Employed
Israel's Ministry of Finance is rumored to be imposing mandatory pensions for self-employed. The plan has drawn mixed reviews. Zeev Weiner, former chair of the Lahav Israel Association for the Self-Employed adamantly opposses the plan, stating that self-employed citizens "should be given an alternative to increasing their pension set-aside in the form of tax breaks, and it will happen. If this is done through compulsion, it is tantamount to a new tax on the self-employed. The self-employed are not salaried employees." Udi Katz, president of Israel Insurance Brokers disagrees, saying, " This is a great idea, and it ought to include severance compensation for the self-employed."
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