The reason: The tiny town has the highest ratio of elderly people of any single community in Japan.

CNN: WHERE IT'S GOOD TO BE OLD

If the elderly are given more support in the community, they stand more chance of remaining independent and out of hospital.

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Daphne Grace Suttle , JP (Penicuik, Midlothian) - For services to the community and to Elderly People in Penicuik, Midlothian.

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Social scientists seeking an answer in Towa discover a community where even the very elderly lead vibrant, active lives.

CNN: WHERE IT'S GOOD TO BE OLD

Most were sick or elderly, and in the care of the Council of the Jewish Community of Shanghai, which ran a shelter until 1959.

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"I just can't comprehend why Mrs West did the act she did, particularly on an elderly, vulnerable male who was dearly loved by the community he lived in, " he said.

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National Guardsmen and community groups are being deployed in New York and New Jersey amid mounting fears for elderly residents stranded in their homes.

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Police in California have begun an inquiry into the death of an elderly woman after a nurse at her senior community refused to administer CPR.

BBC: Lorraine Bayless death: Inquiry after nurse refuses CPR

We do a lot to help the community - we play free concerts for charity and the elderly at the homes and take part in Armistice Day.

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The report blames delays in transferring elderly patients from ward beds to intermediate or home care and a lack of resources for helping people in the community which could prevent them being admitted to hospital in the first place.

BBC: Failings at first PFI hospital