Medical advances have caused life expectancy to rise to levels that would once have been unimaginable. This is obviously good but it also presents a whole new set of societal challenges. As The National reported yesterday, the changing nature of family relationships has meant that some of our elderly have fallen prey to abusive caregivers.
The Federal National Council is due to discuss the issue today and Mohammed bin Ham, an FNC member representing Abu Dhabi, is expected to cite the case of an elderly Emirati man from Dibba. He was exploited by an unscrupulous housemaid. It is a shocking story but unfortunately could be fairly common one. It could also be emblematic of a much wider problem. There are just under a hundred reported cases of elderly Emiratis living alone who are financially exploitated by their carers. It is likely there are many other cases that go unreported.
In the past, the elderly would have been cared for by members of their family. But the rituals of modern life have changed that, such as when members of a family living in the northern Emirates commute to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for work. In such cases, families opt for alternative ways to care for their elderly relatives, and this may include employing carers, some of whom may turn out to be abusive. While the vast majority of paid helpers perform their duties with skill, care and empathy, there will always be some who do not.
This is an important issue and will become increasingly relevant as the population ages, making it worthy of the FNC’s attention and that of the Cabinet. Fortunately, efforts to deal with the situation have already begun. There is a nationwide plan to give the elderly health services and benefits including a steady income. However, as Dr bin Ham notes, it has not yet been implemented.
It goes without saying that the elderly deserve dignity, respect and comfort in the sunset of their lives. Many of the people who are in their seventies or eighties today grew up at a time when life was much more difficult. They helped build this country, turning it into the stable and prosperous society that benefits us all today. They have the right to a life of dignity.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
US tops drug cost charts
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.
In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.
Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol.
The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.
High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.
MATCH INFO
Europa League final
Who: Marseille v Atletico Madrid
Where: Parc OL, Lyon, France
When: Wednesday, 10.45pm kick off (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
More coverage from the Future Forum
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
