Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/736806
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2016 VI Elderly Care Malta outperforms in elderly care in terms of GDP THE United States ranks eighth in the world for the wellbeing of the elderly, according to a study by the United Nations Population Fund and a group called HelpAge International, that looked at the welfare of people aged over 65 in 91 different countries. Sweden ranks first, followed by Nor- way and Germany. At the bottom of the list are Pakistan, Tanzania and Afghani- stan. The United States, though typically an under-performer among developed nations on things like public health and income equality, actually outperforms much of the developed world here. It ranks above Iceland, Japan, Britain and much of Europe. Here's why: education and employ- ment opportunities for elderly Americans are some of the best in the world. Actu- ally, second-best, behind only Norway. As the report explains, "Older people value their capacity to work" because they "wish to maintain social contacts and self-worth" as well as remain self- sufficient. In most countries, people start getting locked out of the labour market once they get older. The United States is unusual in that the elderly face less age discrimina- tion and have an easier time getting the education and skills to remain compe- tent members of the workforce. That's not just good because it means they can work if they want to, but because it allows them to be active and self- sufficient, which go a long way toward promoting health and happiness. Paradoxically, this may also partly be a product of the United States's relatively weak social safety net; the report finds that elderly in the United States have "the lowest levels of dependency on public transfers" of wealth in the world. A World Bank report found that many other developed countries, particularly in Europe, can create dependency among the elderly with higher social benefits. Accessibility programmes, social welfare programmes and public-health pro- grammes all cost money. Some countries significantly over-perform by GDP per capita; in other words, do better than you would expect of countries with their amount of wealth. New Zealand is one, owing to a strong social safety net and low income inequality. So is Chile, for similar reasons. A huge success story here is Sri Lanka, a very poor country that nonetheless scores only a bit below much-richer Portugal, Malta and even Italy. The report singles out Sri Lanka for "long-term investments in education and health have had a lifetime benefit for many of today's older popula- tion." Bolivia also does unusually well, due to providing universal health care for the elderly and a universal pension plan. A number of Latin countries score well for similar reasons. Russia scores extremely poorly on elderly welfare for its wealth levels. The country is plagued by age discrimina- tion. Elderly skin needs special and gentle attention... GALDERMA Laboratories, L.P. have unveiled a new thera- peutic skincare line precisely engineered for challenged skin – Cetaphil. It is available over the counter and without a prescription. Cetaphil products are formulated with the exact mix of the right ingredients to heal, relieve, protect and repair irritated and frustrated skin. Sensitive skin can make it feel like you have to live by someone else's rules. Weather conditions, stressful situations, and some fabrics or make- up can all have more control over your skin than you do. Cetaphil has spent 65 years building skin resilience, leav- ing skin soft, smooth and healthy, and fighting every- day dryness, tightness and irritation. Hydration is an important factor in skin health. Hy- drated skin not only looks and feels better – it is actu- ally healthier. As the skin loses moisture, it becomes more susceptible to entry of chemicals, allergens and microbes. That's where the Gentle Power of Cetaphil comes in, guaranteed to make you feel Beauti- ful with every use! This revolutionary range consists of Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash, and Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturiser. The gentle formula, which is suitable for the whole family, cleanses without stripping and moisturises without clogging pores. Cetaphil can be bought from leading pharmacies and is distributed by GF Ltd. Find them on Facebook or call on 21437415 to discover your nearest stockist.