Healthcare Notes

Aging and Work: A View from the United States
The United States has one of the highest labor force participation rates for people aged 65 and older in the developed world, surpassed in 1999-2000 only by Japan, Iceland and Portugal. In an AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) Public Policy Institute Issue Paper, Sara Rix explores trends in the employment and retirement of older Americans over the past 50 years, including:

• Where and under what circumstances older persons in the United States are employed.
• Predictions on what the future may hold for older workers.
• Identification of policies and programs that may encourage labor force attachment at later ages.

The report focuses on paid employment.

To download the report, go to aarp.org.

ADA Releases Resource on Mastering Diabetes
More than a list of do's and don'ts, Mastering Your Diabetes (Before Diabetes Masters You) by Janette Kirkham, RN, CDE, EMT, is a compilation of real-life insights that ease the complexities of diabetes. The book covers everything from emotions and medications to exercise and illness. The author answers such questions as:

• How do I handle food cravings?
• Can I eat candy to raise my blood sugar quickly?
• When I am ill, how do I know when to call my doctor?

For information on ordering this book, visit the American Diabetes Association's online store at http://store.diabetes.org. This Web site also features books, exchange lists and meal planning programs, and self-care guides that may be good recommendations for employees who are trying to manage this disease.