5173.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:00 PM

Abstract #18003

Human rights in the Context of Rapidly Aging Developing Nations

Martha Pelaez, PhD, Family Health and Population Program, Pan American Health Organization/WHO, 525 Twenty-third Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, (202) 974-3694, pelaezma@paho.org

This presentation will focus on a rationale for discussing the human rights of older persons in the context of development and rapidly aging societies. I will discuss the growing evidence of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons and how the accumulation of inequities through life requires in some cases an ‘affirmative action’ approach to maintaining health and wellbeing in old age. The presentation will close with a review of evidence from several sources on human rights violations suffered by older persons and a discussion of public health actions that need to be taken in order to stimulate programs and services targeting the protection of older persons.

Learning Objectives: As a result of participating in this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Identify three indicators of human rights violations with older persons. 2. Discuss the prevalence of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in developing countries. 3. List at least three public health actions to protect older persons against human rights violations

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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA