3 Intriguing Ways To Improve The Lives Of Older Adults

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While researching topics for my blog, I’ve come across several fascinating programs meant to improve the lives of older adults. All come from other countries. Today I’ll share three of them with you.

Fureai Kippu

In 1995, Japan came out with a program called Fureai Kippu. Loosely translated, this means “caring relationship ticket”.

The system allows people to earn credits by helping elders in their community. Services involve an enormous variety of tasks, including grocery shopping, accompanying an elder to an appointment, or food preparation in the home.

One credit usually equals one hour of time. People can use the credits in a variety of ways, including:

• Elders help other elders and use the credits for themselves.
• Family members earn credits and transfer them to relatives living in another area.
• Individuals save credits until they need help in the future.

A government agency administers the program in conjunction with nonprofit organizations. While money rarely exchanges hands, there may be a small fee to help cover administrative costs.

The extra services provided by Fureai Kippu volunteers result in a better quality of life for Japanese elders. It also allows them to remain independent in their homes for a longer time.

Many elders say they prefer Fureai Kippu over paying cash for services. That’s because it feels more like a personal relationship than a business transaction.

Minister of Loneliness

Back in 2018, the U.K. took steps to address a significant problem in their country: loneliness. (I think we can agree this is a problem in the United States, too!) They began by appointing a minister of loneliness.

I was impressed to learn about the wide variety of programs supported through this initiative. While benefiting people of all ages, these are just a few of the many programs designed to help address loneliness among older adults:

1.  Providing public campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding loneliness.

2.  Encouraging medical providers to prescribe social activities as an alternative or complement to medications.

3.  Offering additional funding to organizations that serve older adults by:

• Improving transportation for shopping, attending community events, or accessing services.
• Providing support for people experiencing bereavement.
• Expanding intergenerational programs between schools and care homes.
• Providing specialized programs for people living with dementia and their care providers.
• Offering a loneliness phone helpline.
• Providing support services for young people caring for older family members.

Do you think the United States could use a minister of loneliness, too? Let me know in the comment section!

Dementia Care In Thailand

If your parent experienced dementia, would you send them to live in a nursing home thousands of miles away in another country? This choice is becoming increasingly common among families in the UK and the US. Reasons given include:

• Thai culture demands a high level of respect for elders.
• Thailand boasts a reputation for high-quality medical care.
• The staff-to-resident ratio is significantly lower in Thailand.
• Thailand offers a comfortable climate and a beautiful landscape.
• The cost of care is considerably lower in Thailand.

Of course, critics say this amounts to abandoning a parent. Children aren’t there to visit their loved one or to check on the care being provided.

However, family members say they travel to visit whenever possible and also keep in touch through virtual visits and phone calls. They feel the higher quality of care is worth the sacrifices.

I know my readers come from a variety of countries. If you have experience with any of these programs, I would love to see your thoughts in the comment section!