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

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SAM A. OTUYELU (Nigeria): In Vienna in 1982, at the age of less than 40 years, I did not feel as concerned about ageing as I do today. Then I saw people of 60 still working in Government and I felt they should retire so that I could rise. At that time, old age was so far away. My delegation therefore suggests that we consider that youths should be involved in the discussion on ageing so that they can better prepare for and appreciate the challenges and possible problems of ageing, and to include a provision for that in the Plan of Action.

In Nigeria, older members of society are traditionally regarded as assets to the family. The welfare of the elders has always been the responsibility of the active members of the family. It is, however, sad to observe that the well-being of older persons can no longer be taken for granted as a result of the economic downturn, due to several external and domestic factors such as structural adjustment policies, heavy external debt servicing and the effects of globalization. Unemployment undermines the ability and the capacity of active members of society to cater for the elderly. My delegation would like the Plan of Action to address those factors.

My delegation would also like to emphasize the protection of the elderly against all abuse, violence and discrimination. The Plan of Action should also emphasize non-discrimination in the field of economic activities, where the experience and acquired skills of older persons should be recognized and utilized. I would like to conclude by stating that the partnership between civil society and governments, the solidarity between developed and developing countries and the promotion of high social and moral standards and responsibility among private and public enterprises will facilitate the achievement of our fundamental objective of building a society fit for all ages for the mutual benefit of us all.

CHRISTINA KAPALATA (United Republic of Tanzania): Advances in science and technology have sparked a so-called "unprecedented demographic revolution" -- significant increases in worldwide life expectancy -- which has been celebrated by the developed world as one of the greatest achievements of the twentieth century. But in developing countries, where the number of older persons is expected to triple in the next three decades, we are watching this "unprecedented" phenomenon with great concern. Indeed, for most countries in Africa, particularly south of the Sahara, these heralded advances have provided us with more challenges than opportunities, as often a lifetime of poverty, hardship, malnutrition and disease, our older persons are more vulnerable than ever.

In the case of Tanzania, life expectancy, which stood at 35 years in 1961, reached its peak -- 52 years -- during the mid 1980s. Today, however, in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we estimate that life expectancy has dropped to 42 years of age. So while we can record some statistical improvements in overall life expectancy, in real terms, the situation is precarious. The AIDS tragedy has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of our older populations as they have been increasingly forced to care for grandchildren, orphaned by the disease. This often saps their energies and impacts on their general health and well-being. What is most disturbing in all this is that for most African societies, the family is still the basic social unit that binds, supports and educates communities. Yet, more than ever before, many African families are living in absolute poverty. This means that older persons are living in insecure, unhealthy and difficult circumstances. It is incumbent on this Assembly to identify ways and means to support and strengthen the family. There is no question that the situation of older persons will be helped in turn.

For my Government, the issue of ageing is a very important aspect of social development. In order to create requisite conditions for improving the lives of older persons, we realize that the question of poverty reduction must be addressed in a coherent and comprehensive manner. Poverty-reduction strategies have to be implemented with specific emphasis on addressing the needs of our most vulnerable communities, including older persons. We will need to come up with innovative measures, including enacting policies that will promote social security for older persons. Since the majority of older persons are women -- and in developing countries, most women live in rural areas and are likely to be poor -- it is important to take the gender dimension of ageing into consideration when policies and programmes are formulated.

JULIO LARA, of the Latin American Parliament: The demographic revolution taking place today -- life expectancy increasing while birth rates are decreasing -- is being exacerbated by increasing urbanization and widespread globalization. Overall, the current worldwide social situation has left our older populations less protected and less well integrated into family structures than ever before. This is particularly disturbing in light of the many international plans and programmes elaborated over the last 20 years aimed at ensuring the place of older persons in society. At present, there is no global awareness or recognized standard to which international actors can be held. Considering this, older adults undoubtedly face age discrimination and this growing segment of the population continues to require more and more attention and support.

The Commission on Human Rights and Labour of the Latin American Parliament has prepared a paper to highlight the objectives of regional initiatives aimed at achieving a society for all. It builds on past models and the outcome of the Vienna Conference on Ageing, among others. It calls for concerted action to ensure healthy, active and productive older age in a variety of ways. It insists that older persons must be assured dignified treatment, and the right to receive the necessary family and social support. It also insists that older adults have the right to integration in community life, as well as inter- and intra-generational activities. It calls on communities and States to provide older persons with adequate opportunities to enhance their lives, and, in that regard, calls on States to provide adequate medical care and ongoing social assistance. Most importantly, it affirms the right of older persons to live in a society that recognizes the merits of their potential.

Overall, and in all nations and regions, a vast effort must be made to enhance the situation of the world's rapidly ageing populations. A silent revolution is occurring in which the population of older adults will increase to some 2 billion by the year 2050. We must change our values, so that the matriarchs and patriarchs that have been spoken of so proudly here as being repositories of family and community history and culture can live decent lives. It is a sad truth that while we are living longer, we are not living better. We must do out utmost to strengthen family structures so that we can all, regardless of age, live better lives.

JEAN DEBOISE, President of the Federation Internationale des Associations de Personnes Agées: My Association represents the civil society of older persons, and is run solely by older persons. It was established 40 years ago, is located in more than 50 countries and represents about 250 million people. We are most strongly represented in southern Europe, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Latin America, China and Canada. Our objectives incorporate recommendations of the General Assembly in helping elderly people continue to be full-fledged citizens throughout their lives.

I would like to speak about the impact that United Nations resolutions can have on elderly people. It is very hard to judge this. Many resolutions were adopted in Vienna in 1982, but a few years later it was difficult to know if the messages of the resolutions had been delivered, and if they had been implemented. You will be adopting new resolutions here in Madrid, although I don't know what they will be or what impact they will have.

The Association proposes the establishment of a global monitoring mechanism for ageing throughout the world, under the aegis of the United Nations, but functioning through organizations involved with older people. We believe that such a mechanism would help us to know whether resolutions passed on ageing at the United Nations actually reach people and what impact they have. The Federation would be willing to cooperate with the United Nations in this proposal.

JAMES MORGAN, President of the International Federation for Family Development: During the past week, we have repeatedly heard often passionate pleas for strong family life from older persons and other participants in the NGO Forum. Their desires reflect our long experience in the Federation with thousands of families in many cultures, North and South. Grandparents are an encyclopedia of knowledge and an infinite source of unconditional love, which contributes to healthy, happy children within the family.

Children, when involved in inter-generational dialogue and perhaps even care-giving, experience increased self-esteem and a sense of history and purpose from their relationship with older people. This World Assembly on Ageing provides an opportunity to study again the importance of the role of ageing and the opportunities for grandparents to contribute positively to families and communities. Programmes in favour of children's rights would do well to fully engage the family as the primary actor, unsurpassed in effectiveness. The family -- the parents and grandparents -- are closest to the unique needs and potentials in each child and freely contribute their wisdom and energy.

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