General Links
This page gives details of links to other websites that focus on issues related to older people and their carers.
50 Forward (UK)
Esther Rantzen welcomes you to Fifty Forward, a new website for those looking for great ideas, practical advice and support about the second - and some might say most rewarding - half of our lives.
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Angus Gold (UK)
A website especially designed to be useful for the 50 plus population in Angus, Scotland
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AARP Internet Resources on Aging (US)
The American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) database on Internet resources and links to more than 500 of the best sites for people age 50+.
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Age Concern Edinburgh Information Technology - Computing and the 50+
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Information about programmes plus new stories.
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AGE, the European Older People's Platform, aims to voice and promote the interests of older people in the European Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern them most. AGE is involved in a range of policy and information activities to put older people's issues on the EU agenda and to support networking among older people's groups.
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Its primary aim is to improve the quality of life for older people. It supports member groups and projects throughout Scotland. It also campaigns with older people for adequate retirement income: affordable, accessable and available transport: improvement of older people's housing conditions: and end to age discrimination: better health and care services for older people.
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Age Exchange is internationally known for work in all areas of reminiscence, including theatre, publishing, exhibitions, cross-generational projects and training workshops. Now in its 20th year, all of its work emerges from interviews with older people. The material collected is made available to a wider audience through books, exhibitions and theatre. Age Exchange is also the coordinator of the European Reminiscence Network and publishes Reminiscence Exchange, the only professional journal in the field.
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Age Info is an information service about old age and ageing provided by the Library and Information Service of the Centre for Policy on Ageing. AgeInfo provides the following searchable databases: A bibliographic database of over 35,000 books articles from the specialist collection on Social Gerontology held at the Centre for Policy on Ageing. Detailed information about over 4,000 organisations active in the field of Old Age and Ageing from the United Kingdom, Europe and World-Wide. An international Calender of Events listing courses, conferences, meetings, training sessions and other events soon to take place in the field of Ageing and Old Age.
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AgeSource Worldwide identifies several hundred information resources in some 25 countries which are significant either in size or in their unique coverage of particular aging-related issues. The resources include, among others, clearinghouses, libraries, databases, training materials, major reports, and Web metasites.
AgeStats Worldwide provides access to statistical data that compare the situation of older adults across countries or regions around a variety of issues, such as demography, pensions, health and long-term care. The most recent data and projections as far ahead as 2050 are provided where available. You may search either or both databases at one time. Access is free-of-charge.
AgeSource and AgeStats Worldwide have been created by AARP to facilitate the international exchange of policy and program-relevant information in aging.
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This centre is dedicated to providing a service that allows researchers in this field to find information that is related to the study of the aging process. They also endeavor to introduce this field to laymen who would like to know more about the research that is being conducted in this field.
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Action on Dementia is Scotland's leading dementia charity. They provide services and campaign actively to help people with dementia and their families and carers. This site is for people with dementia, carers, family members, professionals, policy-makers, students and anyone who wants to know more.
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Activities, information and events of the Alzheimer's Disease Society plus link pages to other dementia related sites.
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ALZwell Caregiver Support is dedicated to helping dementia caregivers to find understanding, wisdom, and support thoughout the caregiving journey
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The Association of Retired and Persons Over 50 (ARP/O50) is the UK’s leading social and campaigning membership organisation for seniors. As such, we are dedicated to changing attitudes to age. By encouraging everyone over 50 to make the most of life, we aim to draw society's attention to the positive contribution made by the 20 million active older people every day. We are also committed to redressing the balance in those areas where older people may feel under-valued or under-represented.
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The Baby Boomer Bistro was the first chat site in the UK developed specifically for the over 50s and offers chatters the chance to meet and make friends around the world. Via a variety of special virtual events, it also means that the voices of older people can be heard by politicians, decision makers and experts in many different fields.
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This site encourages people of 50 and above to lead a positive and active life and offers tips on everything from coping with retirement to money matters and relationships.
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Better Government for Older People is part of the UK's Modernising Government Agenda and is steered by a consortium of six partners: Modernising Public Services Group in the Cabinet Office; Age Concern; Anchor Trust; The Carnegie Third Age Programme; Help the Aged; and Warwick University Local Authorities Research Consortium.
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The purpose of the site is to make available information which would be of use to its members, or any persons or organisations who might have an interest in Geriatric Medicine/Gerontology and the care of the older person.
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Research into cause and effects of ageing.
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The British Society of Gerontology, sited within the University of Surrey, aims to promote the understanding of human ageing and later life through research and communication. It seeks to foster the application of this knowledge to the improvement of the quality of life in old age. There is information relating to publications, conferences, bursaries, etc.
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Brunel Institute of Ageing Studies (UK)
BIAS brings together over 50 academics with expertise in gerontology, biosciences, psychology, public health, sociology, engineering and IT. The Centre has been awarded a major grant under the Research Council New Dynamics of Ageing programme to investigate decision-making in the detection of financial elder abuse. The Centre is leading innovative new programmes of research on driving and cognition and also ageing emotions and emotion work.
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A handbook to help caregivers.
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Welcome to the Internet’s unique guide to care and the rights of older people. The fundamental objective of this pioneering site is to empower people with the information they will need to make truly informed choices – to give them continuing control in their lives, or the lives of their loved ones.
Finding appropriate care can be a complex and demanding task. You will need to know what rights you have, what range of services is available, how to choose and, not least, how to fund your choice. Many people find themselves overwhelmed at the enormity of the task – at what can be a very difficult time in their lives.
This unique site is designed to give you access to a whole range of essential information, facilities and services which will make your task and your choices easier and, we hope, the outcome more successful.
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Gives information regarding national site for carers and caring information. Links to other sites.
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The mission of the Centre for Ageing and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is to improve the health and well being of elderly people in developed and developing country settings. The Centre, through its programme of research and teaching, is a major source of expertise in the public health of ageing populations.
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The website of a research centre situated at the University of Sydney. Includes a section outlining the myths and facts about ageing in Australia. It also details current CERA research into health services for the aged and the epidemiological, clinical and biological aspects of ageing.
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Promotes informed debate aboutissues concerning older people. The Centre for Policy on Ageing (CPA) is a United Kingdom charity, and is an independent organisation aiming to formulate and promote social policies which will allow all older people to achieve full potential of their later years. CPA promotes informed debate about issues affecting older age groups, simulates awarenes of the needs of older people and encourages good practice. CPA has its own list of publications on policy issues and maintains an internationally renowned library and infromation service on the social, behavioral and health aspects of older age.
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A new Centre for Research on Ageing and Gender (CRAG) has been established within the Sociology Department, at the University of Surrey.
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Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) is the umbrella body for all Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland. There are currently 70 CABx offices and 199 service points across Scotland, from the islands to the city centres. Whilst the CABx provide services to all citizens, certain issues specifically affect older people, such as relevant benefits, residential and other sorts of care, pensions, wills and funerals, fuel allowances and other initiatives. They also offer an online Adviceguide service which can provide basic advice and information. Visit the website to locate your nearest CAB.
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Volunteering, training and work experience for people wanting to play an active role in their community.
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This national charity was created by Trevor Lyttleton in 1965 and he remains the Founder Chairman. Contact the Elderly groups organise gatherings for frail, elderly people who live alone. One Sunday afternoon a month, volunteer drivers take elderly people on regular visits to hosts’ homes. Groups of between ten and sixteen people visit a different home every month and spend a few hours in the company of friends, old and new. Currently, there are in excess of 200 groups nationwide supporting some 2000 elderly people, but it still has a long way to go to cope with the escalating number of lonely, elderly people, who are simply too frail to go out.
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Site dedicated to supporting carers including newsletters, stories and guides. Links to other related sites.
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COTA National Seniors is the largest seniors organisation in Australia with over 270,000 individuals and 1500 seniors organisations under its umbrella. It protects and promotes the well-being of all older people, and is an independent consumer organisation run by and for older Australians. COTA National Seniors Partnership, formerly known as Council on the Ageing (Australia) coordinates the partnership and has responsibility for its policy work.
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Dementia North is the dementia services development centre (DSDC) for the North and Yorkshire region. We work with practitioners and service organisations to promote good practice and service delivery in dementia care.
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Less than one tenth of all population-based research into dementia has been directed towards the two-thirds or more of all people with dementia who live in developing parts of the world. Hence "10/66".
10/66 is a group of researchers who have linked together to try to redress this imbalance, encouraging active collaboration between research groups in different developing countries and between developed and developing countries.
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The network acts as a Europe-wide forum for exchange of information, ideas and expertise related to design and ageing, and as a springboard for new collaborations at local, national and international levels. Key aims: Developing research and new understandings of the potential of age-friendly products and services; organising exhibitions and competitions; building an expert network in design and ageing; and raising awareness generally of the need for good design in this area.
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A website built by older web club members, hosted and supported by Age Concern Edinburgh Information Technology (see ACEIT).
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Resources for older people.
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Elderly Accommodation Counsel is a national charity, founded in 1985, offering advice and information about all forms of accommodation for older people. They provide detailed information on all forms of accommodation for older people, nationwide, and advice to help choose and finance the accommodation most suited to individual's needs.
The information covers: remaining at home; sheltered & retirement homes; close care accommodation; Abbeyfrield sheltered and 'extra care' houses; and paying for any of the above. They offer their service directly to the public, and to other charities, organisations and companies.
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Home health care resources for older people and caregivers.
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The Growing Older Programme consisted of 24 research projects which focused on how to extend the quality of life in old age. They were commissioned together as part of a £3.5 million investment by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
It was expected that, by operating as a concerted programme, this research effort would be able to produce added value and make a substantial impact on policy and practice. It is well-known that people are living longer but very little attention has been given by UK social scientists to the factors that determine the quality of life experienced by older people.
The Programme covered six research topics:
- Defining and Measuring Quality of Life (6 projects)
- Inequalities in Quality of Life (5)
- The Role of Technology and the Built Environment (1)
- Healthy and Productive Ageing (3)
- Family and Support Networks (6)
- Participation and Activity in Later Life (3)
The Programme ran from 1999 to July 2004. Two books have already been published from the findings, with a further six to be published in 2005 and 2006. Further details available from the website.
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The Aims of The Health Foundation are: The Health Foundation is an independent charity that aims to improve health and the quality of healthcare for the people of the United Kingdom. Through our programmes, activities and investments, we seek out and support leaders in health; promote innovation in the delivery of health services; enhance the capacity for new knowledge through research; and disseminate evidence for changing health policy and practice. The Health Foundation distributes around £14 million annually on projects throughout the UK. In addition we spend around £1 million to support health improvement in the developing world.
Our work is currently focused around five main aims:
- Developing leaders to improve health and healthcare services
- Engaging patients for better health and healthcare outcomes
- Engaging clinicians in quality improvement
- Supporting organisational efforts to improve quality and performance in health and healthcare services
- Building the knowledge base for quality and performance improvement
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An educational web centre to promote interaction between the public and healthcare professionals. Healthandage for You, Health and Age for Physicians and Researchers, Health and Age for other healthcare professionals.
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A UK-based charity which provides practical support to help older people live independent lives, particularly those who are frail, isolated or poor.
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Independent living is the UK's leading site for information, news, views and products for the elderly and less able.
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The Institute was established by the University of Liverpool in 1981 and was the first of its kind in the UK. Its main aims are to coordinate and develop cross-disciplinary research and teaching on all the aspects of the ageing process and to encourage the improvement of standards of care and service provision for the elderly. It also recognises the important and growing problems caused by increasing proportions of older and very old people in other parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.
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The Institute for International Health and Development, QMU, is currently conducting preliminary research on the extent to which issues about ageing and the elderly are included in social policy in developing countries and the strategic nature of those policies. This will lead to a prospective study tracking policy to practice in this relatively new field in international health and social development. Other interests at the CIHS include ageing in ethnic minorities and among communities of refugees and displaced persons. Contact Dr Margaret Leppard mleppard@qmu.ac.uk
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Publications and information about involving consumers in research. INVOLVE aims to ensure that public involvement in Research and Development in the NHS, public health and social care improves the way that:
decisions are made about what should be a priority for research; research is commissioned (chosen and funded); research is carried out; research findings are communicated.
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As part of the Scottish Executive Health Department's commitment to improving Public / Patient Focus and Quality this website has been developed following the publication of Patient Focus and Public Involvement in December 2001 and takes in work undertaken from this paper, Fair for All and Our National Health.
This website is being developed to act as a central resource and will provide the following:
- Details on any related training taking place.
- Information on initiatives or projects being undertaken in Scotland - this section is currently being built.
- Access to publications, web links and reading materials.
- Links to relevant Scottish Executive Publications.
- Details on how to contact the members of the Involving People team.
- Information on the Involving People Network.
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Details of a study into cognitive deterioration in ageing.
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The Multikulti website aims to support citizenship through the delivery of culturally appropriate and accurately translated information in the following areas of welfare law - debt, employment, health, housing, immigration and welfare benefits. Materials are available in the following languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Somali, Spanish and Turkish.
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This institute (located in Melbourne, Victoria) conducts research into the biological, clinical and social aspects of ageing. NARI's website details current research, provides a list of publications and contains links to the Institute's journal, Ageing well and a Falls Intervention database. Includes a comprehensive list of links to other important ageing websites.
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This resource was launched in November 2001 as a 3 year partnership among four of the UK Research Councils (ESRC, MRC, EPSRC, BBSRC). It is broadly aimed at stimulating interdisciplinary research on ageing and developing the methods and means for reducing barriers to this collaboration. Upcoming workshops are planned on social and environmental supports for active ageing, and interventions for health promotion with older persons. Reports and NCAR newsletters are available on the website.
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Developed in the USA as a network of agencies which plan and support services that create opportunities for older people. Over the past three decades, they have developed a nationwide network of agencies which plan, develop and support comprehensive in-home and community services that create opportunities for active older persons.
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NHS Health Scotland is a new special health board created on 1 April 2003 by bringing together the Public Health Institute of Scotland (PHIS), and the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS).
They provide a national focus for improving health and will work with the Scottish Executive and other key partners to take action to improve health and reduce inequalities in Scotland.
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Over 50s (UK)
Directgov - the official government website for Citizens (including over 50s)
This is a comprehensive directory of UK health and illness websites, which aims to help non-medical people find the information they need from reputable and reliable sources. The site can be browsed by alphabetical listing or searching by keyword. Areas covered include disease/illness, staying healthy, women’s health, men’s health, senior’s health, eye health, dental health, travel health, and has a substantial list of links to age-related websites.
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The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is a national charity, formed in 1991 at the initiative of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The Trust exists to make it easier for carers to cope by providing information, support and practical help to carers. The national network of over 100 independently-managed Carers Centres across the UK currently reaches well over 100,000 carers a year.
The Trust provides training and support for Carers Centres, as well as raising funds for development work. It also has a range of grant schemes for carers, including an Educational Bursary Scheme, a Carers' Relief Fund for carers in particular financial difficulties and a Young Carers Fund. To apply for funding under any of these schemes, carers should contact their nearest Carers Centre.
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Scottish Health on the Web is sponsored by the Management Executive of the NHS in Scotland, and provides cost effective, readily available health service information to both clinicians and the public.
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Seniorspeak was an online discussion conveying the views of older people to politicians in the Westminster and Edinburgh Parliaments. Running throughout July 2002, the discussion built up a structured debate on issues of health and long term care. Seniorspeak invited the views of anyone concerned with issues of health and long term care.
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Seniors Network is an information resource for older people and their organisations. It is completely independent and is not allied to any other type of organisation.
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This site aims to provide links to the best resources and websites that might be relevant to UK users. We do not exclude US sites but seek to promote sites that are appropriate to a UK audience. We are providing a gateway, an index, a 'portal', to the Internet which is focused on the needs of Silver Surfers. We hope that this might assist and encourage the take-up of the Internet for the over 50s in the UK. The over 50s have, we believe, more to gain from using the Internet than any other category - indeed, as technology brings affordable developments closer to the 'masses', the Internet will converge on users' requirements from it.
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The Social Science Information Gateway (SOSIG) is a freely available Internet service which aims to provide a trusted source of selected, high quality Internet information for students, academics, researchers and practitioners in the social sciences, business and law. It is part of the UK Resource Discovery Network. This link gives access to resources related to older people.
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The Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice (SCIP)(UK)
SCIP is supported by the Scottish Government and works with public, private and voluntary sector organisations, as well as individuals and families, to gather and share best practice, provide information and support and develop new opportunities for intergenerational working in communities.
Health concerns, questions, resources, news and membership offers.
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The seeds for 'Lifelong Learning for older people' were sown at the Summer School of the Université du Troisième Age held in Toulouse in 1972. This led within a year to the formation of the 'International Association of U3As' (AIUTA).
The U3A in the UK started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 as registered charity, No.288007 and limited company No 1759471. Contrary to what was happening in France, there was no support from Universities. It was realised that Third Agers themselves had the skills to organise and teach in their own autonomous learning groups and local U3As were formed. Since we learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given.
The Third Age Trust is a member of AIUTA which aims to promote active learning, research and community service among Third Agers everywhere. Now in the UK there are 508 groups with a total membership of 122,522 as of the 13th November 2002.
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The Princess Royal Trust VOCAL Carers Centre provides information, advice, support, counselling and advocacy to carers, former carers and anyone working with carers.
The Carers Centre is managed by VOCAL, Voice of Carers Across Lothian, a carer-led voluntary organisation based in Edinburgh, covering four local authorities - City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian.
VOCAL also acts as a service development and campaigning agency, providing planning and development support to other organisations and to new community care projects. VOCAL organises conferences and events, carers training courses, and publishes a quarterly newsletter 'Carers News' mailed free of charge to 5,000 carers and staff.
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Wise Owls is run by, and for, the over 45s / 50s and is dedicated to tackling ageism. Activities include
- Combating ageism
- Employment advice / recruitment services
- Business support / development
- Research / information
- Training
If you think it is relevant for us to link to your website or have come across other important sites, please contact us at: copa@qmu.ac.uk
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© Copyright The Centre for the Older Person's Agenda, 2007
