Challenge presented by Poverty, Importance of Inter-Generational Solidarity among themes raised as Ageing Assembly continues in Madrid

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CHAN SOO SEN, Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Community Development and Sports of Singapore: I salute all those involved in developing the first Plan of Action for their vision and far-sightedness. I also congratulate the organizers of the second Assembly for championing the spirit of sharing policy experiences and best practices in the field of population ageing. The phenomenon of an ageing population is faced by many countries, including Singapore, and we have made some headway in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with it. Our policies and initiatives are in line with the principles contained in the Plan.

Since the 1980s, our Government has set up a number of high-level advisory councils to study issues related to ageing. In 1998, a standing inter-ministerial committee on the ageing population was formed, which comprises key ministers and senior officials, as well as representatives from the private sector. Singapore's approach to the issues of ageing is based on the principles of the social integration of older people, collective responsibility for providing care and the sustainability of policies. Our policies revolve around providing our people with financial security, the means of maintaining good health and a supportive social network. Singapore has in place a compulsory savings scheme, where each working citizen sets aside a portion of his or her monthly income for retirement needs. Recently, the Government fine-tuned the system, making it more flexible. Closely related to financial security is the employability of older persons, and we have set up employment centres at the community level to provide assistance to job seekers.

Among other actions undertaken in the country are subsidies for nursing home care, community-based rehabilitation and home medical services. We are developing a wide range of housing options for older people. One example is the studio apartment scheme, under which the flats are equipped with such elder-friendly features as non-slip tiles and grab-bars. These smaller apartments allow senior citizens to sell their bigger flats and downsize, enhancing their cash assets. The Government has implemented a number of housing projects to encourage married couples to stay close to their parents or grandparents. Singapore also encourages volunteer work by older persons and their active participation in the life of society. A number of clubs for older persons function in the country.

ANTOINE MIFSUD BONNICI, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry for Social Policy of Malta: Following the recommendations of the First World Assembly on Ageing, the Maltese Government has made significant contributions towards the establishment of the International Institute on Ageing in Malta, under the auspices of the United Nations. Through its continued financial support to the Institute, Malta is showing its commitment to meeting the challenges of ageing, particularly in the field of training in developing countries.

Ageing has been a central theme on Malta's socio-political agenda. The nature of services provided to the elderly ranges from home-based support, to residential care. In recognition of the fact that older persons should remain active and socially integrated for as long as possible, a number of day centres have been set up in various towns and villages. Notwithstanding these strategies, some people are still unable to cope in their own home and require residential care. While the pioneer role of the Roman Catholic Church in this field cannot be overlooked, my Government does not neglect its responsibilities. Community homes have also been established in various localities to cater for the growing need for residential care services.

The effectiveness of formal services relies heavily on suitably trained personnel, and no effort has been spared to provide training opportunities in gerontology and geriatrics. At this point, I must acknowledge the valuable contribution of the United Nations Institute on Ageing, as well as that of the University of Malta. Although my Government is proud of its track record in the field of elderly care, the reality is that the State should not and cannot be the sole care provider. Malta strongly believes in social partnerships and the need to consolidate resources to provide the best possible care. One of our goals is now to promote best practices and establish minimum standards to ensure that all social partners are providing services that befit the dignity of the older individual.

The Government has also circulated a declaration on ethical issues on old age, which includes the concepts of autonomy, respect, dignity, solidarity and social cohesion. As we persevere in our endeavour to promote the well-being of humankind, let us not overlook the dignity and totality of the human person, let us not be led astray by the material needs of the individual and become oblivious of the positive contribution that he or she can make to the rest of society. May the policies that we devise prove to be a source of empowerment of the individual. In that connection, I propose that the World Assembly request the Secretary-General of the United Nations to establish an international expert task force to prepare a comprehensive report on the moral questions concerning the process of ageing.

SANTIAGO ALVAREZ DE TOLEDO Y BANDEIRA, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Belize: To better appreciate the potential of our older citizens, they must be included in all aspects of our lives. In today's globalized world, it is often the weakest who are first caught in the wake of its fast pace.

Older persons, who are among our most vulnerable, must not only be protected, but allowed to participate in our economic and social lives. Their age must not be seen as a detriment to meaningful development, but celebrated as a symbol of determination and progress. Aspects of our lives, such as maintaining the family unit and conserving our oral history and other traditions, serve as glowing examples of the potential possessed in our older citizens.

Economic changes at the global level affect the quality of life for people of all ages in the developing world. The instability of markets translates into highly uncertain incomes and jobs. In the developing world, our older citizens have too often shouldered an unfair burden of our underdevelopment. Left to care for the orphaned children of victims of HIV/AIDS, irresponsible teenagers or for children left by young parents who have migrated to more developed urban cities, they continue to contribute with little if any compensation. We must do more to reward their efforts and protect them from this often abusive relationship.

Governments must ensure that accessible and affordable health care, social security and available credit exists for older persons. They should also draw up and promote policies giving older persons the opportunity to remain active members of their societies, working closely with families and communities. Non-governmental organizations can support those efforts by developing schemes that use the talents and skills of older persons, and by helping younger people to value and appreciate the contribution of their elders.

BEVERLY HALL-TAYLOR (Jamaica): During the 1999 International Year of Older Persons, Jamaica recognized that ageing was a life-long event beginning long before the official age of 60. A major project was begun to provide education and information on ageing across the lifespan of people, beginning in schools. Such an initiative not only educates young persons about the ageing process, but also provides them with increased understanding of and respect for older people.

Education on ageing has been influenced by an increase in chronic disease in the Jamaican population, and seminars are being held for those in mid-life and older persons on healthy lifestyles. We are quite aware of the issue of caregiving, which has been raised in connection with population ageing. The Government has introduced a drug programme for seniors. More consideration on how to support the caregiver and the family providing care will be needed as the population ages.

While attention is focused on the economic and health issues faced by seniors, as well as an overall developmental issues such as poverty alleviation and the impact of globalization, there are also other matters to consider. Research in the Caribbean, and specifically in Jamaica, has identified social issues as a major concern for seniors -- loneliness, a sense of isolation and a lack of social opportunity were listed by seniors. Programmes for seniors should address not only what is good for seniors, but also what they want. There is a need for social activities and opportunities for seniors such as seniors clubs. It is important to consider not only the quantity of life, but also the quality of life.

FRANCIS M. NYENZE, Minister for Heritage and Sports of Kenya: Kenya has always been committed to improving the welfare of older persons. In collaboration with other stakeholders, the Government has initiated various programmes aimed at providing security and a better quality of life in old age. Social security and hospital insurance funds, which offer payments to retirees and medical coverage to all, are complemented by other service providers who run projects in support of older persons. The Government is currently preparing a national policy on older persons to ensure the proper coordination of programmes.

Despite all efforts, the majority of older people are still facing a host of economic, health and social problems. Older people are among the poorest of the poor and often have no access to regular income due to limited employment opportunities. Currently, 56 per cent of Kenyans live below the poverty line, most of them in rural areas, where most of the elderly people are. The weakening of the extended family support systems makes older people vulnerable and marginalized. The national poverty eradication plan seeks to address these problems

Kenya is in the process of developing a national employment strategy, which seeks to mainstream special groups, including older persons and retirees, to ensure access to employment without discrimination. The Government is also trying to provide housing for older persons. Plans are under way to decentralize the management of health services and promote participation of communities at all levels of decision-making. To improve older people's access to health services, such initiatives as the creation of special counters at health centres and hospitals have been taken. One issue that requires international attention, however, is discrimination against older persons by insurance plans -- either on the grounds of age, or through high premium charges.

HIV/AIDS has been declared a national disaster in Kenya, and the country is strengthening its partnership with development partners in the fight against the disease. Kenya recognizes the link between ageing and disability. The Government is developing its national disability policy, to harmonize it with the policy on older persons. The socio-economic organization, beliefs and practices in many communities in Kenya continue to have a bearing of the welfare of older persons. Social exclusion of older persons has been identified as a major weakness leading to the loss of self-esteem and confidence. To improve the status of older persons at the family level, multi-pronged approaches are promoted in the country, to take advantage of the positive traditional practices to enhance economic opportunities for senior citizens and their immediate care providers.

AKIN IZMIRLIOGLU, Under-Secretary of the Prime Ministry State Planning Organization of Turkey: While the population of both developed and developing countries is getting older, the population structure in Turkey has remained young due to persistent high fertility rates and relatively low life expectancy. The median age of the population remained below 25 until the 1990s. The proportion of the elderly in Turkey is expected to rise to 12 million by 2025, however, and this will undoubtedly put considerable pressure on the country's social and economic services. We believe that promotion of economic growth is the main element in responding to the challenges of creating a society for all ages.

The social security system in Turkey is based primarily on social insurance, funded mainly from contributions by employers and employees. The State does not make any regular contributions to financing of the system. However, the State covers the deficits of the publicly mandated insurance organizations. As of 2000, pension programmes in Turkey covered approximately 87 per cent of the population. The social security system has recently undergone a reform process, which, we believe, is going to improve it.

Health is important for all people, but for the ageing people, it is a particularly urgent issue. According to the World Health Declaration, the improvement of the health and well-being of all persons is the ultimate goal of social and economic development. In order to meet the challenges of ageing populations, it is crucial to achieve a new balance between health promotion, disease prevention and curative care. Among the objectives and strategies in my country is the goal of achieving the active participation of older persons in society. Through various organizations and social aid programmes financed by Government donations, Turkey has also been implementing policies towards the alleviation of poverty. The main objective of these programmes is to provide a safety net for the poor and elderly who are not covered by social security.

LYONPO DAGO TSCHERING, (Bhutan): We feel that the world today is witnessing a profound transformation -- not only in the ageing process, but in politics, traditions, economics, technology, society and culture -- within an increasing dependence on globalization. Reports presented here have indicated that in many societies, economic and social strains have developed, due to the lack of compensation for care givers. We have also heard of abusive behaviour towards older persons, ranging from physical and emotional abuse to neglect. Surely, such a pattern must be reversed.

In developed countries, a variety of responses have been put in place to deal with population ageing. In less developed countries, responses have been less, due to resource constraints. Every country is going through ageing, but in varying situations, and the increase in the older population will be most rapid in developing countries. However, we can find a common approach to ageing, with action-oriented guidelines. How we, as individuals and members of the international community, respond to the needs of older persons will determine the well-being of humankind.

Bhutan has a population of 600,000 people. Youth makes up 45 per cent and individuals 60 years -- or over 8 per cent -- of the total. Life expectancy has increased from 45 to 60 years since 1960, and the percentage of older persons is rising. Since the early 1960s, the Government's emphasis on the social sector has helped people of all ages. People enjoy free health services and education because Bhutan's development philosophy is centred around gross national happiness, as opposed to gross national product (GNP). GNP is simply a means of realizing our goal of gross national happiness. This development concept has helped build a society for all ages in Bhutan, and meshes well with its social norms and policies, which are characterized by strong and extended family ties, and traditional respect for family and elders.

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