The Elderly

Thought, a page on elderly people / old age wouldn’t harm to also point out a common unfairness. Being a European and having lived & worked in Asia for more than a decade, I realized a thing: Elderly people in Asia do get much more respect from the society, the youngsters than they do in the so-called Western world.

That also gets reflected in most of Asia’s social security systems for the elderly: While in (at least) Europe, old people – especially the single ones – must rely on a pension scheme, retirement / nursing homes etc., in Asia, the family, even close neighbors and the community account for the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens.

Whilst Government-established elderly care does exist in some countries, it is used quite infrequently, as the traditional methods of being cared for by younger generations of family members are preferred. Also – and probably as a consequence -, loneliness and even worse depression due to the old age is not as common in Asia as it is in Europe.

Robot Companion

Robot companions for the elderly are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide both physical assistance and emotional support. These robots can engage in conversation, remind users about medication schedules, and even provide entertainment through games, music, and videos.

One such example is the Robot Companion showcased in a YouTube video. These technological companions play a crucial role in addressing the loneliness and isolation that many elderly individuals experience, particularly in Western societies.

Robot Companion for the Elderly – by FraunhoferIPA

For elderly individuals, especially those living alone or in nursing homes, a robot companion can offer a sense of companionship and security. As societies continue to age, these innovations are poised to play an ever more vital role in improving the quality of life for seniors around the world.

Life Expectancy

As of end 2015, males in Switzerland have the longest life expectancy of any men in the world, say the latest global public health statistics. But Swiss women have less of an edge on the rest of the world than four years ago, falling from second to sixth place in expected lifespan.

The Life Expectancy Statistics by the WHO place Swiss men above Icelanders, who held the top spot in the report’s last edition in 2012. Boys born in Switzerland can expect to live to the age of 81.3 years, considerably above the world average of 69.1 years.

Swiss women live to an average age of 85.3 years, the same life expectancy as those from Spain and an increase over 2012 when their expected lifespan was 85. In 2016, Swiss women were surpassed in life expectancy by those from Singapore, South Korea, France and Japan, which took the top spot.

There are large regional disparities in life expectancy, according to the WHO report. Whereas newborns in 29 high-income countries are expected to live 80 years or more, those in 22 others – all in sub-Saharan Africa – have a life expectancy of less than 60 years.

World’s Oldest Blogger

Dagny ‘Bojan’ Carlsson took a class in computing at the age of 99, and at the age of 100 she became known for blogging. Her advice: “Stop whining and get a grip!”

My Blog

Internet Safety For Seniors

The Ultimate Safety Guide

The internet can be a scary place, especially if you’re old enough to be able to remember dialing a rotary telephone! In 2020, in the US alone, cyber crimes against adults aged 60 and over resulted in approximately $1 billion in losses – a 30% increase over the losses reported in the previous year. Of the almost 800,000 complaints of cyber crime reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2020, over 200,000 victims were over the age of 60.

Staying safe online can be really overwhelming – most users have their photos, credit cards, personal communications, financial information, and devices exposed to hackers every single day without even knowing that they’re in danger.

Check out the Ultimate Safety Guide For Seniors

Hacking & Spamming

This one’s not only for the seniors among us but also helpful for just about everyone nowadays.

Hacking & Spamming

Some Advice

In many cultures, the wisdom of the elderly is deeply respected and sought after. Their experiences and insights can offer valuable guidance and perspective.

Life advice from the elderly – by Riyadh K

Elderly Advice On Modern Life – by Gary Turk

Here are some pieces of life advice from the elderly that we can all learn from

Embrace Technology but Cherish Human Connections -> While technology has brought about incredible advancements and conveniences, it’s essential to remember the importance of human connections. As we navigate the digital age, let’s not lose sight of the value of face-to-face interactions and meaningful relationships.

Cultivate Resilience and Positivity -> The ups and downs of life are inevitable, but maintaining a resilient attitude and a positive outlook can make all the difference. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and finding joy in the present moment are timeless lessons from the elderly.

Stay Curious and Keep Learning -> The thirst for knowledge and curiosity about the world are traits that many elderly individuals embody. By staying curious and open to learning, we can continue to enrich our lives and adapt to an ever-changing world.

Cherish the Simple Joys -> Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s crucial to appreciate the simple joys that surround us. Whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a shared meal with loved ones, or the melody of familiar music, taking time to experience and cherish these moments can bring profound fulfillment.

Accept Aging with Grace -> Coming to terms with the aging process and embracing it with grace is a recurring theme in the wisdom of the elderly. Finding beauty and purpose in each stage of life can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Let’s honor and learn from the invaluable life advice offered by the elderly, as these timeless insights continue to resonate across generations.