This presentation focuses on the connection between human rights of older people and development. Although older people are the fastest growing segment of the population, social action and policy to ensure their enjoyment of the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent conventions are lacking. A key impediment is poverty and its specific implications for older people, especially those in the developing world. Social exclusion of older people is a product of structural inequalities and progressive impoverishment throughout the life cycle. This in conjunction with lack of assets and physical weakness may exclude older persons from full participation in the social, economic, and political lives of their communities and render them vulnerable to violence and abuse. Ageism and negative attitudes toward older people result in denial of services to them and failure to recognize their diverse contributions to their families and communities. Possible remedies to these problems are proposed within a human rights framework. Help Age International, a global network of nonprofit organizations that work with and for disadvantaged older people worldwide to improve their lives, has developed a set of core normative principles which can inform the development of human rights indicators. Adherence to the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, independence, care, self-fulfillment, dignity, and participation would improve the lives of millions of older people. Policy making, research, and social action that include and focus on older persons are critical strategies for change.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to 1. Describe the consideration of older persons in major human rights declarations, conventions, and statements. 2. Discuss the implications of poverty, social exclusion, and negative attitudes on the achievement of human rights by older persons. 3. Describe a human right framework within which the core concerns of older persons can be addressed
Keywords: Human Rights, Aging
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.