Speakers stress need to reinforce traditional family support for elderly, more Aid in afternoon plenary at Ageing Assembly

By : United Nations
April 9, 2002

IN MADRID Positive Image of Ageing Urged to Ensure Society for All

Programmes for ageing cannot be successful unless they are supported by the values and traditions of the nation, Falah Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, Minister of Public Administration and Finance of Qatar, told the Second World Assembly on Ageing this afternoon as it continued its general exchange of views.

Cultural background, behaviour, values and national motivation should be taken into account. As a pioneer in fulfilling the security of ageing by sponsoring the older person within the family environment with the financial and spiritual support it needs, Qatar believes that the family is the foundation of society, he said.

Among a number of speakers stressing the importance of family support for the elderly, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office of Thailand, Krasae Chanawongse, warned that although the problem of taking care of older persons had been traditionally resolved within the family, the children of today might not be in a position to attend to the needs of older persons in the future. Among the factors that undermine their capacity were industrialization, urbanization, migration, socio-economic development, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Hence, it was incumbent upon government and society to lend them a helping hand. Among priority areas of action was the need to reverse the negative views on ageing. In creating a society for all ages, mainstreaming ageing into the global agenda is essential to bring about an inclusive society.

Addressing the image of ageing in Western societies, Norway's Minister of Social Affairs, Ingjerd Schou, said there was a vicious circle. Young and middle-aged persons often had a false picture of frail elderly people, and expected them to retire from work. But most people reaching pension age were far from frail. They ought to be expected to lead active social and political lives and to continue to be working beyond retirement age. On the other hand, many old people also developed disabilities such as decreased mobility, eyesight and hearing. It was of the utmost importance that the Plan of Action give sound advice on those matters.

Likewise, Paulette Guinchard-Kunstler, Secretary of State for Senior Citizens of France, stressed the need for a collective commitment to prevent setting aside their older citizens on the pretext that they are less productive. "We should together encourage a simple, strong ideal: to guarantee the dignity of all senior citizens", she said. It was necessary to break away from the absurd and highly negative image of human existence in which a man's worth has been established solely on the basis of his productive capacity, resulting in a social vacuum as soon as the age for professional work had passed. The essential solidarity between generations had to be reaffirmed in order to prevent an "age war".

Indonesia's Minister for Social Affairs, Bachtiar Chamsyah, drew attention to the problems of developing countries, which were lacking in social insurance and security systems, relying heavily on family support structures, and having to implement programmes within limited resources. It was crucial that the international community provided the necessary financial and technical support to implement programmes for the benefit for all older persons. The Plan of Action adopted in this Assembly should explicitly address commitments to assist developing countries, he said.

Many statements elaborated on the national measures for the advancement of the elderly people and described national programmes, challenges and demographic trends.

The representatives of Yemen and Kuwait expressed serious concern about the situation of the elderly Palestinian people.

Other speakers this afternoon included Ministers from Sweden, Luxembourg, Australia, Cyprus, Peru and Romania, as well as a Vice-Minister from the Republic of Korea. The Leader of the Government in the Senate from Canada also addressed the Assembly, as did the representatives of Madagascar, Chile and Benin.

The Second World Assembly on Ageing will continue its general exchange of view at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 10 April.

Statements

BACHTIAR CHAMSYAH, Minister for Social Affairs of Indonesia: For developing countries, where a majority of the world's older persons already live, the implications for future sustainable development are acute. It is therefore important to fully implement the outcome of all major United Nations conferences and summits, including the outcome of the Millennium Summit and the recently convened International Conference on Financing for Development. These conferences aim, among other things, at eradicating poverty and creating employment opportunities for young and old alike, as well as strengthening social integration in all countries. It is therefore important to integrate the process of global ageing within the larger process of development.

In Indonesia, older persons constitute 7.4 per cent of the total population of more than 200 million. According to forecasts, by 2010 that percentage will increase to 9.6 per cent. In order to ensure the implementation of the promotion of the status of older persons, the Government has enacted a law on welfare for the elderly. Under that law, various national programmes have been set up and implemented in the areas of social welfare, health services, social assistance and social security. The Government remains fully committed to pursuing effective policies and programmes for older persons that are consistent with a society for all ages and within the framework of the new Plan of Action.

I would like to draw the Assembly's attention to the problems of developing countries, lacking in social insurance and security systems, relying heavily on family support structures and having to implement programmes within limited resources. It is crucial that the international community provide the necessary financial and technical support to implement programmes for the benefit of all older persons. Let there be no doubt that we are committed to the notion that older persons are not merely a vulnerable group that must be protected. They are a vital resource that can contribute to their own and to national development. We require a collective approach to meet the needs of older persons and to address global ageing. Therefore, the Plan of Action adopted in this Assembly should explicitly address commitments to assist developing countries.

LARS ENGQVIST, Minister for Health and Social Affairs of Sweden: Many believe that the most significant change in our society has been brought about by the information technology revolution. Others think that globalization is the most important change confronting modern man. However, I believe an equally important or even more significant change is the age revolution. Average life expectancy has been extended by 25 years during the twentieth century, which has fundamentally altered our lives, hopes, longings, relationships and sense of community. Our entire society is being transformed into something quite different now that one third of one's life remains when one is 65.

While we are relatively well prepared for the information technology revolution and globalization, we appear quite unprepared for the age revolution. Our labour market segregates and discards older people, our culture is directed at young people and our entire democratic system seems to be based on older people being passive observers. We must come to grips with prejudices, breakaway from traditional views of older people and ensure they enjoy full human rights. Gender aspects of ageing and the situation of older women need to be given particular attention.

Older persons need a secure financial situation, with universal welfare policies forming the basis for this security, in order to take part in society. Pension systems must also be reliable. Elderly people should be included in political assemblies at all levels of society. We must make an effort to reverse the trend that has led to the taste and opinions of young and middle-aged people totally dominating cultural life and public debate.

The transition from working life to retirement needs to be facilitated. Many want to carry on working, but at a lower tempo. One of the Government's most important political tasks is to guarantee good care of the elderly. Resources are vital in providing good services for the care of older persons. Individual need should be the criterion, rather than the financial situation. This is fundamental to welfare policy. It means an enormous challenge for our ageing society in Sweden, where some 13 per cent of the entire population will be over the age of 80 within 25 years.

MARIE-JOSEE JACOBS, Minister of Family, Social Solidarity and Youth of Luxembourg: Among the priorities emerging in connection with the phenomenon of ageing are access to all-important medical services, recognition and development of resources and respect for human dignity. We are all afraid of growing old. Some identify old age with lack of mobility, pessimism and gloom. However, it is heartening that 4 out of 5 persons at the age of 80 today remain active. Free from professional obligations and healthy, older people are now able to enjoy many years of productive life. To respond to their needs, in Luxembourg, a system of clubs for older people has been developed, which offers people over 50 diverse activities, including dinners, gymnastics and lectures.

It is important for older people to keep acquiring new skills, take an interest in life and remain in contact with other generations. It is also necessary to avoid being locked in the golden cage of consumption. Among the mechanisms existing in my country is a council for older persons and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which address their problems. The important role of neighbourhood associations should be stressed, which facilitate inter-generational contacts. Taking advantage of skills and abilities of older people is also important.

I know that the organization of care for older people undoubtedly represents a serious concern. In Luxembourg, as in several neighbouring countries, the Government is establishing much-needed services. In cooperation with the national association for Alzheimer's, I am taking part in efforts to alleviate the situation of the people affected by the disease. Guardianship and provisions for the end of life are part of the legislation considered in the country. Another problem is that we are finding it difficult to recruit a sufficient number of competent staff to take care of the elderly, and vocational training in geriatrics and palliative care are of great importance in this respect.

KRASAE CHANAWONGSE, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office of Thailand: Thailand is expected to graduate into an ageing society within the next 10 years. Although the problem of taking care of older persons has been traditionally resolved within the family, the children of today may not be in a position to attend to the needs of older persons in the future. Among the factors that undermine their capacity are industrialization, urbanization, migration, socio-economic development, HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. Hence, it is incumbent upon the Government and society to lend them a helping hand. Thailand is in the process of preparing a second national long-term plan on ageing, addressing all aspects of the phenomenon.

The emerging demographic pattern should not be perceived in terms of numbers and statistics alone. Behind the pattern are real people, and the approach taken should rely on holistic perspectives, taking into account all obstacles, challenges, resources and capital. Countries should aim to prepare their citizens for a healthy life, with independence, security and social participation. Among priority areas of action is the need to reverse the negative views on ageing. A campaign for a paradigm shift on ageing will be of paramount importance to move the issue ahead. In creating a society for all ages, mainstreaming ageing into the global agenda is essential to bring about an inclusive society.

Thailand fully supports the outcome of the Asia and Pacific Regional Preparatory Consultations for the Assembly, which took place in Macao in September 2001. That meeting called for the expansion of the existing institutional capacity of the United Nations to address the challenges of ageing, and for the mainstreaming of ageing-related issues into the work of relevant United Nations agencies.

SHARON CARSTAIRS, Leader of the Government in the Senate with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care of Canada: Canada has been a partner in addressing the ageing issues of the original International Plan, and its governments have helped Canadians improve their health and financial security in senior years. Canada has also supported the important role that older persons play in our society -- whether in the work place, volunteer organizations or within families and communities. For example, there has been a dramatic decline in poverty among Canada's seniors over the last two decades, thanks largely to an effective mix of public and private retirement income programmes.

Most Canadians live their later years in good health and expect to live long lives, with some of the highest life expectancy levels in the world -- 81.5 years for women and 76 years for men. Canadian seniors want to live those years as active participants. They have told us that dignity, independence, participation, fairness and security -- adapted from the United Nations Principles for Older Persons -- are extremely important. We have used these principles as the basis of our National Framework on Ageing.

Canada's priorities for seniors and the ageing population include: improving health, well-being and independence in later life; enhancing the participation of older Canadians in economic and social life; strengthening supportive environments for seniors; and sustaining Government programmes benefiting older Canadians. As the knowledge economy continues to develop and change, Canada remains committed to ensuring life-long learning for its citizens. Our Government recently launched a national Skills and Learning Agenda, which recognizes the need to renew skills at every age and stage of life, to benefit older person and ensure a strong and vibrant workforce today and in the future.

FALAH BIN JASSIM BIN JABR AL-THANI, Minister of Public Administration and Finance of Qatar: As we realize the results and the social, economic and cultural aspects of the developing ageing population, especially in regard to work, productivity, saving rates, consumption and rates of independence, we have started creating scientific and practical programmes aimed at spreading social security for the older and younger persons. We did this by providing them with modern housing, free health care and educational services and by creating an environment for the older persons to participate in development.

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