Page 44 - Bulletin, Vol.78 No.1, March 2019

41. We also send out information on local cultural activities by e-mail in the E-
NEWSLETTER or FLASH, Some of the E-NEWSLETTERS concerned taxation
in France, and more particularly deduction at source in 2019 which raises many
questions due to its complexity and frequent changes.

42. Providing support to retirees who are no longer able to manage some
administrative formalities or with financial difficulties
43. We have continued to provide ad hoc assistance to retirees who have
encountered difficulties and have created and set up a new website
http://afics.unog.ch/

44. The Committee has put together for our members a wealth of information
concerning the medico-social services available in the Greater Geneva region.
If necessary, the Committee may seek expert professional help on social
welfare, but this has not been needed in 2018.

45. AFICS is also fortunate to have the unwavering assistance of France Henry
who helps retirees with the preparation and submission of complex
reimbursement claims to UNSMIS. France spends at least one day a week
unravelling bills, explaining the rules and follow-up.

46. The Rules of the AFICS Solidarity Fund state that the purpose of the Fund is to
assist former international staff members faced with unexpected financial
difficulties that cannot be met by taking a loan or other financial means.
47. Some requests reveal a lack of wisdom of retirees who have squandered their
lump sum, have no savings and have not made a budget. A longer life span
often means increased medical expenses.

48. Develop and maintain relations with bodies outside the Association that
may be active in areas of interest to our members

49. At the local level (Cantons of Geneva and Vaud, and in neighbouring France)
there are many activities outside the sphere of the international organizations.
Integration in local life is the guarantee of a successful retirement.
50. In Geneva we have close links with the Cité Seniors, located on the corner of
the rue de Lausanne and rue Amat (http://www,ville-
geneve.ch/themes/social/cite-seniors) where we meet for a Carrefour
International once a month, Wednesday afternoon from 14h00 to 16h00. The
programme is available in the AAFI-AFICS office. The Cité Seniors is open to
everyone. On Tuesday evening, many of our members, including Sylvie
Jacques, take part in the POLAROID project (an intergenerational forum for
conversations in different languages; an exchange of competence without
language teachers).

51, Also at the Geneva level, AFICS is still a member of the Plateforme des
associations d’ainés de Genève (http://www.plate-forme-aines.ch/) and can thus
receive and distribute useful information on a range of associations and social
services designed for older people, including contacts in the health sector.

42 AAFI-AFICS BULLETIN, Vol. 78 No. 1, 2019-03