Global graying leads to social strains

A HelpAge volunteer assists an elderly Ghanaian

November 22, 1999
Web posted at: 11:54 p.m. EST (0454 GMT)

In this story: Turks seek help, answers in wake of quake Golden Triangle source of Canadian drug worries Woodstock revisited... Polish style Enjoying new brews in China, Zambia RELATED STORIES, SITES

By Kevin Grieves
CNN World Report

Their numbers are burgeoning worldwide, yet older people are often finding themselves marginalized by society and by their own families. The crunch of the older generation is being felt most acutely in developing countries: The most rapid increase in the number of elderly people is occurring in places such as Asia and Africa. The United Nations estimates that by the year 2030, one third of all people living in member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development will be older than 60.

The developing world, in particular, is struggling to provide the social support necessary for the growing numbers of senior citizens. The United Nations is calling attention to this predicament by designating 1999 as the "International Year of Older Persons." The U.N. is calling for governments and societies to respond with action in a number of areas of concern to the elderly: Health and nutrition, protection of elderly consumers, housing and environment, family, social welfare, income security and employment, and education.

Two CNN World Report contributors examined the plight of elderly people in their countries, especially as traditional family support for elders is eroding.

Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) explained that life expectancy has increased for Ghanaians, leading to increased numbers of the elderly, but many families are no longer able to provide support for them. This is due to the socio- economic changes that have altered the traditional family structure. GBC's report looked at the efforts by an organization called HelpAge to step in and care for senior citizens in Ghana. HelpAge feeds and gives medical care to older people and provides them companionship.

But GBC reporter Nana Yaw Duodu concluded that governments and organizations such as HelpAge are becoming overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of needy elderly and the absence of familial support. "Loneliness in old age can result in misery for the Ghanaian; therefore companionship, care and support from children and the extended family constitute a priceless gift to any old person," says Duodu.

The Philippines' ABS-CBN drew attention to the plight of the older generation in that country. Reporter Cathy Yang introduced viewers to some residents of a home for the aged in Manila. A relatively high proportion of elderly Filipinos live apart from their families, and now the government of the Philippines is considering new legislation that would secure state support for the elderly and allow older people to claim financial support from their children.

But Filipinos also recognize that government assistance will most likely not solve all the problems facing the elderly population, and that strong family ties are precious. Elizabeth Buenaluz told Yang why she is committed to helping her elderly parents: "I want to see them through old age. I want to be there for them, just as they have been for me."

Istanbul residents survey destruction from Tuesday's earthquake

They were there for their fellow Turks: Neighbors and bystanders helped rescue people trapped in the rubble of buildings after Turkey's recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The 45 seconds of terror left thousands dead and thousands more missing, and large segments of the population in the damaged cities were left homeless. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit described the earthquake as "... one of the worst in human history and the heaviest in Turkish history."

The disaster prompted an international response, with a number of countries sending aid and rescue teams. Turkish officials, meanwhile, got an earful from citizens who complained of inadequate help from the government following the quake.

NTV of Turkey covered the aftermath of the earthquake for CNN World Report with stunning pictures of the devastation. Reporter Fatih Turkmenoglu told viewers that authorities in Istanbul and other cities were unprepared for the scope of the disaster. He cited signs of poor construction of many newer buildings and a lack of fire escapes as factors in the high death toll.

Golden Triangle source of Canadian drug worries

It's a scenic region with a romantic image that draws travelers from all over the world. But the so-called Golden Triangle has a darker side: The region is an international focal point of drug smuggling. The area around the common borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has become a haven to both smugglers and drug users, who arrive in search of opium or its derivative, heroin.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported on the Canadian government's concern about evidence that drugs from the Golden Triangle are making their way as far as Canada. Canadian officials announced their desire to cooperate with the military leaders of Myanmar to stem the flow of drugs to Canada. The CBC's Patrick Brown noted that Myanmar's current efforts to destroy the drug trade may not be all that they seem. "Canada now plans ... to work with the regime, despite suspicions that some Burmese leaders themselves sell more drugs than they burn."

Drumming up a good time at Poland's "Station Woodstock"

Woodstock revisited... Polish style

Drugs, peace signs, and rock 'n' roll... These are the images of a gathering in a farm field of New York state in 1969 that became emblematic of an entire generation. Woodstock became such a legend that people have sought to recreate the experience several times in the years since. Critics accused the most recent attempt by U.S. concert organizers, dubbed "Woodstock 99," of replacing radical idealism with crass commercialization. The spirit of peace and love suffered a further blow when concertgoers set fire to trailers and looted vendor stands.

As Polish Television told CNN World Report viewers, the rocky ending of Woodstock 99 nearly put a damper on "Station Woodstock," a Polish outdoor concert that boasted three days of music and festivities. The event drew some 200,000 young and young-at-heart music fans to a former airfield, a record in the concert's five-year history. Police contended with some minor incidents, but organizers say the event was relatively trouble-free in light of the large crowds.

Enjoying new brews in China, Zambia

Chinese beer drinkers enjoy imported brew

The good times are rolling for beer drinkers in Shanghai, China. Ten years ago, brands from abroad were an expensive rarity. Today, however, Shanghai residents are acquiring a taste for beers from all over the world.

China's Shanghai TV reported on the growing popularity of international beer brands, hailing from Australia to Denmark and places in between. Reporter Zhu Qi explained that overseas breweries are pulling out all the stops, spending large amounts on advertising. Those breweries are also benefiting from the appearance of new pubs and beer gardens in Shanghai.

"Huge barrels, draught beer, several old songs and some friendly beer slingers ... all of these create a kind of 'beer culture,'" says Zhu.

Meanwhile, in the African nation of Zambia, a local brewery's new product is proving a big hit. ZNBC's Henry Ngilazi has more.