The rights of older people

ONE of humanity’s greatest triumphs over nature has been increasing the longevity of the world’s population. This brings in new challenges and places increasing economic and social demands on states and societies globally. People in their 60’s are the world’s fastest growing population group due to declining fertility and rising longevity.

Older men and women have the same rights as everyone else. We are all born equal, and this does not change as we grow older. Despite this fact, there are still not enough legal instruments to ensure that the rights of the old are adequately protected. Older men and women around the world face age discrimination and are denied their rights on a regular basis.

Demographic change is resulting with the rise in unprecedented numbers of old people worldwide. Greater numbers of people will be affected directly by age discrimination and ageism, thereby increasing pressure on governments and civil society as a whole to respond. Strengthening the rights of old people is the only solution in response to this new problem.While UN conventions are accepted by governments, support for the rights of the old cannot be built without advocacy and the backing of society as a whole. A rapidly ageing population has a wide range of ramifications and will alter the way in which developed and developing societies function. It is essential that policy-makers and leaders from different countries play a key role in planning appropriately for the changes ahead.This is why we need you to be involved.

The time has come for a special approach or an initiative on the rights of older people. These new human rights instruments would help change attitudes towards older adults and increase their visibility at both national and international level. It will also clarify government responsibilities towards older women and men, improve accountability and provide a legal framework for policy and decision making.

According to the UN Population Division, during the next 45 years, the number of people aged 60 years or older is expected to almost triple, increasing from 668 million in 2005 to nearly 2.03 billion by 2050, This proportional increase by almost 80% during the next four decades will be a demographic fact, sooner than most of us realise. At the same time, the number of “older old” persons (here defined as 80 years and over) in the developed world will reach unprecedented levels.

Increase in the number of older people will be most rapid in developing countries. From WHO sources in developing countries, the proportion of the older population is expected to rise from about 9% in 2005 to about 20% by 2050.Older people need financial freedom or adequate income support as they age, opportunities to engage in decent employment should they wish to remain active, and access to appropriate health and social services, including long-term care. These have to be ensured. The higher number of women living into very old age must also be treated as a major challenge for policy-makers. The lack of policies to address these issues is condemning millions of older people to a life of poverty. The abilities of the old need to be utilised optimally for the benefit of all.Discrimination against any group in society is unacceptable. Treating older people with respect and on an equal basis with younger people creates the conditions that enable all people in society to participate in and contribute to their collective development. This message needs to be delivered to today’s younger adults who will be tomorrow’s older people.

The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights states that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This equality does not change with age. Discrimination of any kind, anywhere is ethically unacceptable, and age discrimination has to be resisted the way gender discrimination is being resisted at present.For the reasons stated above, human rights conventions need to be reformulated. General protection is not sufficient. International human rights conventions need to be more specific regarding age-related issues. Regional and national laws do not protect the rights of the old comprehensively or systematically. The normative gaps in international, regional and national legal frameworks have to upgraded to universally acceptable standard.

Malta was first country to raise the question of ageing as a matter of international concern at the United Nations in 1968. Eventually, in 1979, the General Assembly agreed to call a World Assembly on Aging in 1982. In its Resolution 37/51 it recommended inter-alia the promotion of training and research, as well as the exchange of information and knowledge in order to provide an international basis for social policies and action.


(2012-04-21/pakobserver)