260607globalnews1

Global: Madrid action plan on ageing

Reports warn of lack of compliance by governments

Unless governments prepare for ageing, the number of poor and vulnerable older people will continue to rise, warns HelpAge International. The global network of not–for–profit organisations says research shows that older people are among the worst–off in many societies because governments have not prepared for the world’s rapidly ageing population.

This decline is despite the fact that five years ago 159 governments signed the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing [MIPPA], which committed governments to include ageing in all social and economic development policies, and to halve old age poverty by 2015, in–line with millennium development goals.

By 2050 more than one–in–five people will be over 60 and according to the United Nations, nearly 80 per cent will live in developing countries.

Reports from HelpAge International and its partners in Uganda, Moldova, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Serbia show that older people need to work into their 70’s 80’s or until they die for a regular income, as safety nets, such as pensions are not in place. Furthermore, older people’s rights are not respected and they still face widespread discrimination and abuse.

HelpAge Internationals chief executive, Richard Blewitt, has called upon all governments to implement age friendly policies and practices. “We are asking governments to implement a tripartite package of universal social pension, free healthcare and non–discriminatory laws,” he said.

HelpAge International has asked older people’s organisations in 11 countries to prepare national reports in advance of a UN conference next year to ensure that the real situation of older people is represented.

For more details visit HelpAge international website at: www.helpage.org.