13.

Nowadays there are many different means of transport to choose for a long
distancetrip. How do you like to travel? Discuss the reasons why you choose this
kind of transport with your partner.
14.
People get married at different time in their life. What age do you think is the
mostsuitable for a man/ a woman to get married? Exchange your idea with your
partner.
15.
Some students think that a good school teacher has good knowledge and
goodteaching methods. Do you share this idea with them? Talk to your partner
aboutyour thinking.
16.
There are 2 types of jobs: an interesting but low-paid job and a boring but highpaidone. Which type would you choose? Share your choice with your partner.
17.
More and more married couples go out to eat nowadays because they both are
busywith their work. Do you think this is a good thing to do? Share your thinking
withyour partner.
18.
Football has become one of the most popular sports all over the world. It is
alsoconsidered as the King sport. Do you know why it is so? Are there anydisadva
ntages of playing it? Discuss with your partner.
19.
If you could change one important thing about your hometown or community,
whatwould you change? When and how would you change it? Share your ideas
withyour partner.
20.
Choosing a place to shop is sometimes time-consuming. It is not a thing that
manymen like to do. Do you like shopping? If so, where do you like to shop?
Discussyour choice with your partner.

WRITING LEVEL B
1)
Agree or disagree with the following statement Borrowing money from a friendcan
harm or damage the friendship.2)Describe similarities and differences between
traveling by bike and traveling by boat3)Discuss advantages and disadvantages of
teenagers using cell phones.4)Write a proposal to the school managing board
to build a swimming pool insideyour school5)Compare and contrast the two ways of
learning English: learning in groups andlearning alone.
6)
Some people like to do only what they already know well while others try to do
newthings and take risks. How about your choice. Discuss and tell
why?.7)Describe advantages and disadvantages of wearing helmets while traveling
bymotorbike.8)Analyze some possible effects of teenagers playing online games.

9)Describe similarities and differences between writing an English essay andVietna

mese essay.
10)
Agree or disagree with the statement Married people lead a happier life than
thosewho arent.
11)
Agree or disagree with the statement there is nothing that young people can
teacholder people.12)Analyze some possible effects of drug addiction among
young adults in Viet Nam.
13)
Smoking in the public place is good or bad? why?14) Describe advantages and
disadvantages of having a foreign friend.
15)
Answer the question should a gambling casino be built in your city? 16)Describe
the proudest moment that you have ever experienced in your life.17)Discuss the
reasons why teenagers should not use cell-phones at school.18)Describe some
useful things you have learnt about writing in English since youstarted this writing
course.19)Discuss advantages and disadvantages of some young children spending
a greatamount of their time using the internet.20)Answer a question Should

parentless teenagers be given a place to live on their own?21) Describe

advantages and disadvantages of taking public transportation in the city.
22)
Describe similarities and differences between a school teacher and a
universitylecturer.
23)
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of living in a boat-house.24) Propose the
city government leaders to upgrade the drainage system in your city.
25)
Describe similarities and differences between text messaging and
personalconversation.
26)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of a take-home exam.

27)Answer the question, Should parents let teens make their own decision?
28)
Describe similarities and differences between living on campus and living
off campus while students are studying at a university.
29)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of the Internet for teenagers.30)Agree or
disagree with the following statement, High school graduates should takea year off
before entering college?
31)
Describe similarities and differences between online learning and
classroomlearning.
32)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of living in a foreign country.33)Answer the
question, Should video cameras be placed in schools to preventviolence among
students?
34)

Describe similarities and differences between a white-collar worker and a blue-collar

worker.
35)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of living with a messy
roommate.36)Answer the question, Should uniforms be banned in Vietnamese
grade schools?
37)
Describe similarities and differences between a television newscaster and a
schoolteacher.
38)
Describe similarities and differences between cooperative learning and
competitivelearning.
39)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of attending summer courses.
40)
Describe advantages and disadvantages of attending an inner-city school.
41)
Answer the question, Should college students be required to take
physicaleducation courses?42)Answer the question, Should dangerous sports such
as boxing, motor-racing, etc. be banned?
43)
Describe similarities and differences between the place where you live and the
placewhere you would like to live.
44)
Describe disadvantages of taking a part-time job while studying.45) Answer the
question, Should English become the official second language in your country?
SOME SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR FINAL WRITING EXAM - LEVEL B

1/ Are women are better parents than men?2/ Should children should be taught sex
education in schools?3/ Will the Internet will bring people of the world closer
together?4/

Who should take care of our old people?5/ Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries?
Hot ng (1)
Filters

. Which class do you prefer: a co-ed class or a single gender class?

2. Some tips to make a good impression.
3. Which kind of job do you like: a permanent job with low salary or
a temporary job with high salary?
4. Do you like to work alone or with other people?
5. Your attitude about money.
6. Advantages and disadvantages a student may get when he has a
part-time job.
7. Tell about some crimes in your community. Suggest some
solutions to solve these crimes.
8. Why do you/people learn a foreign language? Which factors help
you/them succeed in learning it?
9. In your opinion, people succeed in their work because of their
qualifications or their good relationships?
10. You and your friend are planning to take a trip. Predict some
problems you can face.
11. Why do people tale risks? Have you ever taken risks?
12. If you were a powerful person, tell one thing you liked to change
about the educational problems in your hometown.

13. Stress - What are the possible causes of stress? How can you
reduce it?
14. Nowadays, cross - cultural traveling is very popular. In your
opinion, what would surprise foreign visitors in Viet Nam? What
advide can you give them to avoid culture shock?
15. Tell some qualities to keep a true friendship.
16. What are the qualities that lead to success?
17. Some patients in hospitals have incurable diseases and it's hard
for them to avoid death. In your opinion, should they be kept alive or
should doctors let them die?
18. What are the superstitions in VN? In some foreign countries? Are
you superstitious?
19. Many students like their marriage after graduation but some get
married while in college. Which is encouraged?
20. Discuss some travel tips to avoid the problems in order to have a
good trip.
21. In the future, some students may have the choice of studying at
home by using technological devices or of going to traditional
schools. Which mode of study will you choose?
22. Some people believe the earth is being harmed by human.
Others feel human makes the earth a better place to live. What's
your opinion about this?
23. Some people think that when they have a problem, it's best to
ask their parents for advice. Others think that it is best to ask
friends. Which one do you agree with?

24. Some people say advertising encourages us to buy things we

don't really need. Others say advertising tells us about products that
may improve our life? Which viewpoint do you agree with?
25. Do you like to spend your summer vacation at home with your
family or travel to different places? Which way do you prefer?
26. What will you do when you see a robbery in the street?
27. What factor may result in the breakdown of friendship?
28. What is "a blind date"? Have you ever been in such a situation?
29. Tell about one traffice accident or a natural disaster that you
saw.
30. Who is more responsible for children in the family: the wife or
the husband? Why

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SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS
Healthy lifestyle
You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle, but what does that mean? In general,
a healthy person doesn't smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
The trick to healthy living is making small changes...taking more steps, adding
fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water...these are just a few ways you
can start living healthy without drastic changes.
Exercise

One of the biggest problems in America today is lack of activity. We know it's
good for us but avoid it like the plague either because we're used to being
sedentary or afraid that exercise has to be vigorous to be worth our time. The truth
is, movement is movement and the more you do, the healthier you'll be. Even
moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.
Just adding a little movement to your life can:
Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Improve joint stability
Increase and improve range of movement

 Help maintain flexibility as you age

Maintain bone mass
Prevent osteoporosis and fractures
Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Enhance self esteem
Improve memory in elderly people
Reduce stress
So, even if you opt for small changes and a more modest weight loss, you can see
the benefits are still pretty good. One study has found that just a 10% weight
reduction helped obese patients reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and increase
longevity.
Simple Ways to Move Your Body

You can start the process of weight loss now by adding a little more activity to
your life. If you're not ready for a structured program, start small. Every little bit
counts and it all adds up to burning more calories.
Turn off the TV. Once a week, turn off the TV and do something a little
more physical with your family. Play games, take a walk...almost anything
will be more active than sitting on the couch.
Walk more. Look for small ways to walk more. When you get the mail, take
a walk around the block, take the dog for an extra outing each day or walk
on your treadmill for 5 minutes before getting ready for work.
Do some chores. Shoveling snow, working in the garden, raking leaves,
sweeping the floor...these kinds of activities may not be 'vigorous' exercise,
but they can keep you moving while getting your house in order.
Pace while you talk. When you're on the phone, pace around or even do
some cleaning while gabbing. This is a great way to stay moving while
doing something you enjoy.

 Be aware. Make a list of all the physical activities you do on a typical day.
If you find that the bulk of your time is spent sitting, make another list of all
the ways you could move more--getting up each hour to stretch or walk,
walk the stairs at work, etc.
Eating Well
Eating a healthy diet is another part of the healthy lifestyle. Not only can a clean
diet help with weight management, it can also improve your health and quality of
life as you get older. You can use the new Food Guide Pyramid to determine how
many calories you need and what food groups you should focus on or, if you're
looking for smaller changes, you can use these tips for simple ways to change how
you eat:
Eat more fruit. Add it to your cereal, your salads or even your dinners
Sneak in more veggies. Add them wherever you can--a tomato on your
sandwich, peppers on your pizza, or extra veggies in your pasta sauce. Keep
pre-cut or canned/frozen veggies ready for quick snacks.
Switch your salad dressing. If you eat full-fat dressing, switch to something
lighter and you'll automatically eat less calories.
Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat free yogurt is
another simple way to eat less calories without having to change too much in
your diet.
Make some substitutes. Look through your cabinets or fridge and pick 3
foods you eat every day. Write down the nutritional content and, the next
time you're at the store, find lower-calorie substitutes for just those 3 items.
Find more ideas for healthy foods with this Healthy Foods Grocery List.
Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean drastic changes. In fact, drastic
changes almost always lead to failure. Making small changes in how you live each
day can lead to big rewards, so figure out what you can to be healthy today.

How To Help Reduce Stress At Work

Work can be a stressful place, wherever you earn your living, whether in an office,
a factory, or a school. Some stress is good. It motivates us and makes us stronger.

Too much stress is bad. It makes us irrational and it can, quite literally, kill us.
Fortunately, there are specific things you can do that will help you reduce your
stress at work and better cope with it.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
1. Improve your time management and organization skills.
Of the many things you can to in this area the best ones include getting a to
do list that works, learning to say "no", asking for help when you need it,
and stop setting unrealistic goals for yourself.
2. Relax and breathe deeply.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount or work you have to
do or if someone is "in your face", a good thing to do is to "breathe through
your nose". You can't get as worked up if you force yourself to breathe
through your nose. Your body simply can't maintain the same level of energy
without that extra oxygen you get when breathing through your mouth.
3. Take more breaks from your work.
Even a five-minute break will help. Get away from your desk. Go for a walk
- outside is better, but up two flights of stairs and back down is good too.
Getting more exercise in general will help you reduce your overall stress
levels and that will make it easier to reduce your stress level at work.
4. Lighten up.
Smile more. We all know laughter reduces stress. You will be amazed at how
much more pleasant the people around you are when you make an effort to
be pleasant yourself.
5. Learn to listen better.
Rather than getting upset when others disagree with you, listen actively and
find the areas of agreement. Be assertive and stand up for yourself, but don't
be rigid.
6. Fix your environment.
Make whatever adjustments you need to the lighting, temperature, noise
level, and other controllable factors in your office.
7. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Realize that there are some things that just aren't worth worrying about and

there are some things you just can't change. Don't waste time stressing over
the things in either category.
8. Get more sleep.
This is another of the things you can do to reduce your overall stress that
will have benefits at the office as well. In addition to reducing your stress, it
will increase your energy level and your ability to concentrate.
9. Find a mentor
If not a mentor, a friend will do. Having someone to talk to can take a lot of
stress off you.
10.Spend more time with optimistic people.
Negative people will pull you down to their level. Choose to work with
people who have a positive attitude instead.

How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Boss

A good relationship with your boss can make all the difference to how you feel
about your job. A supportive, approachable boss is able to get the best out of their
team you feel like you can talk to them about a problem you have, ask for a
morning off to go to a school play or that they will listen to your reasons for
wanting a pay rise at your annual review.
An egotistical, judge mental boss is quite the opposite they make you feel as
though your personal life is of no importance, you should be grateful for the job
and that you do not deserve for your career to progress. Of course, there are plenty
of bosses in between.
Lets look at some different ways to build a good relationship with your boss and
how to maintain it without looking like teachers pet.
Work Hard
OK, this may seem like a simple one but it is very rare that the worst performer
in a team gets on well with the boss, or certainly not for long.
Arrive on Time

 again, this is pretty obvious, but dont forget that however well you perform in
your job, if you are late all the time, or even some of the time, you wont be taken
seriously.
Have Good Ideas
in meetings, whether it be about the Christmas party or a new marketing strategy,
make sure you have something to say. Meetings are not just a break from your desk
and a chance to have free sandwiches.
Dont Gossip
if your boss considers you to be one of the team that spends more time hanging
around the water cooler than actually working, they are unlikely to be your biggest
fan.
Be Prepared
if you attend a client visit or presentation with your boss, make sure you have
your laptop loaded with a copy of the presentation, have back ups printed and have
the clients phone number in your mobile in case of hold ups.
Dress Like You Mean Business
this does not mean wear a full-on power suit if you work in a primary school, but
at least dress suitably to your role. It is too easy to get complacent and not iron
your top or letting your suit jacket get a bit too eau de pub.
Take an Interest
this goes for personal and professional details You dont want to look like a creep
by bringing your boss flowers for their birthday, but at least ask about their
children, holiday or dinner parties if they tell you about them. When there is a
project meeting, ask how it went.
Dont Make a Fool of Yourself
this goes for Friday night drinks, office romances and the
Christmas party. Dont drink too much at office functions, even if
there is a free bar, it does not mean you should act like you are
out with your friends youre not, its work, even if it is held on a

Saturday night. Dont let your colleagues see you fawning over
Barry from accounts, either. Swoon in private.

Facts About Working Relationships

Working relationships are an important part of your job and can have a hug impact
on your happiness and success at work. Cultivating these relationships and trying
to avoid any conflict or power struggles is something that you should always be
aware of. There are some common myths about working relationships though,
what the problems are and how to handle them. Take a look at these facts so you
are clear about the best way to approach your working relationships and get the
most out of them.
FACT: You need to stand up for yourself
You may think that keeping your head down and getting on with your
work then colleagues will stop taking advantage of you or give you the
credit youre worth, but thats not true. You need to assert your
position by standing up for yourself and not letting other people walk
all over you,
FICTION: Gaining a promotion will lose your friends
Being promoted over your friends is never an easy situation to be in
but the most important thing is how you handle it. If you remain
professional, have an honest talk with them and dont rub it in their
faces, then there is no reason why you cannot stay friends. If they are
jealous or resentful then they were never a great friend in the first
place and you should concentrate on your career.
FACT: Gossiping will always backfire
A quick gossip round the water cooler may seem like a bit of harmless
fun but it always backfires. Talking about your colleagues makes you
seem unprofessional and untrustworthy and is never worth the small
satisfaction that it brings. Try to think about how you would feel if you
were the target of the gossip and then step away from the
conversation.

FICTION: Women are harder to work for than men

Whether this is a myth perpetuated by scorned men or just a rumour in
the office, its not true. Women can be just as good or bad as men at
being your boss. Women often work in a different way to men but once
you understand their methods they are honest and usually more
understanding than their male counterparts.
FACT: Romantic relationships and the office dont mix
It may seem like a good idea t the office party, but getting romantically
involved with someone you work with is bound to end in tears. If it
goes well, then it is difficult to remain professional with them and if it
goes bad, then you will have to work with them and be reminded of it
every day.

Learning how to handle working relationships will make interactions in the office
much easier. In all situations you need to try and remain professional and calm, and
be tactful in your approach. Think carefully about whether something is a good
idea or not and how it will affect your every day job and your long term career. A
bad working relationship can have a big negative impact on you so try to avoid
them by separating fact from fiction.

How to Prepare for an Interview

Think of your resume as an advertisement. It is what will bring the customer in the
store. Once they have arrived, it is time to sell them the goods. You have scored an
interview, and now it is time to prepare.
Here are some suggestions for preparing for an upcoming interview.
Interview Preparation Guide.
A day or two before an interview you should take the time to really think about
how you want the interview to go, what impression you want to leave on the
employer and what unique pitch you will use to stand out from other applicants.
Equally important, think about what items on your resume you do not want to
spend a lot of time on and come up with ways to transition from that particular

experience to others that you would like to highlight more.

Next, thoroughly research the employer, and when possible, the position. Be
sure to ask for at least a title, if not a detailed description of exactly what position
they are interviewing you for. Then list the 3 or 4 strong qualifications that you
bring to the table. This way, you know going in what they are looking for and
why you are a good fit.
There is a time and a place for name dropping, and interviewing is one of them.
Review any names or details that could be helpful to reference during your
discussion. If you are the networking type, go back through your PDA and find the
exact date of the dinner party where you met the person who passed along your
resume. If you used a job search engine, recall what day you first saw the
advertisement and perhaps the detail that helped the posting stand out. If the
organization reached out to you, recall the Human Resources contact who first
gave you the call or e-mail. It never hurts to compliment their friendly conduct,
and helps create a positive, thoughtful persona.
From here the old adage rings true: "Practice makes perfect." Make a list of
questions that you think the employer might ask. Think through how you would
want to answer them. Your goal is to leave the ideal impression, highlighting your
best selling points and avoiding weaker aspects of your experience. Typing this
out (and saving it) can help you not just prepare for this interview, but all future
interviews as well (including your year end review! ;))
Once you have come up with some sample questions, ask a trusted friend to help
you role play through a few of them randomly. The employer ultimately controls
the flow of an interview and role playing can help prepare you to bounce between
subjects and think quickly. Your friend may also be able to point out any nervous
quirks you might have or important details that you are leaving out.
The night before the interview, after you have crafted your pitch and researched the
employer, make sure to print out directions to the office. Pick out your clothes,
relax with a book and get to bed early. In the morning, eat a non-offensive
breakfast to hold you over and make sure to drink your coffee. It is show time :)

PHAN UNIT - DA LAT

MUI NE - HON ROM - Prenn - Truc Lam
- SPRING GOLD - SILVER SPRING - NUI LANGBIANG - WATERFALL
DAMB'RY
DAY 1: Saigon - Phan Thiet (198 Km)Morning, leaving the car to Depart Ho Chi
Minh City to Phan Thiet. Visit the ecotourism Giang Dien waterfall, you relax in a
natural space with many romantic waterfalls, lakes, orchards. To Phan Thiet (Binh
Thuan), through the town center, up the hill to visit Ngoc Lam Cham Poshanu
Tower, Floor Mr. Hoang relics, famous love story with a poet Han Mac Tu, from
the hills and admire the sea Phu Hai. Group stop taking photos, filming at the
beach Location The stone, that coconut Ham Tien, sightseeing ghe, boat fishermen
access terminals in Mui Ne beach boat. Then, to the hotel, you check in, lunch
break.
Afternoon, Hon Rom car to go union. You bath and enjoy fresh seafood popular
prices. After enjoying the taste of sweet coconut 3 cowardice, you continue to
conquer the sand hills and streams Hong, watch the sun set over the sand hill.
Evening, you walk around coastal city, Overnight in Phan Thiet. (Breakfast, lunch,
dinner)
DAY 2: PHAN UNIT - DA LAT (135 km)
Morning, you bathing, Check, car to grocery union Phan Thiet, you buy special
local production. Then, the delegation left to Phan Thiet, Da Lat, the new way
Luong Son (province
Binh Thuan) go to Di Linh (Lam Dong province), through Dai Ninh hydropower
plant. Arrive
Lat, the hotel, you get rooms.
The afternoon, you visit the Domain de Marie church, visiting special power Bao
Dai, flower garden
Bich.
Evening, you walk around Da Lat night, enjoy delicious dishes at night market Am
Phu,
flavored coffee in the mountain city consistent Thuy Ta, sightseeing Ho Xuan
Huong, Overnight in Dalat.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
DAY 3: DA LAT - OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTION

In the morning, go sightseeing operation Datanlla, visit Truc Lam, take the cable
car
Robin Hill, sightseeing pine forests, Tuyen Lam Lake, Phoenix Mountains from
above.
Afternoon, go enjoy landscape waterfall Ankroet, gold springs, silver springs, lakes
Dankia, Golden Valley - a mountain populations, non, streams, lakes landscape of
the First High
Resources Lam Vien. Continue to drive to the salad, trafficking of people are at the
foot of the mountain Lat Loc
Langbiang, on the way you admire suburb Dalat garden planted with enough
color flowers. You climb mountains, conquer the summit Langbiang; from the
summit, admire the whole
Da Lat city scenes romantic, fanciful in the fog.
Night, the night you attend the camp fire, drinking wine, arts gongs, interaction
activities with the Highland Night in Dalat. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
DAY 4: DA LAT - SAI GON (300 Km)Morning arrival in room, car to leave the
union back to Da Lat Ho Chi Minh. The road
You visit the waterfall Damb'ry, one of the famous beautiful waterfalls and
majestic
the Lam Vien Plateau, visit a specialty store you enjoy tea, coffee Security
Loc.
Afternoon, on to Saigon, farewell goodbye, compensation re-appointment with you
(Breakfast, Lunch)
TICKET PRICE INCLUDES:
Are air-conditioned bus, shuttle guests to the program in the tour.
Hotel (1 room 2 guests), air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, telephone, private toilet,
hot water.
Phan Thiet (k / s 2 stars): Caty, Nhat Linh, Binh Minh
Da Lat (2 stars hotels): AVIATION, RED SUN, BONG HONG, HUNG PHONG,
THI
THAO, Golf 2, MY WORKSHOP, Eucharist.
Phan Thiet (Resort 3 *): CANARY, Dynasty, HAI AU, TIEN DAT, THE BEACH.
Da Lat (Hotel 3 stars): CAM DO, MAI VANG, VIETSOPETRO, SEA HORSE.
Phan Thiet (Hotel 4 stars): OCEAN STAR, BLUE OCEAN.

Da Lat (4 star hotel): HOANG ANH GIA LAI, Golf 3, SAMMY, Sai Gon-Da Lat,
(Or another equivalent hotels)
Eat three meals of the day: Breakfast buffet, lunch and afternoon of the four rice
dishes, this dish is often the local cuisine. If the client self-sufficient food, the tour
price will be deducted: 410,000 dong.
Guide for explanations during online groups.
Admission game.
Facial cold water on the road (1 towel, 1 bottle / day).
Gifts, lotteries are happy awards.
Insurance during the tour, standard insurance in Vietnam.
TICKET PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
Cost bathing, aquatic quintals of coffee, ride horses, go by cable car tickets, trips,
cultural programs and costs Highlands dining, entertainment and individuals.
CHILDREN TICKET PRICES:Children 12 years and over 01 ticket.
Children from 06 to 11 half fare.
Children under 05: No charge, family self Nursery. But only 02 adults with 01
children, if more children comes from the things you have to buy 02 or more half
fare. (Standard half fare: ration is 01 + 01 seats and sleeping room with melding
family).

Benefits of Tourism
There are a number of benefits of tourism for both the tourist and the host
destination. On a large scale it offers a good alternative to some more destructive
industries for generating income both on nationally and privately.
The tourism industry encompasses many different areas, so it also creates jobs in
many different areas. With tourism comes hotels, restaurants, car rental agencies,
tour companies, service stations, souvenir shops, sports equipment rentals, and
much more. All of this creates many different levels of employment for people in a
given community.
In many places the introduction and development of tourism allows local people an
opportunity for economic and educational growth that would not otherwise be
available. In addition, it allows both the tourist and the local community a chance
to experience other cultures, which broadens understanding.

If properly used, tourism generated income can be tremendously beneficial to the

host country and its local communities. Tourism generated income can be used on
a national and local level to better education, improve infrastructure, to fund
conservation efforts, and to promote more responsible tourism.

Vietnamese Culture
The richness of Vietnam's origins is evident throughout its culture. Spiritual
life in Vietnam is a grand panoply of belief systems, including Confucianism,
Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Tam Giao (literally 'triple religion'),
which is a blend of Taoism, popular Chinese beliefs, and ancient Vietnamese
animism.
The most important festival of the year is Tet, a week-long event in late
January or early February that heralds the new lunar year and the advent of
spring. Celebration consists of both raucous festivity (fireworks, drums,
gongs) and quiet meditation. In addition to Tet, there are about twenty other
traditional and religious festivals each year.
Vietnamese architecture expresses a graceful aesthetic of natural balance
and harmony that is evident in any of the country's vast numbers of historic
temples and monasteries. The pre-eminent architectural form is the pagoda,
a tower comprised of a series of stepped pyramidal structures and frequently
adorned with lavish carvings and painted ornamentation. Generally
speaking, the pagoda form symbolizes the human desire to bridge the gap
between the constraints of earthly existence and the perfection of heavenly
forces. Pagodas are found in every province of Vietnam. One of the most
treasured is the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, founded in 1601 and completed
more than two hundred years later. In North Vietnam, the pagodas that
serve as the shrines and temples of the Son La mountains are especially
worth visiting. In South Vietnam, the Giac Lam Pagoda of Ho Chi Minh City is
considered to be the city's oldest and is notable as well for its many richlycarved jackwood statues.
As a language, Vietnamese is exceptionally flexible and lyrical, and poetry
plays a strong role in both literature and the performing arts. Folk art, which
flourished before French colonization, has experienced a resurgence in
beautiful woodcuts, village painting, and block printing. Vietnamese lacquer
art, another traditional medium, is commonly held to be the most original
and sophisticated in the world. Music, dance, and puppetry, including the
uniquely Vietnamese water puppetry, are also mainstays of the country's
culture.

Although rice is the foundation of the Vietnamese diet, the country's cuisine
is anything but bland. Deeply influenced by the national cuisines of France,
China, and Thailand, Vietnamese cooking is highly innovative and makes
extensive use of fresh herbs, including lemon grass, basil, coriander, parsley,
laksa leaf, lime, and chili. Soup is served at almost every meal, and snacks
include spring rolls and rice pancakes. The national condiment is nuoc mam,
a piquant fermented fish sauce served with every meal. Indigenous tropical
fruits include bananas, pineapples, coconuts, lychees, melons, mandarin
oranges, grapes, and exotic varieties like the three-seeded cherry and the
green dragon fruit.

People
Today there are about 75 million people in Vietnam. Eighty percent of these
are ethnic Vietnamese, while the remaining twenty percent comprises more
than fifty separate ethnic groups. About seven million of these ethnic
minorities are members of the hill tribes or montagnards (French for
mountain people), making their homes and livelihoods in the spectacular
mountains of the north and central highlands. Among the many languages
spoken in Vietnam are Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, and Russian.

Obesity:Causes,Effects And
Treatment
73
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By hassam

Obesity is the state of being critically flabby

and heavy to a level that is hazardous for our
normal health. It is having extra body fat
which can be measured by the Body Mass
Index (BMI) (height and weight). If you are
among those who carry extra fat around the
waist and abdomen, then you are likely to be
the victim of Type II diabetes and heart
diseases.
According to an expert, carbohydrates and proteins are converted to
fuel as soon as they are consumed. Most of the fat calories are
immediately stored in fat cells which add to the body weight.
We use energy all the time, no matter what we are doing. A unit of
energy - which is used as a measurement for the amount of energy
food provides - is known as calorie. Every food and drink has calories
but greasy and sugary foods have high calorific values.
Unused calories are stored in our body as fats. The fat droplets
accumulate in fat cells beneath the skin, around the kidneys and liver.
These fat cells are formed in human body at childhood stage. At this
stage, additional calories form new fat cells (hyperplasic obesity).
During adulthood, the fat cells do not increase in numbers; instead
they expand and reduce in size depending on how much calories are
consumed (hypo tropic obesity). It is this reason that childhood obesity
is difficult to treat and chances are that an obese child will be an obese
adult with serious health problems.

Cause and effect

Obesity is directly proportional to your
lifestyle. It is considered as a modern social ill.
There are many factors responsible for this
which include increased use of high fatty
snakes and over-eating. Then there are
sedentary habits, which include spending more
than two hours on TV. Although technology has made our lives easy but it has
brought about physical inactivity which is directly linked with obesity.
People become obese when the calorie intake is more than its
utilisation, which means that we gain weight when we eat more and do
less work. It is a well-known fact that calories are burnt and energy is
released by engaging oneself in physical activity. Another factor is
unawareness and being ignorant of the food's nutritional values and fat
contents. You should be in the habit of craving for knowledge of what
to eat, when to eat and how much to eat.
Genetic disorders
Genes have strong effects on the child's ability to gain weight. Genes
relate to weight, appetite and hunger which shifts from one generation
to another.
Medical disorders
Obesity also occurs because of various medical disorders,
some of which inlude:
Hypothyroidism: Changes in hormone causes obesity, for example,
when the thyroid glands are unable to make sufficient thyroid
hormones, the the rate of metabolism then slows down and results in
an increase of weight.
Cushing's Syndrome: When the adrenal glands produce a high
amount of the hormone cortisol which increase fat on the upper body,
such as the face and around the neck.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: The production of a high level of the

hormone androgens is a common cause of obesity in women.
Lack of sleep: During sleep, insulin regulates the blood sugar levels.
Those who sleep less tend to eat foods having high calorific value,
therefore in many cases, the insulin level reaches to a level which
promote diabetes.
Use of medicines: It has been noted that many people become obese
after using certain medicines. These medicines slow down the rate of
calorie burn and increase hunger.

Treatment
household

problems but

Those who perform physical activities, such as

work, climbing stairs, walking and jogging
along with a well-balanced diet are healthy
and have great resistance power. Proper
exercises help to prevent many health-related
they should be performed under doctor's advice.

Nutritionists confirm that to avoid obesity,

people should increase vegetables and fruits in their diet and must get rid of foods
that are high in fat and sugar. It is observed that the lust for chocolates, burgers and
other fatty foods reaches a dangerous level during the state of anxiety, frustration
and tediousness. Therefore, to avoid emotional distress, positive activities and
advice from psychologists is the answer to the question.
If you are obese, then discussion with people having similar problems make it
easier to follow the weight loss programme. For an obese child, exercise and
guidance from a dietician is necessary. It should be remembered that without any
dietician's recommendation, forcing a child for a low-calorie diet could be fatal.
According to a survey report, children and teenagers are born with a sweeth tooth,
so to speak. Therefore, parents play a pivotal role to convince a child to eat other

things besides those in high in sugar. Of course, children adopt behavioral patterns
from parents.
The process of losing weight is long-term which needs patience, persistence and
complete attention. Many scientists consider obesity not just a social problem but
they also take it as a medicinal problem and emphasis to control it via medical
treatment. Since, Leptin is an appetite-controlling hormone, thus efforts are being
made to include it in baby food supplements for lasting prevention of excess
weight gain problems.

Communication Skills SelfAssessment Exercise

In each of the following, read items A, B, and C, then mark the one that best describes
your communication style. (24 total)

1.

___ A. When conversing with others, I usually do most of the talking.

___ B. When conversing with others, I usually let the other person do most of the
talking.
___ C. When conversing with others, I try to equalize my participation in the
conversation.
Best answer: c. Conversations should be a balanced two-way flow of dialogue.

2. ___ A. When I first meet someone, I wait for the other person to make the
introduction first.
___ B. When I first meet someone, I introduce myself with a smile and offer
handshake.
___ C. When I first meet someone, I hug the person.
Best answer: b. It's good to initiate the introduction and introduce yourself with a
handshake and smile. If shaking hands is difficult, a quick head nod is a good

substitute. Initiating the introduction with a smile and handshake (or head nod) helps
build rapport.

3.

___ A. I usually "warm-up" new conversations with small talk.

___ B. I usually avoid small talk and jump into more important matters.
___ C. I usually avoid starting conversations.

Best answer: a. It's good to initiate conversations with small talk. Topics to
warm-up the conversation might include a chat about the weather, news of interest, or
impressions about the current activity (if you're at a meeting, staff party, or other
gathering, for example).
Examples of conversation starters might be:
"It's sure warm today, isn't it?"
"Did you hear about the big accident on the freeway? Traffic's backed-up for
miles."
"What did you think about the Blazers game last night?"
"This is a nice party, isn't it?"
"Could I get you something to drink?"

4.

___ A. I make an effort to remember and use peoples' names.

___ B. I don't pay attention to names as I tend to forget them.
___ C. I only learn the names of important people.

Best answer: a. It's good to call people by name whenever possible. It makes a
good, lasting impression, and it makes the other person feel important and special. To
help remember names, try these techniques:
Repeat: After the person tells you his or her name, immediately use it several
times in the conversation.
"It's nice to meet you, Bob."
"I agree with you, Bob."
"That was a great joke, Bob!"
Associate: Associate the person's name to something unique and special.
You might:

Associate the person's name with a unique feature about

the person. For example:
"Gilda has beautiful green eyes."Think - "GG" - Green Gilda
"Jack tells funny jokes."Think - "JJ" - Joking Jack
Associate the name with a visual picture. For example:
"Sandy" - visualize a sandy beach.
"Glenn" - visualize John Glenn launching into space.
Associate the name with a personal connection.
For example:
"Brian" - My uncle's name is Brian.
"Lucy" - I had a turtle named Lucy.
Jot: Jot the person's name down with an identifying description that will help jog
your memory later. For example:"Chuck" - tall; glasses; works in Accounting; has
twin sister; runs marathons; new to Portland.

5. ___ A. I frequently use courtesy words and phrases - "Please," "Thank you,"
"You're welcome," "I'm sorry."
___ B. I occasionally use these courtesy words and phrases.
___ C. I never use these courtesy words and phrases.
Best answer: a. Regular use of these courtesy words and phrases is important
to show politeness and build rapport.

6.

___ A. I tend to be serious and don't smile often while conversing.

___ B. I smile all the time while conversing.
___ C. I smile at appropriate times while conversing.

Best answer: c. Smiling when greeting people and at appropriate times greatly
helps build rapport.

7.

___ A. I make eye contact while conversing.

___ B. I sometimes make eye contact while conversing.
___ C. I never make eye contact while conversing.

Best answer: a. Making eye contact is important for building rapport. It gives the
impression you're interested and engaged in the conversation, and you have good selfconfidence.
Eye contact should include frequent breaks to avoid staring (this can make the
other person uncomfortable). Break eye contact frequently - glance down to the side,
then quickly make eye contact again. Glancing down to the side is important. If you
instead glance to the side (as if looking out the window, for example) or look up, it gives
the person the impression you're distracted and not paying attention to what's being
said. This quickly breaks down rapport.

8.

___ A. While conversing, I hold my head still at all times.

___ B. While conversing, I nod my head at appropriate times.
___ C. While conversing, I nod my head constantly.

Best answer: b. Occasionally nodding your head to indicate you agree or

understand helps build rapport. Again, it shows you are interested and engaged in the
conversation.

9. ___ A. While conversing, I stand one-foot away from the person.

___ B. While conversing, I stand two- to three-feet away from the person.
___ C. While conversing, I stand five- to six-feet away from the person.
Best answer: b. Your arm's length is the appropriate distance (between two- to
three-feet). Standing closer than arm-length makes the other person feel uncomfortable
(or feel threatened). Standing a further distance away breaks down rapport.

10. ___ A. I often stand while talking to a person who is sitting.

___ B. I often sit while talking to a person who is sitting.
___ C. I often lean down while talking to a person who is sitting.
Best answer: b. Communicating at eye level helps build rapport. So, if the person
is sitting and a chair is available, take a seat! There's one exception If you walk into
your supervisor's office or co-worker's office, it's best to ask the supervisor or co-worker
if you can sit down first. Even better, wait for an invitation to sit. The person may not
have time to talk at that moment.

11. ___ A. To end a conversation, I often just leave.

___ B. To end a conversation, I begin to look impatient hoping the person will get
the hint.
___ C. To end a conversation, I wrap up with a closing statement.
Best answer: c. It's best to bring the conversation to an end by making a polite
closing comment or gesture. Good closing (wrap-up) comments might be: "I've enjoyed
talking with you." "Let me give you my business card." "Well, I need to go speak with...."
"Do you know a person I can contact?"

12. ___ A. If a co-worker has put on weight, I say nothing about it.
___ B. If a co-worker has put on weight, I tell the person that he or she has
changed in appearance.
___ C. If a co-worker has put on weight, I honestly tell the person that he or she
looks fat.
Best answer: a. It's best to say nothing. Never say anything that might hurt or
offend the person. It's called being tactful. It's always best to give compliments only,
and only say things that will make the person feel good.
"I like your dress."
"That's a nice shirt."

13. ___ A. When I'm listening to the speaker, I often cross my arms over my chest.
___ B. When I'm listening to the speaker, I often lean back and turn my body away
from the speaker.

___ C. When I'm listening to the speaker, I often lean slightly forward and face my
body toward the speaker.
Best answer: c. Leaning slightly forward and facing the speaker shows you're
interested, and it helps build rapport. Sitting with your arms crossed over your chest
gives the message you are defensive. Leaning back with your body or turning your
body away from the speaker gives the message that you are bored, disinterested, or
feel in charge. Such body language breaks down rapport.

14. ___ A. When I cross my leg, I cross my leg facing the speaker.
___ B. When I cross my leg, I cross my leg away from the speaker.
___ C. When I cross my leg, I bob my foot.
Best answer: a. Crossing your leg toward the speaker shows you're interested,
and it builds rapport. Crossing your leg away from the speaker gives the message that
you are defensive, disinterested, or feel in charge. In essence, you are putting up a
subtle barrier. And if you bob or swing your foot, you're sending the message that
you're anxious or nervous!

15. ___ A. While listening, I tend to be distracted by things going on around me.
___ B. While listening, I listen for meaning and ask questions.
___ C. While listening, I watch the person speak, but I don't "hear" a word.
Best answer: b. If you're a good listener, you keep mentally busy searching for
meaning in the message, and you ask questions. This mental "search for meaning"
helps keep you focused, attentive, and engaged. If you get easily distracted, try taking
notes if the setting is appropriate. Note-taking helps draw and focus your attention as
you must mentally "search for meaning" and listen for information in order to take
notes. This might be helpful in meetings, for example.
If you watch someone speak but you don't "hear" a word, gauge if you are bored, tired,
might have a gap between your speaking and listening rates, or are experiencing
"emotional deafness." We all experience emotional deafness on occasion, especially
when we're feeling overwhelmed, upset, or nervous. You hear people ask - "I'm sorry,
what did you say?" or make the comment - "I have a lot on my mind right now. Could
you repeat what you said?" If it's a frequent problem, gauge the source and seek help
if needed.

Making a Great First Impression!

It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you
when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an
opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor,
your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.
With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another persons impression
of you is formed. These first impression can be nearly impossible to reverse or
undo, making those first encounters extremely important, for they set the tone for
the all the relationships that follows.
So, whether they are in your career or social life, its important to know how to
create a good first impression. This article provides some useful tips to help you do
this.

Be on Time
The person you are meeting for the first time is not interested in your good
excuse for running late. Plan to arrive a few minutes early. And allow flexibility
for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Arriving early is much better
that arriving late, hands down, and is the first step in creating a great first
impression.

Be Yourself, Be at Ease
If you are feeling uncomfortable and on edge, this can make the other person ill at
ease and thats a sure way to create the wrong impression. If you are calm and
confident, so the other person will feel more at ease, and so have a solid foundation
for making that first impression a good one. See our section on relaxation
techniques to find out how to calm that adrenaline!

Present Yourself Appropriately

Of course physical appearance matters. The person you are meeting for the first
time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has
to go on.

But it certainly does not mean you need to look like a model to create a strong and
positive first impression. (Unless you are interviewing with your local model
agency, of course!)
No. The key to a good impression is to present yourself appropriately.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and so the picture you first present
says much about you to the person you are meeting. Is your appearance saying the
right things to help create the right first impression?
Start with the way you dress. What is the appropriate dress for the meeting or
occasion? In a business setting, what is the appropriate business attire? Suit, blazer,
casual? And ask yourself what the person you'll be meeting is likely to wear - if
your contact is in advertising or the music industry, a pinstripe business suit may
not strike the right note!
For business and social meetings, appropriate dress also varies between countries
and cultures, so its something that you should pay particular attention to when in
an unfamiliar setting or country. Make sure you know the traditions and norms.
And what about your personal grooming? Clean and tidy appearance is appropriate
for most business and social occasions. A good haircut or shave. Clean and tidy
clothes. Neat and tidy make up. Make sure your grooming is appropriate and helps
make you feel the part.
Appropriate dressing and grooming help make a good first impression and also
help you feel the part, and so feel more calm and confident. Add all of this up
and you are well on your way to creating a good first impression.

A Word about Individuality

The good news is you can usually create a good impression without total
conformity or losing your individuality. Yes, to make a good first impression you
do need to fit in to some degree. But it all goes back to being appropriate for the
situation. If in a business setting, wear appropriate business attire. If at a formal
evening social event, wear appropriate evening attire. And express your
individuality appropriately within that context.

A Winning Smile!
Smile and the world smiles too.* So theres nothing like a smile to create a good
first impression. A warm and confident smile will put both you and the other
person at ease. So smiling is a winner when it comes to great first impressions. But
don't go overboard with this - people who take this too far can seem insincere and
smarmy, or can be seen to be "lightweights".
(*Author Unknown)

Be Open and Confident

When it comes to making the first impression, body language as well as
appearance speaks much louder than words.
Use your body language to project appropriate confidence and self-assurance.
Stand tall, smile (of course), make eye contact, greet with a firm handshake. All of
this will help you project confidence and encourage both you and the other person
feel better at ease.
Almost everyone gets a little nervous when meeting someone for the first time,
which can lead to nervous habits or sweaty palms. By being aware of your nervous
habits, you can try to keep them in check. And controlling a nervous jitter or a
nervous laugh will give you confidence and help the other person feel at ease.
Again, see our section on relaxation techniques for help with this.

Small Talk Goes a Long Way

Conversations are based on verbal give and take. It may help you to prepare
questions you have for the person you are meeting for the first time beforehand.
Or, take a few minutes to learn something about the person you meet for the first
time before you get together. For instance, does he play golf? Does she work with a
local charitable foundation?
Is there anything that you know of that you have in common with the person you
are meeting? If so, this can be a great way to open the conversation and to keep it
flowing.

Be Positive
Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even
in the face of criticism or in the case of nervousness. Strive to learn from your
meeting and to contribute appropriately, maintaining an upbeat manner and a
smile.

Be Courteous And Attentive

It goes without saying that good manners and polite, attentive and courteous
behavior help make a good first impression. In fact, anything less can ruin the one
chance you have at making that first impression. So be on your best behavior!
One modern manner worth mentioning is turn off your mobile phone. What first
impression will you create if you are already speaking to someone other than the
person you are meeting for the first time? Your new acquaintance deserves 100%
of your attention. Anything less and youll create a less than good first impression.

Key Points
You have just a few seconds to make a good first impression and its almost
impossible ever to change it. So its worth giving each new encounter your best
shot. Much of what you need to do to make a good impression is common sense.
But with a little extra thought and preparation, you can hone your intuitive style
and make every first impression not just good but great.

Vietnamese consumers
habits change 31/03/2008
VietNamNet Bridge Accession to the WTO and
powerful economic development have influenced the
consumption trend in Vietnam: modern purchasing
habits have increased from 9% in 2005 to 14% in 2007
and are expected to reach 24% by 2010.
The community of Vietnamese retailers is step by step adapting itself to the new
context: fiercer and fierce competition, said Dinh Thi My Loan, Vice Chairwoman

of the Vietnamese Retailers Association, at an international forum on retail in

Vietnam, held in HCM City last week.
At the forum, many Vietnamese retailers expressed their optimism about the future
of the home retail sector after January 1, 2009, when Vietnam has to wholly open
its retail market under WTO commitments.
Joining the WTO, powerful economic development, and improved living
standards have caused the consumption trend in Vietnam to change. Modern
shopping habits (at supermarkets, stores, and trading centres) increased from 9% in
2005 to 14% in 2007 and are expected to be 24% in 2010, Loan said.
The change of consumption habits is seen in the shift from buying at traditional
markets to supermarkets, shopping centres and through the Internet. It also
includes the increase of shopping value, higher spending on tourism, insurance and
education, health care and body care services among both men and women. The
increase in the number of young consumers and high-income earners has promoted
high-class retail shops.
Loan said, in parallel with the change of consumption habits, is the change of the
development trend of the Vietnamese retail market.
A new dynamic trend is the cooperation of local retailers to enforce
professionalism, to build up long-term development strategies, to train human
resources and emphasise management skills and to deal with weaknesses in
financial and logistics aspects. Under this trend, many chains of stores have been
set up, such as Coop Mart, Hapro Mat, Phu Thai Group, Vinatex Mart, Fivimart,
etc.
Vietnamese retailers are also combining with foreign retailers, goods
manufacturers and suppliers. New forms of retail business are also being
established. Merger and acquisition is also a bustling trend in the retail market.
Vietnam becomes a shopping centre of Asia, why not? With its advantages in
geological position, labour cost, etc. Vietnam can completely develop (retail) as
neighbouring countries and become a new shopping centre of Asia and the world,
said Tran My Hoa, Vice Chairwoman of the CT Group.
If Vietnam has 100 shopping centres like Singapore, it can become a shopping
heaven, Hoa said optimistically.

She said CT Group plans to open 16 luxurious shopping centres in Vietnam and
open an additional 80 luxury stores in Vietnam this year to raise the total number to
150.

Vietnamese should be prouder of

goods produced domestically
Last week, Viet Nam News asked readers how to promote made-in-Viet Nam
products. Here are some of the opinions we received:
Pham Thanh Truyen, Vietnamese, HCM City
Vietnamese enterprises need to do more. Unlike other countries in Asia,
Vietnamese people prefer foreign products. Ten or 15 years ago, few doubted that
foreign products were superior to local ones. Unfortunately, that mindset hasnt
changed.
It is undeniable that nowadays Vietnamese products have vastly improved in terms
of quality and packaging. The difficulty is getting that message across? Its useless
to just say "Hey! My products are not as bad as you think". Its also ineffective for
enterprises to act on their own. There needs to be central government help. The
recent campaign to encourage Vietnamese to consume domestically made products
launched by the Politburo is a good example.
Effective promotional programmes launched abroad include the "Cash for
Clunkers" in Germany or CARS (Cars Allowance Rebate System) in America. So
why dont we have a "Cash for Vietnamese Products" campaign? By doing so, we
would not only stimulate made-in-Viet Nam consumption but also instil a sense of
national pride.
J P Mishra, Indian, HCM City
In my opinion, Viet Nam is more reliant on imported products than domestically
made products. The country needs to appeal to peoples sense of patriotism.

Many people believe that imported products are better than domestically produced
ones. It will be a Herculean task for a company on its own to change that belief.
Social institutions need to be set up to promote local products.
In India, the public are encouraged to buy local goods. Even in pre-independent
times, great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi asked people to stick to domestically
made products. This really helped domestic companies grow and compete with
international firms. It is a long process, which should be initiated by the State.
The world has become a global village and hence a global market. It is very
difficult to stop companies importing goods. Domestically made products should
be better advertised. Football stars and pop singers should be hired to promote
local goods. At the same time, domestic firms should be innovative and focus on
quality.
In spite of Viet Nams strong textile and garments industries, few brands can
compete with foreign labels. Strong brand names need to be created to compete
internationally.
Tran Hong Thuy, Vietnamese, Ha Noi
In the past, it was natural that Vietnamese consumers preferred foreign products.
Unfortunately, producers arent concerned about what people want, what people
need. Making matters worse, foreign companies are good at marketing and
advertising. People have to be persuaded to believe in domestic products in
creative ways.
To be honest, I favour imported electrical goods. Nevertheless, if made-in-Viet
Nam products are of equal quality and cheaper, more and more people, not only
locals but foreigners will favour them.
Michael Joseph, Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are various campaigns encouraging people to buy local
products. There are specialised marketing campaigns for small and medium-sized
industries. A similar approach should be taken in Viet Nam to market Vietnamese
products.

During the time Ive been in Viet Nam, I have bought products made here. I think
there should be information on the packaging in English and Vietnamese.
Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Vietnamese, Ha Noi
As a Vietnamese, I wonder why so many Vietnamese people prefer foreign
products. For example, there are many kinds of made-in-China clothes and toys for
children that are imported to Viet Nam. Their advantage is that they are cheap.
Poor people choose commodities made in China because made-in-Viet Nam goods
are more expensive. Meanwhile, rich people like famous-brand names to show off
their wealth.
In my opinion, Vietnamese people do not ignore Vietnamese products. They
choose foreign products just because domestically made ones are not well
promoted. I am glad to see that there are more and more made-in-Viet
Nam products such as office supplies from Hong Ha, garments from Thang Long,
and textiles from Viet Tien. Dairy products from Moc Chau and Ba Vi are favoured
by Vietnamese consumers.
However, to increase the percentage of domestically made products in the market,
every Vietnamese firm should buy new technologies to make their products
competitive in terms of cost and quality. Moreover, businesses should advertise
more in the mass media.
Ryu Hashimoto, Japanese, Binh Duong
I dont recall from my school days any kind of campaign in Japan to promote local
goods. However, after graduating from university, I noticed that there was a greater
drive to promote national pride.
I think you should show off how skilful Vietnamese people are with their hands.
The Vietnamese are surely as skilful as the Japanese.
I usually buy made-in-Viet Nam goods, and I am satisfied with the quality and
price. However, I am dissatisfied with the customer service. And there is no sense
of customer satisfaction.

As a consumer, I would like producers to put product quality first, then customer
service and customer satisfaction. I think the quality of Vietnamese products are
getting better and better.
Surprisingly, I can find good quality Vietnamese products not only in Viet Nam but
also Japan as well. Unfortunately, customer service is still poor.
I am not really happy with the attitude of some shop keepers in Viet Nam because we
have a strong belief that the customer is a god. This is your weak point. If the Vietnamese
can overcome this problem, Vietnamese products will be more famous around the world.
VNS

Is boarding school beneficial to

children?
Parents send their children to boarding school when its not feasible for
them to take care of their child or when the child is failing in studies so
that they feel putting the child in a boarding school will make them
better. Boarding school has its own positives and negatives. The child
will grow in the atmosphere of ppl like them. So this makes them to
learn about the co-operation, competition. But they miss their parents
love at a time when they need it the most. Children become more
responsible when they know what they need to do and when they take
care of their activities. Those habits make them self-dependant but
speaking from emotional point of view they don't enjoy those benefits
when they can enjoy them. So my take on this topic would be it
depends on the individual basis. There are examples where a child has
grown better in a boarding school and a lot more examples where the
other case also has happened.

What is happiness?
One important element of happiness is a sense of self-satisfaction. Whether or not we want to admit it,
many of us spend our days in a perpetual state of neediness. We have physical, emotional and spiritual
needs which we believe need to be satisfied in order to experience some degree of happiness. When we
have that morning cup of coffee, socialize with co-workers, enjoy a delicious lunch or finish an important
project, at least one of our daily needs will be met. In one sense, happiness occurs when our list of needs
becomes replaced by a new list of physical, emotional and spiritual fulfillment.

Another important element of happiness is a sense of accomplishment. Consider how many times our
ideas and plans fail throughout an average day. These failures tend to create inner tension and anxiety,
which in turn creates a sense of unhappiness. But when an idea does come to fruition or a plan does
come together, there is often a feeling of euphoria and accomplishment. Happiness can be the reward for
persevering through difficult or challenging times and not succumbing to despair. Winning a contest or
receiving recognition for a successful project often triggers feelings of happiness.
For some of us, happiness can be derived from having our material or spiritual needs met. There is an old
saying that money can't buy happiness, but in reality it can come very close. For many wage earners, the
thought of receiving enough money or other tangible rewards for their efforts can certainly trigger
a sense of happiness. Knowing that our immediate needs and even a few personal desires will be met
can be very reassuring, which in turn generates feelings of security and happiness. In the same sense,
many people find happiness after hearing a life-affirming spiritual message or spending time in deep
reflection or meditation.Happiness could mean a sense of harmony between mind, body and spirit.
What creates a sense of happiness can vary widely from person to person. Young children with little life
experience may find happiness in the form of an ice cream cone or Saturday morning cartoon, while
adults may find happiness by traveling or pursuing outside interests. Some people require a lot of their
needs to be met before they experience happiness, while others find happiness in simplicity. Happiness is
said to be the one free thing all people strive for and would give anything to obtain.

How Money Can Buy Happiness

You've heard many times that money can't buy happiness. That probably never
stopped you from shopping. But a new study suggests you might want to spend
more on doing things and less on stuff.
Buying life experiences rather than material possessions leads to greater happiness
for both the consumer and those around them, researchers announced today at the
annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.
A meal out or tickets to the theater result in increased well-being because they
satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and
vitality a feeling of being alive, the researchers say.
"These findings support an extension of basic need theory, where purchases that
increase psychological need satisfaction will produce the greatest well-being," said
Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University.
A survey in the journal Science in 2006 showed that income plays a rather
insignificant role in day-to-day happiness. There are situations where cash helps,

however, including for those who become sick or disabled, another study found;
for them, money matters. Another study found giving money away can bring some
measure of glee.
Participants in the new study were asked to write reflections and answer questions
about their recent purchases. Participants indicated that experiential purchases
represented money better spent and greater happiness for both themselves and
others. The results also indicate that experiences produce more happiness
regardless of the amount spent or the income of the consumer.
Experiences also lead to longer-term satisfaction.
"Purchased experiences provide memory capital," Howell said. "We don't tend to
get bored of happy memories like we do with a material object."
Howell notes that several studies going back at least 35 years show that money
does not make people happy. Yet the belief persists that it will.
"Maybe this belief has held because money is making some people happy some of
the time, at least when they spend it on life experiences," Howell said.

Happiness and
wellbeing in developing
countries
June 26, 2008 - 07:53 AM

Hi All
Was wondering if anyone had any general thoughts or research on wellbeing /
happiness in developing countries
Ramsha Zia

Joined: Jun 24, 2008

Posts:

Poster Rank: Tongue-tied

User is Offline
Gender & Age: Female, 20
Country: Pakistan
Re: Happiness and wellbeing in developing countries
June 27, 2008 - 03:08 AM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------well i live in a developing country, been a year and half now. And from what i can
tell of Pakistan, people, and by people im referring to the general man-on-thestreet, are so unaware that their demands dont go beyond what would be
considered "basic needs" elsewhere. All they want generally revolves round peace
and protection from militants and tribal wars, affordable food; shelter and some
form of employment (even if it only offers minimum wage)
another cause of misery for the locals is the unreliable water and electricity supply.
i believe if something could be done to ensure that the masses had their most basic
needs met, the general level of wellbeing would soar.
they really dont want much to be honest

kaswii

Country: Kenya
Province/State: Nairobi Area
Re: Happiness and wellbeing in developing countries
June 27, 2008 - 05:32 AM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Happiness is a universal concept...no single recipe for Africa..just live for

others..that's why your'e here...and get in touch with your spirituality...

Danjuma Mohammed

Country: Nigeria
Province/State: Kogi
City: Lokoja
Re: Happiness and wellbeing in developing countries
June 27, 2008 - 03:03 PM

who say's there is happeness in Developing countries, that is capital lie. the
government go to urban centers of those countries interview people who they have
designed to say yes to there questions and we feel things are alright, but thats not
true. Lets go to the grassroot ask people there and you will hear what they have to
say. Ihave the experience of working with people in the grassroot in Nigeria and
you just have to see the way these people are so unhappy about government
activities and policy, couple with there low standard of living.
No joy,No happiness! ! !

shreya

Country: India
Re: Happiness and wellbeing in developing countries
July 23, 2008 - 05:29 AM

Yes happines and wellbeing in developing countries is a very current and

contemporary theme in development studies. To know more about who's talking
about this have a look at the site www.welldev.org.uk. This was a 5 year research
group looking at wellbeing in 4 developing countries. There is also a master's
programme in wellbeing (Bath University, UK). To the person who says that there
is no wellbeing (and it depends on how you define wellbeing- since it's a very
loose term) - I might beg to differ. That is not to undermine the impact of poverty
and other vulnerabilities on the lives of peoples. However people are not always
wholly defined by their obejective life circumstances and might be far more
resilient than we give them credit for.

Tina

Country: Iraq
Re: Happiness and wellbeing in developing countries
September 27, 2008 - 05:49 PM

Happiness & wellbeing can be acquired, but most important is "creating it'
creating from within first, which means we can create our surrounding
environment by acting good to ourselves & to others, understanding & following
the healthy ways of living
increasing the awareness of the importance of hygiene is one of the most effective
ways of living in a healthy atmosphere
how to deal with our environment & going green is one of the most inspiring
campaigns to keep this world flowing in peace

Happiness and wellbeing in

developed countries
One thing that does strike me as interesting from the AEA survey, which Robert
Whaples (author) also finds interesting in his concluding remarks:
"However, happiness does not seem to mean the same thing as well
beingand the vast majority of economists (88 percent) are optimistic that
continued economic growth in economies like the U.S. does yield ever greater
levels of well being."
Indeed, when asked if "Economic growth in developed countries like the U.S.
leads to greater levels of happiness", nearly 20% thought not. However, when
asked if "Economic growth in developed countries like the U.S. leads to greater
levels of well-being", only 3% thought not.
This actually makes sense to me. Many people conflate the two terms: happiness
and well-being. But while they might be similar if not identical concepts, they are
different things from a measurement perspective. And because economists are so
data-driven (likely too much so), most probably look at data that suggests
happiness isn't really affected by income over time and go with that. The problem

is, that is likely a problem with measuring happiness, not a real effect.
Well-being can be measured by things like health, levels of education, lifeexpectancy and can be compared across nations and across time. Happiness, while
presumable directly linked with well-being, is a purely subject measure from a
group of people at a given point in time.
So consider my doppleganger that existed in 1920. He wasn't expected to live as
long as me today, he didn't have the same availability of quality education,
technology, health services. By all measures, his level of well-being was lower. But
the problem is, he only lives once and only in one timeframe. The only way he can
self-reportedly measure his own happiness is against those of his contemporaries.
So, let's say he rates himself a 4 out of 5.
Now consider me, today. Thanks to economic growth, my well-being has increased
(I have better technologies, I can expect to live longer, etc). But I have the same
problem as my doppleganger because I too cannot compare myself across time. I
certainly cannot judge my happiness level today on how happy or unhappy my
doppleganger had it 80 years ago - I have no idea what his happiness was like back
then. I can only judge how happy I am, as my doppleganger did, by comparing my
present condition across my present contemporaries and across my real history
(how happy I was yesterday). I too rate myself a 4.
So, my well-being has increased, but my happiness hasn't - or rather, it probably
HAS... I just have no way of measuring that when I do a survey.
It is for this reason that studies that try to measure self-reported happiness, in my
opinion, do so in vain. To the degree that measures of happiness does change over
time, I suspect it really reflects large societal cultural changes - changes in race or
sex relations, changes in social norms etc....

Advantages and Disadvantages of

Globalization

There are many advantages and disadvantages of globalization.

Essays, articles and even research papers have been written on this
subject. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of
globalization really? Let us explore some of them..
How many phenomena have a global impact? If you are to count, they
could be counted on your finger tips. Globalization is one of them. So
before going to the advantages and disadvantages of globalization,
lets us try to grasp this concept first. Simply put, globalization is an
ongoing process of integration of regional economies into global
network of communication and execution. Let me explain this a bit.
Assume that you are a mango farmer in India and you grow very good
quality mangoes over there. Obviously, your fruit is highly appreciated
in India, but you also know that you shall get a better value in US. So
the network of communication and execution that allows you to sell
your fruit in US is basically, the phenomenon of globalization. (At least
the Indian farmer is happy about advantages of globalization in India,
he is earning a quick buck.) The advantages and disadvantages of
globalization in India and other developing countries are very profound.
Read more on advantages of globalization.
Globalization: Advantages and Disadvantages
Instead of giving a few pointers here and a few pointers there,
explanation on these concepts should do more justice to the subject.
Have a look at the following
Advantages and Disadvantages of Global Marketing
There has to be operational differences between various companies in
different countries. What I mean to say is, a car manufacturer of UK will
manufacture a car with a different operation than a car manufacturer
in Italy (for example Jaguar and Ferrari). Both are trying to take
advantage of the operational difference that they have between them.
And both companies are trying to sell a car in America for a greater
value. So if you want your product to have an appeal on a global scale,
then obviously, marketing on a global scale is required.

Advantages of Global Marketing

Lower Marketing Costs: If you are to consider lump-some cost
then, yes, it is high, but the same cost even goes even higher if
the company has to market a product differently in every country
that it is selling.
Global Scope: Scope of this kind of marketing is so large that it
becomes a unique experience.
Brand image Consistency: Global marketing allows you to have a
consistent image in every region that you choose to market.
Quick and Efficient Use of Ideas: A global entity is able to use a
marketing idea and mould it into a strategy to implement on a
global scale.
Uniformity in Marketing Practices: A global entity can keep some
degree of uniformity in marketing through out the world.
Disadvantages of Global Marketing
Inconsistency in Consumer Needs: American consumer will be
different from the South African. Global marketing should be able
to address that.
Consumer Response Inconsistency: Consumer in one country may
react differently than a consumer in another country.
Country Specific Brand and Product: A Japanese might like a
product to have a traditional touch, where as an American might
like to add a retro modern look to it. In this case, a global strategy
is difficult to device.
The Laws of the Land Have to be Considered: Original company
policies may be according to the laws of home countries. The
overseas laws may be conflicting in these policies.

 Infrastructural Differences: Infrastructure may be hampering the

process in one country and accelerating in another. Global
strategy cannot be consistent in such a scenario.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization in Developing
Countries
Overall globalization has been a big boon for the developing countries,
but there are a few who say that it has been a curse. Let us take a look
at both these aspects of globalization.
The Advantages
GDP Increase: If the statistics are any indication, GDP of the
developing countries have increased twice as much as before.
Percapita Income Increase: The wealth has had a trickling effect
on the poor. The average income has increased to thrice as
much.
Unemployment is Reduced: This fact is quite evident when you
look at countries like India and China.
Education has Increased: Globalization has been a catalyst to the
jobs that require higher skill set. This demand allowed people to
gain higher education.
Competition on Even Platform: The companies all around the
world are competing on a single global platform. This allows
better options to consumers.
The Disadvantages
Uneven Distribution of Wealth: Wealth is still concentrated in the
hands of a few individuals and a common man in a developing
country is yet to see any major benefits of globalization.
Income Gap Between Developed and Developing Countries:
Wealth of developed countries continues to grow twice as much
as the developing world.

 Different Wage Standards for Developing Countries: A technology

worker may get more value for his work in a developed country
than a worker in a developing country.
Reversal of Globalization: In future, factors such as war may
demand the reversal of the globalization (as evident in inter world
war years), current process of globalization may just be
impossible to reverse. You can also like to read more on pros and
cons of globalization.
Culture and globalization have really become interwoven aspects in
modern lives, but one must remember the negative effects of
globalization as well. I hope the above comparison of advantages and
disadvantages of globalization are satisfactory to the reader

What are the problems of globalization?

Some of the problems are:
Increased flow of skilled and non-skilled jobs from developed to
developing nations as corporations seek out the cheapest labor.
Increased likelihood of economic disruptions in one nation effecting all
nations.
Corporate influence of nation-states far exceeds that of civil society
organizations and average individuals .
Threat that control of world media by a handful of corporations will
limit cultural expression.
Greater chance of reactions for globalization being violent in an
attempt to preserve cultural heritage.
Greater risk of diseases being transported unintentionally between
nations.
Spread of a materialistic lifestyle and attitude that sees consumption
as the path to prosperity.
International bodies like the World Trade Organization infringe on
national and individual sovereignty.
Increase in the chances of civil war within developing countries and
open war between developing countries as they vie for resources.
Decreases in environmental integrity as polluting corporations take
advantage of weak regulatory rules in developing countries

Environmental changes and effects

Our environment as of today have so many changes. People not aware

of those effects.
"Global environmental changes constitute a major new category of
health hazard, arising predominantly from human-induced systemic
changes to the natural systems and processes that underpin health
and life."Population health is a crucial bottom-line indicator of the
impacts of global environmental change on human societies. Many
elements of human society and the environment are sensitive to
climate variability and change. Human health, agriculture, natural
ecosystems, coastal areas, and heating and cooling requirements are
examples of climate-sensitive systems. Rising of this changes are
already affecting our environment. Some observed thing is in the
Philippines last September 26,2009 typhoon Ondoy took the central
and northern part of Luzon. The heavy and non-stop rain that cause a
high flood. After that another super typhoon came called Pepeng.
The extent of climate change effects, and whether these effects prove
harmful or beneficial, will vary by region, over time, and with the ability
of different societal and environmental systems to adapt to or cope
with the change.
Throughout the world, the prevalence of some diseases and other
threats to human health depend largely on local climate. Extreme
temperatures can lead directly to loss of life, while climate-related
disturbances in ecological systems, such as changes in the range of
infective parasites, can indirectly impact the incidence of serious
infectious diseases. In addition, warm temperatures can increase air
and water pollution, which in turn harm human health.
Human health is strongly affected by social, political, economic,
environmental and technological factors, including urbanization,
affluence, scientific developments, individual behavior and individual
vulnerability (e.g., genetic makeup, nutritional status, emotional wellbeing, age, gender and economic status). The extent and nature of
climate change impacts on human health vary by region, by relative
vulnerability of population groups, by the extent and duration of
exposure to climate change itself and by societys ability to adapt to or
cope with the change.
The future generation will be facing more dangers from natural
disasters than we are facing now. The temperature level will rise the

summers will become more hot and winters will become more cold and
the seasonal distribution will be affected adversely and ground water
level will decrease - whole story in short - it will be a worst nightmare if
we don't take any concrete steps now.
So what were waiting for let's save our nature our environment
and our lives!!!!!!
unday, Feb. 20, 2005

Happiness Viewpoint: A Deeper

Sense of Happiness
By Pankaj Mishra

Walking out of a Buddhist bookstore in San Francisco early this month, I heard from the radio
of a passing car the voice of U.S. President George W. Bush giving his annual State of the Union
speech. For a second, the word compassion seemed to hang in the clear air. This ideal, greatly
cherished by Buddhists, is "one of the deepest values" of America, according to the President.
Immersed in Buddhist literature for the past few years, I have come to know well how words
suddenly lose their familiar meanings when encountered in a different society or culture. I was
not surprised when reading Bush's full speech to encounter his own special meaning of such
resonant words as "compassion" and "freedom." For instance, his compassion was aimed at "any
citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America."
He didn't specify what those opportunities are. But they can be summed up in four words: the
pursuit of happiness. These words describe much more than an individual or collective
aspiration. They describe an ideology, a distinctively American attempt to give meaning to life.
But people from older, traditional societies cannot be blamed for finding it a bit strange. For
happiness seems something very private in the U.S., best pursued by what Bush prescribed as a
patriotic duty immediately after 9/11: shopping.
This view of the good life assumes that we have a birthright to happiness, and that suffering is
an unfortunate and avoidable aberration, likely to be removed by political and economic change.
Nothing could be further from the Buddhist view of compassion and happiness. In a famous
Buddhist story, a young woman wanders the streets of a town with her dead infant in her arms,
asking everyone she meets to bring him back to life. Someone directs her to the Buddha, who
listens patiently and then promises to help if she brings him a mustard seed from a household
that has never witnessed a death. The young woman knocks on many doors. By the time she
returns empty-handed to the Buddha, she has begun to grasp his lesson: all things in the world
are impermanent, and to be ignorant of this fact is to be trapped in an endless cycle of craving,
frustration and suffering.
The Buddha brought consolation to many people as he traveled around North India in the 6th
century B.C. This was a time when the old tribal societies were cracking up, a new urban
civilization was emerging, along with fast-expanding human desires, and rulers dreaming of
empire were waging destructive wars. The Buddha was one of the many new agnostic thinkers in

North India who responded to the suffering of people uprooted from their tradition-bound
worlds. But he didn't diagnose this suffering in sociological abstractions, as a consequence of
social and economic injustice, widening racial or class gaps, or poverty.
He witnessed the emergence of the new rootless, ego-driven individual as it broke free from old
close-knit societies and became afflicted with craving, pride, jealousy and hatred while acting
upon its newly expanded world. But unlike such modern thinkers as Hobbes and Marx, the
Buddha didn't assume that a model of society was needed that could contain the rampaging egos
of human beings. He proposed none of the massive restructurings of society familiar to us in our
own times: revolution, socialism, democracy, capitalism or regime change. He insisted that
suffering is a mental experience, born from desire, attachment, hatred, pride and envy. These
were the "negative emotions" that distort and confuse the mind and lead it into a pursuit of such
goals as power, possessions and sensuous pleasures. When thwarted, they lead to frustration
and suffering; and even when fulfilled, they can only turn into another source of unhappiness,
for the happiness they bring is always fleeting.
Buddhists claim that to realize fully the impermanence of ordinary happiness is to make the first
step toward real, enduring happiness. The first step is meditation. To sit still and observe that
one is neither identical with one's thoughts and impulses as they arise continuously and
discursively in one's mind, generating desire, anxiety, fear and guilt, nor indeed limited by them,
is to be aware of the possibility of controlling one's thoughts and of moving toward a new kind of
spiritual freedom.
For Buddhists, the highest form of happiness lies in this inner freedom rather than the freedom
to acquire and consume. Happiness is determined by one's state of mind rather than by external
events. It is not subject to time and decay, or dependent on the acquisition of things and people.
Today, it is what recommends Buddhism to so many people living in societies built around the
endless stimulation and satisfaction of individual desires, but which seem to bewilder and
oppress people as much as or more than the simpler world to which the Buddha offered his
unique therapy.
Ch Nht 20 Thng Hai, 2005

Hnh phc Viewpoint: A Deeper Sense ca Hnh

phc
Bi Pankaj Mishra

i b ra khi mt hiu sch Pht gio San Francisco u thng ny, ti nghe t cc i pht
thanh ca mt chic xe i qua nhng ting ni ca Tng thng M George W. Bush cho Nh nc
hng nm ca cc bi pht biu ca ng on. c mt th hai, t bi t dng nh treo trong
khng kh r rng. iu ny l tng, rt yu mn ca Pht gio, l "mt trong nhng gi tr su
nht" ca M, theo Tng thng.
m mnh trong vn hc Pht gio trong vi nm qua, ti n nhn bit nhng t nh th
no cng t nhin mt i ngha quen thuc ca h khi gp phi trong mt x hi hoc nn vn
ha khc nhau. Ti khng ngc nhin khi c bi pht biu y ca Bush gp phi ngha
c bit ca ring mnh cc t nh vy cng hng nh l "t bi" v t do "." V d, lng t bi ca
ng l nhm "bt k ngi dn cm thy b c lp t cc c hi ca M."

ng khng ch r nhng g ang c nhng c hi. Nhng h c th tm tt trong bn t: theo

ui hnh phc. Cc t ny m t nhiu hn l mt kht vng c nhn hay tp th. H m t mt
h t tng, mt n lc cung cp cho ngi M d nhn ngha cho cuc sng. Nhng ngi t
c hn, x hi truyn thng khng th li cho vic tm kim n mt cht l. i vi hnh phc
c v g rt ring M, tt nht theo ui theo nhng g Bush quy nh nh mt nhim v yu
nc ngay lp tc sau 9 / 11: mua sm.
iu ny xem ca cuc sng tt gi nh rng chng ti c mt birthright n hnh phc, v au
kh l mt thc lon ng tic v trnh, c kh nng c loi b bi s thay i chnh tr v kinh
t. Khng g c th c thm t mn hnh Pht gio ca t bi v hnh phc. Trong mt cu
chuyn Pht gio ni ting, mt ph n tr lang thang ng ph ca mt th x vi tr s sinh
cht ca c trong cnh tay ca c, c p ng yu cu tt c mi ngi a ng tr li cuc
sng. C ngi ch o ca c n c Pht, ngi lng nghe mt cch kin nhn v sau
ha s gip nu c y mang n cho anh ta mt ht ging m tc t mt h gia nh cha tng
chng kin mt ci cht. Ngi ph n tr, g ca nhiu. Bi thi gian c tr v tay khng n
c Pht, c bt u nm bt bi hc ca mnh: tt c nhng iu trn th gii l v thng, v
phi c dt nt ca thc t ny l c mc kt trong mt chu k v tn ca i dc, tht vng
v au kh.
c Pht mang n khch nhiu ngi nh ng i du lch khp Bc n trong th k th 6
TCN ny c mt thi gian khi cc x hi b lc c nt ln, mt nn vn minh th mi
ni ln, cng vi mong mun nhanh chng m rng ca con ngi, v cai tr th mng ca
ch c waging cuc chin tranh ph hoi. c Pht l mt trong nhng nh t tng mi
nhiu Agnostic ti Bc n hng ng li nhng au kh ca ngi dn uprooted t truyn
thng ca h b rng buc th gii. Nhng ng khng chn on ny abstractions au kh
trong x hi hc, nh l mt h qu ca bt cng x hi v kinh t, m rng chng tc hoc nhng
khong trng lp hc, hay ngho.
ng chng kin s ni ln ca khng m r mi, ego-driven c nhn nh n ph v min
ph t ng c-an x hi v tr thnh b nh hng vi tham i, nim t ho, ghen tung v th
hn trong khi hnh ng da trn th gii va c m rng ca n. Nhng khng ging nh nh
t tng hin i nh Hobbes v Marx, c Pht khng cho rng mt m hnh ca x hi l
cn thit m c th cha ni sng ly ca con ngi. ng ngh khng c restructurings ln ca
x hi quen thuc vi chng ti trong thi gian ring ca chng ti: cuc cch mng, ch ngha x
hi, dn ch, t bn hoc thay i ch . ng nhn mnh rng au kh l mt kinh nghim tm
thn, sinh ra t ham mun, tp tin nh km, hn th, nim t ho v ghen t. Chng c nhng
"cm xc tiu cc" m xuyn tc v nhm ln ci tm v a n vo mt theo ui cc mc tiu
nh nng lng, ti sn v nim vui sensuous. Khi cn tr, h dn n tht vng v au kh, v
ngay c khi thc hin xong, h ch c th chuyn thnh mt ngun bt hnh, mang li hnh
phc m h lun lun l thi.
Pht t cho rng nhn ra hon ton v thng ca hnh phc bnh thng l lm cho bc u
tin thc s hnh phc lu di,. Bc u tin l thin nh. ngi yn v quan st m khng
phi l mt trong nhng ging ht nhau vi nhng suy ngh v cn bc ng ca mt khi h pht
sinh lin tc v discursively trong mt ca tm, to ra ham mun, lo lng, s hi v ti li, v
cng khng thc s gii hn ca h, l c nhn thc v kh nng kim sot ca mt suy ngh
v di chuyn v hng ca mt loi mi ca t do tinh thn.
i vi Pht t, hnh thc cao nht ca hnh phc nm trong quyn t do bn trong ch khng
phi l t do tip thu v tiu th. Hnh phc c quyt nh bi mt nh nc ca tm hn l

bi s kin bn ngoi. N khng phi l ty thuc vo thi gian v phn r, hoc ph thuc vo
vic mua li ca s vt v con ngi. Hm nay, l nhng g ngh Pht gio n rt nhiu
ngi dn sng trong x hi c xy dng xung quanh v tn v kch thch s hi lng ca
nhng ham mun c nhn, nhng c v nh bewilder v n p ngi dn cng nhiu cng tt
hoc nhiu hn th gii n gin m c Pht c cung cp iu tr duy nht ca mnh .

Entertainment for children in the

town (Tra Vinh town city)
As you know, our town will become a new city very soon. Im glad at
that. However, when thinking about the young city in terms of
entertainment facilities in general, and these for children in specific, I
suppose there are a number of problems.
We dont provide them with enough facilities. There are some
amusement parks equipped with some merry-go-rounds and
something like that which are only suitable for young children at the
age of 2 to 10! There are 2 or 3 cultural houses where youth can come
and enjoy such activities as singing or dancing or playing sports. These
attract only a small number of children and teenagers. There is a
library in the town but very few children nowadays like reading.
In fact, most children in Tra Vinh prefer very passive activities like
staying home and watching TV, going to many coffee shops and
chatting or hiding themselves in an Internet service shop playing
games or chatting, living their virtual life and ignoring or forgetting
their real life. These may lead to a lot of bad results like bad
educational achievement, unhealthiness or even crimes.
The most serious problem is that they hardly receive any guidance or
help from us adults. At school, their teachers mostly jam in the
curriculum and cannot guide them how to play appropriately. At home,
some parents just ignore or pay very little attention to their leisure
time or force them to go to extra lessons.
Therefore, I think we have to do these things to help them. First,
parents should pay more attention and guide them how to play, what
to play and when to play so that they have a balance between leaning

and playing. Second, educationists should add the content of spending

leisure time in the curriculum. Finally, the government, especially local
authorities in Tra Vinh city should invest more into the area of
entertainment for children and teenagers. Everybody should care for
children.

How Hans-Georg Gadamer

offers openings to a
postmodern perspective
by Richard E. Palmer

C. Applying Gadamer's Philosophical

Hermeneutics to the Twelve World Problems
First, it would be arrogant to see Gadamers philosophy as holding the
solution to all the worlds problems. But his critique of modernity points to some
of the underlying assumptions that have led to these problems, and his emphasis on
dialogue and human solidarity points to a way beyond the destructive attitudes of
modernity. We will address some specific remarks to each of the twelve problems.
1. Pollution - of the air, the water, the soil. For Gadamer all of these problems are
the consequence of the compartmentalized thinking of the modern era, along with
the assumption that the earth is ours to exploit as we please without regard to for
the future, for our children, for the earth itself. We must reassume our historical
responsibility for our childrens future by protecting their heritage. The reckless
anarchy of the exploitation of the earth must be replaced by responsible dialogue
among the exploiters, and among the governments of the earth. At present, we
have a gathering of the Big 7 or 8 on how to manage the world to their own

advantage. Such a dialogue, however, brings up questions of justice and fairness in

the allocation of the resources of the earth. A new protocol must be worked out
whereby the universal declaration of human rights is more than a pious wish-list
that is lost in the scramble of big corporations to exploit the resources of the earth.
Here, Gadamers insight into the structure of dialogue can help address these
problems.
2. Natural resources running out, or being degraded. The oil, the water, the old
growth forests, are all limited resources. They must be conserved for the most
important future uses. Oil is necessary for the operation of all sorts of machinery,
yet it is not being conserved but recklessly pumped out of the earth and sold to the
highest bidder. Drinkable water, too, is increasing rare; indeed, it is sold in stores
for the same price of colas. But underground water is needed for crops, and the
underwater reserves are running out. Here, national and international management
are required. The ozone layer becoming depleted, whole species dying, while we
argue over whether this is really a problem. The key word in later Gadamer is
solidarity, the solidarities that hold humankind together in many nations. Again, all
peoples have an interest in the wise management of the earths resources and again
we must make international laws that restrain the anarchy of 400 sovereign nations
each subject to the unbridled abuse by large corporations. They must unite to say
NO to reckless, anarchic exploitation of resources about to run out.
3. Population growth outstripping resources worldwide. Here, two different
problems come together: population growth and the finitude of resources.
Gadamers philosophical reflections cannot slow the growth of population or
increase our resources. What they do, however, is issue a plea for rationality and
lay down the conditions for meaningful dialogue. The present situation is
irrational, anarchic, and in the grip of powerful corporate and military structures.
More importantly, it is in the grip of modes of thinking that see their solutions only
by means of them. It is the mindset of modernity that needs to be addressed,
criticized, and revised.
4. Unequal distribution of financial resources. Global poverty and hunger are
increasing each year instead of decreasing. The agricultural land of the earth is
owned by fewer and fewer people. Much of what is left in the hands of small
farmers is being bought up by international agribusinessesby multinational
corporations distant from land but close to big money. In part, admittedly, the
problems of the world are a function to increasing population and decreasing
resources, but we must see that the global expansion of large aggregations of
capital is also a factor. This is allowed by a modern thinking that gives permission

to international anarchy, that does not demand justice and human rights in the
allocation of land, does not demand ecological practices in the use of agricultural
resources. Again, the nations of the world (and not just corrupt governments
controlled by the military industrial complex) must grasp their solidarities, their
common interest in controlling the consolidation of capital into larger and larger
politically powerful units.
5. The overwhelming power of multinational corporations over governments.
Here, we go beyond agribusiness to other giant corporationsthe big oil, the
pharmaceutical companies, the media conglomerates, the insurance companies,
including medical insurancethat have more influence on government policies
than the poor or even the general population. Government policies seem more
oriented to maintaining the economy than in the economic and physical well-being
of their populations. Again, Gadamer does not have a method for bringing down
the power of Gross capital. What he does offer is a critique of the modern
assumptions that make them possible. We dont just need power; we need
reflection, critique, coming together as we share a common fate on this earth. For
the fate of the earth is not just a matter of nuclear weapons, but of the
management of the earth as our home in such a way as to promote the maximum
well being of all its inhabitants now and in the future.
6. Nuclear weapons; the imminent danger of worldwide catastrophe. It seems that
the danger posed by an arsenal of 50,000 missiles in Russian and America is less
today than 15 or 20 years ago when Jonathan Schells The Fate of the Earth saw
catastrophe on the horizon and a real possibility of giving the earth back to the
insects and grasses. The cold war between Russia and the U.S. has thawed, but the
proliferation of weapons goes on, and the growing masses of nuclear waste. Why?
Because the military ways of thinking go on, the national security imperative still
drives small countries to spend most of their small budget on weapons instead of
social programs. We need to outgrow the dangerous and costly structures of
thinking that are our legacy from modernity. Instead of endless debates, we need
dialogue and negotiationsnot just in Ireland, Russia, East Timor, Pakistan, the
Balkans, the Middle Eastbut in the United Nations about the natural resources,
power concentrations, poverty, human rights of the populations of the world. The
right of sovereign states must be further limited when it comes to human rights and
the management of its resources. The rest of the world must have a say in such
matters. Nuclear weapons do not risk just the populations of the nations that build
them but everybody else. They must be internationally controlled for the good of
humanity.

7. Military means and thinking as a way of resolving political problems. War is a

means of accomplishing political objectives when negotiations break down.
Within a country military repression is a mark of a country not solving its problems
by other means, of fear of rebellion. The situation in Colombia is an example: The
farmers grow marihuana because it is a more profitable crop, as is tobacco in the
U.S. Earlier, it was even government subsidized. Instead of dealing with the
problems that lead to the large-scale consumption of drugs that raises the price, the
U.S. government tries to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. And it is filling its
prisons with drug offenders who are no particular danger to society except perhaps
when driving a car or carrying a gun. Gadamers modest contribution to this
gigantic problem is to ask us to interrogate the modern thinking that resorts to
force and incarceration instead of confronting the social inequities that encourage
the resort to drugs.
8. Genocides in Africa, Indo-China, Tibet, Europe, North America. Again, the
modern structures of domination and force lead inevitably to genocide.
9. Racism, sexism, hatred of homosexuals, anti-Semitism. Hatred is generally a
product of fear. Communication, negotiation, closer acquaintance, clearer
thinking, break down fear. Again, the structure of dialogue so emphasized by
Gadamer can help to break down the climate of fear.
10. Rising expectations in third world countries and in the U.S. as television brings
the American/European standards of living into the dwellings of peoples living on
the very margins of existence. This raises questions of justice and unmet social
needs in many parts of the world. Liberation theology, in particular, concerns itself
with these problems. Enrique Dssel uses Gadamers hermeneutics in combination
with conceptions of the Other from Levinas to show that the view of the Other in
modernity lead to the unjust situations in the Americas. His book, Ethical
Hermeneutics. dedicates itself to seeking a way out of these problems.
Philosophical hermeneutics, with its analysis of how meaningful dialogue comes
about, helps to deal with the situation. With insight and common desire for justice,
means could be sought to remedying the inequities involved in this situation.
Again, dialogue and solidarity are the keys to the resolution of problems of
injustice.
11. Fundamentalism and narrowness, exclusivism, particularism, terrorism.
These are major problems today, but how are we dealing with them? Fear,
avoidance, military repression. Admittedly, it is hard to deal with religious
fundamentalism with Gadamerian hermeneutics, but Gadamer is able to enter into

dialogue with anyone who is willing to speak! He looks for common ground and
sees whether a basis for working together instead of against would be possible, say,
on the world problems we face. Secondly, he looks at the presuppositions of
fundamentalism and asks where they come from. In some cases, fundamentalism
is a rebellion against modernity; in this case they might even find common ground.
Also, fundamentalism thrives on poverty, discrimination, and lack of education, so
indirect approaches to alleviate these could serve in the long run to reduce the
incidence of fundamentalism. Gadamers thinking breaks down barriers and enters
into dialogue even with those claiming exclusive and particular favor from God,
for instance. His appeal is always to reason and reaching an accommodation with
respect for the Other and his/her/their claims, which are not necessarily religious
matters but retreat from the world and fear of being manipulated.
12. Ethnic groups clinging to land, to resources, to sacred space, e.g., the struggle
of Jews and Palestinians over Jerusalem. The problem of the Israelis and
Palestinians seems insoluble. The Israelis were without homeland for 2000 years,
whereas for the Palestinians it was only 50 years. Here is a case where the United
Nations mandate of 1948 solved one problem but created another. It put the
Palestinian people into camps on the border of land they formerly possessed.
Again, the modern concept of sovereignty and sovereign rights over East
Jerusalem is the key issue. One solution to this problem would be to revise the
requirement each has of sovereignty, the presupposition of both sides, each
claiming it, and instead to create a sacred space where neither side claims
sovereignty. Again, the need is for Israelis and Palestinians to leap beyond a
modern concept of sovereignty to something new. Also, in negotiations, when
each side has more to gain by reaching a settlement than by holding out for a better
deal, then progress can be made. It would seem, however, that when it comes to
the sacred space we come to something non-negotiable. But it would seem that
shared sovereignty might be possible. Here, again, some new structure that goes
beyond the concept of competing claims for territorial sovereignty is needed.

Long Conclusion
Gadamers philosophical hermeneutics is neither a clever method that will
solve every problem nor is it a program with a specific political/ ideological
content. Rather, as philosophy, it looks at assumptions and presuppositions. It
looks for other ways to think about a problem and resources for thinking
differently. He does make us aware of limits of certain modern assumptions at the
root of our thinking and our problems. Gadamers contribution supplements rather

than excludes that of other thinkers. Philosophical hermeneutics basically

harmonizes with other postmodern thinkersbut they still need Gadamer! No
single thinker has the answer. One can certainly profit by turning to the writings of
Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, Lyotard, Adorno, Habermas, Dssel and Ken Wilber,
among the many thinkers trying to move beyond the constricting thought forms of
modernity. But Gadamers philosophical hermeneutics also offers resources for
this passage, this voyage, to a new, better era, and era of more tolerant,
cooperative, peaceful thought forms. For this task, we need to have a critical
understanding of the limits of modern structures and in addition the means of
moving beyond them. I believe Gadamers philosophical hermeneutics is, and will
continue to be, relevant to both of these needs.

Shorter Conclusion
I have tried to show that the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg
Gadamer offers openings for a postmodern philosophy. It does this not only
through its critiques of certain modes of thinking in modernity, but also through
proposing alternative ways of dealing with problems. I have argued that even in
reference to twelve global problems we face today, Gadamer has something to
offer, either in the way of critique or alternative conceptual tools. Although
Gadamer did not use this term in reference to his philosophy, perhaps because of
its identification with certain contemporary French philosophers, if we use the term
to apply to the general effort to criticize and overcome the side-effects of modern
thinking, he qualifies.

Happy Planet Index

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Map showing countries shaded by their position in the Happy Planet

Index (2006). The highest-ranked countries are bright green; the lowest
are brown

The Happy Planet Index (HPI) is an index of human well-being and

environmental impact that was introduced by the New Economics Foundation
(NEF) in July 2006. The index is designed to challenge well-established indices of
countries development, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human
Development Index (HDI), which are seen as not taking sustainability into account.
In particular, GDP is seen as inappropriate, as the usual ultimate aim of most
people is not to be rich, but to be happy and healthy.[1] Furthermore, it is believed
that the notion of sustainable development requires a measure of the environmental
costs of pursuing those goals.[2]

The HPI is based on general utilitarian principles that most people want to live
long and fulfilling lives, and the country which is doing the best is the one that
allows its citizens to do so, whilst avoiding infringing on the opportunity of future
people and people in other countries to do the same. In effect it operationalises the
IUCN's (World Conservation Union) call for a metric capable of measuring 'the
production of human well-being (not necessarily material goods) per unit of
extraction of or imposition upon nature'.[3] Human well-being is operationalised as
Happy Life Years.[4] Extraction of or imposition upon nature is proxied for using
the ecological footprint per capita, which attempts to estimate the amount of
natural resources required to sustain a given country's lifestyle. A country with a
large per capita ecological footprint uses more than its fair share of resources, both
by drawing resources from other countries, but also by causing permanent damage
to the planet which will impact future generations.[5]
As such, the HPI is not a measure of which are the happiest countries in the world.
Countries with relatively high levels of life satisfaction, as measured in surveys,
are found from the very top (Colombia in 2nd place) to the very bottom (the USA
in 150th place) of the rank order. The HPI is best conceived as a measure of the
environmental efficiency of supporting well-being in a given country. Such
efficiency could emerge in a country with a medium environmental impact (e.g.
Costa Rica) and very high well-being (e.g. Panama), but it could also emerge in a
country with only mediocre well-being, but very low environmental impact (e.g.
Vietnam).

Each countrys HPI value is a function of its average subjective life satisfaction,
life expectancy at birth, and ecological footprint per capita. The exact function is a
little more complex, but conceptually it approximates multiplying life satisfaction
and life expectancy, and dividing that by the ecological footprint. Most of the life
satisfaction data is taken from the World Values Survey and World Database of
Happiness, but some is drawn from other surveys, and some is estimated using
statistical regression techniques.
178 countries were surveyed in 2006, compared to 143 in 2009. The best scoring
country in 2009 was Costa Rica, followed by the Dominican Republic and
Jamaica, with Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe featuring at the bottom of the
list.

Nursing Homes for the Rest of Us

By JANE GROSS

Monika Graff for The New York TimesFrom left,

physical therapist Miriam Parness leading residents
Mack Savid, Hyman Martin and Ken Hornreich in
light exercise at the Jacob Reingold Pavilion at the
Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, N.Y. For
more pictures, click here.

One snowy New Years Eve, in a cabin by

Lake George in upstate New York, Dan
Reingold, the 54-year-old C.E.O. of the
Hebrew Home for Aged in Riverdale, shared a bottle of single-malt Scotch with a
group of friends and asked them to imagine a nursing home that wouldnt make
baby boomers like themselves say, Over my dead body.
He was already running one of the nations finest skilled nursing facilities, the one
where my late mother lived the last two years of her life. But men and women who
came of age during World War II and the Depression were a breed onto themselves.
They put up with double rooms, showers down the hall, linoleum floors and coffee
that arrived at the breakfast table lukewarm from a central kitchen. They tolerated
all of this, in my experience, better than their adult children, who had vastly higher
expectations and loads of guilt.

This physical environment that my mother never complained about left me weeping
in the car on the way home from each visit. What kind of daughter abandons her
mother to such a fate? Even after I came to appreciate the quality of care she was
receiving, and my brother and I received as well, the place itself, while spotlessly
clean, stirred in me a sense of failure that never went away. Ive described it here
often, to Mr. Reingolds dismay.
He wishes Id lighten up on the accounts of wheelchairs hubcap-to-hubcap in the
lounge, and instead point my gaze to the facilitys sweeping views of the Hudson
River, south past the George Washington Bridge to the tip of Manhattan, where the
Twin Towers once stood. Or better yet, he often has said, I should come take a look
at the new building, named for his late father Jacob Reingold, who ran the Hebrew
Home before him, which had been a construction site when my mother died in 2003.
The Jacob Reingold Pavilion, which Ive now visited, is the result of Mr. Reingolds
informal focus group in Lake George. At the time, a more conventional version of
that building was already on the drawing board, approved by the board of directors
and expected to cost $24 million. But as his friends answered the question, What
do we want?, Mr. Reingold took notes and reconsidered.
Private rooms. Internet access. A fitness center. Massage rooms. Kitchens in each
dining area, so the coffee is hot and the toast crispy. Electronic medical records to
eliminate the need for nursing stations. Windows that face the river, positioned so
someone in a wheelchair can enjoy the view. And showers in each room to eliminate
the indignity of being wrapped in a sheet and wheeled down the public hallway.
He scrapped the existing project, asked his board to approve a new building that
would cost $50 million and raised the money privately. What we tried to do is move
the bar, he said, make it as good as it can be. This is where long-term care needs to
go before its you and me. What I designed here is a clinically supportive
environment that doesnt look, feel or smell clinical.
I look at it and say to myself, If i needed nursing care, would I live here? And my
answer is definitely yes.
Mine, too. In fact, it crossed my mind to wonder if I could have used the indoor
swimming pool if my mother had lived there. Her floor, by the way, in an adjacent

building, will soon undergo a $700,000 renovation. We cant do it all in one shot,
Mr. Reingold said. And unfortunately, when you have to do it in stages, its like
buying a new suit. It makes your shoes look old.
To see more pictures of the facility and its residents, click here.

Update 2/26/2009 | Many of you noted that a place like this must be out of the
economic reach of all but the very wealthy (and no, that does not include newspaper
writers!). Let me clarify something that has come up in this blog numerous times,
something I have failed to communicate with clarity or precision.
Yes, nursing homes like this one are exorbitantly expensive for self-pay residents
upwards of $15,000 a month for a private room. (Yes, $15,000. Yes, per month.) But
80 percent of the people here, and at nursing homes both upscale and downscale
across America, have no money because they didnt have any to begin with, theyve
already spent it all on their own care, or they have used legal (yes, legal, however
unfair or even immoral) means to transfer their money to their heirs.
All of these residents without funds are subsidized by the government via Medicaid.
In other words, they reside here and at all other nursing homes for free, with
Medicaid covering a smaller and smaller portion of their actual care and the nursing
homes themselves making up the shortfall. Nonprofit homes are more likely than
for-profits to provide identical services to those who are paying their own bills and
those who arent. When my mother was a resident of the Hebrew Home, she paid
$14,000 a month of her own money for her care for over a year. The last few months
of her life she was on Medicaid, having exhausted her funds. Her excellent care was
identical before and after.
One additional fact of some importance: It is illegal for nursing homes to evict selfpay residents when they run out of money. What this lengthy explanation translate
to is this: Assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities and
hourly or live-in home care are generally available only to the wealthy, since
except under special waivers, in certain states there is no government
reimbursement. Nursing homes, and only nursing homes, serve rich and poor alike,
because Medicaid takes care of anyone in such a facility.

From 26 to 50 of 72 Comments
Previous 1 2 3 Next
1. 26. February 25, 2009 9:30 pm Link
Bravo to Brenda Becker!
I could not agree with you more. With a Mum 94 living with advanced
dementia I was most grateful to find an Angel to be with my Mum from
8am-8pm. I would not trust the even the most so-called upscale facilities
with my mother. The food, care & overall feel is unworthy of anyone I love.
Why is it that the children today of aged parents dont seem to research their
options of in home personal/private care?
The care would in all likelihood be beyond most facilities and less money.
susan
2. 27. February 26, 2009 9:27 am Link
I wish more nursing home owners at least thought about
these issues in the way that Dan Reingold seems to be.
I also appreciate your pointing out how much these places cost and that once
a resident has exhausted their funding, their care should be the same.
I was just reading an article that shares some questions to ask when looking
for a nursing home http://eldercareabcblog.com/questions-about-nursinghome-care/
Thanks for another interesting post.
Mary
3. 28. February 26, 2009 10:08 am Link
Jane You have lost your way. Many of your columns have been very helpful, but
your obsession with the Hebrew Home, and its rarified environment paint a
totally unrealistic picture for 99% of the population. How about some real
reporting on the inequities of care.

 Judith
4. 29. February 26, 2009 10:57 am Link
My mother lived the last six years of her life in a good nursing home. She
paid about $75,000/year for her care and there were many public aid
residents receiving the same, equally good care. Those years were good for
her, and the best years of our troubled relationship.
What I saw that I do not want to experience for myself is the control the
doctors have over the residents, the lack of autonomy, and privacy, and the
lack of education and support provided for the dying process.
The reality of nursing homes is that they care for those of us who are so sick
that we cannot care for ourselves, have no family able or willing to do so, or
need so much care that only a team of caregivers with a garage full of
equipment can help us continue to live.
All nursing homes can be better, but they wont be until the focus changes
from a medical model to person centered care. In considering quality of life,
we need to consider quality of death in these places, where everyone is
living the end of their life.
We also need to improve care of the staff. They need more money, more
emotional support and more appreciation.
Nursing homes wont go away. Some of us will need them.
We have to make them better.
Loretta
Loretta Downs
5. 30. February 26, 2009 12:10 pm Link
I am a RN with my masters in healthcare administration and have been
involved in operating skilled nursing facilities for 19 years. While reading
the replies of all of you, I realized I was sitting here shaking my head slowly,
as I do quite often during the course of a usual day. Why do I shake my
head.let me leave with you with a few brief points.

For the man who wants 80% of staff to be compassionate.I ask you, what
percentage of your neighbors, colleagues, friends would you consider
compassionate?
Have you ever heard any of your acquaintances state I could not work in a
nursing home for any amount of money yet everyone always says better
salaries would solve the compassion issue. Um, I never knew money makes
a person more loving.
Why is delivering care in an individualized manner so difficult? The answer
simply is the punitive regulatory system our all-knowing society has
demanded. Examples: if we dont document thoroughly why a full course
breakfast is not served to your loved one who would rather sleep in and have
a danish and great cup of coffee and the person eventually develops weight
loss then skin breakdown, odds are a puntive deficiency would be cited and
probably an expensive law suit f om the loving family who did not realize
what would happen if the wishes of the individual was carried out.
I have managed a wide range of facilities.an old institutional Medicaid
facility all the way to the same type of extremely expensive private facility.
Where would I want to live when I cant care for myself, see 2 feet in front
of me or taste the food being given to me? The place where the administrator
and owner is willing to take risks and knows me as an individualmy
physical surrounding matters not. Let me have an ice cream cone with wine
every meal and absolutely forget crushing my meds so I can swallow. Let
my children and physican and regulators gradually let me die while
respecting my wishes. Feed me a margarita on the rocks every so often after
spraying eucaplytups spray in front of my nose! Realize I have lived my life
and dont shy away from death. Death is not depressing and not to be cried
over, but rather to be a celebration until the end.
Nursing homes arent made to heal folks, they are not there to provide a
luxurious environment outside our means and they cant take away the guilt
families place upon themselves. Not one staff person I have ever had walked
into the door to report to work and stated I am going to do the worst possible
job I can today. Staff who do work in nursing homes do so because they are
caring in their own way. At least they are there every day for your loved one.
Until a person accepts aging and death as a part of life, he/she will have all
sorts of issues with even the best nursing home. Thanks for listening.

 Cindy
6. 31. February 26, 2009 12:52 pm Link
Because nursing homes cant evict residents who have outlived their ability
to pay means that who the nursing home operator admits or refuses
admission to is critical to the survival of the home. Nursing home beds are
not allocated by chance or lottery but by a selective admission process;
homes are not emergency rooms that have to treat anyone who shows up at
the door. Theyre more like private schools. Before admitting a new resident,
the operator, for-profit and not-for-profit alike (different motivations,
different business models but both have bottom lines) must make a business
calculation based on the health of the applicant with healthy meaning a
likely longer stayand her assets. Any home that costs $15,000 a month
cant survive with more than a calculated number of Medicaid-supported
residents. It is misleading to note that running out of money doesnt change
the care at a high-cost nursing home without also noting that that home will
not accept a new resident without enough cash to cover what the home
projects will be the length of stay.
Jud Mead
7. 32. February 26, 2009 1:31 pm Link
Albert Lewis @ #24: I too have worked for newspapers, so I know exactly
how little most of them pay. I have been told that the NYT starts copy
editors at more than $90,000 a year. And, Ms. Gross, a question: Would you
have omitted the cost element from your analysis of a nursing home for the
rest of us if you had thought of it as an obstacle? The omission suggests to
me the blogger, in the stratosphere, did not question the affordability
whereas to us down here on the planet, its Question Number One.
ACW
8. 33. February 26, 2009 4:17 pm Link
Jane, are you familiar with Dr. Thomas and his Eden Alernative or Green
Nursing Home concepts? From what I have read, the idea is to build small,
really home-like facilities, where residents have their own furniture, eat in a
small dining room and can assist with preparing the meals if they wish and
are able. I believe he has set up some of these in the South and other nursing

homes are trying to incorporate some these concepts into their facilities.
Susan
Susan
9. 34. February 27, 2009 8:28 am Link
It feels like about half of the posters here have no experience with nursing
homes or elder caretaking just fear of getting old.
Dad was in a nursing home for subacute rehab for stroke for 3 months. I
chose that nursing home for the rehab which included speech. Being with
other stroke survivors having the same struggles helped him. The food was
awful (many times he wouldnt eat it because it looked awful), there was
always the smell of urine in the air and the laundry lost most of his clothes.
Medicare covered his first 20 days and his Medicare Blue Cross supplement
picked up the copay starting w/ day 21. If he didnt have the supplement, he
wouldve been out-of-pocket $10K.
4 months before Dad had his stroke, he moved into a brand-new 5 story apt
bldg for persons aged 55 and older. The bldg has a large beautifullyfurnished community room on the 1st floor with a big screen TV, a smaller
family room for TV watching and game playing, a small library with 2 PCs
and a exercise room, hair salon and outdoor patio and garden. The hallways
and doorways are extra large to accomodate wheelchairs, the bathrooms
have grab bars and theres a laundry room on every floor.
The apt bldg was a mile west of where Dad lived in his own home for 40
years so he was still familiar with the neighborhood. There is a Walgreens
and a Dunkin Donuts across the street where we could shop and have coffee.
Moving and selling the house was a very difficult decision for Dad. His
house needed many very expensive repairs and he needed the cash for down
the road. He was an excellent saver and had enough in savings to pay for a
caregiver the 1st year so my brother and I were not financially burdened by
his stroke.
Dad was isolated in his house. Mom died 7 years before and the more
isolated he became, the less interest he took in his appearance and in the
world around him. After moving into his apt where he saw and spoke to
people everyday, he changed. He started adult day care after he came home

from rehab and adult day care provided him with additional stimulation and
socialization. The VA paid for Dads adult day care.
I looked at the pictures of the new facility at the Hebrew Home for the Aged
and I loved the pool, yoga, exercise classes and the ability to go outdoors
and be close to nature. I think Reingold is forward-thinking and did a terrific
job. My only question is hows the food?
Emily Booth
10.35. February 27, 2009 1:22 pm Link
If you are considering a nursing home because of costs, there are tools to
make apples to apples comparisons. Heres a link on Silver Planet to a
nursing home comparison and how to compare:
http://www.silverplanet.com/lifestyles/retirement-living/nursing-homecompare/let-comparing-begin/44718. I think I better buy that long term
insurance now!
Andre
11.36. February 27, 2009 1:36 pm Link
Emilys post (#34) reminded me of what my mother (almost 90)
experienced. Instead of aging in place (as many seem to prefer) her home
had turned into a prison and she had turned from a person who was married
to a high-level, white collar executive to a widow who resembled a bag lady
and wore three or four shirts to stay warm in her own home in a nice suburb
of a major city.
Now, six months into AL, she has had her nails done more in the past 6
months (its free, of course) than she had in her entire lifetime! The wash
and set at the beauty parlor I kept encouraging her to do while she lived at
home (too much fuss and expense), is now done regularly at the on-site
beauty parlor. She is once again the mother I knew, only older.
The food is not perfect, but she likes a challenge, so she attends the Food
Committee meetings each month to understand their limitations and to
contribute suggestions. She resides with other lovely people from all walks
of life who also cant hear well, see well, or keep details straight. Their
conversations occasionally remind me of the telephone game we played

when we were kidsthey dont always follow a logical trajectory, but seem
to satisfy the participants. They are happy for the most part, care for one
another, and can retreat to their private spaces when they wish.
I think it is wise to match the right care facility to the right person. Janes
lovely place with a pool, etc., would not appeal to my mother. Too many
expensive features which are totally unnecessary. Mom is content in a
nice, clean, basic facility with her own two private rooms and meals in a
pretty dining room. She would be worried sick that her money would be
quickly gone, if the facility had been more upscale.
There are so many facilities out there. Choose the one that suits your
parents personality and pocketbook, not your own. It is fear of the unknown
that prompts some to become prisoners in their own home, not because it is
the best option for their mental or physical health. Aging in place is not for
everyone and the AL options span the basic to the Ritz. It is a kindness (not
abuse!) for someone like my mother to be guided (strong-armed?) into
moving into one.
susan
12.37. February 28, 2009 1:16 am Link
Its important to note that Medicaid isnt really free as noted by the author.
Most people over age 55 who use Medicaid for long-term care are subject to
the federal estate recovery program whereby the cost of services rendered is
recovered from their estate after death. For many families, this leaves little
or no estate to pass on to their children and grandchildren. Essentially,
Medicaid long-term care has become a loan program that must be repaid.
Many people circumvent this process through estate planning and transfer of
assets, which is legal, but does come with some penalties. Furthermore, to
the best of my knowledge, the nursing home resident who is a Medicaid
beneficiary must also participate in a cost-share whereby their Social
Security check, except for a few dollars for personal items, is used for their
care.
Ms. Higgins
13.38. February 28, 2009 8:45 am Link

Ive learned the hard lesson that there are no good answers. It will always
come down to the decency of individuals to operate a quality care facility.
There is always a problem with who is most popular and best candidate
when you rely on social care. A set of people will be a good fit, but the
majority of people just dont.
There is nothing here that could replace the comfort of being in a community
where you feel you are a vital contributor. That feeling is more difficult to
grasp among aging, difficult people. Condensed difficulty is not improved
by family members who have delegated the painful task of death to
strangers. No one can cope with this well and we arent really built to do
that.
swp
14.39. February 28, 2009 12:23 pm Link
The nursing home owners I know of live in huge McMansions and have
discreetly opulent lifestyles in every way, including planes and multiple
homes in resort areas. Our payments should not prefer the nursing home
system as they do; for what it costs to keep a failing human warehoused until
death, we could pay almost any willing family member to take off work and
care for them, and still send hospice staff to the home to bathe and help with
medicine. I have been in over 30 nursing homes and I must tell youthere
is no such thing as a good one. There are just fancier or smellier ones. I
told my daughter, Put me on an ice floe, give me a bottle of BlackJack, and
take my coat before you kiss me goodbye. I promise you that is kinder than
nursing home placement.
Blanche Devereaux
15.40. March 1, 2009 1:40 am Link
The elderly who can use the Internet and take advantage of swimming pools
or shopping excursions are usually able to remain at home or to downsize
into a condominium. Most would select the independence until they are too
disabled to care for themselves.
At this point, they would likely need skilled nursing centers, and would be
aso disabled that their chief concern would be getting an aide to help them to

the bathroom, or to bring a bedpan to them, before they wet their beds and
lie in dampness for an hour or longer before the aide arrives.
Privacy? A roommate might be welcome, because this means the aides and
the shift nurse also check on the roommate, which means the other
roommate is twice as likely to get assistance that day .
To get ones hair trimmed or styled costs extra if a patient or patients family
had money to pay for it. We were able to afford it. Not all patients could.
The podiatrist on the nursing homes list of visiting doctors never showed in
three months to trim toenails of the diabetic patients, or to check their feet.
(The podiatrist visits arent covered by Medicare anyhow, we were told. )
She never saw him,
Some elderly patients with limited abilities to roll themselves down a hall
were put into wheelchairs and , although they clearly appeared to be
exhausted or had some discomfort, were not being returned to their beds.
I dont think any of the patients that I met during my mothers temporary
stay missed having saunas in their bathrooms, care that granite countertops
were not in the nursing homes kitchen, and werent yearning for yoga
classes. I doubt they wish to see linoleum replaced with lovely hip-cracking
and bone-breaking Travertine floors, or want a Starbucks franchise down the
hall. They needed more attention, and to see more aides on staff.
A styrofoam pitcher of water filled with ice was put beside my mothers bed,
but it was so tall and so heavy that she could not lift it to pour into her cup
without tipping it and drenching her bed. So she, a kidney patient, didnt
drink water unless I was there to help, or an aide with patients to bathe,
change and feed, had time to pour it.
The discussion about luxuries is a lovely distraction for Boomers as we
pretend that our disabled old age will be just like university dorm life only
a bit quieter at night or similar to moving to a luxury hotel. It is not like
that. I wish it were. But for most of us, the transition will be rather shocking.
Lucy Jacobs
16.41. March 1, 2009 8:45 am Link

My mom is in one of the better rated nursing homes that accept medicaid
patients. The staff are very nice and kind. But it is so boring there. There is
nothing useful for the people who live there to do. There is practically no
hang out space. When the weather is bad, I dread it because there is
practically no space to hang out with my mom. The staff just do not get it.
Fortunately, I am able to get my mom out weekly and bring her to my house
for lunch. But when the weather is bad, I am faced with the dismal act of
sitting in the living room that has seating for 9-10 at best. The dining room
is in the basement, with a small private dining room. I was told I could sit
with my mom in the small dining room.
There are very few visitors at this nursing home. Perhaps if there were more
public space to hang out, more folks would visit. But, converting bed
space to lounge space takes away from billable beds.
Deborah Wolen
17.42. March 1, 2009 10:31 am Link
Dear Ms. Gross,
I enjoyed reading your articles regarding healthcare and issues about
eldercare. I am a hospital based nurse case manager and one of my
responsibilities is to screen patients as early as possible during their
admission for future needs. A potential discharge plan- home with homecare
physical therapy vs acute rehabilitation vs subacute nursing rehabilitation in
a nursing home setting.
Unfortunately, we must still work within the confines of patients medical
coverage and sometimes not all care is covered. There is a lot of interface
with family/friend support systems, the physicians, the homecare
coordinator, medical equipment vendors, the different facilities and even
drug companies and pharmacists.
(sometimes I need to know cost of drugs present this to the patient and see
if they can afford it.)
Planning and preparation is key.
Theresa
Theresa Chung
18.43. March 1, 2009 12:53 pm Link
What I would like in a nursing home that takes Title 19 patients like my
parents:

No profits for the owners! Its an unworkable business model. The only
way to make profits and keep shareholders happy is to continually degrade
the level of service provided to our elders. They should be run by religious
groups or by the government.
An onstaff person at all times (that includes weekends) to toilet those who
need help, walk every patient or work with them to do the exercises the PT
recommends for nonwalkers, and ensure that every patient gets time in the
sunlight, in nature, when whether permits. Such a person might have saved
$60,000 in taxpayer dollars this year given the # of visits my mom had to the
hospital for preventable UTIs (for which she is now on an antibiotic
prophylacticallyIm the one who thought of that.)
Actual produce used in meals, and whole grains. Yes, healthy food. Allow
the underpaid workers to eat said healthy food. No one can maintain health
and well-being on processed, low-quality foods chock full of salt, high
fructose corn syrup, preservatives, etc. which are the staples of nursing home
diets.
Decent salaries and benefits for staff with financial incentives for those
who do an especially good job so as to reduce turnover and boost morale.
Allow family members to contribute to a cash tip pool and holiday pool
they dont need more Christmas cookies, and they deserve the cash
Programs to bring in community members who can lecture, do workshops
and crafts and exercise programs and perform music, just like in assisted
living homes. Programs to bring in young peopleteens, scouts, etc.to
engage the elders, and programs bringing in dogs and cats as animal therapy.
More staffing. More staffing. More staffing.
Would all this cost money? Surebut while a pool (fabulous as it is for PT)
and gorgeous views are nice, these are more important amenities. I know
that money would be saved if elders health and well-being were supported
in these ways (to say nothing of their depression being liftedI have two
parents in Title 19 nursing homes that are just gruesome). Private rooms
would be great, but could we at least have private bathrooms for all patients
given that it can take 45 min. for someone to show up and get someone off
the toilet and back into the wheelchair?
NP
19.44. March 1, 2009 7:37 pm Link
I think it is important to understand the differences in all of these living
situations. In a skilled nursing unit the resident must required the care of a

skilled licensed professional. This must be care that cannot in all practicality
be provided in the home. Medicare sets the criteria for this definition and
covers part of these costs as long as the resident meets the criteria. A resident
that needs complete care and cannot provide any of the care themselves is
considered a custodial care resident and this care is not covered by Medicare
although would be covered by Medicaid if the person is eligible. The cost is
for total care 24/7. An assisted living unit or level of care is frequently
incorporated in the senior living centers. The costs of this assistance is
dependent on the needs of the resident. There are many continuing care
communities that provide independent living, assisted living and then
custodial care in nursing home setting within the same facility. This provides
a continuity for the spouse and family as the residents needs increase.
In my experience the last thing an elderly person wants to do is go on
Medicaid and move into a nursing home. When our elderly reach the point
of needing nursing home care they have little dignity left, they are unable
to control their own environment, their hopes and dreams must be
abandoned and they are at the mercy of who ever happens to be their care
giver for the day. I have yet to encounter anyone applying for Medicaid that
is doing it to get on the public dole. I have been a nurse for 40 years and a
case manager for 8-9 years. The very wealthy may know how to shelter their
money, but it is not likely so that their family can be placed on Medicaid and
live in a nursing home.
In order to maintain dignity, safety and quality there are standards that each
facility must meet if they are to receive federal funds. Maintaining these
standards costs money. However, you cannot legislate or control the attitudes
of the attendants who are usually the least educated and paid of all health
care workers. It is interesting to note that the closer anyone in the health care
industry gets to the patient/residents the less they are paid, the less education
they require and the harder their work.
This is a major dilemma in this country, and the question of pays is
obviously an important one, but there are very very vulnerable people in our
society through no fault of their own who need assistance.
Again is is important to know what level of care is needed, the number of
medications and treatments someone needs before we condemn the costs.
Connie

20.45. March 2, 2009 1:28 am Link

Every elderly person needs a wonderful nursing home as was described:
private rooms, internet access, a fitness center, massage rooms, and so on. It
would be an enjoyable moments of them.
Nursing care with this flexibility is wonderful. They will have a lot of fun by
enjoying good friendship and good care of nurses. But how about if
someday the person wont have money to pay for it, but he/she used to the
environment but now has to leave from Nursing care because he/she cant
support it anymore.
But there is an opposite side too. Not everybody would like to be away from
his/her children, grandchildren, and relatives. They may not like the rules.
They might want to be free and do whatever they want at any time.
Nursing cares like this comfort will be wonderful, if the rate will be a lot
less, and customers will fell as they are in their own homes.
Nune Mkrtchyan
21.46. March 2, 2009 8:29 am Link
To bad this kind of nursing home isnt the norm instead of the exception and
yes out of the reach of most of us. Maybe we as baby boomers should
consider this- staying at home as long as possible. Just because you are old
doesnt mean you have to end up in a nursing home. Im a home health care
nurse and staying in your home would be better and cheaper than in a
nursing home. Of course not all of us will be able to do this due to certain
diseases we may encounter but I think inceasing home health care services is
a better inverstment along with improving the nursing care at existing ones
rather than building a lavish resort style nursing home that the rest of us can
only dream about.
Yes Medicaid will pay for those who cant, but that puts a burden on the
already troubled medicaid and medicare systems. My advice, stay at home
as long as you can.
http://all-about-homecare.com/wpress/
Tina
22.47. March 2, 2009 12:52 pm Link
This article sounds as though obtaining medicaid is a cake walk. Its not.
And its even more difficult now with state budget cuts. Financial criteria

must be met and updated yearly. The medicaid status gets reviewed and
accepted or declined every year. Medicaid nursing home residents are
allowed to have $40 a month for their own. And if you want your loved one
to have any extras, then its out of your pocket if you are a family memeber
(phone, & hair appoint for example). Also, once a medicaid patient,
transferring to another facility is not that easy. Nursing homes are only
required to have so many medicaid beds, otherwise they would never be able
to stay afloat. They have to have a larger percentage of private pay and
medicare payers inorder to make a profit.
Gibbleb
23.48. March 4, 2009 11:26 am Link
My father has just died in a clean, decent nursing home. My mother is there
as well, with a broken hip. I found Janes account rather flippantits too
easy if youre not in those shoes to say oh, you can spend all of your money
and then go on Medicaid.
Sure, thats what the nursing home wants you to dospend all of your
money, every cent of it, on you.
Yep, my mother has a broken hip and can not bear weight on it for at least 6
more weekshowever, they are discharging her in a week because Medicare
and a well-funded Blue Cross will no longer pay after one more week.
The system is rotten. Wait till were ready for it.
marjie
24.49. March 4, 2009 4:23 pm Link
Marjie:Ifyour mother has traditional Medicare and a Blue Cross supplement
(as opposed to a Medicare Advantage plan), I would be surprised if they
would throw her out before shes been there for 100 days (as Medicare
Advantage plans sometimes do). Has she already been there for 100 days?
ellie
25.50. March 4, 2009 5:42 pm Link
Chris said: While not perfect, its [a shared room] a nice interlude to
staring at the wall or a watching a TV screen all day. Having spent the most
miserable week or so of my life in a nursing home, for rehab and care (and

believe me, as a long-term metastatic cancer survivor, I have had plenty of

miserable weeks and months), I would have given my arm for a private
room. Two beds, 2 night tables, 2 walkers, 2 wheelchairs; a bathroom
shared with two people in the room having access from the other door of the
bathroom to two other people; one TV; a roommate who snored day or night
like a train and who was also demented so there was no interaction; standing
room only for visitors, need I go on (an on and on)?
On other topics, the food was abominable (and I am not a fussy eater). The
home was woefully understaffed and a call-light to summon aid took an
inordinate amount of time for a response. Oh, again, I could go on and on.
The Medical Director, having heard of my distress at my situation, finally
came to call on me and summed up my problem thusly, verbatim: Do you
know whats wrong with you? And, tapping his index finger against his
forehead, he proclaimed You have too much up here. If you were like the
rest of them (waving his hand toward the open door), it wouldnt make any
difference. When I told him that my husband wanted me home and wanted
to care for me, he sagely advised me, again verbatim: Spouses can die you
know.
While Chriss aunt became great friends with her roommate, from my
observations in that depressing nursing home, I would posit that his/her
aunts situation is very much the exception.
I got released that night to see my family doctor who, when apprised of
everything that had happened or had not happened as it should have (and I
havent told you the half of it), my doctors recommendation to the nursing
home was that I be released and provided with home rehab, aides, etc. from
our visiting nurse association. And so it happened!
This nursing home is situated in a mid to upper-middle class area, where one
might expect decent care and attention to the needs of the inmates. Sigh.
maria
Maria

Old Age And Its Related

Problems Considered From An
Elderly Perspective In A Group
Of Turkish Elderly
Conclusions: The aging of the population all over the
country has not only brought with it new and serious issues,
but has also become a national and international health
matter to be dealt with as in our country.

Introduction
Old age has been divided into different groups: biological,
physiological, emotional and functional.
Biological aging is concerned with changes occurring in the
structure and functions of the human body; physiological
aging is concerned with individual and behavioral changes;
emotional aging describes changes in ones attitude and
lifestyle dependent on ones self-perception of being old; and
finally functional aging is the comparison of individuals of

the same age group in terms of those within the group being
unable to maintain their functions in society ( 1).
The most obvious manifestations of old age are changes in
physical appearance, such as wrinkles appearing on the
face; the graying of hair, slowing down of reactions, followed
by restriction of movement and sense organs, and proneness
to chronic illnesses (2).
Advances in science and technology, as well as
improvements in health services available, have played an
important role in the increasing number of elderly in the
world. The 20

th

century saw an increase in both anticipated

and actual life expectancy figures, a phenomenon described

as the aging population (1,3).
In the industrialized countries of the west, the elderly
population in the 1990s was 7-15% of the total population,
and is expected to reach 25% by the year 2020 ( 4).
According to the 1985 census, the group of elderly aged 65
and over constituted 4.2% of the population in Turkey. This
ratio had risen to 4.3% in 1990, 4.7% in 1995, and is
expected to reach 6.3% in 2005 and 7.1% by the year 2010
(5).
There are currently 580 million elderly aged 60 and over in
the world, and of these 355 million live in the developing
countries. Within the last fifty years, the rate of accelerated

death in developing countries has visibly decreased, and life

expectancy at birth has increased from 41 years in the early
1950s to 62 years in 1990. In the year 2020, life expectancy
at birth is predicted to reach 70 (6). Similarly, it has been
estimated that the anticipated life expectancy averages at
birth in Turkey of 72.7 years for women and 68 years for men
in the year 2005 will have risen to 73.8 for women and 69 for
men by the year 2010 (5). This increase in the average life
expectancy has become a social problem due to the
resulting effects made on social life by the industrial
revolution.
The requirements of individuals change the older they
become. By the year 2020, it is anticipated that one in three
deaths in developing countries will be through causes
related to old age, and that the majority of these deaths will
be from non-contagious diseases such as circulation system
disorders, cancers and diabetes. As life expectancy
increases, so does the risk of some chronic diseases. The
elderly become ill more frequently, have to live with more
chronic diseases or problems, and are generally trying to
fight against several health problems at once, resulting in an
increase in the number of medications taken ( 7,8,9).
Consequently, the elderly apply to health institutions more
and stay for longer periods in hospitals, rendering the elderly
passive, dependent consumers. (10,11,12,13,14).

The aging of the community brings with it new and serious

problems both nationally and internationally, with WHO
describing it as an important developmental element
requiring emergency action. The term old age defines not
only an individuals appearance, but also refers to a loss of
power, role and position. Loss of full possession of the
faculties and a proneness to physical diseases causes an
individual to become more dependent on others, a fact that
requires consideration when deciding on the manner in
which the elderly are approached (6,11,12,15). Beyond the
traditional approach of caring for the elderly in the
accommodation of their own homes or in residential care
homes, the state or private enterprise must seek alternative
services in order to ensure the well-being of the elderly.
The aim of this survey is to determine the health status of
elderly individuals, the way in which they perceive old age,
existing health problems, habits related to health, old age
and the problems old age causes, and their thoughts
concerning death. In this way we hope to extend the advice
offered and develop appropriate service policies.

Discussion
The high participation rate in our study, 76.3% (261/342),
may reflect either the willingness of the elderly to contribute

to research on the health and status of the elderly individual,

or their sensitivity to old age.
Due to the average life expectancy in Turkey (67.5 years for
men, 71 years for women), the majority of elderly (60.2%)
interviewed were in the younger age group (60-69).
Unsurprisingly, participation from those in the second age
group (80 and older) was rather low (5,17,18).
Women in Turkey play a traditional role in the extended
family structure. This was reflected by the fact that more
than half of the elderly interviewed in this study (56.7%)
were housewives. Many women in Turkey are unable to find
jobs because of lack of availability, or the prevailing notion
that women should play traditional roles such as mother and
homemaker. This lower status, alongside the lack of general
unemployment insurance in Turkey, may explain the 20.3%
of elderly women not in receipt of any income ( 18).
When questioned about satisfaction with the various social
security institutions of Turkey, members of EMEKLI SANDIGI
reported being the most satisfied (79.2%). EMEKLI SANDIGI
is seen to offer the most accessible and regular service in
Turkey. This finding is consistent with the results of another
Turkish study (19).
The figure for those reporting good health was 27.2%. This
finding is in line with other studies conducted in Turkey

(20,21,22). The majority (66.7%) of the elderly who evaluated

their health status as bad were in the age group of 70-79,
whereas the majority (60.5%) of those evaluating good
were in the age group of 60-69. This finding may be
connected to the age related rise in chronic diseases and
weakness (7,8,9,22,23). In another study conducted into the
medico-social problems of the elderly in another city of
Turkey, researchers found that 23.7% of the elderly reported
their health to be good, 22.3% bad, and furthermore that
8-25% had difficulty in maintaining daily activities rising to
40% in the older group (22).
Those living at home were more pleased with their place of
residence compared to those living in residential care (64.4%
and 42.3%, respectively). This finding is consistent with
another study conducted in Turkey. Ozer (2004) ( 24), in a
study conducted on 240 elderly individuals found that male
and female elderly living at home or in the bosom of the
family had much higher levels of life satisfaction than male
and female elderly living in residential care homes (p<0.01).
Institutions, such as residential care or old age homes, are
prevalent in western communities, being accepted as good
places to pass ones final years. Due to the extended family
structure of Turkey, these institutions are not broadly
accepted, seen usually as places for those elderly either
living alone or penniless (11,13,25).

Nearly 100% of the elderly (98.5%) in this study had some

kind of health problem, a figure compatible with the results
of some studies: In a study by Knowlton (2002) (26), it was
found that older people are sick more often than younger
people, and suffer more from being at the end stage of
various chronic progressive degenerative diseases. In other
studies, it was discovered that 80% of those over 65 had one
or more chronic conditions (10,11).
Hypertension (26.1%), rheumatism (18.8%), and
osteoporosis (12.3%) were the most frequently reported
health problems. This result is compatible with studies
conducted in Turkey (12,13,19) and the other countries (11,23,27).
These results are significant when planning care service for
the elderly.
The most often attended health institution for health checks
was the health center (37.5%). In Turkey, the Law 224
Socialization of the Health Services executes health
services (28). According to this ruling, health centers
constitute the first step of health services, with patients
receiving free health services. Alongside this free service,
the fact that each residential district has an accessible
health center, there are no queues, examination and
receiving of board of health prescriptions for necessary
medicines is easier, and the close proximity of health centers

for those of restricted movement are all possible reasons for

the wider use of health centers by our participants.
Most of the elderly questioned reported that they were still
taking medicine with or without prescription (74.3%). This
finding is consistent with other studies in Turkey showing
that a proportion of between 70.5%-77% of the elderly uses
medication with/out prescription (19,29). Furthermore, it has
been indicated in numerous studies that drug use by the
elderly is a prevalent problem (6,13,30,31,32). Recent estimates
show that adults age 60 and older take an average of five
prescription medications each day (33). In 1997, Stoehr et al
(1997) (34) found that 87% of older individuals (mean age
74.5 years) reported regular use of at least one over-thecounter (OTC) medication. This is itself is a serious problem
as the sheer amount used can attribute to the health
problems old age causes.
67.4% of elderly interviewed said that they were attending
health institutions for health checks. This result is compatible
with another study showing that 52.8% of elderly aged 60
and over went for regular health checks ( 35). In our study,
86.1% of those attending health checks were already using
medication. Researchers recommendations that the elderly
go for health checks and have some tests at least once a
year seems to have been heeded (6,32). In our study, the rate
of health checks was 54.7% (n=118) for women, and 45.3%

(n=98) for men (Unshown data), in line with other studies

indicating that registration for health services was higher in
women than in men. The same studies also stated that the
rates for both registration for health services and receiving
inpatient hospital care due to acute reasons were higher in
women than in men (13,36,37).
In our study, understandably higher rates of women reported
attendance at health institutions for treatment of
osteoporosis (p<0.001). Heart and neurological diseases,
however, were the most reported causes for men (p<0.05,
for each). This finding is compatible with a previous study
result, also conducted in Turkey (38). It is important from the
point of view that these results show the distribution of
diseases in elderly women and men. In research it has been
highlighted that these diseases are the most common
causes among reasons leading to death in relation to age in
both the female and male elderly (11,13,29).
Of the elderly, 12.3% reported that they smoked and 1.9%
drank alcohol. This finding is similar to the results of other
studies conducted in Turkey. In these studies, it was
determined that 20%-40% of the elderly were still smoking
and 0%-7% drinking (22,38,39). Moreover, epidemiological
studies in other countries suggest that alcoholism is present
in up to 4% of the elderly, and there is at least one report
suggesting that the prevalence of alcoholism among older

adults is on the rise (40,41). Every year in Turkey,

approximately 100,000 people lose their lives due to
tobacco-related causes, as smoking causes more
susceptibility to disease (39). Compared with younger people,
older adults have an increased sensitivity to alcohol when
taken at the same time as medications. Any alcohol use can
be problematic for patients who use specific over-thecounter or prescription medications (42,43). The use of alcohol
and cigarettes, however, is often not appreciated as relevant
to the care of older adults (44,45). For these reasons, we
consider an increase in the number of studies on ways to
quit smoking and alcohol would be helpful.
In our study, 85.2% of the elderly indicated that they want to
die at home or by the side of their loved ones. This result
may be related to the general structural status of Turkey. For
example, in America, being emotional and dependent causes
discomfort for most American families, whereas mutual
dependence and a showing of emotions are perfectly
acceptable in Turkish society (46). According to the Turkish
Family Survey, 63% of the elderly want to live in their own
homes, and tradition, custom and patriarchal family
structure has a big effect on unity within the family ( 47). In
Turkey, the transformation from large family structure to core
family, although it is observable in society has yet to fully
materialize in the psychological sense ( 46). In a previous
study conducted in Turkey, 78.5% of close relatives of the

elderly reported that they felt an obligation to take care of

their close relatives (48).
In our study, it was determined that the place where the
elderly lived plays an important role in the perception of old
age, with the exception of residential care homes. That a
total of 85.2% of the elderly imagine death at home, in their
own bed or by the side of her/his loved ones force us to draw
the conclusion that most of the elderly want to live together
with family individuals. Thus, in Turkish society, while plans
for future health services are oriented more towards the
elderly, provision of facilities that would allow the elderly to
live in their own familiar environment in society rather than
in institutional places, such as residential care homes, would
be helpful.
In developed societies, campaigns to solve the problems of
old age, affecting the majority of the population, have been
initiated. The implementation of a Turkish educational
program by primary care health services into protection of
the elderlys health, and more widespread availability of
educational facilities is necessary. Furthermore, that the
elderly be informed about subjects such as factors affecting
the aging process, necessary vaccinations, the benefits of
regular health checks and how to grow old healthily would
contribute to the passing of their twilight years in a more
comfortable way.

Topic
1:

Talk
about
some

changes that you like in this city and some changes that you
dont like. Why?
Managed by the governments, local authorities of our country, we are proud
of the developments of our city. We are glad that there are a lot of tall buildings, big
companies, modern houses, good services, wide streets, parks, Our living
condition is improving a lot.
On the other hand, there are also some changes that affect badly to us such
as there are a lot of factories, they cause water pollution, air pollution. There are a
lot of Internet services, so students rush into there, they ignore their study.
Moreover people become rich, they buy their children modern motorcycles. Days
after days, there are so many motorcycles, they easily cause fatal accidents. The
best way is that we should use public transportation.

Topic 2: People often say life is getting faster every year. Does
faster mean better?
I think nowadays our life is becoming faster. For example: There are many
kinds of modern machines, computers,our work becomes better, faster. They can
produce more products. Nowadays, we have a lot of labor saving devices for the
home such as: vacuum cleaners, washing machines, refrigerators, they help the
housewives have more free time. Modern means of transportations help people
travel faster. Modern means of communication such as: mobile phones, emails,
can bring people closer together. We also have good conditions in our life.
Thanks to telephones, fax, mobile phones, we can get information quickly.
However, there are much pollution from cars, factories, The air, land, ocean
are seriously polluted. There are more accidents, more disasters Our work
becomes busier, we have no time to relax, we dont have enough time to take care
of our family.
In general speaking, I think faster means better and busier.

Topic 3: The generation gap in the modern

Vietnamese

family?
I live in a small family. There are two generations: my parents and me. There
are some advantages living in a small family. My parents love me very much. So,
they share me their experience in their life. And I have a lot of good conditions in

my life. My family isnt so noisy as big families but the atmosphere is always cozy.
We are very happy together.
However, there are some disadvantages such as their thoughts and their
ideas are different from me. They dont accept the modern life style, examples:
music, customs, fashion,Im interested in modern music, I like travel here and
there with my friends but they dont like that. Sometimes, they look after me so
carefully, I am not free at all. My mother thinks the girls shouldnt wear jeans. There
are so many generations gaps that I cant tell you all. I hope our modern society can
gradually change their own ideas.

Topic 4: Teenager drug addiction in Ho Chi Minh city?

As you know, Ho Chi Minh city is one of the most modern city in our country
but I think it is a complicated city with full of drug addiction. However, most of
teenagers are interested in their study but some of them dont care. They rush into
drug addiction, there are a lot of bad results caused by drug addiction such as fatal
races, robbing, aids, Those affect quite badly to their families, our society and our
country.
To prevent the problems, the local authority should manage their areas well,
the media agencies should work better and the parents should take care of their
children better.

Topic 5: Describe what can be done to prevent pollution in our

country?
As you know, the earth is becoming hotter everyday because of bad habits of
people around the world. There are a lot of factories in our country ,so there are a
lot of smoke, wastes Our environment is being destroyed by many factors.
We should have measures to minimize the pollution. Perhaps, the
governments should ban cars, motorcycles from the city centre, develop public
transportations like buses, trains to limit smoke in cities. We should use the solar
energy instead of burning coal or oil. We should prevent people from deforestation.
Besides, we should plant more trees in big cities. We can use banana leaves to wrap
food because plastic bags are very hard to dissolve. We shouldnt throw trash or
garbage into the rivers.
Especially, we should diminish (lam giam bt) the
increase of population.

Topic 6: What is your lucky number / colour / charm? Do you

think you are superstitious (me tn)?
My lucky colour is blue. I think blue is the hopeful colour. I usually have good
things with blue. I feel self-confident with blue shirt when I go out with my friends.

Blue symbolizes the sky, its very wide and I think its freedom. With a blue pen, I
feel seft-confident in the exam and I will do the test better than usual.
And I dont think Im superstitious. I think those are my tastes and my
luckiness.

Topic 7: What do you think people could be afraid of when

they think about the future (old age, unemployment)?
In my opinion, getting old is the truth that we must accept when we think
about the future. It is because that no one is young forever. So, I think people could
be afraid of losing their jobs when they think about the future. As you know, if you
have a stable job, youll be certain that your life will be stable. When you are old,
its difficult for you to find a suitable (thich hp) job. No one or no company wants
to employ (thue) such an old person like you.
Moreover, the old are more experienced but less enthusiastic (thieu nhiet
tnh) and flexible (linh hoat) than the young. Nowadays, the young know more skills
than the old. They can speak many foreign languages. They can type, know how to
use computers. They are more creative and more active than the old. Therefore,
how can the old get new jobs when losing their jobs?

Topic

8: What

are

your

thoughts

and

feelings

about

computers?
Nowadays, almost every people can use computer: businessmen, doctors,
students, teachers, even children.
Almost every office now uses computers.
Business people use them to make business decisions. Doctors also use computers
to help their patients (they can type prescriptions, they can find out the disease
). Computers are very useful for students, too. Internet services help people
closer. In general speaking, computers make our work become faster and better.
However, students spend much time on playing computer games. We cannot
deny(t choi) that it also has some negative (tieu cc) effects (tac ong).
Especially for teenagers. Some programs contain violence (bao lc), crime (toi
ac)even sexuality ( tnh dc ) . Teenagers easily get influence from them.
Obviously , they have lowered their results in studying.

Topic 9: Advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones?

Nowadays, we dont need to be at home or at the office to use telephone
because mobile phones become more and more popular. With mobile phones we
can call anyone, anywhere and anywhen we like. We can carry it in our pockets. We
can play games, take photographs, listen to music, even chat. Next, it is used as an
alarm clock. Thanks to mobile phones, we can take messages and leaves messages

easily. It also interrupts our work and our talk because some nets are not good.
Besides, we spend much money on mobile phones.

Topic 10: Do young people today make good use of their time?
Nowadays, most of young people today have strong and healthy bodies. After
a day working or studying hard, they often go to the sports club where they can
play football, tennis Besides, nowadays there are a lots of places for
entertainment. In their free time, they often go to the cinemas, parks where they
can relax their minds. Thanks to the information on media, they can stay at home to
watch TV or listen to radio to get news. Besides, they like to go to the library to read
books to get information they need.
However, some of young people ignore ( pht l ) their study or their works.
They rush into Internet services, fatal accidents or drug addiction. Their parents buy
their
children modern motorcycles, so they easily cause fatal accidents. Those
affect badly to their family, our country, our society.

Topic 11: The differences between your own life-style and that
of your parents are interesting. Talk about the differences
between your life and your parents?
I have lived with my parents since I was born. Im the only son in my family. In
our free time, we like talking together. Of course I have my own work and thoughts
and so do my parents. I like reading. I think reading helps me widen the doors of
knowledge, get more information My parents are interested in chatting with their
friends. I like excited atmosphere, but my parents dont like that. They like silent
atmosphere. I like to travel here and there with my friends but my parents always
stay at home. My mother thinks that the girls shouldnt wear jeans. She thinks it
isnt beautiful. My parents love me very much. Sometimes, they look after me
carefully, so I think Im not free. However, we understand and sympathize each
other. I think my parents are the best in my minds.

Topic 12: What can be done to improve the quality of public

transport in our city/town?
Nowadays, there are many kinds of public transportations such as : buses,
motorcycles, taxis, coaches. Some means of transport are very good. They are new,
modern and comfortable. They also have good services. However, there are many
kinds of transport in the streets so there is much traffic jam and accidents daily. To
avoid this, most streets should be widened, everyone should be aware of their
speed limit. Motorcycles should be limited if possible, we should encourage people
to transport by public bus. Its convenient and safe.

Topic 13: What do you think of the newly-built office buildings

in the city?
Nowadays, in the center of the city, the streets are wide and crowded with
people and vehicles. There are many tall buildings, too. Looking at the newly-built
office buildings, we think of the development of our country. Life has become much
better for most of its residents (ngi dan c ngu).
There are more office buildings means more companies are invested in our country,
so there are more chances for us to get good jobs. Our life will be better.

Topic 14: Advantages and disadvantages of being a member of

a large family?
Im living in a small family. There are only three members in my family. But I
think I can share you some advantages and disadvantages of being a member of a
large family.
Firstly, there are many people gathering to have dinner or watch TV. This
creates a cozy atmosphere in my family. After dinner, we can have tea, watch TV
and talk about any current ( hin hnh ) events of the day. Secondly, we are willing to
take care of together when someone is ill. This affection also helps him or her
recover quickly from the illness. Thirdly, whenever I have any sorrows or sadness, I
can share them with my sister or my mother.
However, there are many members in a family so there are many opinions,
surely there are many quarrels (arguments: tranh lun) or conflicts ( xung t ) .
But, we should behave well to avoid those conflicts.

Topic 15: Young motorcyclists fatal races?

Nowadays, some teenagers arent interested in their study. They rush into
drug addiction, fatal races or robbing. Especially, they cause fatal races. This affect
badly to their family, our society, our country.
Once I went to My Tho city, I saw a lot of young motorcyclists races. Most of
them were drunk or drug addicted. They rode their motorbikes with extremely high
speed. Its very dangerous for them and for everyone in the street. They never
minded accidents. I think the authorities should arrest and capture them at once to
avoid terrible accidents.