1. THEME

Population Ageing and Appropriate Measures for the Aged

2. BACKGROUND

World Population is growing rapidly, but it is ageing even more rapidly. In the last half century the world population more than doubled, from 2.5 to 6.7 billion. This figure is likely to increase by 2.5 billion over the next 42 years, reaching 9.2 billion in 2050. Over that time, half of the increase in the world population will be accounted for by a rise in the population aged 60 years or over, whose numbers will almost triple to reach over one billion.

This accelerated ageing process is even more dramatic in Asia. In the last half century, Asia’s total population almost tripled, rising from 1.4 to 3.7 billion. Those 65 and over, however, grew in number by almost four times, from 57 to 217 million. The future will see even greater ageing. The total Asian population may grow from 3.7 to 6.4 billion from 2000 to 2050. In the same period, those 60 and over may grow to over 1.2 billion, increasing by around 4 times, and those aged 80 and over will grow in number to over 225 million.

More concretely speaking, the aging trend of the countries where the AUICK Associate Cities are located needs immediate and serious attention. While most of them had only 4 or 5 percent of their population over the age of 60 (retirement age in the majority) in 1965-70, the proportion of the aged in general had increased significantly by 2005, especially in those countries which have achieved the replacement level, and more notably in China and Thailand. However, by 2025, the proportion of the aged (60+) is going to range from about 9 per cent to 21.5 per cent.

Population ageing has a great impact on society and economy. It brings a shrinking of the work force, an increasing social-security burden, and major changes in family structure and health service systems. As women represent the larger number and proportion of older people in almost all societies, the issue also has important gender implications. On the other hand, the positive aspect of ageing is that the elders have more time and longer life to contribute to society with their rich experience of life, as well as technical skills and knowledge.

Recent rapid urbanization in developing countries will also witness an increasing proportion of the older population in urban areas. This will challenge the capacity of national and local governments. Although urban areas potentially offer better health care and information access, urbanization tends to erode traditional socio-cultural norms and community/family networks. The ageing need not only economic security and access to good transportation, but also strong community-based support systems.

The UNFPA, one of AUICK’s sponsors, has developed Policy Guidelines on Ageing to provide measures which can effectively respond to the needs, expectations and rights of older persons. They include the following:

• Focus on the older poor, in development and poverty-reduction strategies;

• Examine the economic, social and cultural implications of population and demographic changes, and how they relate to development concerns;

• Promote the implementation of adequate policies and programs for active ageing, including life-long education and training, and the full participation of older persons in community life;

• Recognize and support the care-giving services provided by grandparents, especially women, to grandchildren orphaned by AIDS;

• Eliminate discrimination; financial, psychological and physical abuse; and other crimes against older persons, especially women, including intergenerational violence;

• Promote intergenerational solidarity with the goal of maintaining and improving social cohesion;

The right and appropriate approaches are needed in order to maximize the development benefits of urbanization for older persons while minimizing its negative impacts.

3. AIMS

The aim of this workshop is to increase the capacities of senior officials of AUICK Associate Cities (AACs) who are in charge of policies and programs for the aged. In view of the UNFPA Policy Guidelines on Ageing, the Workshop is designed to improve participants’ knowledge about the urban policy implications of population ageing. It aims to increase the participants’ understanding and know-how of administrative measures for the aged through presentations by Kobe City and AAC officials, as well as best practice case studies and site visits related to the theme. Special emphasis will be placed on the active participation of the aged in society, and self-reliance oriented NGO activities. At the end of the Workshop, the participants are expected to develop a concrete action plan for appropriate administrative measures for the aged in their respective cities, to be implemented upon their return.

The Workshop is also designed to stimulate the exchange of information and experience among the participants themselves. Therefore, they are expected to participate actively (in English) in discussions and presentations throughout the workshop period. They should be able to adequately use computer software, such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, since they are expected to prepare and present their action plans during the course of the Workshop.  Please note that participants who attended the Second 2006 Workshop on Population Ageing and Appropriate Measures for the Aged should not attend the Second 2008 Workshop, and the Action Plans developed at the two workshops should be independently implemented.

The workshop is designed to stimulate the exchange of information and experience among the participants themselves. Therefore, they are expected to participate actively (in English) in discussions and presentations during the workshop period.

4. INVITED CITIES

AUICK Associate Cities (one person from each city):
Chittagong (Bangladesh), Weihai (China), Chennai (India), Surabaya (Indonesia), Kuantan (Malaysia), Faisalabad (Pakistan), Olongapo (Philippines), Khon Kaen (Thailand), Danang (Vietnam)

5. LANGUAGE

English (Interpretation will be provided for lectures given in Japanese.)

6. PERIOD

Sunday 26 October – Monday 3 November 2008 (9 days)

7. SCHEDULE/PROGRAM

See APPENDIX A

8. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

8.1. Qualification of Applicant

1. The applicant should be officially nominated by the mayor or the senior-most administrator(hereafter "nominator") of the city to which the applicant belongs.
2. The applicant should be a senior or middle-level city official who has authority to plan and implement policies and programs directed at the aged, such as Director or Deputy Director of the relevant department.
3. The applicant is required to have university level education and work experience as a city official for at least 7 years.
4. The applicant is required to be willing and able to remain in the position of city official in the relevant field in the city for at least 5 years.
5. The applicant should have a sufficient command of both spoken and written English, as the workshop is conducted in English. The workshop is to a great extent based on discussions rather than lectures. The applicant is also expected to make at least two oral presentations.
   

   Note: In case of English ability  being the only problem in the nomination of a qualified official, please consult  us ahead of time.

6. The applicant should be physically and mentally fit to participate in all aspects of the workshop. Regrettably, pregnant women will not be accepted, as the workshop program contains some site visits that demand physical exertion inappropriate for pregnant women.
7. Word processing skill is a requisite, since the applicant is expected to develop an action plan with a computer during the workshop. The applicant is also expected to prepare his/her action plan using PowerPoint.

8.2. Participant Nomination

The Nominator is requested to nominate a qualified city official and submit the following necessary documents to AUCIK by: 5 September 2008. It is suggested that the nomination be done in consultation with the relevant UNFPA country representative.

8.3. Notification of Acceptance

After careful consideration by AUICK with the consultation of the relevant UNFPA Country Office and AUICK International Advisory Committee member, the final decision on the participant selection will be notified to the nominator.

8.4. Procedures for Entry to Japan

In parallel with the notification of acceptance to the nominator, AUICK will send the necessary documents for visa application directly to the nominee. The nominee is requested to immediately apply for an entry visa at the nearest Japanese Consular Office.

9. INVITATIONAL CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPANT

AUICK will provide the participant with the followings. Other expenses must be borne by the participant.

1. Expenses for obtaining a medical certificate and a visa.

   Note: The expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders. The transportation and postage expenses for obtaining visas or medical certificates will not be reimbursed. The expense for obtaining a passport will not be reimbursed.

2. Economy-class round trip airline ticket between the nearest airport to each participant's residence and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan.

   Note: The ticket will be delivered to the participant through the relevant local travel agent. Airport taxes and the other fees will be paid through travel agents. If the participant is required to pay any other tax or fees at departure, the expenses will be reimbursed in Japanese currency during the workshop on condition that the participant requests the reimbursement with the original receipts issued directly from the relevant venders.

3. Travel expenses between KIX and the accommodation in Japan.
4. Accommodation in Japan.
5. Living allowance of JPY 6,200 per day for meals and incidental expenses during the workshop in Japan.
6. Short-term insurance to cover injuries or illness from the time of entry to Japan until departure.

   Note: Preexisting illnesses and dental treatment are not covered by the insurance.

7. Internal transportation for the workshop programs.

10. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTICIPANT

The participant is required to:

1. Abide by Japanese law and regulations during their stay.
2. Follow the regulations and schedule of the workshop prepared by AUICK and the Kobe City Government.
3. Attend the workshop unaccompanied.
4. Depart Japan upon the termination of the workshop.

   Note: The visa issued will not allow the participant to stay in Japan beyond the workshop period.

5. Gather the required data on their cities and submit the report before the specified date.

   Note: Submitted data and report will be integrated into AUICK's web-based database and be open to public.

11. ORGANIZERS

11.1. Asian Urban Information Center of Kobe (AUICK)
         Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication (KIC)

         Kobe International House 20F, 8-1-6, Goko-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0087 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-291-8031
         Fax: +81-78-291-0691
         E-mail: auick@auick.org
         URL: http://www.auick.org

11.2. Kobe City Government (International Affairs, Culture and Tourism Bureau)

         6-5-1, Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8570 JAPAN
         Tel: +81-78-322-5010
         Fax: +81-78-322-2382