Some public policymakers see the mainstreaming of the older person and aging into existing human rights instruments as the way forward. The approach is inclusive in its intent, and action can happen immediately. Yet would mainstreaming, as an alternative to a dedicated UN Convention, bring about the full enjoyment of human rights by older [...]
Rally for the Rights of Older People There is a global movement centered on human rights in older age. This movement is growing with strength. Older people, non-government organizations, academia, private organizations, and national human rights institutions are rallying for the rights of older people. Their voices and activism activities are national, regional, and [...]
United Nations (UN) Conventions A UN convention is an international treaty that binds countries once adopted at the UN General Assembly and ratified back home in the country. Countries with ratified treaties report their implementation progress to the UN Human Rights Council for peer review. This review process encourages global dialogue and establishes accountability. It [...]
Afraid to go out – No Public Washrooms! “I am afraid to go out to out. There are no public washrooms. I can not control my bladder like I used to”, said an older gentleman at a recent consultation. I saw a few other resigned looks of helplessness when I scanned the virtual room. [...]
On this International Day of Older Persons, I celebrate our older people and their resilience. I am grateful for their inspiration and courage. Be it The older people, who walk with conviction using their canes and walkers, and showing us that setbacks do not define us. Or the courageous older woman, who [...]
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 [...]
