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Aging Gracefully Across Borders: Innovative Global Strategies for Embracing an Aging Demographic

In this week’s email:

• Today’s Insight from AgingHere

• Lessons from Japan on Building Age-Ready Cities Amidst Global Demographic Shifts.

• Journey to Health and Quality of Life: Advocating for Graceful Aging in the Philippines

• Overcoming the Challenge of Social Hospitalization and Bolstering Home-Based Services in Korea

• A Comprehensive Guide to Elderly Care Services, Costs, and Financial Assistance in Singapore

• Today’s AgingHere Survey

• Making us laugh this week

• AgingHere Referral Program

• Today’s Sponsor: Mastering Medicare Podcast (MasteringMedicare.net)

Today’s Insight from AgingHere

Today's insights offer an intriguing exploration into global strategies for handling demographic shifts towards aging populations.

Japan, the globe's 'oldest' country, is turning its rapidly aging society into an asset. A forward-thinking nation, it reimagines aging, turning challenges into opportunities through adaptations in urban infrastructure and mobility, setting an inspiring precedent for creating inclusive, age-ready cities.

The Philippines is enhancing the quality of life for its aging populace, intertwining research, policy development, and training in geriatrics to create a comprehensive approach towards graceful aging.

South Korea, despite a universal long-term care insurance scheme, faces the challenge of 'social hospitalization.' The focus is now shifting towards affordable home-based care, providing valuable lessons in healthcare policy adaptations.

Singapore tackles the complex issues of elderly care costs with a diverse spectrum of services, supported by a robust framework of financial assistance, shaping a sustainable model for the rest of the world.

Lessons from Japan on Building Age-Ready Cities Amidst Global Demographic Shifts.

Cities are becoming homes to increasingly diverse, aging populations, thus requiring sustainable, inclusive, and equitable accommodations. Japan, with the world's highest proportion of older persons, provides critical lessons in managing rapid urbanization and aging populations sustainably. Its strategies include reimagining aging to promote productive, healthy living; adapting infrastructure for an aging population; and rethinking urban mobility for accessibility. The Tokyo Development Learning Center plays a pivotal role in capturing these insights, fostering partnerships, and helping develop vibrant, livable cities for all. Read more.

Journey to Health and Quality of Life: Advocating for Graceful Aging in the Philippines

The National Institutes of Health and the Gerontology and Disabilities Programs Cluster were established in 1996, followed by the Institute on Aging (IA) in 2012. The IA focuses on aging research, policy development, and training in geriatrics. Key research areas include healthcare delivery, major geriatric syndromes, workforce training, and socio-cultural determinants of health. The IA aims to improve quality of life for aging Filipinos, guide policy-making, and enhance medical knowledge on aging. read more.

Overcoming the Challenge of Social Hospitalization and Bolstering Home-Based Services in Korea

In response to an aging population, South Korea introduced universal long-term care insurance (LTCI) in 2008, resulting in an increase in spending. However, despite its goals to reduce "social hospitalization," many elderly people still receive inpatient care despite stable health. The country also lacks affordable, high-quality home-based care. While LTCI premiums are lower than in other countries, they are projected to rise significantly. Policymakers recommend harmonizing LTCI and National Health Insurance schemes, improving home-based care, and fostering better coordination across care institutions.  read more.

A Comprehensive Guide to Elderly Care Services, Costs, and Financial Assistance in Singapore

Singapore's aging population increases the need for elderly care services. These range from senior day care centres, home care services, and residential care facilities, each with different costs. Elderly with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, or osteoporosis may require professional caregivers for appropriate care. Government subsidies, grants, and financial assistance schemes can offset these costs. To be eligible for a subsidy, recipients must be Singaporean or Permanent Residents, meet admission criteria, and be receiving care from a Ministry of Health-funded service provider. The level of subsidy is determined by a household means test. read more.

Making us laugh this week:

AgingHere Referral Program

Today’s Sponsor: Mastering Medicare (MasteringMedicare.net)

Listen to Mastering Medicare Podcast Episode 23: Medicare broker deep dive - interview with Matt Gibson from 90 Days From Retirement

AgingHere Inspirational Quotes

"The privilege of caring for the elderly is a gift that allows us to witness the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart. Let us approach each day with gratitude and dedication to making their journey as meaningful and comfortable as possible."