78 Comments

Very telling article! It is pertinent in very state! Definitely food for thought and action!!

Expand full comment

Roseann what are your thoughts on the actions that should take place?

Expand full comment

This is all so important. I've seen reports on other countries who help subsidize adding on to a families home so that aging parents can live with them or helping to pay to move parents closer to their children. I live two hours north of my parents and the traveling since my step-father has been diagnosed has been brutal. Their GP just dropped their insurance as of June (JUNE! months before the open enrollment!) So much to address with our aging population.

Expand full comment

Barbara What countries offer subsidized home health for the elderly? What are the requirements and how is it funded?

Expand full comment

Watch the Blue Zones on Netflix. That will answer the questions regarding the housing support and relocation. Singapore was one of them.

Expand full comment

Thanks, something new to watch late night tv was getting old

Expand full comment

Really good series. Some nice ideas from out west in the US also.

Expand full comment

I know my grandmother in Germany, who lived to be over 100, had home health care for years that came in and shopped, made meals, cleaned, helped her bathe and dress. And when she needed more help than that, she was able to move into a nursing home where she reigned as queen for a few more years. All of this was paid for by Germany’s health insurance which covers everyone. No one had to sell off their assets or go into debt, or otherwise wonder how they were going to manage paying for it. If I remember right, I believe my aunt told me the home aides were conscientious objectors who did not want to do military service, so they were required to do social service things like this instead. Of course, conservatives would scream “That’s socialism!” I say, if that’s socialism, can I have some too, please?

Expand full comment

Tanya scroll down to History in the following link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_Germany#1883%E2%80%931970

Given the situation you describe I don’t see a conservative even whispering “That’s socialism”. I see a conservative more likely to say. If you are collecting government benefits instead of setting at home watching tv if physical able there is trash to clean from the roads. Nope can’t do that in the US, that’s forced labor. That is what you described they did not want to join the military were they were required to do social service, forced labor.

Expand full comment

After reading most (not all, I have dishes to do!) of the linked article, The German system seems to have a lot in common with the “Medicare for all,” or the “public option” which was what President Obama campaigned and won on, twice, which was fought tooth and nail by conservatives who were, indeed, raising the specter of socialism to frighten people away from it. I remember the TV ads vividly. We ended up with the watered down version called Obamacare, which is, I suppose, better than the nothing we had previously.

Germany had a draft at that time, when my grandmother was using the home aide services. Military service, or some equivalent, was compulsory. I suppose you could call it forced labor, or to make the medicine go down easier, you could call it required public service. And I have absolutely no problem with requiring people to do some public service in return for getting public help, as long as it can be tailored to a person’s abilities and circumstances.

Expand full comment

Barara, Live to 100 secrets of the Blue Zone is an interesting series so far, In Okinawa its family, friends along with self-reliance that appears to be the key, to living a long and productive life. In Sardinia there was no nursing home care for the elderly, which was provided by friends and family. Government help was not mentioned. In Loida Medina it appears to be religion and diet the key to a long and productive life.

To me it appears to be a lack of processed foods along with continuous physical activity coupled with a positive spiritual outlook that leads to long life productive life. Somehow, I don’t see how government fits into the equation, unless it’s to warehouse the old people no one wants in nursing.

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, sort of seems to go against the grain of our times. Today it's more like I have a need, the government must help me.

Expand full comment

We are the government.

Expand full comment

I did a quick look-up: Japan has universal health care coverage, and every person is required to have health insurance, either private through an employer, or through the national insurance program. Coverage cannot be denied, and fees are strictly controlled by the government. There are varying copays depending on income, and a monthly threshold beyond which the government covers all costs. Long term health insurance for seniors has a a 10% copay, with an emphasis on trying to keep seniors healthy as long as possible because the demographics of Japan skew heavily towards old age.

Italy has universal government run healthcare. Doctor visits, surgery and hospitalization are free for everyone, with minor copays for specialists and private insurance available for the things the government doesn’t cover, or for those willing to pay for extras. Actual nursing home home care seemed to be a bit more difficult to obtain, with long wait lists, etc, but home health care for seniors is free from the national health service, and can range from offering a little basic help up to fairly complex diagnostics and treatments.

I assume the third place you mentioned was meant to be Loma Linda, the 7th day Adventist town in California. (Loida Medina is a resident there.) Their healthy lifestyle may make long term care not a huge issue for them as a group, but if one of them does end up needing it, they will have to cross their fingers and hope for the best just like the rest of us.

I agree we as a nation do not have the traditions of healthy living and family support other places do, but even in Okinawa and Sardinia, if one’s health fails and one’s family can’t or won’t help out, the government is most definitely there fitting into the equation, by ensuring regular healthcare and long term care is affordable, available, and accessible to all. I’m sure there are folks who bemoan the government spending necessary to provide these things, and I imagine they each have their share of problems and issues, but generally speaking, I think if you’re going to have a government at all, then taking care of its citizens should be one of its highest priorities.

Expand full comment

Kudos to Connie Bosse for the courage and spunk to bring aging and, ultimately, death out of the closet. Just yesterday morning I had a long conversation with a good friend who is also active and passionate about planning for the inevitable. We plan for so much in our lives but are reluctant to face aging and dying. Aging in place requires careful planning, a community of helpers and an understanding of how to honor the wishes of those in their final days, months or years. Let's not forget the physical and mental health of the caregivers too. Like children, it takes a village. Yes, contact your representatives. Someday Kathy Hochul will get it. If she's lucky she'll live a long, healthy life. But she may not.

Expand full comment

Interesting juxtaposition of two items:

One. the realities of being older - “Ageism is as real as it gets,” Preve said pointing out that there are 5 million New Yorkers over the age of 60, yet less than one percent of the state budget is dedicated to helping them.

And two, the concern among some over the age of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two likely presidential candidates this year.

Sometimes we older folk just can’t catch a break these days….

Expand full comment

on Climate: the sun is not the problem. The sun's rays have not changed. It's a CO2 problem, an accumulation of the concentration of CO2 because of the burning of fossil fuels since the industrial age. Even if we consider a ridiculous parasol, and then still keep burning fossil fuels, the CO2 will just build up under the parasol and the planet will continue to heat, the oceans will continue to absorb CO2 and heat. The parasol a ridiculous expensive red herring to the climate problem.

Expand full comment

Yesterday was Ronald Reagans birthday & Ms. Stefanik had a tweet honoring that fact. My reply to her via twitter is as follows: "Just a few "FACTS" about our "greatest" POTUS steffie. During his tenure the national debt increased by 186%. Much of that is attributable to 2 major things, his arms race with the USSR & his tax cuts. Like all GOP generated tax cuts they generally favor the rich & corporations. You steffie have a large constituency of elder retired workers like myself. In order to pay for these costly endeavors, He initiated an income tax on Social Security benefits, that is still in effect to this day."

Perhaps a change is in order?

Expand full comment

As a young man I remember the Reagan tax cut put about $1.25 in my paycheck. I was able to buy one extra beer on Friday night. We also tend to forget Reagan was the guy touting “Stars War” defense systems. Glad we didn’t go there.

Expand full comment

.LOVED this! Keep writing!!!

Expand full comment

I so resent paying income tax on our social security! Especially when reminded of all those rich people/corporate tax breaks!

Expand full comment

This is a serious problem and I am glad you covered it. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Trying to help my mom stay in her home and get to appointments etc forced me into taking early retirement... which I was not ready for.

It's a daunting task to navigate these systems and as stated, they are so understaffed.

This problem is only going to get worse.

I never want to have my children worry about any of this . But I also never want to be in a nursing home. I'd prefer death over being institutionalized.

As I don't have a partner I presume I'll deal with all of this myself. Overwhelming.

Expand full comment

I believe my wife has told me the same thing. I’m of the same belief.

Expand full comment

Keep in mind politicians only care about two things: Get elected, Get reelected. Nothing else matters. Not you, not me. And definitely not the elder part of the population.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Ken, for all the statistical facts i did not know...but I do know the very hard work and the very low wage of health care workers (and the shortages because of that), and i did know that hospitals are only partially reimbursed by medicare and needed more, not less, money from NYS. (i had been at a climate rally in Albany and across the road there were many thousands of hospital workers rallying to get Hochul to provide more money for themselves and for the hospitals. Obviously she didn't listen.

I think" medicare for all" is the larger and the best solution...but i don't think that is considered...by all those who make money from the system. . And i think having a way for people to live at home. And, also, on a whole other note, passing a "compassionate choice" bill in our state, which gives people choices in terms of their living and dying, something NYS has not passed.

On another note, as someone who delivers meals on wheels and has many friends who are "friendly visitors" and drivers who volunteer--all of us in our 70's and 80's--there are many many volunteers who are doing good work. And our county and city actually provide many services--food, coupons for farmers' markets, low rent housing, subsidies....and hospice is really wonderful. ``````````````````````````

Thanks, Ken

Expand full comment

I only touched the tip of the iceberg here. There was a whole hour devoted to the decimation and skill set of health care workers and how underpaid they are. That is a another column.

Expand full comment

Great post as usual!

Expand full comment

the giant umbrella, carbon capturing...are the technical "solutions" supported by the fossil fuel industry. There are real ways of protecting and preserving our earth: greatly lower fossil fuel emissions, no new drilling; recycle; limit plastic;, practice `regenerative agriculture protecting soil; support green energies (solar, `wind); find ways of "mining" the rare minerals that are necessary without destroying whole environments; protect areas where poor people live, areas that are usually the dumping grounds for toxic air and water (climate justice); save the amazon from deforestation; eat less or no meat; preserve wetlands, regulate toxic pollution of air and water; create gardens and biodiverse environments for pollinators,...the list goes on....consumer less, choose wisely, support those who do good work in our world

Expand full comment

My response to the giant parasol ideas was: “What if they screw that up and block too much of the sun? Another ice age?”

Expand full comment

Bernice, you have a long list of wants which one is at the top? You tell me why it will work and I'll tell you why it will not. Or I might just agree in part or maybe not.

Expand full comment

How does it seem to work so well in most of Europe?

Expand full comment

I don't know, does it? What works so well in Europe? Pick the one at the top of your list and show it,

Expand full comment

No, it is your research to support your postion. I

Expand full comment

At the end of the first paragraph from the link you supplied “In order to decide whether or not those types of systems would be suitable for America (a debate we will not delve into here), we first have to understand how healthcare in Europe works.”

Expand full comment

I have a Black Lives Matter lawn sign in front of my house. My skin prickles with annoyance when I hear "all lives matter." Even so, I have to admit that as I read your column, Ken, my mind kept wandering to daycare issues. Parents of young children are choosing crippling credit card debt to cover daily expenses. And, just like home health aides for seniors, daycare workers are alarmingly underpaid. It begs the question, where is all the money going? I can think of no more important task than caring for our elders and our children.

Expand full comment

Bridget why do you become annoyed when someone says "all lives matter."? What does BLM do with the money they collect?

Expand full comment

The BLM movement was started in response to the killing of unarmed Black people at the hands of police officers. Saying "all lives matter" is an attempt to draw attention away from this terrible part of American life and change the conversation.

As you may know, there is no one Black Lives Matter organization. It is the slogan of a movement. So you'd have to be more specific about which organization with regards to their use of their funds.

I bought my BLM sign from Standing Up for Racial Justice, SURJ. You can read about them on their website: https://surj.org/

Expand full comment

Yup. That's one of the BLM groups. It's a movement. There are many groups who use the slogan.

Expand full comment

If there are many groups making money of the movement, where does the money go?

Expand full comment

Probably to legal and legislative advocacy.

Expand full comment

If only instead of “Black Lives Matter” as a slogan, they had picked “Black Lives Matter Too.” It would have put paid to all the ridiculous squabbling over black vs all!

Expand full comment

I dunno. Seems like a lot of people are really triggered by the phrase Black Lives Matter. It makes people uncomfortable. Maybe Google a few essays written by Black writers that will help you understand it’s importance.

Expand full comment

I spoke with someone once who was triggered like that. I asked why does it bother you so, and she was very vehement that ALL lives matter, not JUST Black lives. I was unable to convince her that the phrase does not mean ONLY Black lives matter. That’s why I think adding the “too” would have cleared up some confusion. Or at least not made it easy to misunderstand it accidentally on purpose!

Expand full comment

I doubt that would really make a difference to those triggered by “Black lives matter”.

Expand full comment

You may be right, but if the too was there, they couldn’t pretend they were being more inclusive by saying “all.”

Well, they could still pretend it I guess, but the hypocrisy would be undeniable!

Expand full comment

For a “progressive” state, NY is so far behind the curve on many social issues. Housing, health care, mental health, aging.

Expand full comment

Gee AL, still going with the one liner. Can you define the curve that NY is behind?

Expand full comment

Classic line, kudos to Rodney

Expand full comment

I believe that was Henny…

Expand full comment

We're both right, Henny used it originally, Rodney plagiarized it using it frequently.

Expand full comment

Al first you did not answer the question. You pick a couple of articles that you used to, I guess to prove your point. Thus, your reference to “cherry pick “ as to the “but still accurate” nope don’t think so. In one article New York is in the top 10 in the other in the bottom 20

In the article “The Worst (And Best) States For Healthcare, Ranked” using the map New York ranks 40 out of 50 the higher the ranking the better the Healthcare.

In the article “US News releases 2023 state rankings: Where does NY fall?” “Out of the 50 states, U.S. News ranked New York 20th.”

Expand full comment

Temper your expectations. This is a Substack comment section.

There’s lots of research out there on the subject. I’m sure you can’t find what you need.

NY has lost the most residents of any state the last number of years, the vast majority to neighboring states…housing costs the primary reason, but also cost of living and ineffective government.

Expand full comment

Al, you go from healthcare which kens article relates to. Now to housing and the cost of living as the main reason why people are leaving New York State. Based on a government that fails to produce the desired effect and still you fail to answer the question.

In case you have forgotten “Can you define the curve that NY is behind?” I did, I had to go do a Cut and Past

Expand full comment

Thank you Ken Tingley for attending and reporting on our AAUW - Adirondack Branch workshop last Friday. Senior citizens are a HUGE unappreciated resource in NYS. Our workshop brought together dozens of agencies/organizations that are incredibly critical and valuable to this community, as are seniors throughout the North Country. BTW, I'm happy to post or send the slides & materials to those who may be interested but could not attend. The attendance of ~140 individuals was amazing!

Expand full comment

Great work Lee. Kudos to you, Linda, Connie and Ken for writing and caring about this important issue!!!

Expand full comment

'Win-win': Bill to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits reintroduced — it would also extend the program's shelf life by 20 years. Here's what you need to know

Just sent steffie the following message using language she uses plus the link to article.

I demand that you co-sponsor the “You Earned It, You Keep It Act,” Signed Seniors in NY21

Expand full comment

LOVE this! Keep writing!

Expand full comment

Wonderful, informative program making the audience realize that the elderly up here are getting very shortchanged, considering the number for of Senior Citizens and the very real low budget we get for All our money. Hope people act on this and spread the word. Hope the lobbying is very successful. I’ve lobbied for this issue myself.

Expand full comment