Ageing

Life expectancy at birth increased by almost 10 years since 1970, says a report published by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Nearly all OECD and emerging countries have experienced large gains in life expectancy over the past 40 years. Life expectancy at birth in Turkey, Korea and Mexico has increased by twenty years or more over the period 1970-2010.

China announced the end of its controversial one-child policy on Thursday. Its strict and brutal enforcement left the country with an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

All couples now will be allowed to have two children, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a communique issued by the ruling Communist Party.

The 2015 Global AgeWatch Index states that Greece is the worst country in Europe when it comes to socio-economic prosperity. Six years of financial crisis and austerity measures have left thousands of Greek senior citizens crushed by pension slashes and tax  hikes.  Thousands of Greek seniors face serious problems as a result of the ongoing crisis.

A study by Cambridge University found that babies born in the summer months are stronger and taller than their counterparts. The research, conducted on 450,000 Britons, found that pregnant mothers who absorb more health-boosting Vitamin D from sunshine in their second and third trimesters give their babies a head-start in life.

The average life expectancy in Bulgaria is 74 years, with women living seven years longer than men, Nova TV reported on Thursday.

Women in Bulgaria live 77.6 years on average, while the life expectancy for men is 70.6 years, Nova TV said, quoting data announced at a  meeting on the demographic challenges in the countries of the Southeast Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP).

Greek Deputy Labor and Social Security Minister Tassos Petropoulos left open the possiblity of lifting the retirement age in Greece to over 67 years in a circular that outlines a number of changes for those retiring after July 1, 2015.

According to a study conducted by New York-based NGO ‘HelpAge International’, Greece is a ‘demographic ticking time bomb’. The data published in Greek newspaper ‘Kathmerini’ revealed that the population of Greece is ageing at an alarming rate, while it is turning into one of the most dangerous place for pensioners to live in.

Bulgaria's population could fall to just over 5 million by the last quarter of this century, taking it back to the same population level that the country had in 1920.

The alarming forecast comes from the country's National Statistical Institute, which is studying the Balkan country's demographic prospects.

Greece is about to ratify the 3rd bailout package fro Greece that contains a series of tough measures scheduled to come for voting in the Plenary of Greek Parliament.

If  you are one of those tough road drifters, then you better move aside because this 101-year old great grandmother is on your tail. Former nurse Hilda Jackson, who has 11 great grandchildren finally completed her long life dream of driving a tank in South Wales.