According to the World Bank, Oman has seen a dramatic surge from 42.67 years in 1960 to 77.39 years in 2017. Bloomberg
Japan has registered a rise in life expectancy from 67.67 years to 84.10 years in the same time period. Reuters
An ageing population means that Japan’s workforce must adapt. Seniors are everywhere these days, from wrinkled men waving glow sticks at construction sites to retirement-age women repairing clothes at seniors’ work centres. AFP
Japan hopes robots will make up for a shortfall in carers. In this photo, for instance, a resident reads a book during a session with Paro, a robot seal, at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo. Reuters
Robots can do some things well, although the artificial intelligence behind them is a work in progress. Reuters
Noriaki Iwashima looks out of a coffin during an end-of-life seminar held by Japan’s largest retailer Aeon Co in Tokyo. Funeral arrangements are normally left to those who have been left behind but the latest trend in Japan, which literally translates to “End of life” preparations, is for the ageing to prepare their own funerals and graves before they set off on their journey to the great beyond. Reuters
Other Asian societies, such as in China, find ageing to be a challenge. Elderly people take a nap at a day care centre in Shanghai. Nursing homes are not an option for most Chinese. The few nursing homes in China supply only 22 beds for every 1,000 seniors, and most are too expensive for the average family. AP Photo
Owing to the tremendous advancements in science and modern medicine, average life expectancy has increased significantly over the past decades. According to the World Bank, Oman has seen a dramatic surge from 42.67 years in 1960 to 77.39 years in 2017. Similarly, Japan has registered a rise in life expectancy from 67.67 years to 84.10 years in the same time period.
Undoubtedly, this is a remarkable achievement for humanity in the 21st century. We must, however, take into consideration some other facts and figures to understand the full extent of the impact a higher life expectancy may have on society as a whole.
Along with an increase in life expectancy, we are also witnessing a drastic decline in birth rates across the globe. Oman has experienced a drop from 7.25 births per woman in 1960 to 2.92 in 2017, according to the World Bank, and Japan has seen a decline from 2.00 births per woman to 1.43 in the same time period.
The implications of an ageing population include a spike in healthcare costs, rising care-giving expenditure, a decline in the percentage of working individuals and subsequently lower rates of economic growth. In addition, there is a strain on social insurance programmes and pension systems that support the elderly.
Japan is currently the "oldest" country in the world. In 2019, approximately 28 per cent of Japan’s population was over the age of 65, with this demographic group forecasted to account for 40 per cent of the country’s population by 2060. However, the government and private sector have been working relentlessly for several decades now to overcome the effects this ageing population has on the economy.
In the year 2000, the Japanese government rolled out Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI), a public programme that supports senior citizens aged 65 and above. The scheme is funded through charging a premium from citizens that are 40 years and above, who contribute a percentage that is determined by their income. LTCI provides senior citizens a range of benefits including institutional, home and community-based services that are delivered through a care manager.
Citizens registered with the programme can access services through care managers or service providers for a small co-payment fee. Municipalities are responsible for running the programmes in their respective districts, and engage with providers from both public and private sectors in doing so. At the same time, the federal government is in charge of stipulating the fees levied to ensure fair charges.
Of course, this system is not perfect and brings forth a series of challenges such as long waiting lists and a shortfall in the number of workers in the healthcare industry. However, it has taken the country forward in the right direction and continues to successfully deliver a myriad essential resources to elderly members of the community.
In addition, the government has also incentivised women, who either chose not to enter the workforce, or took breaks from their professional lives, to re-enter the workforce and contribute towards economic progress.
Organisations in the private sector have also offered opportunities to this ageing population and created suitable roles to integrate them into workplaces. For example, Lawson Inc, a convenience store chain in Tokyo has created a hybrid store that it has branded a "seniors’ salon". A section of the store is fitted out with a blood pressure monitor, and a team of social workers to support the elderly, and also to distribute leaflets and information on relevant healthcare services. The store also features a dedicated section of specialist products targeting the needs of senior citizens.
Furthermore, Lawson has also increased the maximum age limit for its franchisees and is offering part-time jobs for senior citizens, who can work limited hours as their health permits.
Given the decline in global birth rates and the advancements in health care, ageing populations are a concern for most nations. While Japan has set some excellent benchmarks for the rest of the world, the GCC region would do well to look inwards and see how we can utilise our individual strengths and provide creative solutions to reduce the strain of an ageing population on our regional economies.
Engaging senior citizens in roles tailored to their capabilities can add a new stream of talent for any organisation
Formal government programmes such as LTCI are undoubtedly very effective in delivering essential services and support to seniors. However, I believe the private sector has a wealth of opportunities that can be explored.
Engaging senior citizens in roles tailored to their capabilities can add a new stream of talent for any organisation. Products and services can be customised to suit the needs of the elderly, and designed to empower them to become active contributors to society.
Ageing populations are a pressing issue and we must follow Japan’s example and plan ahead for the upcoming decades. With the right resources and a clear blueprint, we will be able to care for our citizens across all ages while also maintaining steady economic growth.
Mohammed Alardhi is executive chairman of Investcorp and chairman of Bank Sohar, and was the longest-serving Omani head of the Royal Air Force of Oman
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
MATCH INFO
Tottenham Hotspur 1
Kane (50')
Newcastle United 0
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
UAE players with central contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Rameez Shahzad, Shaiman Anwar, Adnan Mufti, Mohammed Usman, Ghulam Shabbir, Ahmed Raza, Qadeer Ahmed, Amir Hayat, Mohammed Naveed and Imran Haider.
Ads on social media can 'normalise' drugs
A UK report on youth social media habits commissioned by advocacy group Volteface found a quarter of young people were exposed to illegal drug dealers on social media.
The poll of 2,006 people aged 16-24 assessed their exposure to drug dealers online in a nationally representative survey.
Of those admitting to seeing drugs for sale online, 56 per cent saw them advertised on Snapchat, 55 per cent on Instagram and 47 per cent on Facebook.
Cannabis was the drug most pushed by online dealers, with 63 per cent of survey respondents claiming to have seen adverts on social media for the drug, followed by cocaine (26 per cent) and MDMA/ecstasy, with 24 per cent of people.
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
