The new face of aging - How will society and businesses adapt to the reality of an aging population?
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/03/c8941.html?view=print

An in-depth study of our retirees provides a few signs to better understand and adapt to this phenomenon

MONTREAL, Sept. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - Retirees have changed and their exploding numbers require that both society and businesses evolve. The data revealed by four consecutive editions of the AXA Retirement Scope allow us to draw the emerging portrait of a new generation of retirees, as well as uncover a few directions to better adapt to the phenomenon of an aging population.

Old: new definition yet traditional roles remain

In the past, the end of active life meant the beginning of old age. Today, it is the loss of autonomy or illness that heralds this beginning. Our retirees can now expect to enjoy 21 years of retirement before turning old... at 79! However, here as anywhere else in the world, a consensus remains: the social role of retirees is to transfer knowledge and skills. A supporting role in caring for the children also continues to be universally recognized. The new demographic context offers an opportunity to better value these roles in the future. "It is the whole context of old age that is being transformed," explains Robert Landry, Executive Vice President, Life Insurance and Financial Services, AXA Assurances. "This transformation is an opportunity for society to fully recognize and actively seek and facilitate the contribution of these 'young retirees.' Businesses will also want to understand the new context in order to adapt their products and services as well as their way of doing business - this is the case at AXA," Mr. Landry added.

Working longer? Yes but only by choice

Canadian retirees are divided regarding delayed retirement age, although those in favour have increased by 7% since 2004, to reach 42% in 2008. Quebecers remain mostly unreceptive to the proposition (only 29% are in favour). If we consider that 58% of active Canadians would like to pursue a remunerated activity after retirement, the message is clear: working beyond the retirement age is fine, but it should remain a personal, not a forced decision. Interestingly, 92% of our retirees consider themselves able to provide quality work. It will be up to employers to tap into this rich source of experienced workers, although at the cost of offering more flexibility.

Financial self-sufficiency: an inescapable reality for which we are preparing earlier than ever

Increased life expectancy will most probably force our retirees to care for their aged parents: the fastest growing population segment in the world today is that of the 85 and older! Our new retirees will need to be very self sufficient to finance their retirement, since they will be less able to count on the capital gathered by their parents or the help of children or workers that have become too few. In Canada, it is now generally agreed that individuals are first responsible for financing their own retirement, with the secondary help of the state or employer. Life insurance emerges as a choice strategy: 67% of active Canadians are using it to help finance their retirement. Today's active starts saving earlier than in the past: in 2004, the average age for preparing for retirement was 34, it now stands at 30. Saving options that offer a good return on investment and that are adapted to all stages of active life will be needed more than ever.

Living in one's home: not a synonym for boredom and isolation

The great majority of Canadian retirees live at home (96%). Our retirees generally own their own home (84%). If 33% of our retirees travel, most remain at home to enjoy their favourite activities. One third (31%) regularly practice a sport; gardening keeps 22% busy, culture and reading, 14%, as is the case for taking care of grand-children or the family in general. Community life is not neglected: 26% of retirees, most often women, do volunteer work.

Taking active care of one's health: watch out for stress!

The new generation of Canadian retirees is in better shape than ever, especially when compared to their counterparts in the rest of the world: 40% of our retirees say they are "in very good health" against only 23% for the international average and 27% for Quebec. Our seniors take an active part in keeping in shape by practicing a sport and watching what they eat. This preventive attitude is good news for the government since many of our retirees (67%) count mostly on public health insurance in case of illness, although Quebec has a larger proportion of privately insured (54% are insured by the state). Not counting pollution, stress is the number one health enemy for 78% of retirees, well ahead of tobacco and junk food. Since stress also affects a large proportion of actives (87%), it is expected that this phenomenon will deserve the special attention of health professionals or public health agencies.

Taking care of one's appearance, while agreeing to become old

Our retirees appear to feel comfortable with their self-image, and to accept with serenity the physical signs of aging: less than 5% would consider undergoing cosmetic surgery that would make them look younger. While caring of their general appearance, our retirees are also among the least likely in the world to use products to prevent the effects of aging. They seem to count more on a healthy lifestyle to remain young!

Technology: an every day ally

Our retirees spend as much time as actives do on the Internet, whether they use it to exchange email messages (86%), find information (82%), carry out banking operations (46%) or follow daily news (49%). They are however less likely to use it for shopping. Already in 2005, 59% of retirees had a computer, 55% an Internet connection and 51% a mobile phone. The cliché of the older person overwhelmed by new technologies now appears be obsolete... Our retirees will be better informed than ever, connected with their family and other retirees and, mainly, able to express themselves!

Aging: a hot topic in Montréal starting September 4, 2008

As an expert on retirement, AXA is also the principal partner of the IFA's 9th Global Conference on Ageing and Expo Ageing & Design Montréal, that will start tomorrow, September 4, to increase the population's awareness of aging and its impacts. For further information regarding these events: www.ageingdesignmontreal.ca.

To learn more about the aging and retirement phenomenon, you will find all the Canadian results of the 2008 AXA Retirement Scope (with international comparison), as well as the data from earlier editions of the Scope, on the following website: www.axa.ca

September and School: The "Perfect Storm" for Asthma

How parents and students with asthma can avoid the September spike

TORONTO, Sept. 5 /CNW/ - As summer winds down, many parents and students focus on the school year ahead. That usually means buying school supplies and longer pants. But for parents of children with asthma, the start of the school year should also include taking preventative steps to protect their kids from the "September Spike" - the annual increase in asthma-related emergency room visits that happens when school begins.

Cold viruses - that are easily spread from person to person - are one of the most common triggers for asthma symptoms. Kids are in close contact with each other in classrooms, schoolyards and buses. This close contact helps germs spread and increases kids' risk of infection. "Many respirologists refer to the September Spike as the 'perfect storm'," says Carole Madeley, director of Respiratory Health Programs for the Ontario Lung Association. "Cold viruses, combined with the fact that many kids with asthma have changed or interrupted their regular asthma management schedule over the summer months, act as major triggers, resulting in Emergency Departments across the province chock a block with asthma patients."

The good news is that parents can take steps to prevent their children from having an asthma attack. The use of controller medication significantly reduces the risk of emergency room treatment for asthma. By ensuring good asthma control, you can protect your child all year round.

Here's what you can do:

• Know your child's triggers and avoiding them

• Have a written asthma action plan

• Learn how to use medications properly

• Work with a certified asthma educator to learn about asthma management

You can also slow the spread of viruses by fighting germs and washing hands properly.

Communication with school is critical

Communication with teachers and school staff is also important. Set up an appointment to talk to your child's teachers before classes start, if possible. Give your child's teachers a copy of his/her asthma action plan and make sure that they know what to do in an emergency. Keep in mind that for many people, worsening asthma symptoms happen slowly. Teachers are well positioned to observe any problems your child may be having due to asthma because they see your child for long periods each day. By knowing and reporting the early warning signs of poor asthma control, teachers can help to prevent a major breathing emergency.

If your child gets sick

Your child may end up with the sniffles despite best efforts to avoid getting sick. Here's what you can do:

• Refer to your child's written asthma action plan, or speak to your doctor about asthma management both during a cold and on a day-to-day basis.

• Encourage extra rest and fluids during bouts of illness.

• Allow them to return to regular activities, like sports, only when your child is feeling better.

• Teach proper hand-washing technique and remind your child to throw away used tissues.

• Stay away from people who are sick.

To speak to a certified asthma educator, please call the Ontario Lung Association's Asthma Action Helpline: (http://www.on.lung.ca/Our-Programs/Asthma-Action/index.php) at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864)

Learn more

Asthma at school:
http://www.on.lung.ca/Our-Programs/Asthma-Action/Resource-Centre/Asthma-Booklets

Asthma treatment:
http://www.on.lung.ca/Our-Programs/Asthma-Action/Resource-Centre/Asthma-Booklets

Parents Never Stop Helping Their Children
Isn't Life Grand:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/54675/Parents-never-stop-helping-their-children
Wednesday July 30,2008
By Geoff Maynard

:“For many older people, their biggest fear isn’t physical deterioration but mental degeneration, so there is widespread enthusiasm for doing things that help to maintain mental condition.

“Brain training and maintaining cognitive fitness is an opportunity for the fitness industry that hasn’t yet really been exploited.”

Nearly one in 10 parents have grown-up children living with them.

Not only are Britain’s baby-boomer generation looking after their kids well into adulthood, but they are also caring for grandchildren. One in four give regular financial help to their grown-up children and seven per cent have adult offspring living with them who don’t contribute financially.

A Mintel survey found that one in three Brits – 21million – are now aged 50 or over, the “baby boomer” generation born in the aftermath of the Second World War. Not only are they choosing to help out their children financially, they are also called upon for practical tasks. About 11 per cent of the over-50s said they helped out their grown-up kids with cleaning and DIY.

This rose to 17 per cent among the 55 to 64-year-olds.

Researchers also found that the over-50s are spending more time looking after grandkids, with 23 per cent happy to be a babysitter and allow their children to have a night out or go to work. James McCoy, consumer research manager at Mintel, said: “Children are hanging around for longer in their parent’s home, so that many mums and dads are providing financial support for longer than they may have hoped. For some this can mean that they are forced to delay plans in other vital areas of retirement planning, for instance selling their home to release equity.

“And with it now becoming increasingly difficult for young adults to get on the property ladder, the trend towards kids staying at home longer is likely to continue.” He added: “Living at home with mum and dad for a few extra years may be the only way that many can even begin to save for the deposit on a first home.

“Over the past two decades, women are increasingly going back to work after having a baby.

“This, combined with the high cost of child care, means more and more families are having to look to the grandparents for ­support. “Luckily most grandparents relish the opportunity to spend time with their grandkids.” The survey of 924 adults, aged 50 and above, found that 89 per cent do things that help them to maintain their mental condition, while 78 per cent make an effort to stay fit.

Mr McCoy said: “For many older people, their biggest fear isn’t physical deterioration but mental degeneration, so there is widespread enthusiasm for doing things that help to maintain mental condition.

“Brain training and maintaining cognitive fitness is an opportunity for the fitness industry that hasn’t yet really been exploited.”

Basil, The Humble Herb That Helps You Look Younger
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/60342/Basil-the-humble
LEAF OF LIFE: Holy Basil
Monday September 8,2008 - By John Chapman

EATING curry flavoured with a specific type of basil could help you look young and healthy. Holy basil is a close relative of the herb that is commonly used in Western cooking. Native to India, its extract has long been used in the ancient system of Ayurvedic medicine practised in India and other parts of Asia as a rejuvenation drug.

It is claimed to promote a youthful state of physical and mental health. In the first formal study of the herb, which is available in health stores and on the internet, researchers found it was effective at seeking out and eliminating free radicals. These are harmful molecules which can attack the heart, liver and brain. A team, led by Dr Vaibhav Shinde, from Poona College of Pharmacy, Maharashtra in India, studied the antioxidant and anti-ageing properties of the herb. Dr Shinde said: “The study validates its traditional use as a youth-promoting substance in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It also helps describe how the herb acts at a cellular level.”

The effects of holy basil – which has sharp-tasting leaves and is also used to spice up Thai dishes – were outlined at a British Pharmaceutical Conference held in Manchester. Dr Shinde said last night: “We have had some very exciting results. I am now using holy basil in my own cooking and I hope it will be beneficial.”

Also known as ocimum sanctum or tulsi, it is sometimes called the queen of herbs. And it is considered an adaptogen, meaning it supports the immune system while also relieving the effects of stress. Tulsi is traditionally grown in an earthenware pot in homes and gardens in India. It has been used to treat fevers and common colds, headaches, malaria, diabetes, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, eye disorders, bronchitis, asthma and arthritis.

Last month, traditional Indian remedies came under the spotlight when US scientists claimed many sold on the internet often contain unacceptably high levels of lead, mercury and arsenic.

Work it!
Network it, that is — it’s one of the best paths to finding a job
Vikki Mungre
01 September 2008 01:25
http://www.canadianimmigrant.ca/careers/article/1618

More often than not, when in job-search mode, most people focus on searching internet job boards and print ads in the classified sections of major newspapers. What new immigrants need to know is that one of the most effective ways of getting a job is actually something entirely different — networking.

Ask any career counsellor and they’ll tell you: “Who you know is just as important as what you know.”

The basic principle of networking is to connect with as many relevant professional contacts while in a social environment such as an industry-related workshop, tradeshow or social gathering. Once you introduce yourself, very briefly exchange contact information so you can contact them at a later time.

What newcomers do wrong
Often, at a networking event, a newcomer to Canada will do as follows:

• Enter the predetermined location and avoid eye contact with people because they feel very uncomfortable

• Meet someone just as nervous as they are and latch on to them for the whole evening except when they freshen up their drink

• Leave the event without meeting anyone who could be in a position to hire them

The end result of the evening is an exercise in futility. You may feel good about having taken the step of attending such an event, but you have not actually networked.

What you can do right
So if your last attempt at networking looked like the scenario above, next time be a little braver and do as follows:

• Get ready with at least 50 professionally made business cards

• Dress professionally and appropriately for the venue

• Approach people, introduce yourself briefly (i.e., your name, your profession and maybe something funny or memorable)

• Ask about them (a good starter question is: “Have you been in this field/industry long?”)

• Repeat this and exchange business cards with as many people as possible

• If you meet a potential employer, don’t ask if they’re hiring; call them up later that week to ask for advice about the industry or request an information interview, be it formal or something casual over a cup of coffee

Your main objective is to exchange as many cards as possible with people who can hire you or recommend you to someone who can hire you. There is no point in networking with people who are also looking for a job at your level.

'Broken heart' worse than physical pain
30 Aug 2008, 0119 hrs IST,PTI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3423705,prtpage-1.cms

LONDON: A broken heart really does hurt, just as poets claim, for a study has revealed that pain caused by emotional distress is more deeply felt and longer lasting than that caused by physical injuries. For decades, it is believed that "sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you". But, now an international team has showed that the reverse is actually true in most cases.

"While both types of pain can hurt very much at the time they occur, social pain has the unique ability to come back over and over again, whereas physical pain lingers only as an awareness that it was indeed at one time painful.

"Why aren't we always suffering pain by recollections of social betrayal and other forms of social pain? Because we are pretty good at keeping these memories at bay," lead author Kip Williams was quoted by the Daily Telegraph as saying. Williams of Purdue University in the US and colleagues at Macquarie University and the University of New South Wales in Australia have based their findings on an analysis of four experiments.

For their study, published in the latest edition of the Psychological Science, the researchers recruited volunteers who were asked to relieve their past painful experiences just by writing in detail what had happened and how they had felt.