Towards a Human Rights Convention on Aging

The NGO Committee on Aging Executive Committee met on November 14, 2012, on the 23rd floor of the DC2 building at 44th and First Avenue in New York. 

We learned that the Government of El Salvador will introduced a Resolution very soon calling for the UN to begin work leading toward a defining and protecting the human rights of older persons across the globe.  But will it attract sufficient votes from Member States to pass?

If you believe that older people require an international binding agreement--via the UN to protect our rights-- call the person in your government who instructs the diplomatic corps about the position that they should take at the UN.  In some countries, this office is known as the National Aging Authority.

Or contact your Mission directly in New York via e-mail.  Let them know of your interest and commitment to a human rights treaty focussed on older persons worldwide. If you don't know the name of your diplomat who works on this isuse, consult the "UN Blue Book" via Google.  Scroll through the list of alphabetized countries until you find your nation's listing.  Look for the person who works on Third Committee issues in the listing:  He or she is your contact to communicate your views about the need for your government to participate in defining elder rights within the UN system.

We who are old and those who are our allies must speak out for our human rights.

Best to you, Susanne Paul at Global Action on Aging

Ten signs to recognize Alzheimer's Disease

Do you worry about having Alzheimer's Disease? 

Nearly every senior worries that a forgotten (or temporarily misplaced) word or item or name means the onset of Alzheimer's. But what are the "real signs" of Alzheimer's? Recently the Alzheimer's Association listed some "early detection" signs.  Here they are:

1.  Memory loss that disrupts daily life, particularly recently learned information.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work or in leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

The Association points out that getting an early diagnosis gives older persons a chance to see a doctor and plan for the future.  If you want to know more, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800 272 3900 or email alz.org.

Have you or your loved ones had to face this situation?  If so, please comment.  What did you learn?  How did your respond?

Best, Susanne Paul for Global Action on Aging

Our Brother's Keeper?

Many people who live near the shorelines of New York City and New Jersey have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the many government workers and ordinary volunteers who pitched in to help those in need following the Hurricane Sandy storm.  Despite this help, many people perished and even more injured. It will take a long time to repair the damage and soften the sorrow.

Many people are discussing just what is our responsibility to care for others.  Is it the Government's problem? Is it citizens' task?  Or, must each of us figure out strategies to care for ourselves and our loved ones? 

What do you think?  Have you faced situations that made your rely on the "kindness of strangers?"  Or, have you been self-sufficient most of your life?  What do you think now. . . especially if  you have arrived at old age?

Please share some of your thinking--along with personal examples--to illustrate your stories.  Global Action on Aging welcomes your contribution to this discussion.  Simply fill in your ideas on our Comments Section.

In the meantime, have a great and trouble-free weekend!

Susanne Paul for Global Action on Aging

Report by Global Action on Aging - The State of the World's Older Persons

Dear GAA friends,

The United Nations Population Funds' aging unit has asked a number of NGOs, including Global Action on Aging, to provide input for its joint report with HelpAge International "Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge" which was launched on October 1, 2012 in Tokyo. GAA contributed to this project by writing a short report on the media portrayal of older people. GAA Program Coordinator, Duygu Basaran Sahin, reviewed GAA's website archives from 2002 to 2010 and wrote the report. Please click here to read the full report. Below are some photos from the report.

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