naturalnews--2019-07-23--Great at ANY age Medical marijuana helps elderly people with Parkinsons MS and sleep problems

Great at ANY age: Medical marijuana helps elderly people with Parkinson's, MS and sleep problems

(Natural News) Cannabis has a host of benefits and medicinal uses, and has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments for centuries. Now, scientific research has underscored just how useful medical marijuana can be — specifically for those in their golden years. Studies show that most people who use medical marijuana are between 50 and 70 years old, and now scientists have confirmed that cannabis can be used to help treat a variety of degenerative diseases, sleep problems, and other issues people combat as they age.  Medical marijuana has been legalized in more than half of U.S. states, and the District of Columbia — and yet, the federal government continues to lag behind with their draconian stance on cannabis, labeling it a Schedule I drug. By classifying it as such, the DEA proclaims that cannabis has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”  The DEA currently gives opioid pain relievers (which are killing up to 130 people a day) a lower ranking than cannabis — a laughable gesture, to the say the least.  Recent research from the Dent Neurologic Institute located in Buffalo, New York confirms that medical marijuana is safe for use in older adults — and proves that this plant has a myriad of medical uses, including many conditions that are notoriously hard to treat.  In a study of 204 patients with an average age of 81, Dr. Lazlo Mechtler and his team found that medical cannabis can help patients relieve their chronic pain, neuropathy, anxiety and sleep disturbances — and reduce their use of opioid pain relievers. Past research has shown that cannabis is better for long-term pain management, and that many medical marijuana patients are able to stop using opioids entirely.  Mother Nature's micronutrient secret: Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here.  The team saw similar results in their research: 32 percent of their patients reduced their opioid intake during the study, thanks to the pain-relieving benefits of cannabis compounds. Dr. Mechtler states that their findings “show medical marijuana is well-tolerated in people age 75 and older and may improve symptoms like chronic pain and anxiety.”  To conduct their research, the scientists analyzed medical charts from 204 random patients who were part of New York’s medical marijuana program.  Nearly 70 percent of the patients reported experiencing relief from their symptoms — including pain, anxiety and sleep issues. While small minority (34 percent) did report initial side effects, including sleepiness and trouble with balance, many of these cases were resolved with dosage adjustments.  In a statement, Dr. Mechtler said, “Our findings are promising and can help fuel further research into medical marijuana as an additional option for this group of people who often have chronic conditions.”  There are many diseases and conditions that can be helped by medical marijuana. Last year, scientists found that cannabis can even be useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), which can cause an array of symptoms. As Medical News Today reports, scientists have found that medical marijuana can help improve muscle control, reduce nausea and boost appetite in patients with MS.  THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is known as the “pyschoactive” component of marijuana. While many people like to say that THC has no medical use, studies show that is simply untrue. In the treatment of MS, scientists have found that THC is particularly useful for relieving muscle control problems like spasticity or prolonged muscle contractions.  In addition to treating the symptoms of MS, there is no shortage of reports on marijuana’s ability to stop cancer in its tracks. There are hundreds of studies proving that cannabis extract is a natural cancer killer, and countless anecdotal accounts. Many cancer survivors turned to cannabis extract after “conventional” medical treatments failed them.  You can learn more about cannabis and other cures at NaturalMedicine.news.


naturalnews--2019-08-29--When it comes to exercise age is just a number SHOCKING study shows that even the elderly can ben

When it comes to exercise, age is just a number – SHOCKING study shows that even the elderly can benefit from working out

(Natural News) Exercising helps you maintain a healthy weight, which then prevents conditions linked to obesity such as heart disease. According to a recent study, even the elderly can benefit from physical activity, as long as they work out regularly.  The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open.  Dr. Pedro Saint-Maurice from the National Cancer Institute shared that based on the national guidelines for aerobic physical activity, adults need to have about 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity weekly. Alternatively, adults can do an equivalent combination of both types of exercise.  Having levels of physical activity that meet this guideline is linked to significant health benefits, like lowering all-cause, cardiovascular disease-related, and cancer-related mortality.  Saint-Maurice added that most of the data on the benefits of physical activity are derived from studies that measure leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at one point, usually during midlife.  Before the current study, no research has taken a life course approach to determine how participation in physical activity throughout the various stages of adulthood may be linked to mortality risk. Not much is known about how long-term participation in LTPA from adolescence to early adulthood and into middle age can affect mortality.  For the prospective cohort study, they used data from the National Institutes of Health–AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons) Diet and Health Study, which was established in 1995 to 1996.  Of the 315,000 participants, 58.2 percent were men. The volunteers were aged 50 to 71 at the time of enrollment. The study identified 10 trajectories of LTPA that were labeled based on the last endpoint for LTPA (ages 40 to 61) relative to the first LTPA endpoint (ages 15 to 18).  The researchers then grouped classified trajectories into three categories:  The researchers reported over 71,000 deaths among the volunteers at the end of the study. At least 22,219 deaths were because of cardiovascular disease while 16,388 deaths were due to cancer.  Saint-Maurice noted that, unlike adults who were consistently inactive, those with increased LTPA in adulthood after being inactive during adolescence had lower risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. (Related: Natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: Research shows yoga can relieve physical and psychological symptoms.)  The adults who started exercising later in life had similar mortality rates to lifelong exercisers. The researchers warned that most of the benefits of physical activity performed early in life, such as in adolescence or early adulthood, will be lost if you stop exercising.  The researchers initially thought that volunteers who maintained the highest levels of activity throughout adulthood would be at lowest risk, and they were surprised to discover that being more physically activity early or late in adulthood still offered similar health benefits. They added that the benefits are similar among men and women and are independent of changes in BMI over time.  The research team also found that being inactive across early adulthood but increasing LTPA later at 40 to 61 is linked to a 16 percent to 43 percent risk reduction in mortality. This is similar to the risk reduction associated with maintaining LTPA in all age groups from adolescence into adulthood.  Saint-Maurice said that the results are consistent with previous studies which show that being more physically active in midlife provides health benefits for reduced all-cause mortality.  He concluded that even the elderly can start exercising, especially if they want to improve their overall well-being.  If you’re not up for intense exercises, you can try other activities such as:  The researchers hope that health care professionals, who advise people that have been physically inactive throughout most of their adulthood, use this knowledge to encourage them to make lifestyle changes. Whether you’re 16, 36, 0r 60 years old, exercising is good for your physical health.


naturalnews--2019-10-08--All our elderly are hooked on drugs: Agitation among seniors may be due to overmedication

(Natural News) As we age, our bodies undergo all manner of changes, and some of them are jarring enough to turn even the most pleasant person into an endless complainer. It’s easy to attribute moodiness in seniors to the myriad health problems they may be facing, but it could be the so-called “solution” to their medical issues that is the real culprit.  Experts are warning that overmedication could be behind many older people’s mental struggles, and that should come as no surprise. After all, almost 85 percent of older people take at least one prescription medication regularly, with 36 percent taking at least five prescribed pills on a regular basis. While some of these may be necessary, there are a few factors at play that could be a recipe for disaster.  First, many seniors see multiple specialists, and there is a serious lack of coordination among their doctors that isn’t helped much by an inefficient electronic medical record system. Oftentimes, doctors simply don’t know what other medications a patient is taking and why, and they aren’t fully aware of how what they’re prescribing may interact with those drugs. Even the best doctors don’t necessarily have the time or ability to contact all the other doctors their patients are seeing to determine how the various meds might overlap or interact.  Another issue is that patients sometimes come to doctors asking for particular medications thanks to drug advertisements. Pharmaceutical firms spent $6 billion on drug ads displayed directly to consumers in 2016, and it’s an investment that has paid off as doctors often prescribe the drugs patients request. It’s a business, doctors are given incentives to prescribe, and patients just want a quick fix to their problems.  Getting off problematic medications can change a person’s life  California Geriatrician Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk told Healthline that although geriatricians are trained to take patients off medications before adding new ones, that doesn’t usually happen in reality unless there is a serious problem because many doctors are hesitant to override meds that another doctor has given someone.  She described how dramatic the transformation can be when an overmedicated senior is weaned off problematic meds. One 81-year-old deacon attempted suicide several times despite never having such thoughts in his previous 80 years of life, and this happened right around the time he was given medication after suffering a series of strokes. After being placed in a psychiatric unit, he was given more meds and placed in a nursing home, where his wife said he sat emotionless and was unable to read, write, walk or talk.  After carefully stopping Ativan and other meds, he regained his ability to communicate, was able to move back home, and can now write and give sermons again at his church.  According to Landsverk, most clients seek her help because an elderly loved one is agitated, and the culprit is often an anti-anxiety medication like Xanax or Ativan or a sleeping pill. She says these drugs can make patients become even more confused and agitated; this often goes away after they’ve spent around a month off of these meds.  The short-acting nature of Xanax makes it particularly risky. Seniors may be given the drug to help them sleep, but they can get hooked very quickly and suffer from withdrawal symptoms. This makes them more fidgety and agitated, prompting their doctors to give them an even higher dose and spurring even more problems.  Another issue is the severe and chronic pain many older people suffer. They may simply be agitated because they are in so much pain, and what they need is pain relief rather than sedatives. For some, natural pain relief may go a lot further to relieve their agitation than psychiatric medications.  If your elderly loved ones seem agitated, it may be time to take a look at their medication. Be their advocate, question the necessity of every pill they are prescribed and how they interact, and above all, spend time with them.


newsbiscuit--2019-01-14--Crematoria prepare contingency plans as elderly are sick to death of Brexit

Crematoria prepare contingency plans as elderly are ‘sick to death’ of Brexit

Crematoria throughout the UK are preparing contingency plans to cope with an expected increased body count in the event of the UK delaying its exit from the EU beyond 29 March.  Paul Mycock is the operations manager of Lichfield & District Crematorium, he said: ‘We have been receiving reports from our suppliers in the Nearly Dead industry that the sick and elderly are so depressed by reports that Brexit may be delayed that they are giving up their tenuous hold on life. The old folks are just letting go. Good news for my productivity bonus though.’  Sundowner Nursing Home resident Myfanwy Hertz, 103, is on the Nearly Dead pathway, she commented: ‘I had planned to hold on until Wimbledon but if Article 50 is extended or revoked then I’m just going to end it here and now. I can’t stomach months of endless Brexit news and Andy Murray crying.’  ‘I have taken out a “Buy Now Die Later” plan with my lovely funeral director. I get a special discount if I kick it in the summer months, but it’s really not worth the wait. I voted Leave and now I’m off!’  The startling statistics have given a new impetus to the Remain camp who are hopeful that the Tory chaos will result in a second referendum. Remain MP Anna Soubry said: ‘If all the elderly Leavers top themselves over the next few weeks then that could swing a new vote in our favour. Now fuck off out of my face you Nazi.’


sputnik--2019-01-15--Winter Brings Depression Loneliness for Elderly in India Study

Winter Brings Depression, Loneliness for Elderly in India: Study

New Delhi (Sputnik): A study done by the non-profit organization the Agewell Foundation reveals that winters are not kind to the mental and social health of the elderly. The temperature is not the only factor; pollution levels also play a big part in their ill- or well-being.  The survey was conducted in one of the most urbanized regions of India, namely the Delhi, and its surrounding National Capital Region area.  Psychologists agree that harsh winters are accompanied by depression and loneliness in the elderly, affecting them not just physically, but psychologically also.  "Decrease in exposure to light is one of the main causes found to be bearing on winter, inducing an increase in cases of depression, especially in the old age. The sleep cycle in this time of the year gets disturbed and this can also be termed as a seasonal mood disorder", Dr Sandeep Govil, a senior psychologist based in Delhi told Sputnik.  "Climate can influence the state of mind in a big way. It brings in worrying thoughts of struggle and hardships for people in the wrong side of age and living conditions", Dr Anil Sangwan, a psychology researcher, and academic told Sputnik.  The study, conducted by the Agewell Foundation, states that there are spikes in infection rates, especially respiratory infections during winters. The chief cause is the high pollution level in the atmosphere. Air quality dips and with smog enveloping the surroundings, the seniors have no avenues to venture out of their houses.  READ MORE: Send in Snow Tanks! German Army Comes to the Rescue After Avalanche — Reports  The Agewell survey revealed that 21% of respondents felt that winters make them depressed, while 17% said that loneliness was an issue with them during winters, as they have no one to interact with on cold days. Another 21% said that pollution and smog during winters bother them very much. Among them, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (CPOD) and asthma are very common ailments.  Of the survey respondents, 20% had high blood pressure, 18% suffered from breathing issues, 11% had skin problems, and 10% had been afflicted by stroke and paralysis at some point in their lives.


tass--2019-12-19--China's elderly people boosting Hainan's tourist boom

HAIKOU, December 19. /TASS/. China's elderly people are boosting the Hainan procince's tourism industry. According to China Central Television (CCTV), about 4.5 mln people over 60 come to Hainan in winter to enjoy warm climate.  Hainan's popularity among this age category can be explained by the island's tropical climate: the majority of senior tourists come from China's northern provinces where winter temperatures can reach minus 15-20 degrees Celsius.  According to TV reports, senior citizens spend 3-6 winter months on Hainan and spend about 10,000-20,000 yuan ($ 1,430-2,860) creating an additional source of income for the province.  A lot of people stay in their own houses and apartments. Thus, according to the Hainan University's report at least 80% of Sanya's residential buildings belong to other provinces' residents, and 60% of houses — in Haikou.  By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.  In 2018, more than 76 mln Chinese and foreign tourists visited the Island of Hainan which is by 11,8% more than in 2017. The province's income from tourism industry surged by 14,5% exceeding 95 bln yuan (about $14 bln).


theblaze--2019-04-08--Government-run nightmare Health care rationing in Britain forces elderly people to go blind

Government-run nightmare: Health care rationing in Britain forces elderly people to go blind


thedailyrecord--2019-02-25--Thousands of elderly Scots facing 7k pension credit hit under tough new Tory rules

Thousands of elderly Scots facing £7k pension credit hit under tough new Tory rules

Thousands of elderly Scots face losing out under tough new Tory pensions rules, according to official analysis.  Up to 10 per cent of applicants for pension credit could be hit by a cut of up to £7000 a year.  A change to benefit rules means that mixed-age couples must apply for Universal Credit instead of pension credits.  Pension credits – which top up the state pension for lower – earners used to be available to pensioners who reach state pension age regardless of the age of their partner.  But in January, Pensions Minister Guy Opperman announced new OAPs whose partners were younger than the state retirement age of 65 could no longer claim pension credit.  Under the rules, which will be introduced from May 15, pension age partners will be forced to claim Universal Credit alongside their younger partners.  Researchers at the Scottish Parliament Information Centre found 10 per cent of individuals in households claiming pension credit were likely to be affected.  SNP MSP Bob Doris said: “This is just the latest harmful and unnecessary Tory cut that will punish pensioners in need simply for having a partner younger than them.  “With Amber Rudd admitting that Universal Credit was pushing people towards food banks, it is beyond belief that the Tories are to force pensioners on to that system – and at a massive financial cost. The UK Government must urgently think again.”  The study said six per cent of households and 10 per cent of individuals claiming pension credit would be liable to the cut.  There were 159,891 claimants in May 2018 – that would mean 10,000 Scots would be hit by the move if it was fully implemented.  In a statement announcing the move, Opperman said: “Pension credit is designed to provide long-term support for pensioner households who are no longer economically active.  “It is not designed to support working age claimants.”


thedailyrecord--2019-06-02--LEAP Strathaven handyman hopes to help the elderly across Avondale

The new local handyman in Strathaven is hoping to help the elderly with their odd-jobs.  Volunteer handyperson co-ordinator Tom Robertson has enjoyed a busy first couple of weeks in his job in the Avondale office, which opened last November.  The 59-year-old recently joined the Lightburn Elderly Association Project (LEAP) team on Main Street, which helps elderly in need of handy person or someone to speak to through their Befriending Service.  Tom is now looking for locals who need help with everything from changing light bulbs, to flipping a mattress, to more craft-based jobs.  “This is a very open office. We always have people in for tea and a cake if they want to come for a chat,” he told the News.  “We want it to be a central hub, and if the weather is good we keep the door open.  “Now we want to build up the volunteers and the number of jobs.  “I understand that people are really, really proud and they don’t want to be seen to have someone come in to change their light bulb.  “We are not an emergency service but we are their best friend for advice if you have a problem with a blind, or a bulb.  “We’ll come and take the light bulb down and replace it. We want people to be able to live in their house as long as they want.  “The statistics are terrible for people falling and not getting back in their home. It’s valuable to make the first step and speak to us.”  Tom adds that they can also offer advice for more specialised jobs.  He continued: “If it ever gets to the stage where they need a professional joiner, or electrician, or something like that we have an approved list from South Lanarkshire and we would point them in the right direction.  “It’s the same with cleaning. We’re happy to help, but we’re not cleaners.  “We can come in and do simple things like changing an thermostat from summer to winter. There are things you don’t think of that people will need help with.” The Carluke native says he can’t wait to help out more new faces across Avondale and Stonehouse.  He added: “I’ve always worked with people. I’m a joiner to trade, but I went into double glazing and just built my way up. So for the last 25 years I’ve been an installation manager.  “I’ve been in charge of the materials, the install, and the customers at the end.  “I just felt like it was time for a change. I said to my wife that it was time to find something different.  “I’ve always enjoyed dealing with people and I’ve earned my money.  “My kids are all grown up and it’s my time.  “The job is totally different from what I’ve done.  “You’re booking things in and organising it and people are happy at the end of the day.  “But the people really need this service.  “There are people out there who can’t change a light bulb, or can’t do these kinds of things due to illness or disability. I think it’s a great service.


thedailyrecord--2019-11-20--Lonely This Christmas: One elderly person on every street is isolated

One person on every street in West Dunbartonshire feels lonely most or all of the time.  That’s the heartbreaking statistic from Age Scotland who say there are around 1,700 elderly residents in the region who feel isolated.  They say this equates to around one person on every street in the area.  And around 3,400 of our older people are estimated to go half a week without a visit or even a phone call – and many will spend Christmas Day on their own.  It is a harrowing situation and it means there is somebody living near each and every person in Dumbarton and the Alexandria area who is suffering from loneliness.  There is something we can all do about it.  That’s why the Lennox Herald is this week launching our Lonely This Christmas campaign to encourage readers to use the power of kindness to alleviate the problem.  Perhaps it’s something as simple as starting a conversation with a neighbour or checking in with someone who you haven’t spoken to for a while.  We are also urging residents to sign up to a “life-changing” befriending service in Dumbarton in the run up to Christmas, which is in desperate need of volunteers.  Alison McCurley, manager of the Ben View Resource Centre, said there is a “heartbreaking” number of elderly people on the    waiting list who have cried out for help.  The programme connects residents with people over 60 who are experiencing social isolation, with just a couple of hours a week being spared to make a huge difference to their lives.  Currently only four people are signed up to the service but staff would like to see this reach 20.  Alison said: “We are desperate for volunteers and have eight older people on our waiting list.  “We are at the point where we can’t take any more referrals because we simply don’t have the volunteers.  “Originally we called for people who may be retired or semi-retired and are looking for wee bits to fill their time.  “We later opened it up to every age group to come forward but the interest didn’t come.  “It’s absolutely heartbreaking to think of the older people meanwhile suffering the effects with many not seeing anyone from one week to the next.  “It’s having a huge impact on their mental health.  “We’re seeing signs of depression, low motivation, heightened anxiety. The longer people are on their own, the more difficult it is for them to step out.  “The reality is it’s happening right on all our doorsteps.”  People can become socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses or friends, or through disability or illness. Whatever the reason, it could happen to anybody.  Alison says befriending can play a huge role, adding: “Befriending is unique and distinct from other services.  “Research points to a number of key benefits for older people including that they feel life is worth living, they feel they are not forgotten and they belong.  “They know they have a friend who cares who isn’t family, they feel less lonely and less anxious. They no longer feel a burden to society and their emotional and physical health is improved.  “I sat in with one of the befrienders who had a befriendee. We were sitting talking and the befriendee turned around and said listening to us talking away was of comfort because they don’t get to experience something as simple as    that any more.  “Befriending might be going to the cinema or as basic as sitting in watching TV with a cup of tea. Just being in somebody else’s presence makes a huge difference. It can really be life -changing.  “Through befriending, we also might find out they aren’t accessing the financial support they are entitled to. We can do benefit checks and refer them to support such as home care.”  The latest Scottish Household Survey published in September found more than a quarter of people aged 75 and over said that they felt lonely some or most of the time. One in four people aged over 60 said that they do not meet a friend, relative, neighbour or work colleague socially at least once a week.  Meanwhile, people living in deprived areas are almost twice as likely as those in    the least deprived areas to feel lonely.  Harrowing figures from Age Scotland reveal that nearly half of all over 75s say their main form of company is the TV, radio    or a pet.  Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “It’s heartbreaking that thousands of older people in West Dunbartonshire go days or weeks without    even a visit or friendly voice on the phone.  “The epidemic of loneliness among older people is having a devastating impact on their health and wellbeing.  “While most of us are looking forward to spending the festive period with family or friends, it’s sobering to think that more than 100,000 older people in Scotland say they feel lonely most or all of the time with only their television or pet for company.”  The charity also say 59 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds surveyed say they feel    proud, happy, uplifted or inspired when spending time with someone over the age of 65.  Duncan Beattie is one of the volunteers with Ben View, having befriended a gentleman around two    years ago.  He told how he has struck up a special bond with the man and now considers him a lifelong friend.  Duncan said: “I’m retired myself and decided to get involved for my own benefit too. We just clicked    straight away.  “If the befriending service was to close tomorrow, it wouldn’t change anything. I would still go to see him every week.  “We go for days out here and there and share some of the same hobbies. It’s enriched both of our lives.”  Local politicians agreed loneliness was a major local issue which needs tackling.  Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: “The fact that there are thousands of people in West Dunbartonshire who have admitted to feeling lonely is a heartbreaking reality of modern life.  “It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to take the time to check in on friends and neighbours who live alone and who we suspect may not have    much contact with others day to day.  “Community groups and locally organised social events are a great way of bringing people together and I pay tribute to those organisations locally who do so much at this time of year and all year round.  “The majority of lonely people are elderly and have become more isolated due to a deterioration in their health. Many of these individuals have social care visits sometimes for as little as 10 minutes.”  " Becoming a befriender changed my life for the better"  Duncan Beattie has made a lifelong friend in the elderly gentleman he has befriended.  The retired tree surgeon signed up to the volunteering service almost two years ago and now visits his befriendee every week having struck up a close friendship.  The pair enjoy days out together and Duncan said he wouldn’t give it up now for the world.  He said: “We just clicked straight away. He is a friend for life.  “I decided to sign up because I had some time on my hands.  “The man I have befriended tells me some days it’s been really hard for him. He’ll say things like ‘I had a bad day yesterday’.  “I know me seeing him every Wednesday breaks up his week and we both enjoy the time we spend together.”  The friends also have shared interests and both enjoy photography which they take part in together.  The befriending service matches up volunteers with residents to ensure each pairing have common interests.  Combatting loneliness through befriending is a powerful way to tackle social isolation and anybody with just two hours of spare time a week can get involved. Ben View Resource Centre’s programme is now set to be extended due to the need in the community.  Alison McCurley, manager, described it as a “life-changing” experience for many and told how easy it is to be part of.  She explained: “We are hoping those with a couple of spare hours per week will come forward and be our next volunteer befrienders, allowing us to reach more people who we currently have on our waiting list for the service.  “No previous experience is required, full training and support is given to all our volunteers on an ongoing basis.  “With befriending, each person is matched with a befriender who has similar interests.  “Once you have met your match your friendship will involve regular weekly visits, either to our members in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompany them to an activity, such as a trip to the cafe or the theatre.”  Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Alison by calling the centre on 01389 733030 or email alison@benviewcentre.org.uk


thedailyrecord--2019-12-05--Charity looking out for the elderly this winter

The festive season is upon us once more and for most of us this is a happy time when we are out shopping for our nearest and dearest, stocking up on the food for the Christmas dinner and catching up with work colleagues, family and friends.  Unfortunately for many this is not the case and this time of year can be the most difficult, reminding us of a time when we had family and friends who sat around the table eating together, laughing, joking, pulling Christmas crackers, telling silly jokes and wearing party hats.  Last year Age Scotland reported 230,000 older people in the UK would spend at least one day over the Christmas period alone.  More astonishing than this was that 530,000 over 65s were not looking forward to the season sighting it as “just another day”. Many of these people have lost loved ones, for some their families have moved away and others are isolated purely due to poor health and mobility.  Trying to re-connect with people in your community can seem daunting in your 30s or 40s but at 70 or 80 years old in this digital age meeting new people and making friends can seem impossible.  At the Cyrenians, Older People, Active Lives service in West Lothian, volunteers work alongside people age 60 and over to build up their confidence, enabling them to socialise, get out more, try new things, re-connect with their community and generally enjoy life.  The service provides weekly or fortnightly one-to-one support either face-to-face or via the telephone, dependent on the needs of the individual.  A spokesperson said: “Whether it’s getting out for a walk, using public transport, joining the local library, getting along to a local group or simply just some light conversation we can help.  “In addition to the one-to-one support there are also 13 community groups and anyone over the age of 60 is welcome. Activities vary from entertainers, speakers, afternoon teas, games, quizzes and much more.  “You’re never too old to have some fun.”  If you would like to find out more about the OPAL Service and how it may be able to help you or someone you know or if you would like to enquire about volunteering then drop in to our office at 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG, call 01506 815 815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot.


thedailyrecord--2019-12-18--Signs of loneliness in elderly Scots you should look out for over Christmas

While Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many, there will be nearly 110,000 older people in Scotland eating turkey alone.  Charity Age Scotland has revealed the heart-breaking figures with around 184,000 elderly Scottish residents saying they feel more lonely at Christmas than at any other time of the year.  The festive period can be a tough time for those over the age of 65, especially if they are on their own having lost a partner.  While many Scots are looking forward to celebrating with friends and family over the coming weeks, it is important to take a moment to spend time with an older friend, relative or neighbour.  Sheona Dorrian is a Community Connecting Development Officer at the charity . Her job is to work with a team of volunteers who speak to older people and find out their interests.  They help them to find community groups that they can get involved in and meet likeminded people.  Here, Sheona gives us her top tips on spotting the signs of loneliness and how you can make sure that no-one has no-one this Christmas.  Older people can find it hard to voice that they feel lonely and there’s still stigma that prevents them asking for help. When chatting to an older person, pay attention to what they’re saying as well as their behaviour - there can be some cues that suggest they’re feeling a bit lonely.  They might mention that they haven’t had a chance to go to a regular meet-up or to their weekly church service, or they might tell you that they’ve recently lost a pet or a partner.  They could also make more physical contact, touching your arm or your hand – a sign that they’re missing this interaction in daily life.  If an older person is feeling lonely, they might seem a bit withdrawn or deflated as the Christmas season brings back memories of happier times or of those who have passed away. At the other end of the scale, they might talk quite a lot and faster than usual – as if they haven’t spoken to someone for a while and are excited to have social interaction.  Loneliness can take a toll on mental and physical health, and studies show that it can increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, and developing dementia. These illnesses are a red flag for loneliness too.  Older people that are feeling lonely might also have some unexplained health issues and make more regular doctors appointments. More visits to the doctor can be a signal that they just want someone to talk to.  What can you do to help?  It’s easy to feel helpless when faced with the scale of this problem but something as simple as a friendly chat or popping round for a cup of tea and a mince pie could really brighten someone’s day.  As the days draw in and it gets colder and darker, make sure that your older neighbours are warm and are able to get out if they need to.  You can also help to set them up on social media or on Skype, so that they can keep in touch with friends and relatives that aren’t close by.  Finally, you can direct people to Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222.


theguardianuk--2019-01-05--How the elderly can help the young and help themselves

How the elderly can help the young – and help themselves

Twinning nurseries with care homes for the elderly would boost children’s literacy skills, according to a thinktank that is calling for every childcare provider and school to build links with older people.  Children who regularly mix with older people see improvements to their language development, reading and social skills, something that is most easily achieved at “intergenerational care” centres highlighted in the Channel 4 series Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, says a report by United for All Ages.  By playing and reading with children, the elderly are less likely to suffer loneliness, while the children get more opportunities for one-to-one reading and play time, it adds.  Intergenerational care began in Japan in 1976 and has spread to the US, Canada and the Netherlands. The first dedicated nursery and care home in the UK, Apples and Honey Nightingale, was set up in Wandsworth, southwest London, in mid-2017 and since then a further 40 have been created. Others are in development, including a veterans’ care home with a nursery in Wilton, Wiltshire, and a purpose-built complex planned in Wigan, with a nursery, assisted-living flats and a care home.  The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has backed the idea of more nurseries opening next to NHS services “in some cases”, but UAA says that every nursery, childminder, parent-toddler group and children’s centre should develop a relationship with a care home. The thinktank has set a target of creating 500 cross-generational sites by 2023.  Stephen Burke, UAA’s director, said much of the focus on intergenerational care had been on the benefits for older people, such as “tackling loneliness and isolation to improving health, care and quality of life”.  “But there are big benefits for children and younger people too,” he added. “Our challenge to Britain is to maximise those benefits for all of the next generation. Research shows that there are lasting benefits of a good start in life.”  The report highlights a decline in opportunities for children, with nearly a third of 3,632 Sure Start children’s centres cut since 2009, and evidence that poorer children have fallen behind their better-off counterparts by the age of five in half of local authorities in England. “Intergenerational action could and must make a much bigger contribution to this agenda,” Burke said.  The report, titled The next generation: how intergenerational interaction improves life chances of children and young people,is published this week and includes contributions from 20 organisations focused on the welfare of children and older people.  Alistair Bryce-Clegg, an early years education consultant, was involved in the Channel 4 series that created a nursery within the Lark Hall retirement village in Nottingham. He conducted a study of 10 children to see how the experiment affected their wellbeing, language use and acquisition, social interaction and empathy.  “The outcomes for the children were very positive,” he writes in the report. “They all made notable progress during their time in the experiment, with some of them making truly significant steps forward in their development.”  Lorraine George, a development worker at Torbay council in Devon, examined the development of children at intergenerational centres in the US, where there are several hundred facilities. She discovered improvements in language development, increased reading skills, greater self-esteem and confidence among the children and development of empathy.“We now have 20 care homes engaging in partnerships with early years providers,” she writes, with one care home creating a room for childminders to use every day.  Intergenerational care also offers opportunities beyond young children and older people, with teenagers and parents also experiencing benefits of more cross-generational mixing, the report says.The UAA has also called for all primary and secondary schools to build closer ties with older people locally, whether that means volunteering at local care homes or using school buildings to host older volunteers.Anne Longfield, the children’s commissioner, writes of how Italian teenagers who were suffering anxiety were being helped.  “Boys were encouraged to try out traditional pasta making with some of the older women in the community,” she writes. “Working on the pasta together there was no real pressure to talk about themselves, but rather a sense of acceptance as they contributed to the communal effort and achievement.”


theguardianuk--2019-01-27--Following Prince Philips car crash should elderly people be driving Mona Chalabi

Following Prince Philip’s car crash, should elderly people be driving? | Mona Chalabi

Two women were left injured after a car crash with the Duke of Edinburgh earlier this month. The baby that was traveling with the women escaped injury, as did the 97-year-old prince.  One of the women, who broke her wrist in the collision, said she had hoped for an apology from the royal family but instead received a message from a police family liaison officer that said: “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh would like to be remembered to you.”  Two days later, Prince Philip was seen driving without a seatbelt. A spokesperson for the local police force said that “suitable words of advice have been given to the driver”.  One of the questions raised by the crash was whether the duke’s driving skills have received fair scrutiny. In the UK, health conditions that could impair an individual’s driving must be declared to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and after the age of 70, drivers must renew their licenses every three years.  Philip is one of just 11,624 drivers over the age of 95 in Britain to hold a license according to DVLA data from December 2018. It’s not clear how many of those license-holders continue to use their licenses to drive.  In the UK, the data is broken down for each year of age and shows that there are consistently more men than women. In the US, the reverse is true; there are more women than men who have licenses in each of the age groups that the US Department of Transportation uses to collect their data (last updated in September 2017).  The US and UK have similar patterns in the age of their licensed drivers; the number rises steadily until the age group hits 25, then significantly drops after the age of 55. But there’s a surprising pattern in between – there is a small drop in the number of licensed drivers for the age group in their early 40s.  That dip in drivers could simply be because both countries simply have slightly fewer people in that population group. And that seeming lack of 40-year-olds, could, in turn, be explained by lower birth rates in the UK and the US in the 1970s. Finally, those lower birth rates can be explained by a range of factors – including new methods of contraception becoming available and rising unemployment, which made it more expensive to have a child.  This is a column that illustrates numbers from the news each week. Have feedback or ideas for future columns? Write to me: mona.chalabi@theguardian.com


theindependent--2019-01-12--Scrapping free TV licence for over-75s could push elderly into poverty charity warns

Scrapping free TV licence for over-75s could push elderly into poverty, charity warns

The BBC’s plan to abolish the free TV licence for over-75s could push more than 50,000 UK pensioners below the poverty line, a charity has warned.  Currently, households with people over 75 are entitled to a free TV licence. However, the BBC is looking to reform the subsidy after projections showed the free licence scheme could cost the corporation £745m by 2022.  In November the corporation announced it would no longer provide the funding to sustain the scheme and would be holding public consultations about introducing “means-based testing” for the elderly instead.  Age UK now wants the government to take back responsibility for funding free TV licences, saying the scheme helps millions sustain their quality of life into late old age.  Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Scrapping the free TV licence would be a real blow for many older people who already have many other challenges to contend with.  “Millions of older people, particularly those who are lonely or housebound with disabilities, rely on their TV as their trusted companion and window on the world, and it would be cruel indeed to undermine this in any way.”  She continued: “Unfortunately the threat of pensioner poverty has not been vanquished in this country.  “In fact, official statistics make it clear that, after big advances at the start of this century, progress has more recently juddered to a halt and gone into reverse.  “We are deeply concerned that scrapping free TV licences will simply accelerate this trend, pushing up to 50,000 more pensioners the wrong side of the poverty line.”  The BBC has previously launched a consultation period to decide how licence fees for over-75s should be paid for, with various potential options suggested.  A BBC spokesperson said: “This is a really important issue. We’re conscious that pensioner poverty is still an issue for some older people.  “We have set out a range of options in our consultation – each has merits and consequences, with implications for the future of the BBC and for everyone, including older people.”  He added that the broadcaster needed to hear everyone’s views to make “the best and fairest decision”.


theindependent--2019-01-18--Rules for elderly drivers Everything you need to know from licence renewals to eyesight requirement

Rules for elderly drivers: Everything you need to know from licence renewals to eyesight requirements

News of Prince Philip’s car crash on Thursday afternoon has sparked a debate around the safety of elderly drivers.  The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, was not hurt as a result of the road accident, which took place near the Sandringham Estate, but two people in one of the vehicles are thought to have suffered minor injuries.  There is no age limit for drivers in the UK, but there are some rules and regulations that may apply to elderly people and subsequently prevent them from going behind the wheel.  British drivers must legally review their licence when they reach 70 years old should they wish to continue driving.  This does not involve retaking a driving test, it’s simply a case of filling out an application form.  They can do so for free with DVLA and can register for the service up to 90 days prior to their 70th birthday.  From then on, they will be required to renew their licence every three years.  Drivers can apply for their renewed licences either online or by post. The new licences will arrive within a week for those who choose to do the former and within three weeks for those who choose the latter.  There is no legal age at which people have to stop driving in the UK because the conditions that could prevent someone from driving are not limited to a person’s age.  For example, the DVLA website has an A to Z of conditions that can impact your ability to drive safely.  These include broken limbs, cancer and diabetes in addition to several mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.  So long as you don't have a condition that hinders your driving skills, it's legal and safe to take to the roads, regardless of the year you were born.  There are many medical conditions that might mean someone should stop driving, and while none are necessarily exclusive to older drivers, there are some that might be more common for people of a certain age.  Examples, as featured on the DVLA's list, include memory problems, hearing loss, mobility issues, epilepsy, heart conditions, Parkinson’s Disease. See the full list here.  If you suffer from a serious medical condition and wish to continue driving, you may have to declare it to your insurer and the DVLA. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.  Elderly people who want to get their driving skills assessed can do so via the DVLA, who will then refer drivers to a mobility centre where they will undergo a simple assessment designed to suit their needs.  Alternatively, organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and I Am Road Smart carry out similar assessments.  Poor eyesight can affect anyone, but given that a person’s vision can worsen in old age, it’s particularly important for elderly drivers to ensure they meet these requirements before driving.  For example, in the UK, citizens are required to meet the standard of vision for driving as set out by the DVLA.  These state that you should be able to read a car number plate (one that has been made after 1 September 2001) from 20.5 metres away. It does not matter if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses in order to read the number plate, so long as you can read it.  You must also have a decent field of vision and a visual acuity of at least 0.5 measured on the Snellen scale - this goes up to 0.8 for lorry and bus drivers. An optician will be able to measure these things for you.  When you decide you would like to stop driving, or your doctor advises you to do so, you're required to inform the DVLA and surrender your driving licence.  You can download a decleration of voluntary surrender here and post it to DVLA along with your licence.


theindependent--2019-06-17--How can we protect an elderly relative from property fraud

How can we protect an elderly relative from property fraud?

Question: We have heard about property fraud and are worried about my elderly aunt, who seems very vulnerable. She lives alone since her husband died and has no family now apart from us. She loves chatting to people and is trusting of just about everyone — we can imagine someone selling her house or mortgaging it without her realising.  Are we right in thinking we may be able to do something through the Land Registry to protect her property?  Answer: There are options available to you. As the registered proprietor of her home your aunt’s name and address will appear in the Land Registry Proprietorship Register under the title number that relates to her property.  When serving any notices relating to the property, the Land Registry will use that address. It is possible to register three addresses for each registered property, one of which may be an email address.  Your aunt could give your address or email address so that you would receive and be aware of notices sent to her by the Land Registry.  She could also sign up to the Land Registry’s Property Alert service.  This free monitoring service will ensure she is alerted if anyone tries to have any dealings with her property, for example, if there is any attempt to mortgage it. You or your aunt could then take appropriate action.  She could also apply to have a restriction on her home preventing the Land Registry from registering a sale or mortgage against it without a solicitor or conveyancer signing a certificate to confirm the application was made by her as the registered proprietor.  These answers can only be a very brief commentary on the issues raised and should not be relied on as legal advice. No liability is accepted for such reliance. If you have similar issues, you should obtain advice from a solicitor.  If you have a question for Fiona McNulty, email legalsolutions@standard.co.uk or write to Legal Solutions, Homes & Property, Evening Standard, 2 Derry Street, W8 5EE. Questions cannot be answered individually, but we will try to feature them here.


theirishtimes--2019-12-22--Hundreds of elderly people could end up in homeless hubs within 5 years, says charity

Hundreds of older people could end up in homeless hubs within five years if measures are not taken to regulate rent increases and protect the housing rights of our ageing population, the national charity for older people in Ireland has warned.  The Alone organisation is calling for more action to support the hundreds of people aged 70 or more who will be forced to spend Christmas in emergency accommodation or worrying about eviction notices on their homes.  More than 250 older people are currently on the Alone housing waiting list while increasing numbers of people in their 70s and 80s have nowhere to go after receiving notices to quit their rented accommodation, chief executive of the charity Seán Moynihan said on Sunday.  “Some of the older people we work with will be spending Christmas and new year in B&Bs and insecure forms of accommodation,” he said, adding that many more were opting to sleep on friends’ couches or in inappropriate conditions because they are afraid to use hostels or other emergency options.  “We believe that unless urgent action is taken the housing crisis for older people will get worse in the years to come, as more and more of us rent for longer rather than buying property. Will we see homeless hubs for older people in the years to come?”  “We’re an aging population. With the rising cost of rent the danger is in five years time we will end up with homeless hubs for older people.”  In 2019 the charity dealt with 1,700 cases where they provided support to older people facing eviction or living in poor conditions. Mr Moynihan underlined that while Alone is not a housing agency the organisation’s 2,000 volunteers are increasingly spending time providing support to those facing housing issues.  According to the recently released 2018 Summary of Social Housing, the number of people aged 70 or older applying for social housing rose by nearly 10 per cent in one year compared to a drop of nearly 10 per cent among people in their 20s and a drop of 7.4 per cent for those in their thirties. Applications from people in their 60s also rose by 2.6 per cent.  “Receiving a notice to quit when you are younger is extremely difficult, but this challenge is compounded when we reach our 70s and 80s, and especially so during the winter months,” said Mr Moynihan. “In the 60s and 70s older people lived in the poorest conditions because when they retired they didn’t have the ability to mind themselves,” he said. “We really don’t want to go back there.”  “This Christmas we want to ensure that people are aware of the impact the housing crisis is having on older people,” he said. “The experiences of older people are often forgotten in the narrative of the housing crisis, but people of all ages deserve a home at Christmas time.”  Anyone with concerns for themselves or an older person they know can contact Alone on 0818 222 024


thesun--2019-12-11--Uber is offering disabled and elderly election voters free rides this Thursday

UBER is giving free rides to disabled and elderly voters who need to get to the polling station on Thursday.  The cab firm will take passengers to the polls between 7am and 10pm to cast their vote in the General Election for free, up to £10 each way.  The freebie is available to voters in seven UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and Brighton.  Uber has joined forces with charities in each of the cities, such as Whizz-Kidz, Transport for All and Scope, who will provide the special codes to those who need them.  Voters will then need to type in the code when the book their ride using Uber Access and Uber Assist to bring the cost of the journey to £0.  The scheme is based on the firm's "Uber drives the vote" campaign that runs in the United States and which it brought to the UK during the 2017 election.  Jamie Heywood, Uber's regional general manager in northern and eastern Europe, said: "We believe that everyone should be able to have their say, so we're delighted to be working with organisations like Scope, Whizz-Kidz and Transport for All to offer free trips to and from the polls this Thursday."  Kirsty Hoyle, from Transport for All, added: "Too often disabled people are isolated by societal barriers that limit their opportunities to participate in the parts of life that others take for granted and we hope this encourages everyone to get out and vote."  The cab firm is also giving NHS staff £20 off Uber Eats deliveries or Uber taxis over the Christmas period.  But the future of Uber currently hangs in the balance after it lost its London licence for a second time.  Transport for London revoked its licence when it discovered that at least 14,000 journeys were made by drivers who weren't the ones shown in the app.  It now has 21 days to launch an appeal. It is permitted to operate in the meantime.


thetelegraph--2019-01-08--Robot pets to help the elderly avoid loneliness a hit at CES in Las Vegas

A pet robot which coos when its owner strokes it and is designed as a loyal companion for lonely elderly people is among the hit products at CES, the world's biggest technology fair in Las Vegas.  Japanese manufacturer Groove X says its robot Lovot, which comes complete with cartoon eyes and fuzzy teddy bear arms, has been built to “nurture people’s capacity to love” by demanding the affection of its owner. Packed with sensors to respond to human touch, when Lovot wants to be cuddled, it waves its arms in the air, and will trail around adoringly behind its owner on wheels.  It will even ‘fall asleep’ in their arms if offered a cuddle.  The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is where the world’s largest technology companies go to show off their latest hardware. This year, one of the biggest themes at the conference is technology to help ageing baby boomers.  Lovot uses a video camera mounted on its head to recognise the face of its owner and to avoid collisions.  Groove X hopes that the robots, which cost $6000 (£4700) for a pair, can become companions for Japan’s aging population, but is also planning to release the devices in the US in the future.  Another technology business, Intuition Robotics, used CES to announce its ElliQ robot, which is designed to befriend the elderly. The device features a light-up head which nods as the robot talks, as well as a detachable tablet screen and a camera which can be used to make video calls.


thetelegraph--2019-11-05--A million elderly people skipping meals because they find eating alone too lonely, charity reveals

Almost a million elderly people are skipping meals or relying on ready meals because they find eating alone too lonely.  New research, commissioned by The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and published today, said that the loneliness epidemic among Britain’s elderly community was to blame for these eating habits.  The charity found that 11% (or 955,464) people aged 70 and over in the UK confess to relying on ready meals and convenience foods to keep them fed with nearly a quarter (23%) saying they skip their daily meals at least three times a week  Over one in five over 70s (22%) stated they ate all their daily meals alone each week, rising to over a quarter (26%) of people over 80. Of those who eat most of their meals alone, 38% admit they miss having company at meal times.  The study also found over one fifth (21%) cook less than four meals a week from scratch, with 17% saying they miss having someone to cook for (rising to 24% of females) and 8% saying they lost their desire to cook when their partner died.


france24--2019-12-27--Civil unrest, Notre-Dame on fire, and stamping out sexism: 2019 in France

From left to right: A Yellow Vest protester, the moment the spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral came crashing down, and the captain of French women's football team Amandine Henry.  The year in France opened and ended with protesters out on the streets as President Emmanuel Macron scraped his way out of the Yellow Vest insurgency, only to land straight into a pension revolt. 2019 saw women battle to stamp out discrimination and abuse in football, procreation rights and everyday life. In between, the world looked on in horror as Notre-Dame Cathedral went up in smoke.  Even by French standards, 2019 was a particularly turbulent year protest-wise. It began with the country in the throes of one of the most potent and contagious protest movements in recent French history – an unconventional insurgency that caught Parisian elites sleeping, rattling the government, baffling commentators, and eventually inspiring copy-cat protests around the world.  Donning the now-famous fluorescent waistcoats that are mandatory in French cars, the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) staged 52 consecutive weeks of protests against economic hardship, mounting inequality and a discredited political establishment. They manned roundabouts across the country night and day, took to the streets every Saturday, and at their peak appeared to threaten the government’s very survival.  As the movement marked its one-year anniversary in November, the number of Yellow Vests out on the streets had starkly diminished, and Macron could claim to have largely seen off the most formidable challenge of his presidency. But the movement nonetheless left an indelible mark on France, forcing the government into billions of euros of tax breaks, sending a clear warning to the country’s self-styled “Jupiterian” president, and putting neglected swathes of the country back on the map.    Macron’s roadshow  In an attempt to appease – or outmanoeuvre – the Yellow Vests, the French president launched a “Great National Debate”, a vast nationwide consultation designed to inform future policy and breathe new life into French democracy. Macron’s three-month -long Great Debate touched on four main themes: ecological transition, the economy and public spending, democracy and citizenship, and public services. It combined online surveys and citizen debates staged in cities, towns and villages across the country.  Macron’s supporters hailed an unprecedented exercise in direct democracy. But critics complained that the ubiquitous president soon turned the debate into a town-hall roadshow offering him unrivalled media coverage – while the Yellow Vests were kept at bay. Questions were also raised about the transparency of the process and the fate of the mountain of data it produced.  When the government released the findings of the Great National Debate, conveniently claiming they justified its tax-cutting push, two of the Yellow Vests’ key demands were conspicuously absent. One was the reintroduction of a popular wealth tax, which Macron scrapped at the start of his presidency in a move that did much to earn him the moniker “president of the rich”. The other was a so-called “Citizens’ Initiative Referendum”, or RIC, designed to allow citizens to vet government policy proposals.  Instead, the government promised to find ways to amend an existing device, known as the Shared Initiative Referendum (RIP), which comes with stringent conditions that make it very hard to trigger – so hard that it has never been used before. Undaunted, opposition lawmakers from left and right banded together in an attempt to trigger a RIP on Macron’s plans to privatise Paris airports, one of the French state’s “crown jewels”. They cleared a first hurdle in April by gathering enough support in France’s parliament. They now have until March 12, 2020, to do the hard part: persuade a tenth of the electorate – 4.5 million people – to sign a petition backing a referendum.  No sooner had Macron weathered the Yellow Vest onslaught than storm clouds gathered anew – this time fanned by France’s battered but still powerful trade unions. After weeks of fruitless talks on pension reform, unions called a nationwide strike over the government’s plans to overhaul the system. On December 5, workers at rail and public transport companies downed tools in protest at the reform, kicking off weeks of transport paralysis that wreaked havoc on Christmas holiday plans.  The government’s plan to meld France's 42 pension schemes into a single points-based system marks the most sweeping reform yet to a costly but cherished welfare model introduced after World War II. Ministers insist the new system will be more transparent and fairer, in particular for women and low earners, and is critical to plugging a deficit they claim can only widen further. But it has drawn fierce opposition from some public-sector workers who would lose their right to early retirement – and from millions more who are expected to see their benefits cut.  Twelve days into the strike, the government suffered a blow when the “father” of the reform, senior civil servant Jean-Paul Delevoye, was forced to resign under the glare of a transparency scandal. As Christmas neared, polls suggested a small majority of the French supported the strike and blamed the government for the travel woes that dampened the festive season. But with neither side showing any sign of backing down, the standoff looked destined to drag on well into 2020.  While France’s parliament is yet to even start discussing pension reform, lawmakers this year began the process of delivering on another of Macron’s flagship campaign promises: extending the right to medically-assisted procreation (MAP) to all women, a highly sensitive subject in France. Under current rules, single women and lesbian couples are barred from access to fertility treatment. For years this discrimination has forced thousands of women to seek the procedure abroad, and fostered the rise of a thriving underground market for sperm that carries enormous legal and sanitary risks.  In September, France’s lower house of parliament approved a government-sponsored draft law granting all women access to medically-assisted reproduction methods such as in vitro fertilisation, commonly known as IVF. The bill must also get the go-ahead from the upper house, or Senate, before it can become law. Macron has acknowledged the political risk he is taking, and is mindful of the backlash six years ago against gay marriage, when a coalition of grassroots religious groups, Catholic figures and right-wing political opponents organised mass demonstrations against the ruling Socialist government.  Women protesters were a defining feature of 2019: They featured prominently in the Yellow Vest movement, were instrumental to the many climate marches staged in French cities throughout the year, and led the charge for equal access to fertility treatment. In November, feminist movements also organised the biggest ever protest against domestic violence and other forms of gender-based abuse, heaping pressure on the government to act on a scourge Macron has described as “France’s shame”.  On average, one woman dies every three days in France as a result of domestic violence, making it one of the worst-performing countries in Europe when it comes to protecting women from gender-based violence. Seeking to draw attention to this scourge, activists glued posters with the names of the dead onto to the walls of Paris and other French cities. Signs reading “She leaves him, he kills her” or “Daddy killed mummy with knives” became commonplace in the French capital, as did the word “femicide” to refer to misogynist killings by men.  In September, the Justice Ministry released a report acknowledging the authorities’ systematic failure to prevent domestic killings. Vowing to tackle the problem head-on, the government organised ten weeks of consultations with experts and advocacy groups to find ways to tackle domestic abuse. Following the talks, it announced a raft of measures that included stiffer penalties for offenders, expanded use of electronic bracelets, improved training for police officers, and new legislation to take into account psychological forms of harassment.  Experts said stamping out gender-based violence required tackling the “toxic masculinity” that is deeply rooted in mentalities – the kind that is still rampant in football, France’s most popular sport. In that field too, 2019 proved to be a landmark year for women, with France hosting its first ever women’s football World Cup in the summer.  A year after France’s men won the World Cup in Russia, its women were desperate to do the same on home soil. After a disappointing quarter-final defeat, the title eluded them once again. But by most measures, the World Cup was a success, generating unprecedented enthusiasm, packed stadiums and record viewership. In France alone, ten million people watched the opening game on TV, the biggest audience for a women's game ever.  With their track record of crushing norms both for their gender and for their sport, Megan Rapinoe’s trailblazers USA made for fitting victors. However, tournament organisers FIFA were not exempt from criticism, with Norway’s superstar Ada Hegerberg boycotting the event because of entrenched gender inequality, most notably when it comes to pay.    Notre-Dame on fire  In many ways, the biggest story of the year unfolded in the space of a few dramatic hours on April 15, when viewers around the world stared at their screens in shock and awe as a devastating blaze tore through one of the great Paris landmarks. The accidental fire swept across the top of Notre-Dame Cathedral while the soaring Gothic edifice was under renovations, collapsing its spire and consuming its roof as locals and tourists watched aghast from the streets.  The calamitous blaze elicited an unprecedented outpouring of generosity from donors near and far. In just three days, 850 million euros were pledged to rebuild the 850-year-old monument – the speed of donations fuelled by a game of one-upmanship between France’s top culture-minded billionaires. Macron vowed to rebuild Notre-Dame "even more beautifully" within five years. But experts said reconstruction could take much longer, while environmental groups warned of a high risk of poisoning from the tons of lead dust released with the flames.  With the gutted structure deemed unsafe, Notre-Dame Cathedral was unable to host Christmas services for the first time since the French Revolution this year. Instead, its exiled clergy, choir and congregation celebrated the holiday in another Gothic church next to the Louvre Museum, with the cathedral’s iconic 14th-century sculpture “The Virgin of Paris,” which survived the fire, on display.  There were more emotional scenes later in the year when thousands bid farewell to former president Jacques Chirac in a ceremony at the Invalides monument in Paris. Chirac’s popularity had seen a remarkable turnaround since he left the presidency in 2007, tarnished by scandal and an undistinguished record in office. Just over a decade later, a majority of the French harboured fond memories of the man affectionately known as “Chichi”.  Charming, statuesque and a consummate political animal, Chirac was a towering presence on the French political arena for more than four decades. His career included two presidential terms, two stints as prime minister and nearly two decades as mayor of Paris. But he is best remembered abroad for his vehement opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. He was also the first French president to formally recognise the part played by France’s wartime collaborationist regime in the arrest and deportation of tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust – this after decades of ambiguity and denial by his predecessors.


sottnet--2019-11-21--Civil unrest is the new normal - and is likely to stay that way

The result? Even more new money flowing into the elite via rising financial asset prices. Which further widens the gap between rich and poor.  This is getting ridiculous. Every few days another country blows up, as their citizens take to the streets with little warning and no apparent interest in a quick settlement. Here's the first part of the "War...Civil Unrest" section of today's DollarCollapse.com links list . As you can see the peasants have grabbed their pitchforks and besieged their betters on four continents over a wide range of issues, which implies that the stated cause in each case is just an excuse.To test the truth of this, watch what happens when a chastened government caves on the initial issue — and instead of heading back home the protesters ramp it up.Who even remembers what pulled France's Yellow Vests into the streets? The Macron government has spent months apologizing and offering big new spending programs aimed at the protesters' stated concerns. Yet today's headline is about water cannons and flipped cars. Hong Kong repealed the law that ignited its riots back in June, yet today the story is protesters shooting police with arrows (!) and Chinese soldiers deploying to help "clean up the streets." Uh huh.Why is this happening now? Because artificially easy money enriches the people who own the stocks, bonds and real estate that rise in value when interest rates go down.And there's always another provocation coming.Looked at this way,. In other words, reinstate the gas price subsidy and borrow whatever is necessary to cover the cost. Or increase welfare spending to make life slightly easier for protesters, at the cost of higher deficits. Then cut interest rates to finance all the new debt.Not a single government is responding to protests with "Ok, we'll take a bunch of real wealth from the oligarchs and give it to the protesters."This may not be immediately apparent, but most people will get it eventually, by which time a peaceful solution will be far out of reach. Civil unrest is our new normal.


sputnik--2019-05-29--Okinawa Governor Warns of Civil Unrest if US Doesnt Give Up Local Marine Base

Okinawa Governor Warns of Civil Unrest if US Doesn't Give Up Local Marine Base

"If the US continues to use [MCAS Futenma], it may give rise to anti-base protests against all US military bases in Okinawa, or even an overall anti-US movement like what was seen in the past," Tamaki noted, recalling the turbulent days of the early 1970s when Japanese demonstrators unified under an anti-American stance.  "If that happens, such movements would have a significant impact on the Japan-US Security Arrangements as well as the Japan-US Alliance including operation of Kadena Air Base and White Beach Naval Facility."  Tamaki further noted in the letter that US Marine air operations should be removed completely from the island, since the US has the capability to handle any possible threats from China or North Korea with its Air Force and Navy.  Most notably, in December 1970, tensions came to a boil in Okinawa after an intoxicated American driver struck an Okinawan pedestrian, triggering one of the largest anti-US demonstrations. That incident, later known as the Koza Riots, saw thousands of Okinawans protest against the American presence on the island.  According to the Japan Times, local residents pulled American drivers from their cars, beat them and set their vehicles ablaze. More than 80 cars were left burning, and dozens of Americans were hospitalized.  Bruce Lieber, a veteran once assigned to the 20th Military Police Company in Okinawa, told the Times that he had been one of the first individuals on the scene. "It was really frightening. The crowd surrounded us, then they flipped our car and set it on fire," he recalled.  Despite the years since the Koza Riots, tensions have continued to simmer. Locals have repeatedly called for US officials to close down the Futenma base due to environmental concerns, repeated aerial mishaps and violent incidents perpetrated by US servicemembers.  In 2017, a helicopter window from a CH-53E Super Stallion became detached and landed on the sports field of an elementary school, where dozens of students were playing at the time. Sputnik reported that one student suffered a minor injury as a result.  Over the last several years, US and Japanese officials have drawn up various plans to relocate the service's base to Henoko Bay in the Okinawan city of Nago. However, the project has been repeatedly postponed due to opposition from local officials and residents who want the base removed from the prefecture.  According to Stars & Stripes, the relocation plan was expected to be completed by 2014. Landfill work for the base was recently resumed in December 2018 — a decision which was made before an island-wide referendum saw 70% of Okinawans vote against the relocation.  Updated estimates for the project suggest the base could be completed sometime between 2025 and 2026, if not later, the military website reported.


sputnik--2019-11-26--Lebanese Military, Law Enforcement Hold Emergency Meeting Amid Escalating Civil Unrest

The parties confirmed the people's right to rally on squares and roadsides as well as discussed necessary measures to ensure safety of peaceful protesters, the press service of the Lebanese Defence Ministry said.  The participants of the meeting to deal with the unrest responsibly and avoid any actions that could threaten the stability and safety of the people, according to the statement.  Protests in Lebanon began on 17 October after the government said it would introduce a tax on internet calls via the WhatsApp messenger. Despite the measure being scrapped and Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his cabinet being dismissed, people have remained in the streets to demand economic reforms, specifically in the banking sector.  The rallies have grown violent and are now often accompanied by clashes between protesters and police. The situation escalated to the point where the government had to order the military to refrain from using excessive force against protesters.


sputnik--2019-12-03--Tehran Wants to Sue US $130bln for Civil Unrest in Iran - Court Authorities

Tehran wants to sue the US for $130bln for civil unrest in the country, according to Iranian judicial spokesman Golyamkhosein Esmaily.  Golyamkhosein Esmaily said that the lawsuits and complaints were filed by Iranian citizens who directly suffered damage from "US actions."  "The government and the Foreign Office should help implement these orders against the US government on behalf of our citizens," he said.  On 15 November, the Iranian government decided to raise gas prices to 30,000 riyals (about $ 0.2) per litre.  After this decision, protests took place in a number of cities in the Islamic Republic, which grew into clashes with the police. Demonstrators set fire to the offices of banks and gas stations. Riots were noted in hundreds of communities.  According to President Hassan Rouhani, the protests were organised by the United States and Israel to undermine Iran’s national security. Washington has openly voiced support for the demonstrators.


tass--2019-08-02--Five more suspects detained under case of civil unrest in Moscow source

Five more suspects detained under case of civil unrest in Moscow — source

"A measure of restriction will be imposed on Monday on five more perpetrators under the case of civil unrest," the source said.  MOSCOW, August 2. /TASS/. Five more suspects detained under the case of civil unrest at an unauthorized rally in Moscow on July 27. Their measure of restriction will be determined on Monday, a source close to investigators told TASS.  The Russian Investigative Committee told TASS earlier that the pre-trial investigation found that more than 10 citizens were involved in the commitment of the specified crimes and took the most active part in the organization and carrying out of mass unrest in the center of Moscow.  Among the perpetrators under the criminal case of civil unrest are Samariddin Radzhabov, Kirill Zhukov, Ivan Podkopayev and Alexei Minyailo, as well as Yevgeny Kovalenko, who was earlier arrested by the Meshchansky Court and who pled guilty to the use of force against a policeman. According to the investigators, they dispersed tear gas, hurled stones and bottles into law enforcement officers, broke through a police cordon and used violence against them. Depending on the role of each perpetrator, they were charged under Part 1 Section 318 ("The use of violence against an official") and Part 2 Section 212 ("Participation in civil unrest") of the Russian Criminal Code. They were placed into custody as a measure of pre-trial restriction.


tass--2019-10-15--Another participant in July 27 civil unrest detained in Moscow

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Investigators have detained another participant in the July 27 unauthorized rally in central Moscow, Alexander Mylnikov, the Investigative Committee's press service told TASS, noting that he is suspected of using force against an officer of the Russian National Guard Troops Service.  "The Russian Investigative Committee detained Alexander Mylnikov, whose location was being determined, under the criminal case on civil disorder and the use of violence against officials. His actions are regarded as having elements of crime stipulated under Part 1 Section 318 of the Russian Criminal Code ("The use of violence against an official")," the Investigative Committee reported.  According to the investigators, during the July 7 rally Mylnikov, Yegor Lesnykh and Maxim Martintsov struck an officer of the Russian National Guard Troops Service down to the ground and started beating him.  On Monday, the Investigative Committee reported the detention of four more participants in the rally — Andrei Barshai, Vladimir Yemelyanov, Yegor Lesnykh and Maxim Martintsov. Two more perpetrators fled the scene. According to investigators, on July 27 Lesnykh and Martintsov attacked an officer of the Russian National Guard Troops Service and struck him down to the ground. Lesnykh also kicked another law enforcement officer. Another suspect, Barshai, pushed the officer of the Russian National Guard Troops Service in the back. According to the Investigative committee, Yemelyanov forcibly held the officer, preventing him from performing his duties.  Several criminal cases were launched following the opposition rallies that took place in Moscow this summer. The most high-profile of them is a joint criminal case on civil unrest and the use of violence against law enforcement officers during the July 27 rally. More than 3,500 people took to the streets then in support of unregistered candidates to the Moscow City Duma (regional parliament) in Moscow. Police officers and the Russian National Guard Troops Service apprehended more than 1,000 people. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Part 1 Section 318 ("The use of violence against an official") and Part 2 Section 212 ("Participation in civil unrest") of the Russian Criminal Code. During its probe more than 10 people were arrested.


drudgereport--2019-02-04--Secret plan to evacuate Queen in case of Brexit unrest

Secret plan to evacuate Queen in case of Brexit unrest...

LONDON (Reuters) - British officials have revived Cold War emergency plans to relocate the royal family should there be riots in London if Britain suffers a disruptive departure from the European Union next month, two Sunday newspapers reported.  “These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit,” the Sunday Times said, quoting an unnamed source from the government’s Cabinet Office, which handles sensitive administrative issues.  The Mail on Sunday also said it had learnt of plans to move the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, to safe locations away from London.  Britain’s government is struggling to get parliamentary support for a Brexit transition agreement with the EU before the departure date of March 29, and the government and businesses are preparing contingency plans for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.  Business groups have warned of widespread disruption if there are lengthy delays to EU imports due to new customs checks, and even possible shortages of food and medicine.  Last month an annual speech by the 92-year-old queen to a local women’s group was widely interpreted in Britain as a call for politicians to reach agreement over Brexit.  Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative lawmaker and keen supporter of Brexit, told the Mail on Sunday he believed the plans showed unnecessary panic by officials over a no-deal Brexit, as senior royals had remained in London during World War Two bombing.  But the Sunday Times said an ex-police officer formerly in charge of royal protection, Dai Davies, expected Queen Elizabeth would be moved out of London if there was unrest.  “If there were problems in London, clearly you would remove the royal family away from those key sites,” Davies was quoted as saying.


france24--2019-11-21--Bolivia's interim govt proposes election bill as deadly unrest continues

A supporter of former Bolivia's President Evo Morales participates in a demonstration in Cochabamba, Bolivia, on November 18, 2019.  Bolivia's interim government presented a bill on Wednesday that aims to forge a path to new elections and defuse street violence that has racked the country and killed 32 people since a disputed October vote.  The South American country's two chambers of congress are expected to debate the election bill beginning on Thursday and possibly extending into Friday, which would annul the Oct. 20 poll and appoint a new electoral board within 15 days of its passage, paving the way for a new vote after long-term leftist leader Evo Morales resigned under pressure this month.  A date for new elections was not included in the proposal. The bill called for a "credible and professional" election body "in order to pacify the country and redirect democratic institutionality."  Currently led by a caretaker government, Bolivia is grappling to mend stark divisions between Morales' supporters and opponents seeking to move beyond his nearly 14-year rule.  Morales stepped down on Nov. 10 under pressure from protesters, civil groups, security forces and allies, as well as an international audit that found serious irregularities in the election count and cast doubt on his announced outright victory.  Since then, an interim government under conservative former Senator Jeanine Anez has struggled to quell deadly violence, and fanned some divisions with abrupt shifts in policy away from Morales, the country's first indigenous president.  In a statement earlier Wednesday, Anez said she would present the bill calling for new elections "as the whole country is demanding" and that it would be through legal, constitutional channels unless lawmakers blocked it.  "We have developed a basic bill. It can probably be corrected, agreed upon, enriched by all the sectors that are involved with the aim of pacifying the country and choosing our rulers," she said. "But there will be elections in the country; we guarantee it."  Conflict in the region of Cochabamba and the high-altitude city of El Alto has rattled Bolivia over the last week since Morales' departure, with clashes at a gas power plant blockade on Tuesday that left eight people dead.  The Ministry of Defence in a statement Wednesday said that supporters of Morales' MAS party were surrounding the plant with the intentions of damaging it with explosives. The ministry said the Armed Forces would safeguard the plant from any attack or takeover attempt.  The total number of deaths in the post-election unrest rose to 32, according to Bolivia's official human rights ombudsman - most of those in the last 10 days - sparking calls for investigations into human rights abuses.  On Wednesday, hundreds of people queued to refill gas canisters in La Paz, while lines of cars snaked though the city's roads waiting to refuel after protests by Morales supporters choked off fuel and food supplies in recent days.  In a news conference on Wednesday, government minister Arturo Murillo claimed that Morales was continuing to stoke unrest. He showed reporters a video of a phone call including audio allegedly of Morales directing plans for blockades.  Reuters was not able to verify the contents of the video.  "That is Evo Morales doing state terrorism," Murillo said, without naming the source of the three-minute video. "In the next few hours we will file an international lawsuit on this."  Morales, at a news conference in Mexico, where he was granted political asylum when he fled Bolivia, in turn accused the interim government of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The military has said protesters have used explosives, guns and homemade bazookas in clashes.  "They are using bullets against people peacefully mobilizing in defence of democracy," said Morales, who has talked about returning to Bolivia to finish his term until Jan. 22. "It makes us remember times of military dictatorships."


freebeacon--2019-11-20--Iran’s Rouhani Claims Victory Over Unrest and Blames Foreigners

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday claimed victory over unrest Tehran has blamed on foreign foes after protests over fuel price rises shook the nation, and the government dismissed reports of more than 100 deaths as "speculative".  Thousands joined pro-government demonstrations on Wednesday, state media reported, with television footage showing rallies in Rasht, Gorgan and Ardabil in the north, Hamadan in the west, and Shahryar, south of the capital Tehran.  Iranian dual nationals were among protesters arrested in the northern province of Alborz, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Quoting security sources, it said detained German, Turkish and Afghan dual nationals had been trained and funded by foreign services to take actions to destroy infrastructure and stir up civil disobedience.  These dual nationals had special equipment to be used for sabotage, it added without providing evidence or further detail.  "The Iranian people have again succeeded in an historic test and shown they will not let enemies benefit from the situation, even though they might have complaints about the country’s management," Rouhani said in remarks carried by state broadcaster IRIB on its website.  "The spontaneous (pro-government) demonstrations which you see are the greatest sign of the power of the Iranian people."  Iran’s U.N. mission said on Wednesday dismissed the casualty reports as "speculative, not reliable" unless confirmed by the Tehran government.  "The baseless allegations and fabricated figures by biased Western entities do not shake government’s determination in making prudent economic decisions while respecting human rights of its people including to freely exercise their right to protest in a peaceful environment," mission spokesman Alireza Miryousefi tweeted.  Tehran has blamed "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes – the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia – for the unrest, which began on Friday after gasoline prices were raised at least 50% and rationing imposed. They quickly turned political.  Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday the protests had been a security matter, not a popular movement, and had been dealt with successfully.  Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said a plot to bomb Iran’s major gas production installations in Assalouyeh on the Gulf had been thwarted, blaming it on protesters, the semi-official news agency Mehr reported.  Iran’s mission to the United Nations called Amnesty’s report "baseless allegations and fabricated figures".  Amnesty International said at least 106 protesters in 21 cities had been killed, according to witness reports, verified videos and information from human rights activists.  Iran has curbed access to the internet, making it near impossible for protesters to post social media videos of rallies.  About 1,000 protesters have been arrested, officials said.  Frustration has grown over a weakening currency and rising prices for bread, rice and other staples since the United States withdrew from Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and reimposed sanctions.  The government said the price rises were intended to raise around $2.55 billion a year for extra subsidies to 18 million families struggling on low incomes.  Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Catherine Evans, Larry King and Andrew Cawthorne