Șeful EximBank, filmat în cluburi din Saint-Tropez în plin scandal privind chiria sediului băncii
Traian Halalai, președintele EximBank, a fost surprins în mai multe cluburi din Saint-Tropez, pe Coasta de Azur, în timp ce presa și autoritățile îi cereau explicații în legătură cu scandalul privind închirierea sediului băncii printr-un intermediar. Potrivit imaginilor publicate de Snoop, Halalai ar fi petrecut mai multe nopți în stațiunea franceză, fără să răspundă solicitărilor.
Premierul Ilie Bolojan a criticat faptul că EximBank, instituție bancară aflată în subordinea statului, își desfășoară activitatea într-o clădire emblematică din centrul Bucureștiului, Palatul Kiseleff, în baza unui contract de subînchiriere. Deși imobilul aparține Regiei Autonome a Patrimoniului de Stat (RA-APPS), acesta a fost închiriat inițial unei persoane private, care l-a subînchiriat ulterior băncii. EximBank plătește astfel o chirie lunară de 120.000 de euro unui intermediar, deși imobilul aparține statului. În cadrul unei conferințe de presă, premierul a atras atenția asupra acestei situații. Deși nu a menționat numele instituției, în Palatul Kiseleff își are sediul o singură bancă, EximBank. „Pe cel de la bancă l-am întrebat: totuși, la un salariu de 20.000 euro net, nu v-ați interesat de ce plătiți unui intermediar sume exorbitante lună de lună? Ați făcut vreo adresă la RAPPS, să-i spui: «Dragă Regia Statului, o bancă a statului vrea să-ți plătească o chirie mai mare». Dar nesimțirea-i mare în multe locuri”, a declarat Ilie Bolojan. Vicepremierul Dragoș Anastasiu a anunțat la Digi24 că vor fi demarate controale acolo unde există suspiciuni de abuz sau gestionare defectuoasă a banilor publici. „În măsura în care Guvernul României are atribuții prin Corpul de control al Primului-Ministru, vă asigur că vor începe controale peste tot, acolo unde vedem abuz”, a transmis Anastasiu.
Se știe că salariile din sistemul bancar sunt foarte atrăgătoare și nici cele din băncile statului român nu fac excepție de la această regulă. Dacă vorbim despre veniturile persoanelor din staffurile lor, ele sunt cu adevărat extrem de generoase. În cazul în care credeați că guvernatorul BNR, Mugur Isărescu, a avut anul trecut cel mai mare salariu, vă înșelați. Surpriza vine de la CEC Bank, unde cel mai mare salariu mediu lunar încasat a fost de 138.700 de lei, echivalentul a circa 28.000 de euro. Cu venituri totale de 110.500 de lei lunar, guvernatorul BNR a reușit anul trecut să prindă de-abia ultima poziție în topul bancherilor milionari ai statului.
Șefii BNR, CEC Bank și Exim Banca Românească, cele trei bănci ale statului român, au reuși anul trecut să aibă venituri de peste un milion de lei, adică peste 200.000 de euro. Campion la acest capitol a fost Bogdan Neacșu, director general și președinte al Comitetului de Direcție de la CEC Bank. Potrivit contractului de administrare, el a încasat anul trecut nu mai puțin de 1.664.428 de lei, ceea ce înseamnă o medie lunară de 138.700 de lei (circa 28.000 de euro/lună). CEC Bank este controlată de statul român prin Ministerul de Finanțe.
Șeful de la Eximbank, plătit cu 1,46 milioane de lei
Pe lista celor mai bine plătiți bancheri ai statului pe locul doi figurează Traian Halalai, președintele Exim Bank. El a încasat anul trecut un salariu de 1.426.347 de lei, adică circa 119.000 lei pe lună (aproximativ 24.000 de euro). Totuși, veniturile boss-ului de la Exim Banca Românească le-au depășit pe cele ale șefului de la CEC Bank pentru că el a mai încasat 257.916 lei de la Comitetul Interministerial de Finanțări, Garanții și Asigurări (GIFGA) al băncii, unde a avut calitatea de membru. Per total el a încasat 1.684.263 lei, adică 140.355 lei/lună (echivalentul a circa 28.000 de euro/lună).
Ce este acest comitet CIFGA de își permite să plătească stipendii grase unor personaje bine conectate politic și, în general, fără nicio pregătire în domeniul financiar-bancar? Conform definiției oficiale, CIFGA este organul de decizie cu privire la activitatea desfășurată de Exim Banca Românească, în numele și contul statului, iar în noiembrie anul trecut Executivul a decis să majoreze componența comitetului cu doi reprezentanți ai Ministerului Finanțelor, pentru o „coordonare eficientă a activităţii”, ceea ce a urcat la 17 numărul membrilor plătiți regește.
Pensionarii Isărescu și Georgescu de la BNR au sărit de un milion de lei
La Banca Națională a României, instituție care „se finanțează integral din veniturile proprii generate ca urmare a desfășurării operațiunilor specifice băncilor centrale”, guvernatorul Mugur Isărescu și prim-viceguvernatorul Florin Georgescu au reușit să încaseze fiecare peste un milion de lei anul trecut. Mugur Isărescu a încasat 1.081.187 de lei de la BNR, 30.612 de lei de la Academia Română, iar din pensie i-au mai intrat pe card 322.097 de lei adică un total de 1.433.896. Practic, media lunară a veniturilor însumate ale guvernatorului a ajuns la 110.500 de lei, echivalentul a circa 22.000 de euro. Șeful BNR a încasat aproape 140.000 de lei în plus în 2023 față de anul anterior după ce salariul și pensia i-au crescut.
Venitul anual încasat: 1.433.896 lei – cu 138.836 lei în plus/an – 11.569 de lei în plus/lună
Salariu guvernator BNR – 1.081.187 lei (54.351 lei în plus față de declarația anterioară)
Membru titular Academia Română – 30.612 lei (-)
Pensie – 322.097 lei (84.485 lei în plus)
Guvernatoru BNR deține, împreună cu soția, trei terenuri intravilane, un apartament, o casă de locuit, una de vacanță, o mașină și o șalupă, dar și bijuterii, o colecție numismatică, tablouri, icoane și veselă de argint cu o valoare totală de peste 200.000 de euro. Are și 22 de conturi și depozite bancare în lei, euro, dintre care anul acest a deschis cinci depozite, care la cursul BNR însumează 691.268 lei.
Ce venituri au avut adjuncții lui Isărescu
-Primul său adjunct, Florin Georgescu, a încasat de la BNR 1.003.822 de lei. Pe lângă salariu, Georgescu a mai primit o pensie de 243.935 de lei pentru anul 2023, iar 86.510 de lei au fost pentru pensia specială de fost parlamentar. La proprietăți, în dreptul său figurează un teren intravilan, un apartament și o casă de vacanță la Snagov. Mandatele conducerii BNR expiră în această toamnă, iar membrii Consiliului de Administrație al BNR sunt numiți de Parlament pentru un mandat de 5 ani.
-La rândul său, viceguvernatorul BNR Leonardo Badea a încasat anul trecut 957.953 de la bancă (79.829 lei/lună) și 113.573 lei (9.464 lei lunar) de la Academia de Studii Economice (ASE), unde este profesor titular. El deține două terenuri intravilane și două case, una la Târgoviște și una în Voluntari. El deține mai multe conturi bancare și plasamente în fonduri de investiții.
-În ceea ce îl privește pe viceguvernatorul Eugen Nicolăescu, acesta a încasat o leafă de 958.358 lei de la BNR (79.863 lei/lunar) și 215.039 lei (17.919 lei/lunar) din pensie. Nicolăescu primește și o pensie specială de fost parlamentar, aceasta însumând anul trecut 54.695 lei (4.557 lei). El mai deține, împreună cu soția, patru terenuri și două apartamente. De asemenea, are 10 depozite bancare, dintre care trei deschise anul acesta în care a depus aproape 50.000 de lei, precum și plasamente în hârtii de valoare și acțiuni la Hidroelectrica.
„Specialul” Dan Radu Rușanu
Dan Radu Rușanu este un alt pensionar care a reușit să tragă lozul câștigător. El este membru în Consiliul de Administrație al BNR, de unde a încasat anul trecut un venit de 313.248 lei. El este și fericitul beneficiar al unei pensii speciale, ca fost parlamentar PNL, care i-a adus pe card anul trecut 142.750 de lei, la care s-a mai adăugat pensia de 127.800 lei.
1. Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Kanagawa 244-0806, Japan
2. Institute for Gerontology, J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo 194-0294, Japan
3. Major of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan
4. Faculty of Social Welfare, University of Kochi, Kochi 781-8515, Japan
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between living arrangements and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan, with a particular focus on gender differences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture, using mailed questionnaires, and the analysis was conducted on data from 1409 participants aged 65 and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between living arrangements, social networks, social participation, and depressive symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. The findings indicate that older adults living alone and those co-residing with their children are particularly vulnerable. Those living alone were more likely to be women aged 75 and older, with economic difficulties, and exhibited higher rates of depressive symptoms and care needs. Similarly, older adults living with their children had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and care requirements despite experiencing fewer economic hardships. This group was also characterized by lower educational attainment. Additionally, gender-specific factors were identified in the relationship between social relationships, including living arrangements, and depressive symptoms. These results underscore the necessity of interventions that consider both living arrangements and gender-specific social factors to mitigate mental health risks among older adults.
The global population is aging rapidly. In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years or older reached one billion worldwide, and this figure is projected to rise to 1.4 billion by 2030, accounting for one in six individuals globally [1]. Japan, as one of the most rapidly aging societies, recorded that 29.3% of its population was aged 65 and older in 2023, the highest aging rate among over 200 countries and regions [2]. Depression is among the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting older adults, posing significant challenges to their quality of life and overall well-being. In Japan, this issue constitutes a pressing public health concern, highlighting the need for effective interventions and support systems for the elderly population. According to Richardson RA et al., the prevalence of probable depression among adults aged 55 years and older in Japan was estimated at 34.8%, as assessed by the 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale [3]. Depression in older adults has been extensively studied, and several systematic reviews have reported consistent findings regarding its risk factors. These include living alone, low socioeconomic status, female gender, advancing age, chronic illness, and sleep disturbances. These factors suggest that older adults in socially vulnerable or disadvantaged positions are at a higher risk of developing depression [4,5]. Social activities have been identified as an effective psychosocial intervention for the prevention of depression in older adults and should be integrated into community-based care plans, as it is emphasized that cost-effective approaches can be achieved by identifying high-risk groups and implementing preventive interventions [6]. As healthcare providers, the authors are particularly focused on determining which population groups should be prioritized for depression prevention among community-dwelling older adults.
The convoy model offers a concise framework for understanding the complex nature of social relationships, describing individuals as being surrounded by dynamic networks of supportive ties that accompany them throughout life [7]. By categorizing relationships into three levels of closeness—close, closer, and closest—the model highlights the central importance of intimate support networks. Within this framework, living alone is particularly disadvantageous for older adults, as it often reflects the absence of the closest and most supportive relationships. In Japan, according to the 2020 national census, approximately 6.72 million older adults (aged 65 and above) live alone, accounting for 20% of the elderly population [8]. This trend, influenced by the rise of nuclear families and the decline of three-generation households, highlights the increasing vulnerability of older adults who lack familial support. Evidence supporting the link between living alone and frailty is strong. Evidence from a meta-analysis integrating multiple previous studies has demonstrated a significant association between living alone and physical frailty [9]. Therefore, living alone can serve as an important indicator for assessing vulnerability in later life, particularly in relation to mental health issues such as depression, as well as physical weakness. However, when comparing different living arrangements among older adults, living alone does not necessarily pose the greatest risk for mental health issues. In South Korea, for women, the highest risks of depression were observed among those living without a spouse in a nuclear family. In contrast, men living alone faced the highest risks [10]. Additionally, living with family members other than a spouse was associated with greater risks of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to other living arrangements [11]. In Japanese older adults, among the living arrangements of men, living alone and living with family members without a spouse were significantly associated with high nonspecific psychological distress (NPD) as measured by the K6 scale [12]. For women, both living with a spouse and other family members and living alone were linked to higher levels of NPD [12]. A study from Japan reported that living with a spouse and children had a protective effect against depressive symptoms for women, while no such effect was observed for men. Notably, women living alone faced a heightened risk of depressive symptoms compared to those living with a spouse and children [13]. Despite these findings, the Japanese government has recently focused on older adults living alone and, more specifically, elderly couples, due to the increasing prevalence of nuclear families. However, this focus overlooks the potential impact of living with children, neglecting the broader implications of various living arrangements on mental health. According to the convoy model, cohabitants are positioned as the closest sources of support. However, the mental health challenges faced by older adults are not solely attributable to living alone but are shaped by the overall household composition. It is also necessary to consider the gender of older adults, the relationship and dynamics with their cohabitants, and the need for care or support. Furthermore, in light of the convoy model, it is necessary to examine not only household composition but also the support relationships with friends [14,15] and the networks within the community [16,17], which have been shown to be related to depression. The hypotheses of our study are that the impact of different living arrangements, such as living alone, living with a spouse, or living with children, on depressive symptoms will vary by gender among older adults. Additionally, depressive symptoms are influenced not only by relationships with family members but also by social networks, including friendships and community connections.
This study aims to explore the characteristics of vulnerabilities in various living arrangements among community-dwelling older adults in Japan and examine how these arrangements influence depression by gender.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Design and Participants
This study involved a cross-sectional survey of older adults living in Ayase City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, which borders Tokyo. Kanagawa, the second most populous prefecture in Japan after Tokyo, has a population of around 9 million people. The prefectural capital is Yokohama City. Ayase City, situated in the northern-central region of the prefecture, has a population of about 84,000, with 23,000 of them being older adults. The survey targeted two districts designated by Ayase City’s Senior Citizen Welfare Division for health promotion initiatives. District A comprises 1511 older adults, while District B has 2200. To ensure an equivalent sample size, four subareas were selected in District B, encompassing 1547 individuals. Thus, the combined sample included 3058 participants from both districts. Data were gathered through mailed questionnaires between 28 June and 9 July 2017. Responses were received from 1899 participants, yielding a response rate of approximately 62.1%.
The study received approval from the Ethics Committee of J. F. Oberlin University (Approval Number: 17007).
2.2. Measures
2.2.1. Living Arrangements
Living arrangements were assessed by asking participants, “Who do you currently live with?” The options for response were living alone, spouse (husband or wife), children, children’s spouse, grandchildren, own parents, spouse’s parents, or other. Participants were categorized into groups based on their responses: living alone, living with spouse only, living with children, living with spouse and children, and other.
2.2.2. Social Network and Social Participation
Based on the convoy model, we examined social networks and social participation among older adults. The convoy model conceptualizes social relationships as dynamic networks of supportive ties that accompany individuals throughout life [6]. In this study, relationships categorized as “closest” and “closer” were analyzed as components of social networks, encompassing ties with close family, extended family, and close friends. In contrast, relationships categorized as “close” were examined in the context of social participation, emphasizing community engagement.
Social network was measured using the two subscales of the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) [18], Japanese version. The LSNS-6 consists of a family subscale, which evaluates social connectedness with relatives, and a friends subscale, which evaluates social connectedness with friends. This scale consists of six items that assess the size, closeness, and frequency of interaction within the respondent’s social network of family and friends, with each evaluated using a 6-point Likert scale. The scores for each subscale range from 0 to 15, with lower scores indicating a narrower social network.
Social participation was assessed by asking participants about the frequency of their involvement in six types of community activities over the past year. The activities included local community events, neighborhood associations, senior activity clubs, interest-based groups, skill-exchange groups, and volunteer groups. Participants were asked to specify how often they participated in each activity, with the following categories: 3 (once a week or more), 2 (1–3 times per month), 1 (a few times per year), and 0 (not at all). Scores ranging from 0 to 3 were assigned for each type of social participation.
2.2.3. Depressive Symptoms
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), developed by Yesavage et al., is commonly used to assess depression in older adults [19]. In this study, we utilized the Japanese version of the short form, GDS-5, to evaluate depressive symptoms. Participants were classified as normal (<2 points) or as having depressive symptoms (≥2 points) [20].
2.2.4. Covariates
Basic attributes and health status were considered as covariates in this study. Age was divided into two groups: young–old (65–74 years old) and old–old (75 years and older). Educational attainment was categorized based on the total years of schooling from elementary school onward: 13 years or more and less than 13 years. Previous studies have shown that older Japanese men with 13 or more years of education are more likely to participate in sports, hobbies, and volunteer groups [21]. Therefore, this classification criterion was used as a reference for categorization in this study. Economic status was assessed by asking participants, “How do you feel about your current living situation?”. The responses ranged from “Very comfortable” to “Very difficult” and were categorized as either good or poor based on the four choices.
Health status was assessed using two components: the number of diseases and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) disability. The number of diseases was evaluated based on self-reported diagnoses from a list of 23 conditions commonly found in older adults, including hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and others. The total number of diseases was then calculated. ADL disability was assessed based on whether participants required care or support, as determined by the Japanese Long-Term Care Insurance system’s certification. The system is a public program providing universal coverage for all residents aged 40 and above. Municipalities act as insurers, offering care and support services based on assessed needs, ensuring comprehensive assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities [22]. Participants were categorized into two groups: care uncertified and care certified. Uncertified individuals are those who do not meet the criteria for care or support, while care-certified individuals are those officially recognized as requiring care, with their level of need assessed through a comprehensive certification process that includes a medical examination, evaluation of physical and cognitive abilities, and a review of ADL.
2.3. Statistical Analysis
This study focused on the differences in living arrangements: living alone, living with spouse only, living with children, and living with spouse and children, and their impact on depressive symptoms. First, statistical analyses were conducted to examine the differences in variables among the four groups of living arrangements. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for continuous variables. When significant differences were found using ANOVA, post hoc pairwise multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey test. For discrete variables, the chi-square test was used. When significant differences were found using the chi-square test, pairwise comparisons were conducted with Bonferroni correction applied to adjust for multiple comparisons.
Next, to determine whether living arrangements, social network, and social participation were associated with depressive symptoms, we used logistic regression analyses to predict each of these variables. For living arrangements, we used “living alone” as the reference category and examined the impact of “living with spouse only”, “living with children”, and “living with spouse and children” on depressive symptoms, which we referred to as Model 1. Then, in Model 2, we included covariates such as age, educational attainment, economic status, number of diseases, and ADL disability. These analyses were conducted separately for men and women. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
3. Results
3.1. Descriptive Analysis of Living Arrangements
Out of 1899 respondents, 436 participants who had missing responses for any of the survey items were first excluded. The highest rates of missing data or non-responses were observed for the GDS-5, the friends subscale of the LSNS-6, and ADL disability. Subsequently, 54 participants whose household types were outside the scope of this study were also excluded, resulting in a final sample of 1409 participants. Table 1 shows the distribution of participants based on their living arrangements. The participants had an average age of 74.8 ± 6.1 years. Regarding gender, 47.9% were men and 52.1% were women. Of the participants, 13.6% lived alone, 51.0% lived with a spouse only, 12.6% lived with children, and 22.9% lived with both a spouse and children. Regarding GDS-5, 23.8% of the participants had depressive symptoms. The proportion of individuals with depressive symptoms was highest in the living alone group (39.8%), followed by the living with children group (32.2%), the living with spouse and children group (19.8%), and the living with spouse only group (19.2%). In the chi-square test and ANOVA, significant differences were observed between living arrangement groups in all variables, except for social participation in local community events, neighborhood associations, interest-based groups, and skill-exchange groups.
3.2. Pairwise Comparisons of Living Arrangements by Post-Hoc Analyses
As shown in Table 2, in a comparison of social networks between the living alone group and the living with spouse only group, a significant difference was found in the family subscale, with the living alone group reporting fewer family subscale. Additionally, the living with spouse only group had significantly fewer diseases compared to the living with children group. They also scored higher on both the family and friends subscales, as well as on volunteer groups, than the living with children group. Furthermore, the living with spouse only group had a higher score on the family subscale compared to the living with spouse and children group. No significant differences were observed between the living arrangements with regard to participation in senior activity clubs. As indicated in Table 3, when examining the living alone group versus the living with spouse only group, significant differences were observed in the categories of old–old, women, less than 13 years of educational attainment, poor economic status, care certified, and having depressive symptoms, with the living alone group showing higher proportions in all of these categories. Compared to the living with spouse and children group, the living alone group had higher proportions of women, care-certified people, and those with depressive symptoms. However, the living alone group had significantly fewer old–old and women compared to the living with children group. In contrast to the living with children group, the living with spouse only group showed significant differences in the categories of old–old, women, less than 13 years of educational attainment, care certified, and having depressive symptoms, with the living with spouse only group showing lower proportions in all of these categories. Compared to the living with spouse and children group, the living with spouse only group had lower proportions of poor economic status. Lastly, in the comparison between the living with children group and the living with spouse and children group, significant differences were observed in the categories of old–old, women, less than 13 years of educational attainment, care certified, and having depressive symptoms. The living with children group showed higher proportions in all of these categories.
3.3. Relationship Between Living Arrangements, Social Network, Social Participation, and Depressive Symptoms
Table 4 shows the findings regarding how living arrangements, social network, and social participation are associated with depressive symptoms by gender, based on logistic regression analysis. In Model 1 for men, living arrangements, social network, and social participation variables were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Specifically, “living with spouse only” (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001) and “living with spouse and children” (OR = 0.29, p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. The family subscale of LSNS-6 was also associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.90, p < 0.01), as was participation in local community events (OR = 0.61, p < 0.05). In Model 2, after adjusting for age, educational attainment, economic status, number of diseases, and ADL disability, these associations remained unchanged. Specifically, “living with spouse only” (OR = 0.33, p < 0.001), “living with spouse and children” (OR = 0.26, p < 0.001), the family subscale of LSNS-6 (OR = 0.90, p < 0.01), and participation in local community events (OR = 0.55, p < 0.05) all continued to show significant negative correlations with depressive symptoms.
Table 4. Relationship between living arrangements, social network, social participation, and depressive symptoms by gender using a logistic regression analysis.
In Model 1 for women, living arrangements, social network, and social participation variables were also significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Specifically, “living with spouse only” (OR = 0.54, p < 0.05) and “living with spouse and children” (OR = 0.43, p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. The family subscale of LSNS-6 (OR = 0.92, p < 0.01) and the friends subscale of LSNS-6 (OR = 0.92, p < 0.01) were similarly associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms. Additionally, participation in neighborhood associations (OR = 0.56, p < 0.01), interest-based groups (OR = 0.81, p < 0.05), and skill-exchange groups (OR = 0.62, p < 0.05) were all significantly negatively related to depressive symptoms. In Model 2, the significant associations between “living with spouse only” and “living with spouse and children” were no longer present. However, the family subscale of LSNS-6 (OR = 0.93, p < 0.05) and the friends subscale of LSNS-6 (OR = 0.92, p < 0.05) remained significantly negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Participation in neighborhood associations (OR = 0.54, p < 0.01) and skill-exchange groups (OR = 0.55, p < 0.05) continued to show significant negative relationships with depressive symptoms.
4. Discussion
4.1. Characteristics of Health and Lifestyle Challenges Across Different Living Arrangements
In this study, one of the objectives is to explore the characteristics of vulnerabilities in various living arrangements among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Previous studies focusing on the mental health of older adults, like this study, have examined the distribution of basic attributes and health status according to living arrangements [10,11,12,13]. However, a distinctive feature of our study is the detailed examination of differences among these groups through statistical verification and post-hoc analyses. Based on the findings, the potential health risks and lifestyle characteristics associated with each living arrangement are described below.
Older adults in the living alone group generally receive lower levels of support from their closest family members. This group is characterized by a higher proportion of individuals aged 75 and older, women, those with fewer than 13 years of education, and individuals experiencing economic hardship. Similarly, previous studies have observed a higher proportion of women and economically disadvantaged individuals among older adults living alone [23]. These findings highlight the vulnerability of this group, as they often face social isolation and economic difficulties. Furthermore, our study indicates that a significant proportion of this group has been certified as requiring care or support and exhibits a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. Prior research has reported that this group has the highest proportion of depressive tendencies, as measured by the GDS-5 [24]. Additionally, studies have identified a strong association between living alone and suicidal ideation [25], suggesting that individuals in this group may require targeted mental health care.
Another group that warrants attention is the older adults living with their children. The findings of this study indicate that this group is characterized by a higher proportion of individuals aged 75 and older, a greater percentage of women, fewer years of education, and a higher prevalence of those certified as requiring care or support, as well as those experiencing depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that economic difficulties are less pronounced in this group compared to the living alone group, implying that these older adults might be financially dependent on their children. The lower level of education observed in this group has also been noted in previous studies [24,25,26,27,28,29]. Furthermore, a particularly high prevalence of cognitive decline in this group has been reported [23]. The high proportion of individuals requiring care suggests that they might be receiving caregiving support from their co-residing children, and cognitive decline could be a key factor contributing to their increased reliance on care. Our study also reveals that family support in this household type is weaker compared to households where older adults live with their spouses. In other words, there appears to be a difference in the type of support provided by spouses versus children. Previous studies have reported that older adults living with their children receive more support than those in other household types; however, this support has also been identified as a risk factor for future mortality [26]. Additionally, research indicates that older adults living with their children have a shorter active life expectancy and worse health outcomes compared to those living alone, highlighting the potential health risks associated with this living arrangement [30]. On the other hand, it has been suggested that this group tends to have more children and experience less loneliness than those in the living alone group, indicating that co-residence with children may provide psychological stability [26]. These findings suggest that the significance of co-residence between older adults and their children varies depending on future health and mental health outcomes. In summary, the overall lower health status and increased vulnerability observed in these two groups, those living alone or in households without a spouse, may affect their need for professional support. If these individuals are not certified for care under the Japanese Long Term Care Insurance system, the urgency for such support becomes even more critical.
The analysis identified key characteristics of older adults in the living with a spouse only group. This group has a lower proportion of individuals aged 75 or older and includes fewer women. They tend to have higher educational attainment and are relatively economically stable. Regarding social relationships, they have stronger support networks with family and friends and are more actively engaged in volunteer activities. Additionally, they exhibit the lowest prevalence of depressive symptoms among all groups. These findings align with previous reports highlighting the strong support provided by family [27] and the active social participation of this group [25]. A distinctive characteristic of this group is their strong interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the household, which may play a crucial role in mitigating depressive symptoms. Compared to other living arrangements, they are more likely to maintain close ties with their spouses, actively participate in social activities, and receive substantial emotional and practical support. While the prevalence of chronic diseases appears relatively low in this group, one possible explanation is that couples are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors together as preventive care [31]. However, previous studies have noted that this group also has the highest prevalence of drinking and smoking [11,23]. The shared lifestyle habits of couples can have both positive and negative effects on their health, while mutual encouragement could promote healthier behaviors, shared unhealthy habits can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. This highlights the need for proactive interventions to reinforce health-promoting behaviors and mitigate potential risks. Furthermore, individuals living solely with their spouses or partners tend to have a longer lifespan, experience more years without disability, and spend fewer years with disability compared to those in other living arrangements [30]. Additionally, their quality of life (QOL) is reportedly higher than that of older adults living with children [27]. Taken together, these findings suggest that older adults living only with a spouse may be at lower risk for both physical and mental health issues.
Older adults who live with both a spouse and children tend to be younger and include a lower proportion of women compared to those living only with their children. They also have higher educational attainment, lower rates of long-term care certification, and fewer depressive symptoms. The characteristics of this group identified in our study align with previous research: a higher proportion of women reported in previous studies [23], greater educational attainment noted in studies [11,25,27], better economic conditions described in studies [11,27], and a lower prevalence of depression observed in studies [11,24]. Similar to those living only with a spouse, this group appears to be at a lower risk for health-related issues. However, a key difference is their greater financial difficulty and lower levels of family support compared to those living solely with a spouse. This suggests that co-residence with both a spouse and children does not necessarily guarantee financial security or sufficient family support. Our results indicate that this group experiences fewer physical and mental health issues and does not require assistance in daily life. Their co-residence with children, despite not needing care themselves, suggests that their children might rely on them for support, possibly due to the parents’ higher education compensating for their children’s life management skills. On the other hand, older adults living with both a spouse and children tend to have better health-related quality of life (HRQOL), as reported in previous studies [11], and higher well-being, as noted in studies [32], compared to other groups. These findings suggest that this group may maintain better mental health.
4.2. Living Arrangements and Their Influence on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: The Role of Social Networks
This section discusses the results of the logistic regression analysis, focusing on the findings of Model 2, which accounts for confounding factors, and examines the impact of social networks on depressive symptoms. Additionally, differences in social networks between men and women and their implications are explored.
For men, the results indicate that social relationships remain associated with depressive symptoms even after adjusting for confounding factors. Notably, the living arrangements of “living with spouse only” and “living with spouse and children” continued to show significant negative associations with depressive symptoms. The importance of family networks is evident, as the LSNS-6 family subscale maintained a significant negative correlation with depressive symptoms. Social participation, particularly engagement in local community events, also retained its significance, suggesting that men might prefer participation in low-frequency community-based activities that do not necessitate strong interpersonal ties. Previous studies have reported that living alone and living without a spouse in a nuclear family are particularly associated with depressive symptoms among older adults [10], which is consistent with our findings. Additionally, research has shown that among men aged 65–74 years, living with a spouse only has a protective effect against depressive symptoms compared to those aged 75 years and older [13]. This suggests that, particularly for men, the presence of a spouse may be more important than that of children. Regarding cohabitation with children, studies have demonstrated that living with children contributes to subjective well-being [23]. Conversely, other research has highlighted a strong association between living with children and future mortality risk [33]. Furthermore, findings indicate that even when living with children, participation in social activities helps prevent frailty [29]. Similarly, living as a couple without engaging in social participation may also increase the risk of frailty [29]. These findings underscore the varying significance of household composition and social networks depending on the outcome measure emphasized in each study.
Our study incorporates relationships with both family and friends, as well as social participation, underscoring the critical importance of social networks beyond household composition. Notably, our study revealed intriguing findings for women. After adjusting for confounding factors, living arrangements were no longer significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Instead, relationships with family and friends played a crucial role. These findings align with previous research that also found no significant association between household composition and depressive symptoms in women [13]. Both the family and friends subscales of LSNS-6 remained significant, emphasizing the importance of emotional and instrumental support from close social ties. Additionally, participation in neighborhood associations and skill-exchange groups continued to show significant negative correlations with depressive symptoms, suggesting that women place greater value on interpersonal relationships and roles in structured social activities such as community organizations and skill-based engagements. Further studies have indicated that women living with a spouse and children, or with children alone, have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease in the future [33], possibly due to gender roles that require them to provide support to their spouse and children, which could negatively impact their physical and mental health in later life. Additionally, even among women living with a spouse and children, higher levels of social cohesion in neighborhoods have been shown to have a protective effect against depressive symptoms [13]. This suggests that social relationships beyond the family are crucial for women’s mental health.
This study was conducted under the hypothesis that the impact of different living arrangements—such as living alone, living with a spouse, or living with children—on depressive symptoms would differ by gender among older adults. Additionally, it was hypothesized that depressive symptoms are influenced not only by relationships with family members but also by social networks, including friendships and community connections. The results of our study indicate that, for men, living with a spouse and engaging in community activities play significant roles in mitigating depressive symptoms. In contrast, for women, relationships with family and friends, rather than household composition, have a stronger influence on depressive symptoms. Furthermore, women place greater value on interpersonal relationships and roles in structured social activities, such as those within community organizations or skill-based engagements. Overall, the findings largely support both hypotheses, providing evidence of gender differences in the impact of living arrangements on depressive symptoms and highlighting the critical role of social networks in mental health. These results suggest that gender-specific social support strategies are essential for preventing depressive symptoms.
4.3. Study Limitations
While the survey targeted older adults in specific districts of Ayase City, it is important to note that the respondents were self-selected by researchers, which may introduce a selection bias. Participants who were more interested in or proactive about their health might have been more likely to respond to the mailed questionnaires, while those in poorer health, with mobility issues, or less engaged in their health may have been less likely to participate. This self-selection bias could influence the generalizability of the findings, as the sample may not fully represent the entire population of older adults in Ayase City, let alone Japan as a whole. Therefore, the results might skew toward individuals who are healthier or more proactive about their health. To reduce the impact of such bias in future studies, it would be beneficial to include a broader range of methods, such as in-person interviews or telephone surveys, and to employ stratified random sampling techniques.
Furthermore, our study did not assess potential mediators and confounding factors, such as marital status, reasons for living alone (e.g., divorce, bereavement), the quality of marital relationships among older adults, or how these factors might influence parent–child relationships and multigenerational living arrangements. Research in Korea has found no association between marital status (married or single) and suicidal ideation in women; however, studies suggest that single men living alone and married men without children are at higher risk for suicidal ideation [25]. Previous studies have also highlighted that spousal loss is a significant risk factor for depression in older adults [34], with widowhood showing a particularly negative impact on depressive symptoms among men who end up living alone after the death of their spouse in Japan [35]. Focusing on adult children, those who have experienced parental divorce tend to have less frequent contact with their parents and lower-quality relationships compared to those whose parents remain married [36]. Furthermore, research indicates that the quality of a child’s (or son’s) marital relationship significantly influences parent–child dynamics [37]. Previous studies have also shown that parent–child relationships, such as emotional closeness, monetary support, and housework exchange, are associated with depressive symptoms. Closer relationships are linked to lower symptom levels, while more distant relationships are linked to higher levels [38]. Research in the U.S. life course literature suggests that returning to a coresidential arrangement after a period of independent living may particularly cause stress for parents. Newly coresidential children are typically aged 35 and older, unemployed, and unpartnered, and coresidential living arrangements may be especially distressing in societies where such arrangements are less normative [39]. These findings suggest that parent–child relationships are highly sensitive to life changes in either generation. These variables may also influence the relationship between living arrangements and depression. Addressing these factors could help clarify the causal mechanisms underlying the effects observed in our study.
In Singapore, older adults living in multigenerational households with adult children and grandchildren have been found to be at a higher risk for cognitive impairment compared to those living solely with a spouse or partner [28]. Conversely, older adults in multigenerational households that include grandchildren in India had the lowest odds of experiencing illness. However, multigenerational households without grandchildren showed a slightly higher risk, although both types of multigenerational households were still associated with lower odds of illness compared to those living alone or only with a spouse [40]. These findings suggest that the presence of grandchildren may have a differential impact on the mental health of older adults, warranting further investigation.
Japan, like other East Asian countries, shares a socio-cultural context where the traditional cultural norm of filial piety significantly influences intergenerational family relationships and living arrangements. The cultural practice of filial piety is reflected in the fact that a significant portion of Japan’s elderly population lives with their adult children [26]. In contrast, the Confucian tradition of filial piety has weakened in South Korea, leading to a decline in extended families. Currently, the primary household structure for older adults in South Korea is the spouse-only household [10]. Given these findings, future longitudinal studies should investigate the impact of changes in household composition and evolving family dynamics. Understanding the sociocultural context of the target region would offer deeper insights into how these relationships are shaped.
5. Conclusions
Older adults living alone and those co-residing with their children represent particularly vulnerable groups in terms of both physical and mental well-being. Those living alone often receive limited support from their closest family members and are more likely to be women, aged 75 and older, with lower educational attainment and economic difficulties. This group faces a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and an increased likelihood of requiring care or support, making them particularly susceptible to social isolation and mental health concerns. Similarly, older adults living with their children exhibit notable vulnerabilities. While economic hardship may be less pronounced in this group compared to those living alone, they still experience significant challenges, including a high prevalence of cognitive decline [23] and a greater need for care. Previous studies indicate that living with children may be associated with poorer long-term health outcomes and reduced active life expectancy [30].
In later life, social connections outside the immediate family become increasingly significant. For men, both the presence of a spouse and community involvement act as protective factors against depressive symptoms. In contrast, for women, emotional and instrumental support from close social ties plays a more critical role than household composition. These findings highlight the necessity of tailored social policies and interventions that address the distinct needs of men and women.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, S.I. and H.S.; methodology, S.I., H.S., K.O. and Y.S.; validation, S.I. and H.S.; formal analysis, S.I.; investigation, S.I.; resources, S.I.; data curation, S.I., H.S., K.O. and Y.S.; writing—original draft preparation, S.I.; writing—review and editing, S.I., H.S., K.O. and Y.S.; supervision, S.I.; project administration, S.I. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of J. F. Oberlin University (Approval Number: 17007, 30 May 2017).
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all the participants involved in the study.
Data Availability Statement
The datasets produced and analyzed in this study are not publicly available.
Acknowledgments
The authors appreciate the data shared by the Senior Citizen Welfare Division, Ayase City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The Asahi Shimbun: Japan’s Elderly Population Climbs to Record 36.25 Million. 16 September 2024. Available online: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15428637 (accessed on 27 January 2025).
Richardson, R.A.; Keyes, K.M.; Medina, J.T.; Calvo, E. Sociodemographic inequalities in depression among older adults: Cross-sectional evidence from 18 countries. Lancet Psychiatry 2020, 7, 673–681. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Assariparambil, A.R.; Noronha, J.A.; Kamath, A.; Adhikari, P.; Nayak, B.S.; Shankar, R.; George, A. Depression among older adults: A systematic review of South Asian countries. Psychogeriatrics 2021, 21, 201–219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Zenebe, Y.; Akele, B.; W/Selassie, M.; Necho, M. Prevalence and determinants of depression among old age: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann. Gen. Psychiatry 2021, 20, 55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Forsman, A.K.; Schierenbeck, I.; Wahlbeck, K. Psychosocial interventions for the prevention of depression in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev. J. Aging Health 2011, 23, 387–416. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Kahn, R.L.; Antonucci, T.C. Convoys over the life course: Attachment, roles, and social support. In Life-Span Development and Behavior; Baltes, P.B., Brim, O., Eds.; Academic Press: New York, NY, USA, 1980; Volume 3, pp. 254–283. [Google Scholar]
Kojima, G.; Taniguchi, Y.; Kitamura, A.; Fujiwara, Y. Is living alone a risk factor of frailty? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res. Rev. 2020, 59, 101048. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Oh, D.H.; Park, J.H.; Lee, H.Y.; Kim, S.A.; Choi, B.Y.; Nam, J.H. Association between living arrangements and depressive symptoms among older women and men in South Korea. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2015, 50, 133–141. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Kwak, Y.; Chung, H.; Kim, Y. Differences in health-related quality of life and mental health by living arrangement among Korean elderly in the KNHANES 2010–2012. Iran. J. Public Health 2017, 46, 1521–1531. [Google Scholar]
Kikuchi, H.; Takamiya, T.; Odagiri, Y.; Ohya, Y.; Nakaya, T.; Shimomitsu, T.; Inoue, S. Gender differences in association between psychological distress and detailed living arrangements among Japanese older adults, aged 65–74 years. Soc. Psychiatry Psychiatr. Epidemiol. 2014, 49, 823–830. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Honjo, K.; Tani, Y.; Saito, M.; Sasaki, Y.; Kondo, K.; Kawachi, I.; Kondo, N. Living alone or with others and depressive symptoms, and effect modification by residential social cohesion among older adults in Japan: The JAGES longitudinal study. J. Epidemiol. 2018, 28, 315–322. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Tengku Mohd, T.A.M.; Mohd Yunus, R.; Hairi, F.; Hairi, N.N.; Choo, W.Y. Social support and depression among community dwelling older adults in Asia: A systematic review. BMJ Open 2019, 9, e026667. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Reiner, A.; Steinhoff, P. The association of social networks and depression in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. Syst. Rev. 2024, 13, 161. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Okura, M.; Ogita, M.; Yamamoto, M.; Nakai, T.; Numata, T.; Arai, H. The relationship of community activities with cognitive impairment and depressive mood independent of mobility disorder in Japanese older adults. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr. 2017, 70, 54–61. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
MPhil, R.W.; Feng, Z.; Liu, Y.; Lu, Y. Relationship between neighbourhood social participation and depression among older adults: A longitudinal study in China. Health Soc. Care Community 2020, 28, 247–259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Lubben, J.; Blozik, E.; Gillmann, G.; Iliffe, S.; von Renteln Kruse, W.; Beck, J.C.; Stuck, A.E. Performance of an abbreviated version of the Lubben Social Network Scale among three European community-dwelling older adult populations. Gerontologist 2006, 46, 503–513. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Yesavage, J.A.; Brink, T.L.; Rose, T.L.; Lum, O.; Huang, V.; Adey, M.; Leirer, V.O. Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: A preliminary report. J. Psychiatr. Res. 1982, 17, 37–49. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Hoyl, M.T.; Alessi, C.A.; Harker, J.O.; Josephson, K.R.; Pietruszka, F.M.; Koelfgen, M.; Mervis, J.R.; Fitten, L.J.; Rubenstein, L.Z. Development and testing of a five-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc. 1999, 47, 873–878. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ashida, T.; Kondo, N.; Kondo, K. Social participation and the onset of functional disability by socioeconomic status and activity type: The JAGES cohort study. Prev. Med. 2016, 89, 121–128. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Zhou, Z.; Cai, L.; Zhuang, M.; Hong, Y.A.; Fang, Y. A longitudinal analysis of the association between the living arrangements and psychological well-being of older Chinese adults: The role of income sources. BMC Geriatr. 2019, 19, 347. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Imamura, H.; Uchiyama, E.; Akiyama, M.; Kaneko, I.; Takebayashi, T.; Nishiwaki, Y. Relationship of living arrangement with the decline in functional capacity in elderly people by gender: A longitudinal observational study. Env. Health Prev. Med. 2020, 25, 15. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Kim, J.; Lee, Y.-S.; Lee, J. Living arrangements and suicidal ideation among the Korean elderly. Aging Ment. Health 2015, 20, 1305–1313. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Takagi, E.; Saito, Y. Japanese older adults’ loneliness, family relationships and mortality: Does one’s living arrangement make a difference? Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2020, 20, 156–160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Bolina, A.F.; Araújo, M.C.; Haas, V.J.; Tavares, D.M. Association between living arrangement and quality of life for older adults in the community. Rev. Lat.-Am. Enferm. 2021, 29, e4051. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Roystonn, K.; Abdin, E.; Shahwan, S.; Zhang, Y.; Sambasivam, R.; Vaingankar, J.A.; Mahendran, R.; Chua, H.C.; Chong, S.A.; Subramaniam, M. Living arrangements and cognitive abilities of community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. Psychogeriatrics 2020, 20, 625–635. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Li, Y.; Du, Z.; Kondo, N. Effect modification of social participation in the relationship between living arrangements and frailty among older adults in Japan: Differences based on gender. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr. 2024, 117, 105231. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Chiu, C.-T. Living arrangements and disability-free life expectancy in the United States. PLoS ONE 2019, 14, e0211894. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Lau, D.T.; Kirby, J.B. The relationship between living arrangement and preventive care use among community-dwelling elderly persons. Am. J. Public Health 2009, 99, 1315–1321. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Huang, X.; Liu, J.; Bo, A. Living arrangements and quality of life among older adults in China: Does social cohesion matter? Aging Ment. Health 2020, 24, 2053–2062. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Ikeda, A.; Iso, H.; Kawachi, I.; Yamagishi, K.; Inoue, M.; Tsugane, S. Living arrangement and coronary heart disease: The JPHC study. Heart 2009, 95, 577–583. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Hung, Y.C.; Chen, Y.H.; Lee, M.C.; Yeh, C.J. Effect of spousal loss on depression in older adults: Impacts of time passing, living arrangement, and spouse’s health status before death. Int. J. Env. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 13032. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Nakagomi, A.; Shiba, K.; Kondo, K.; Kawachi, I. Can social capital moderate the impact of widowhood on depressive symptoms? a fixed-effects longitudinal analysis. Aging Ment. Health 2020, 25, 1811–1820. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Lye, D.N.; Klepinger, D.H.; Hyle, P.D.; Nelson, A. Childhood living arrangements and adult children’s relations with their parents. Demography 1995, 32, 261–280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Kaufman, G.; Uhlenberg, P. Effects of life course transitions on the quality of relationships between adult children and their parents. J. Marriage Fam. 1998, 60, 924–938. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Li, T.; Zhang, Y. Intergenerational relationships across multiple children and older parents’ depressive symptoms in China: A resource contingency perspective. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2023, 78, 925–937. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Caputo, J. Crowded nests: Parent–adult child coresidence transitions and parental mental health following the Great Recession. J. Health Soc. Behav. 2019, 60, 204–221. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Samanta, T.; Chen, F.; Vanneman, R. Living arrangements and health of older adults in India. J. Gerontol. B Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci. 2015, 70, 937–947. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.
Mihai Craiu – Owner/CEO – Media Consulta International – Part of Fininvest-USA
O lume în care spitalele de elită, tratamentele de ultimă generație și grija empatică se reunesc, pentru a crea un nou standard de excelență pentru fiecare pacient. Sună science fiction, dar această lume este cât se poate de reală.
Pe fondul unui prezent ce generează viitorul, cu provocări pe măsură pentru toate domeniile, industria medicală e profund implicată în transformările care ating fiecare aspect al experienței pacienților, inclusiv al implicării echipei medicale.
În acest context, la emblematicul JW Marriott Grand Hotel din București, PremiQaMed by Mavie a organizat un eveniment dedicat excelenței, inovației și colaborării internaționale în tratamentul cancerului. Grupul gestionează cu succes spitalele private din Austria de peste 25 de ani, oferind o gamă largă de servicii, cu accentul pus pe o îngrijire medicală excelentă. Evenimentul, susținut de Săptămâna Financiară, a oferit o privire profundă asupra unei teme complexe: viitorul îngrijirii oncologice.
Gazda conferinței organizată de Mavie Med Hospitals Vienna – PremiQaMed by Mavie a fost jurnalistul și prezentatorul TV Dan Negru, care a punctat inspirațional întregul desfășurător al prezentărilor.
Panelul experților
Faptul că în cadrul spitalelor Mavie Med standardul de excelență este deja realitate (implicit utilizarea AI și dezvoltarea know-how) a fost evidențiat în panelul experților.
Reprezentantele departamentului internațional al spitalelor Mavie Med din Viena – Sonja Fürnsinn și Patricia Davidescu – au prezentat viziunea și infrastructura de top care transformă Viena într-un centru de referință pentru îngrijirea oncologică modernă.
De asemenea, cei mai buni specialiști, precum Univ.Prof.Dr. Johannes Drach – Șeful „Comprehensive Cancer Care Vienna” și de Dr. Marcus Franz – Specialist în Gastroenterologie și Hemato-Oncologie au dezvăluit cele mai noi abordări în tratarea cancerului și au subliniat importanța colaborării multidisciplinare și a tehnologiei de ultimă generație.
Dr. Johannes Drach a oferit o privire profundă asupra viitorului îngrijirii oncologice, vorbind printre multe altele despre cât de importantă este prevenția. Dr.Drach a evidențiat cât de importante sunt în prevenție genetica și stilul de viață. „Evitarea obezității, activitate fizică, nutriție…Hai să zicem 80 la sută stilul de viață e important în prevenție!”, a punctat Dr. Drach printre multe, multe alte teme importante ale oncologiei, după cum am mai spus.
Dr. Marcus Franz a dezvoltat principiile medicinei de clasă mondială în ceea ce privește domeniul oncologic. A însoțit totul cu sfaturi imbatabile, date pe un ton glumeț, dar în legătură cu ceva cât se poate de serios: importanța colonoscopiei în prevenirea cancerului. Atât Dr. Drach, cât și Dr, Franz au răspuns, cu răbdare, întrebărilor publicului (format atât din specialiști, cât și din jurnaliști) legate de acest domeniu medical atât de complex: oncologia.
Invitat de onoare – Prof. Univ. Dr. Irinel Popescu
Prof. Univ. Dr. Irinel Popescu (foto), Membru titular al Academiei Române, pionier al transplantului hepatic în România, fondator al Institutului Clinic Fundeni, personalitate marcantă a medicinei românești.
Cu o carieră impresionantă în chirurgie, cercetare și politici de sănătate, Prof. Dr. Irinel Popescu este o voce de referință în sistemul medical național și internațional. Prin activitatea sa didactică, științifică și clinică, Prof. Dr. Irinel Popescu rămâne un simbol al excelenței în medicină, un formator de generații și o voce respectată în domeniul politicilor de sănătate publică.
În cadrul evenimentului, eminentul specialist a insistat, printre altele, pe faptul că în momentul de față Asociația de Pacienți începe să fie o voce puternică în tot cee ace înseamnă „politicile de sănătate”. Un moment emoționant: Dan Negru l-a sunat pe Mihai Leu, știind că reputatul sportiv (care trece prin momente dificile legate de starea de sănătate) îi poartă o adâncă recunoștință Dr. Irinel Popescu și i-a oferit ocazia de a-i spune acest lucru prin telefon, „live”.
Invitați speciali
Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Peltecu
Invitat special a fost Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Peltecu – Chirurg Ginecolog, Profesor Universitar, Doctor în Științe Medicale. Fost Director General al Spitalului Clinic de Obstetrică și Ginecologie „Filantropia” din București.
O personalitate extrem de prezentă, prin domeniul pe care îl reprezintă, pe rețelele soiciale, care nu numai că militează pentru prevenție, dar insistă asupra unui lucru de o importanță majoră: vaccinarea HPV, mai ales importanța vaccinării HPV în școli. „Deși suntem în 2025, principiul medicine chineze <mai bine să previi decât să decât sã vindeci> a rămas actual”, a evidențiat Dr. Gheorghe Peltecu.
De asemenea, invitatul special, Dr. Ovidiu Cristian Chiriac – Medic Primar în Recuperare Medicală la Spitalul Militar, Asistent Universitar la UMF Carol Davila, Specialist în Radiologie și Imagistică Medicală la Spitalul Universitar din București a prezentat, printre altele, impactul inovațiilor tehnologice asupra domeniului oncologic (cum ar fi utilizarea AI în cancerul de colon).
Dr. Ovidiu Cristian Chiriac
În încheiere, PremiQaMed by Mavie și-a reafirmat angajamentul de a susține accesul la tratamente oncologice la standardele cele mai înalte și de a conecta pacienții români cu expertiza medicală din Austria. Evenimentul de la București a demonstrat încă odată (deoarece Grupul nu se află la prima prezentare de acest fel) că excelența nu are granițe și că viitorul îngrijirii oncologice este deja aici.
Un eveniment dedicat excelenței, inovației și colaborării internaționale în tratamentul cancerului – ceva despre care specialiști extrem de pricepuți în ceea ce fac au vorbit cu atâta empatie, încât parcă ar fi fost invitați la cafea în sufragerie. Un eveniment „incomod”, dar memorabil.
Mihai Craiu – Owner/CEO – Media Consulta International – Part of Fininvest-USA
In today’s digital era, visual storytelling is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. It captures attention, ignites emotions, and builds bridges across cultures. Embracing this powerful art form, mediaconsulta.co.ukBucharest, under the experienced leadership of Mr. Mihai Craiu, harnesses the transformative power of imagery to shape authentic narratives and connect brands with audiences worldwide.
As a leading global communications agency, MC Group – mediaconsulta.co.uk played a pivotal role in elevating The Hollywood Glam Night, produced by photoartbyralf.com, into a landmark cultural experience. Hosted at the stunning Cesianu-Racoviță Palace in Bucharest, the event gathered over 100 distinguished guests and established itself as the premier international night dedicated to art photography.
With over 50 portraits and more than 100 exhibited works, the gala—co-produced by mediaconsulta.co.uk and photoartbyralf.com—continues to inspire, educate, and innovate in the world of visual arts. It reflects the deep synergy between strategic communication and cultural impact.
mediaconsulta.co.uk– A World of creative Ideas. Media Consulta International Bucharest – A Media Partnership that Empowers Art and Culture
Through this partnership, MC Group and photoartbyralf.com demonstrated the power of collaboration between media and the creative industries. By providing international media representation and extending the global reach of the artist’s vision, Media Consulta International Bucharest amplified the message and mission behind photoartbyralf.com.
An exclusive press trip enabled leading journalists to experience The Hollywood Glam Night firsthand—immersing themselves in world-class photography, elegant aesthetics, and compelling artistic dialogues.
By supporting photoartbyralf.com, Media Consulta International – mediaconsulta.co.uk reaffirms its commitment to championing the arts on a global scale. As a trusted partner at the crossroads of art, media, and communication, and with the creative direction of Mr. Mihai Craiu, the agency continues to craft meaningful stories, elevate cultural initiatives, and celebrate creative excellence.
Photography remains one of the most powerful forms of human expression. Through its vision and partnerships, mediaconsulta.co.uk proudly stands as a catalyst for artistic discovery and cultural connection.
About the Studio & The Muse Series
PhotoArt by Ralf is more than a photography studio—it is a refined and exclusive space dedicated to empowering women through artistic portraiture. Known internationally for glamour, business, maternity, and bespoke portrait sessions, the studio offers a unique photographic experience where every woman becomes a muse.
At the heart of the studio’s creative work lies The Muse Series—an umbrella for its emblematic annual campaigns. Among them, The Old Hollywood Glam Campaign stands out, celebrating vintage aesthetics, femininity, and authenticity in a sophisticated atmosphere filled with emotion.
On Friday evening, in the exquisite setting of Cesianu-Racoviță Palace, this vision culminated in a spectacular celebration of elegance, individuality, and timeless glamour—leaving an indelible mark on Bucharest’s cultural calendar.
În era digitală de astăzi, storytelling-ul vizual nu mai este un lux – este o necesitate. Atrage atenția, trezește emoții și construiește punți între culturi. Îmbrățișând această formă de artă puternică, mediaconsulta.co.uk București, sub conducerea experimentată a domnului Mihai Craiu, valorifică forța transformatoare a imaginii pentru a contura narațiuni autentice și a conecta brandurile cu publicul din întreaga lume.
Ca agenție globală de comunicare de top, MC Group – mediaconsulta.co.uk a jucat un rol esențial în transformarea evenimentului The Hollywood Glam Night, produs de photoartbyralf.com, într-o experiență culturală emblematică. Găzduit în decorul spectaculos al Palatului Cesianu-Racoviță din București, evenimentul a reunit peste 100 de invitați distinși și s-a impus drept seara internațională de referință dedicată artei fotografice.
Cu peste 50 de portrete și mai mult de 100 de lucrări expuse, gala – co-produsă de mediaconsulta.co.uk și photoartbyralf.com – continuă să inspire, să educe și să inoveze în universul artelor vizuale. Ea reflectă sinergia profundă dintre comunicarea strategică și impactul cultural.
mediaconsulta.co.uk – O lume a ideilor creative Media Consulta International București – Un parteneriat media care susține arta și cultura
Prin acest parteneriat, MC Group și photoartbyralf.com au demonstrat forța colaborării dintre media și industriile creative. Oferind reprezentare media internațională și extinzând impactul global al viziunii artistului, Media Consulta International București a amplificat mesajul și misiunea din spatele photoartbyralf.com.
Un press trip exclusiv le-a permis unor jurnaliști de top să experimenteze direct evenimentul The Hollywood Glam Night – imersându-se în fotografie de clasă mondială, estetică rafinată și dialoguri artistice convingătoare.
Susținând photoartbyralf.com, Media Consulta International – mediaconsulta.co.uk își reafirmă angajamentul de a promova artele la nivel global. În calitate de partener de încredere aflat la intersecția dintre artă, media și comunicare – și sub direcția creativă a domnului Mihai Craiu – agenția continuă să creeze povești cu sens, să sprijine inițiative culturale și să celebreze excelența creativă.
Fotografia rămâne una dintre cele mai puternice forme de expresie umană. Prin viziunea și parteneriatele sale, mediaconsulta.co.uk se poziționează cu mândrie ca un catalizator al descoperirii artistice și al conexiunii culturale.
Despre Studio & The Muse Series
PhotoArt by Ralf este mai mult decât un studio foto – este un spațiu rafinat și exclusiv dedicat susținerii femeilor prin portrete artistice. Recunoscut internațional pentru ședințele de glamour, business, maternitate și portrete personalizate, studioul oferă o experiență fotografică unică, în care fiecare femeie devine muză.
În centrul activității creative a studioului se află The Muse Series – umbrela sub care prind viață campaniile anuale emblematice. Printre acestea, Campania Old Hollywood Glam se remarcă prin celebrarea esteticii vintage, feminității și autenticității, într-o atmosferă sofisticată și emoționantă.
Vineri seara, în decorul distins al Palatului Cesianu-Racoviță, această viziune s-a concretizat într-o celebrare spectaculoasă a eleganței, individualității și glamourului atemporal – lăsând o amprentă de neșters în calendarul cultural al Bucureștiului.
As Nice prepares to host the United Nations Ocean Conference from 9th to 13th June, residents and visitors are being warned to expect major disruptions across the city. With 70 world leaders and thousands of delegates descending on key areas, heightened security will bring widespread road closures, restricted pedestrian zones, and significant changes to public transport.
The Port of Nice will be the main conference location and will therefore be completely closed off during the event. Subsequently, the entire port district will be under lockdown with heavily restricted access throughout the conference period. This is the most significant security operation Nice has seen in recent years.
The Promenade des Anglais will also face serious disruptions at key moments during the summit. The biggest will happen on Sunday 8th June when world leaders attend a state dinner at Hotel Negresco. The area around the hotel, especially near 37 Promenade des Anglais, will be completely blocked off during the evening. Traffic along the entire Promenade may pause temporarily when official convoys arrive and leave. Residents should avoid driving along the seafront entirely that evening.
From 5th to 13th June, the Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen at 65 Promenade des Anglais will also have enhanced security as an official conference venue. Authorities won’t close the entire Promenade, but they will temporarily block certain sections and enforce parking restrictions around the building. They will affect only specific parts of the Promenade, so people can still access most of the coastline.
The Old Town will remain open during the conference but with much tighter security. On Monday 9th June, when official meetings take place at the Palais des Rois Sardes, the historic area will have filtered access with possible street closures around rue Jules Gilly and Place du Palais de Justice. Security checkpoints may be set up at Old Town entrances, though local shops will stay open and residents can still access their homes.
How to get around during the conference
People visiting the Old Town should carry identification and consider using alternative routes through Place Garibaldi or the Promenade du Paillon to avoid the most restricted areas near Cours Saleya. These security measures aim to maintain safety while keeping disruption to local businesses to a minimum.
Getting around Nice will be much more difficult during the conference. Traffic delays will be significant across the city centre, with some streets potentially blocked without warning depending on delegation movements. Security measures and road closures may also delay public transport. Parking in central Nice, already challenging normally, will become even harder with additional restrictions near official venues.
The security operation for the conference will be massive. Up to 5,000 security personnel will work daily, including elite units like RAID and GIGN. This heavy police presence will be visible throughout the entire city, not just near official venues. Anti-drone controls and extensive surveillance will also be active across the conference area. While there are no specific threats made against the summit, the presence of world leaders requires maximum security precautions.
Anyone planning to travel around Nice during this period will have to be flexible and patient. Journey times should be much longer to account for delays and route changes. Travel plans may need to change at short notice based on security requirements. However, the local police will provide guidance if needed.
Despite the extensive security measures, most of central Nice will continue operating normally outside the restricted zones. Restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions will remain open except where directly affected by security areas. Beach access will continue as usual, though areas next to restricted zones may have some limitations.
Normal operations should gradually return after the conference ends on Friday 13th June. With proper planning and realistic expectations, both residents and visitors can navigate the city successfully during this important gathering.
Mihai Craiu – Owner/CEO – Media Consulta International – Part of Fininvest-USA
Un seul ciné. Une seule séance. Un seul type pour sortir son film comme ça à Paris. Ça fait trois bonnes raisons de sortir de votre lit dimanche.
Tous les dimanches matins, à 11h15, au Cinéma des Cinéastes, les spectateurs ont le cœur qui bat, les yeux qui se mouillent et les sourires qui s’envolent. La faute à Vincent Delerm et son nouveau film, le coeur qui bat. L’artiste, on le sait, a le goût des trésors qui se cachent au coin de la rue, des images qui s’attrapent au coin de la vie. Cette fois, c’est sur le sentiment amoureux qu’il braque sa petite caméra. Sur une plage immense ou dans l’intimité d’un salon, avec la fougue d’un premier amour, la maturité d’une grande histoire, le film part à la rencontre des coeurs qui battent avec une poésie foudroyante. Des enfants, des adultes, des ados et des grands-parents partagent leur sentiment amoureux. Avec une délicatesse folle, ce choeur amoureux qui dure 1 heure et 8 minutes est sans doute la plus belle de toutes les chansons d’amour.
Douglas Edelman rose from owning a bar in Kyrgyzstan to winning $7 billion in defense contracts, only to plead guilty this week to hiding his fortune from U.S. tax authorities.
A U.S. cargo plane lands on the runway of the Manas airbase in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Inset: Military contractor Douglas Edelman, who pleaded guilty in one of the U.S.’s largest ever tax evasion cases.
A case that the Justice Department has described as one of the largest tax evasion prosecutions in U.S. history culminated on Wednesday with businessman Douglas Edelman pleading guilty in a Washington courtroom to conspiracy and making false statements to U.S. authorities, along with several other criminal charges.
For nearly two decades, the California-born businessman sat atop a near-invisible corporate empire that received more than $7 billion in defense contracts to supply fuel and services to the U.S. military. Edelman used his newfound wealth to fund investments across the globe — from Hollywood movies to an Iraqi newspaper to an MTV franchise in eastern Europe. He also maintained a veil of secrecy over his personal stake in two defense contracting firms and in his subsequent investments, saying at one point in a recorded conversation that he spent “all of my time trying to make sure my name isn’t [on] anything,” according to court documents.
In court on Wednesday, Edelman, 73, pleaded guilty to creating a fake paper trail and making false statements that his 50% stake in the defense firms instead belonged to his French wife, Delphine le Dain. Because le Dain is not a U.S. citizen and does not live in the U.S., she was not liable to pay U.S. taxes on what the indictment stated was over $350 million in income from the business. Edelman pleaded guilty to 10 counts of the 30-count indictment, and could still face prosecution on charges related to tax evasion from 2013 to 2020. The court will determine later this year the amount of income on which Edelman evaded taxes, which will play a key role in determining his prison sentence.
Described by a friend as a “happy bohemian” — someone who liked jazz, parties and the occasional puff of marijuana — Edelman went from a small-time fuel trader and bar owner in Kyrgyzstan’s capital of Bishkek to a fabulously wealthy defense contractor, profiting off the windfall that accompanied the U.S. military response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. After the U.S. Air Force transformed Bishkek’s international airport into a critical hub for that year’s invasion of Afghanistan, Edelman and his Kyrgyz partner found themselves delivering 500,000 gallons per day of jet fuel to the U.S. military.
Bishkek, the capitol of Kyrgyzstan, in May 2022. Image: Sergey Zuenok/Shutterstock
The Edelman affair has shed light on the Defense Department’s well-documented and chronic accounting failures. The Pentagon has never passed a comprehensive audit, failing for the last seven years to fully account for its trillions of dollars in assets and liabilities. It has also failed to implement a 2021 law that requires contractors to identify their beneficial ownership — a provision which, experts said, would have complicated Edelman’s efforts to obscure his ownership.
Leaked documents show that the prominent Panamanian law firm Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee, known as Alcogal, sent letters to other law firms in 2010, just as a congressional investigation into Edelman’s business was heating up, identifying le Dain and her children as the ultimate beneficiaries of a trust that held his investments. The firm stressed in its letters that the information was “strictly personal and confidential” and should be kept separate from the company’s corporate records.
A few months after congressional investigators released their report in December 2010, which was prominently covered in The Washington Post and elsewhere, Alcogal dropped Edelman’s offshore network as a client. In response, another of Edelman’s representatives angrily wrote to the law firm that he was surprised “that you believe to [sic] what is written on the Internet” and that the entire episode was caused by “a journalist who did not have any evidence.”
The case was pursued by the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement, or J5, an international body comprising the tax authorities of the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The body was established following the revelations in the Panama and Paradise Papers, with the understanding that greater global coordination was necessary as tax evaders used global financial systems to conceal their income.
The investigation, which the J5 dubbed “Operation Jetsetter,” was its first signature success, said Robert Warren, a former Internal Revenue Service special agent and an assistant professor of accounting at Virginia’s Radford University. “They’re going to be crowing about this for years,” he said.
U.S. prosecutors drew on roughly two million documents about Edelman’s corporate empire, seized from jurisdictions around the world. In 2020, British police raided Edelman’s $43 million mansion in London’s Kensington neighborhood. In 2023, according to leaked documents, the Cypriot police demanded documents relating to Edelman’s businesses — including a company previously owned with a godson of King Charles — from a Nicosia-based law firm.
The Pentagon did not know who owned Edelman’s firms, Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises, until it was revealed by the congressional investigation. If it had been required to gather this information, Warren said, U.S. tax authorities would have been able to identify his tax evasion much sooner.
Congress adopted a provision in 2021 requiring the collection of this information. In the months following the passage of the law, the U.S. government bodies in charge of establishing federal acquisitions rules ordered two reports on how to implement the 2021 law. However, both reports have been languishing unfinished for more than four years.
Even as the U.S. military funneled billions of dollars in contracts their way, Mina and Red Star obscured their operations in secrecy. The addresses they listed in correspondence with the Pentagon were virtual offices or shared office spaces. And in Kyrgyzstan, opposition politicians claimed that the firms were siphoning money into the pockets of the country’s corrupt president — helping to stoke public anger that eventually boiled over into revolution.
“It’s kind of Due Diligence 101,” Scott Lindsay, former counsel to the House subcommittee that investigated Mina and Red Star, told the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. “When you go to a company for a multibillion-dollar contract and they do not have a website and are nothing more than a PO Box in Gibraltar, you need to ask more questions.”
German beer, American burgers and Russian fuel
Kyrgyzstan, which offered minimal infrastructure and few natural resources, was an unlikely place to seek a fortune when Douglas Edelman moved there in the mid-1990s. And Edelman, a trader with only two years of college and no great wealth behind him, was an unlikely figure to strike it rich. But he had two things going for him: an in-depth knowledge of Russia’s fuel business, and a bar.
Edelman had arrived from Russia, where he exploited the chaos caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union to establish himself as an intermediary for Russian refineries. The relationships that he developed in Moscow would prove crucial: Mina and Red Star transported massive amounts of fuel from Russia to Kyrgyzstan, despite a perceived Russian ban on the export of fuel for military use. The congressional investigation quoted from internal documents in which Red Star said it had “cracked the code” on exporting Russian fuel, in part by developing relationships with Russian fuel producers, railway authorities and government officials “to make sure there is no intervention” that would interrupt the supply of fuel.
In 1998, Edelman also opened one of the first Western-style bars in downtown Bishkek: The American Pub. It served German beer, American burgers and — in a concession to Kyrgyz culinary tastes — caviar.
The pub quickly became a popular destination for the city’s small community of expats. And Edelman would draw on its clientele, including former U.S. military officers, to help navigate the Pentagon’s complex military contracting process. Most notably, Chuck Squires, a former U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served as defense attaché at the U.S. embassy in Bishkek, and rose to become CEO of one of the defense contractors in 2015.
Mina and Red Star served as contractors for the Defense Department from 2003 until the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, according to public records. Edelman sold his stake in the firms in 2020.
A U.S. Air Force plane bound for Afghanistan refuels at the Manas Transit Center at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in March 2010. Image: Vyacheslav Oseledko/AFP via Getty Images
As the war raged in Afghanistan, Edelman accomplished an incredible logistical feat: Every morning, according to an individual who served as a consultant for the firms, the companies produced a document that tracked the location of every single railway car along the journey the fuel would take. Mina and Red Star employed 1,200 people at this time, the consultant remembers Edelman saying, to fill the U.S. military’s insatiable need for fuel.
But even as Mina and Red Star reaped enormous profits from the Pentagon, law enforcement agencies began to investigate Edelman and his associates. The inquiry was led by the IRS and the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which had long investigated crimes connected to the country’s lucrative fuel business.
In a statement to ICIJ, SIGAR acting Inspector General Gene Aloise said that Edelman’s guilty plea was the result of “seven years of tireless and thorough investigative work” that had ultimately “uncovered a fraud scheme that spanned many years and crossed international borders.”
‘It was madness’
Edelman became richer with every U.S. cargo plane and fighter jet that lifted off from Kyrgyzstan. But at the height of his success, according to people close to him, he steadily isolated himself from old friends and business acquaintances. One acquaintance remembers Edelman grabbing their address book in a bar, flipping through it until finding his name, and asking the acquaintance to throw away his contact information.
Edelman also worked diligently to conceal his wealth. A leaked document from 2013 provides a snapshot of the corporate structure Edelman used to conceal his business interests: the network contained a maze of 10 British Virgin Islands and Belize-based corporations, some with whimsical names like Joseph Schmo Investment Ltd. These companies were owned by a U.K.-based corporation, which was in turn owned by a Panama-based firm, whose profits were then directed into a Panama-based foundation for the benefit of Edelman’s wife and their children.
Edelman’s name was nowhere to be found as the director or owner of these companies. It only appeared on a separate internal document that granted him power of attorney over the foundation.
And with these concealed assets, he lived a life of luxury. In addition to his London mansion, he purchased an Austrian ski chalet, placing his stake in the property in the name of his wife’s unemployed brother, according to court filings in a different case. Over the next few years, he bought two yachts, the Divinity and the Princess Juliet.
“It was madness,” said one friend. “There was this arrogance to Doug at that time. He just thought he could get away with it.”
Photos from the indictment against Douglas Edelman showing assets he allegedly purchased using offshore companies, including a London mansion (top left), an Austrian ski chalet (bottom left) and two yachts, right.
Edelman launched a startling array of businesses with his newfound wealth. He invested in a company that provided internet access to U.S. troops in Afghanistan, a real estate project in the Mexican tourist destination of Tulum and an advertising company in South Sudan. He held a stake in a fuel infrastructure project in Mexico and sold the use of a piece of heavy machinery used in oil exploration to the U.S. Department of Energy. He owned a production company that invested in a biopic of evangelist Billy Graham, a film about sex and murder in an Italian castle, and a “gritty thriller” about a teenage girl involved in a sexting scandal.
Some of Edelman’s closest associates attempted to use similar methods to evade taxes — a development that eventually contributed to his downfall.
“I think they just jumped on the bandwagon with Doug,” said the friend. “It was a kind of sport.”
Squires, the former U.S. military officer, set up a Seychelles company where he parked his income from Mina and Red Star, using an email address whose handle was “intconman.” The website of a restaurant run by his family members also included cryptic references to his work: “Chuck is doing dangerous things in Zagreb.”
In a letter to ICIJ, Squires wrote that Edelman never discussed his income or taxes with him, and that he didn’t believe Edelman counseled his friends on how to evade taxes.
Over the past three years, six of his former employees — including Squires — all pleaded guilty to evading taxes. The plea agreements struck by Edelman’s associates with federal prosecutors in Washington required them to provide evidence in Edelman’s case. U.S. prosecutors also stated in court filings that they expected Edelman’s Kyrgyz business partner and his longtime accountant to confirm key aspects of their case. Edelman’s attorneys began negotiating a plea agreement soon after the accountant, Graham Collett, was deposed by prosecutors in February.
Edelman himself was arrested in Ibiza last July and subsequently extradited to the United States. He was initially released under house arrest on a $12.9 million unsecured bail while waiting trial.
Within days of the beginning of his house arrest, Edelman violated its terms by contacting one of the unindicted co-conspirators in his case, Robert Dooner, offering him help in gaining access to millions of dollars of stock from a Bahamas-based bank account held by one of Edelman’s companies. The violation landed Edelman in jail in December.
Edelman explained his actions to the judge by saying that he was lonely. His own lawyer referred to his client’s actions as “extremely stupid.”
Edelman’s guilty plea represents an increasingly rare success for the United States, where resources devoted to catching tax cheats have fallen precipitously. The IRS’s Criminal Investigations division, which spearheaded the Edelman case, has experienced a 16% decrease in the number of special agents it employs since 2010. The number of criminal indictments and charges it has brought on tax evasion of legally earned income also dropped over 40% through 2023. By the IRS’s own calculations, it currently fails to collect more than $600 billion in taxes per year.
The Trump administration’s plans for massive layoffs at the IRS, which could see up to 25% of the agency’s workforce lose their jobs, could worsen these trends. Trump’s nominee to serve as IRS director is a former congressman who sponsored legislation to abolish the agency. The administration has already lost 38% of the IRS unit tasked with auditing ultra-wealthy individuals. “It’s the end of tax administration as we know it,” said Warren, the former IRS agent.
For Edelman, the Wednesday court hearing marked a spectacular fall after enjoying two decades of extraordinary wealth. He appeared in the courtroom escorted by members of the U.S. Marshal Service and wearing a wrinkled orange jumpsuit, standard issue for inmates held at a Washington, D.C., jail. He spoke little during the hearing, repeatedly saying “Yes, your honor” when asked by the judge to confirm details of his guilty plea.
The only glimpse that court proceedings provided into Edelman’s state of mind came during the December hearing, which led to the revocation of his house arrest. At that hearing, the judge told Edelman that he should have understood that contacting one of his co-conspirators violated the conditions of his release, as he was an intelligent person.
To that point, Edelman briefly interjected: “I’m not so sure.”
Mihai Craiu – Owner/CEO – Media Consulta International – Part of Fininvest-USA
Built between 1397 and 1407, this is the oldest house in Paris, or at least the oldest it is possible to date. EnVols takes a closer look at this architectural treasure in the heart of the French capital.
This kind of building is rarely found in Paris. And for a good reason, as it dates back to the 15th century. When Haussmann rebuilt the city, very few buildings dating from the Middle Ages survived the grand vision of the great architect. One of the few buildings that is still left standing today is located at 51 rue Montmorency, in the Marais.
As you walk along this narrow street, you’ll come across a three-storey house made of white stone. Its construction stands out for the period, as builders rarely used the local limestone at the time—it was both scarce and extremely expensive. In fact, only palaces and churches typically featured this noble material. Most buildings from the era relied on half-timbering and cob walls instead. Clearly, the person who commissioned this house held significant wealth and status. Continue reading
The property’s charitable owners
Nicolas Flamel and his wife, Pernelle, owned the property. In 1397, Flamel—a wealthy bourgeois Parisian and writer—chose to build this three-storey house. But he didn’t build it for himself. Instead, he dedicated it to sheltering the poor. He only asked that his guests recite a few prayers in return for their stay.
An inscription carved in Old French on the façade confirms this guiding principle:
‘We, men and women, workers living in the porches of this house that was made in the year of grace one thousand four hundred and seven are, each of us, required by law to say every day one Our Father and one Hail Mary while praying to God that his grace brings forgiveness to the poor deceased sinners, amen.’
A house filled with mystery
Nicolas Flamel was no ordinary man. According to legend, he discovered the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone—the power to transform so-called “base” metals into precious ones, like turning lead into gold. This breakthrough laid the groundwork for the discipline we now call alchemy.
Before the Age of Enlightenment, alchemy and chemistry existed as one, blending science with esoteric thought. Within this context, Flamel earned his reputation as an alchemist. The façade of his home still displays enigmatic symbols and cryptic inscriptions—messages he left behind that time has not erased and that continue to puzzle scholars and visitors alike.
Inside, time appears to have stood still. The period furniture instantly transports visitors six centuries into the past. Some like to imagine that the Philosopher’s Stone might still be hidden somewhere within the house. But if you’re curious to explore it for yourself, keep in mind that the building now hosts a restaurant—L’Auberge Nicolas Flamel—owned by Michelin-starred chef Alan Geaam and run by chef Grégory Garimbay.
Mihai Craiu – Owner/CEO – Media Consulta International – Part of Fininvest-USA
Imaginează-ți o lume în care spitalele de elită, tratamentele de ultimă generație și grija empatică se reunesc pentru a crea un nou standard de excelență pentru fiecare pacient. În cadrul spitalelor Mavie Med din Viena, această viziune este deja realitate. Fie că ești pacient, aparținător sau profesionist din domeniul sănătății, acest eveniment îți va lărgi perspectiva asupra medicinei de clasă mondială.
✨ Ce vei experimenta:
☕ Cafea, networking & fotografii cu dl. Dan Negru 🎤 Deschiderea evenimentului cu dl. Dan Negru – Pregătirea scenei pentru o experiență memorabilă.
🔬 Discuție în panou de experți – Univ.Prof.Dr. Johannes Drach – Șeful „Comprehensive Cancer Care Vienna”. Cei mai buni specialiști dezvăluie ultimele descoperiri în îngrijirea cancerului.
🔬 Discuție în Panou de Experți – Dr. Marcus Franz – Specialist în Gastroenterologie și Hemato-Oncologie
🔬 Invitat special, Prof. Dr. Gheorghe Peltecu – Chirurg Ginecolog, Profesor Universitar, Doctor în Științe Medicale. Fost Director General al Spitalului Clinic de Obstetrică și Ginecologie „Filantropia” din București.
🔬 Invitat special, Dr. Ovidiu Cristian Chiriac – Medic Primar în Recuperare Medicală la Spitalul Militar, Asistent Universitar la UMF Carol Davila, Specialist în Radiologie și Imagistică Medicală la Spitalul Universitar din București.
☕ Cafea & networking – Discuții, schimb de idei și conexiuni cu profesioniști și lideri de opinie. 🎟️ Concurs special – Câștigă un sejur de lux de 3 zile în Marbella! 🍽️ Prânz & concluzii – Încheierea perfectă a unei zile pline de inspirație.
🌟 Acesta nu este doar un eveniment – este o mișcare către viitorul îngrijirii pacienților.
💙 Rezervă-ți locul acum și fii parte din schimbare!
Cu respect, PremiQaMed by Mavie
Completează formularul de mai jos si fii prezent la eveniment pentru șansa de a câștiga un sejur de 3 nopți la The Townhouse Hotel din Marbella/ Ioana Hotels Sinaiawww.townhousemarbella.com
🔒 Declinare a responsabilității legale și informare privind protecția datelor (GDPR)
Prin înscrierea la tombolă, sunteți de acord cu prelucrarea datelor personale de către PremiQaMed by Mavie în scopul organizării extragerii, contactării câștigătorului și transmiterii de comunicări despre oferte și servicii, prin e-mail sau telefon. Datele nu vor fi partajate cu terți. Câștigătorul va fi desemnat aleatoriu și notificat. Premiul nu este transferabil și nu poate fi convertit în bani.
Continue reading