Leading up to the 11th session of Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing Working Group, there are a number of global dialogues on the rights of older persons and advocacy for a convention on the rights of older persons. Find out what the buzz is all about: Paving the Way to OEWGA11 in Conversations with [...]
COVID-19 shines a sobering spotlight on the deeply rooted discrimination and inequities against old persons worldwide. We can no longer justify inaction and complacency. Therefore, it is with loud cheers that we applauded the 146 Member States who signed a statement of support for the UN Secretary General’s “Policy Brief: The impact of COVID-19 [...]
When 85-year-old Charles goes for lunch with his daughter, he feels invisible. The waitress asks his daughter what he wants to eat. Charles feels frustrated and powerless as if his voice has been snatched from him, without permission. This is just a small example of what aging without voice and choice means for older [...]
Is happiness a right or is it just an ideal state? If it is a goal, how do we know when we’ve reached it? If the happiness lasts only a short time and then disappears, is the goal still reached? The United States in unique among countries in that it has enshrined the right [...]
“If you want us to live a long life, make it so that we can actually live our lives!” This was a comment borne out of frustration but reflects well the general feeling in a recent discussion about older persons and justice. More than 30 people gathered to share stories of the injustice they’ve [...]
“Live as if you are going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you are going to live forever.” --Mahatma Gandhi When we think of learning, school is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Tests, homework and grumpy teachers don’t make for a lot of positive memories. As we get older, though, we [...]
The Canadian justice system and its cousins in other countries are designed to help all citizens right the wrongs. People can file lawsuits on contract or property disputes or be represented by the state in criminal matters like fraud or assault. In theory, every citizen or permanent resident has equal access to the justice [...]
The second biennial gathering of British Columbia Community-Based Seniors’ Services (CBSS) organizations took place in November. More than 350 people from non-profits, academia, government agencies and private corporations attended to move the older person agenda forward. The two-day action packed summit included reports by CBSS working groups, “ask a pro” peer networking session, rethink [...]
Since 2010, a working group has been meeting annually at United Nations (UN) to develop a convention for the rights of older persons. This is great news. The global population is ageing faster than any other time in history, so coming to consensus is vital. The less good news is that after nearly a [...]
We talk a lot about equality when we advocate for older persons. Equal access, equal opportunity, equal treatment. We measure equality by comparing older persons in different parts of the world, social classes and economic situations. We measure equality by comparing older and younger persons. Working towards the goal of a more fair, more [...]
