Older persons also want to have a voice: BanListen /
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on countries and people to commit to removing barriers to older persons' full participation in society while protecting their rights and dignity.
In a message marking International Day of Older Persons, the Secretary-General noted there is broad recognition that population ageing presents both a significant opportunity and a challenge. He said the opportunity is to benefit from the many contributions older persons make to society.
And, the challenge is to act on this understanding now through the adoption of policies that promote social inclusion and intergenerational solidarity.
He said that during the consultation process for the post-2015 development agenda, the United Nations heard from many older persons. They are calling for a world where all have food, shelter, clean water and sanitation, and access to basic health services and education.
By 2050, the number of older persons will be twice the number of children in developed countries, and the number of older persons in developing countries is expected to double.
Donn Bobb, United Nations.