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It takes a community to care for the elderly

About 10 percent of the population is 65 years old or older. Given Taiwan's rapidly declining birth rate and aging population, the Council for Economic Planning and Development estimates that the over-65 age group will make up 20 percent of the population in 15 years.

Elderly care will have to change with the aging of society. This could be done by having the elderly live close to their families and letting the families and society share the burden of care, or by providing the assistance that would allow the elderly to continue live on their own. The government's "Big Warmth" plan includes an item for strengthening elderly care services by focusing on community care.

The US, Japan and other countries have begun transforming themselves in recent years to adapt to their aging societies. Japan has a compulsory social insurance plan guaranteeing care for the elderly. It has also introduced a so-called "Angel Plan" intended to promote child birth and passed a law to tackle the problem of falling birthrates.

Japanese businesses have followed suit by investing in the care industry and developing products aimed at the elderly, such as electronic dolls to provide company for lonely elders, as well as robots and other high-tech products to provide assistance.

Care workers and management specialists have become the most sought-after professionals in Japan, and convenience stores are trying to provide services to meet the needs of the elderly. In fact such stores have almost become a second home for older people. Social welfare groups are also encouraging more volunteers help with programs for the elderly.

US policy also emphasizes home or community services. New York State has developed health plans, environmental improvements and related services in 50 areas where the population is aging rapidly. Communities in 20 other states have started similar programs. In addition to assistance with daily necessities and getting medical attention, private services also help with telemedical care and nursing.

For example, several companies use electronic devices to monitor the blood sugar levels, blood pressure and mobility of elderly clients, sending the data to medical or nursing centers. Other firms provide interstate services or information to make it easier for people who live far away from their elderly parents to arrange for home help, medical rehabilitation or even travel companions.

Such international developments imply that community care requires comprehensive coordination of care, home nursing, food, respite care services and transportation, and maybe even retirement funds and health insurance.

It is crucial that the government continues to strengthen and supervise elderly care methods and education. It must also promote more civic participation and the participation by the domestic work force in order to improve employment and the quality of care services.

Making use of Taiwan's technological advantages and developing innovative strategies and products will not only help provide for an aging society domestically, but also help create a niche in the global elder-care industry.

A good example of innovative design for this field are the sports shoes with microchips developed and sold in the US. The chips help track the wearers' location through a global positioning system -- something that could prove invaluable for elderly people with Alzheimer's or dementia.

A real improvement of Taiwan's "anti-aging competitiveness" therefore requires the implementation of care plans, a comprehensive promotion of care services and the development of mainstream business opportunities.

Wu Ying-hui is a board member of Taiwan Alzheimer's Disease Association.

Translated by Lin Ya-ti and Perry Svensson
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