IN FOLLOW-UP TO INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATES PROBLEMS AND PROMISE OF AGEING POPULATIONS

Press Release
GA/9622

IN FOLLOW-UP TO INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS, GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATES PROBLEMS AND PROMISE OF AGEING POPULATIONS

As the General Assembly met this morning to begin its follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons, the President of the Assembly, Theo-Ben Guriram (Namibia), said the theme of the year –- a society for all ages -- “links us to an earlier period in the evolution of society of community interdependence when older persons were revered for their wisdom”.

Noting the significant steps taken by the Assembly to address the issue of ageing populations, the President said it was encouraging to see that during the International Year, more than 100 Member States had established focal points clearly indicating that more nations were recognizing a significant increase in the population of their older citizens. Perhaps more important was an increasing awareness of the extraordinary speed at which those numbers would grow in the years to come. "These facts, I believe, have major implications for our thinking, attitudes, commitment and public policy of nations", he said.

Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette noted that the global increase in ageing meant that developed countries would have to examine their retirement policies and related schemes, while less developed countries would have to focus on eradication of poverty in older populations, and on their health care needs. While extending life expectancy was something humanity had pursued and achieved in the course of this century, the resulting ageing of societies, like all structural changes, posed a challenge. That challenge should be regarded as a great opportunity -- older people must participate in their communities and in national life. A lot of planning was needed to ensure that ageing became a positive force.

The representative of Finland (on behalf of the European Union) said one of the main concerns of her region was how national economies would face the challenge of increased pension costs arising from higher life expectancy. The issue of ageing women was also important, since older women made a significant contribution to development. Policies and strategies should encourage their active participation and guarantee them equal rights in any society. The challenges related to ageing were different in different parts of the world, she noted; working methods must therefore be very specific to national and local situations.

The representative of Guyana (on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China) said that statistics showed tha, by the year 2005, more than 70 per cent of all persons over 60 would live in developing countries. The obligation to provide them with employment opportunities, improved health-care,

General Assembly Plenary - 1a - Press Release GA/9622 23rd Meeting (AM) 4 October 1999

education and other social benefits would not be easily satisfied. The governments of those countries, faced with debt burdens and structural adjustment programmes, simply could not bear the costs of adequate social systems. Moreover, special attention would have to be given to older women, who had particular needs and thus required programmes and policies that were sensitive to their situation.

The representative of the Dominican Republic said her country had become the first developing nation to work with other partners to create International Longevity Centres. Key questions included: What might be the nature of intergenerational ties in the future? What did increased longevity mean to people of all ages? What was the significance of the feminization of ageing? How could political and social strategies deal with ageing and be adapted to economies in different stages of development? It was important, she added, to recognize older people as actors in the drama of their own lives and in the functioning of their societies, not just as people who were passive and needy.

Statements were also made this morning by the representatives of Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Cuba, Austria, Chile, Spain, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Japan, Tunisia, Netherlands and Canada.

The Assembly will continue its follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons at 3 p.m.

Assembly Work Programme

When the General Assembly met this morning, it was expected to begin two days of meetings concerning follow up to the International Year of Older Persons, which was observed this year.

In this connection, it had before it a 19-power draft resolution (document A/54/L.6) by which the Assembly would call for the collection of data and population statistics disagregated by sex and by age on all aspects of population ageing. It would also encourage the press and the media to play a central role in the creation of awareness of population ageing and related issues, and in the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination against older persons. In particular, it would urge the development of policies and programmes which respond to the rights, needs and abilities of older women.

Also by the text, the Assembly would encourage United Nations agencies and programmes to support activities in the field of ageing. It would also encourage regional initiatives to follow-up on the International Year and to provide input into the process of revision of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted in 1982. The Assembly would ask the Commission for Social Development to revise the Plan of Action and elaborate a long-term strategy on ageing, based on new developments since 1982 and on the experience of this year’s observance, with a view to adopting a revised plan of action and a long-term strategy in 2002. Thus the Secretary-General would be asked to prepare a draft revised plan of action and submit it to the Commission in 2001.

The text is sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Colombia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Malta, Mongolia, Panama, Peru, Romania, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay.

Statements

THEO-BEN GURIRAB (Namibia), President of the General Assembly, said the theme of ageing “links us to an earlier period of the evolution of society and community interdependence when older persons were revered for their wisdom as the repositories of tradition, customs and past achievements”. It was encouraging to see that in the course of that international year, focal points had been established by more than 100 Member States.

Those focal points clearly indicated that more and more nations were recognizing a significant increase in the population of their citizens, who were now living longer. Perhaps more importantly, there was a growing awareness of the extraordinary speed with which those numbers would grow in the years to come. The central theme of the International Year for Older Persons had drawn its inspiration from the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995. Since the year’s first introduction the Secretary-General in 1995, its core ideas had been developed to the point where it was now possible to suggest a model for the development of policy framework for ageing. That model aimed to present a new way of assessing ageing of individuals and populations in a more holistic way.

Deputy Secretary-General LOUISE FRÉCHETTE said that, throughout the International Year of Older Persons, 99 national committees and other institutions and organizations had convened conferences and campaigns to raise awareness of ageing and its implications of the demographic revolution for individuals and societies all over the world. She noted that, globally, one of every 10 persons is aged 60 and over and, by 2150, that figure would have grown to one in three. Europe was projected to be the part of the world most affected by an ageing population. There would be a large increase in their total numbers, and strategies and policies would have to be tailored accordingly. Developed countries would have to examine their retirement policies and related schemes, while less developed countries would have to focus on the eradication of poverty in older populations, and on their health care needs.

Ms. Fréchette said that, while extending life expectancy was something humanity had striven for, and had managed to achieve during this century, the resulting ageing of societies, like all structural changes, posed a challenge. This challenge should be regarded as a great opportunity; older people must participate in the life of their communities and countries. A lot of planning was needed to ensure that ageing became a positive force.

MAIJA PERHO Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland, speaking on behalf of the European Union and Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta, as well as Liechtenstein, said that one of their main concerns was how the national economies would be able to face the challenge of growing pension costs, due to increasing life expectancy. Reforms aimed at prolonging the active participation of older persons in work life and identifying new forms of labour, such as developing different part-time work or part-time retirement schemes, were under discussion.

Continuing, she said that the policy on ageing in her country had been mostly government and municipal policy, with a clear emphasis on social welfare and health care. More weight was being given to the importance of civil society, including Non-Governmental Organizations and private-sector actors. The issue of ageing women was also important, since older women made a significant contribution to development. Policies and strategies needed to be designed to give support to their active participation and guarantee them equal rights in any society. The challenges related to ageing were different in different parts of the world; therefore, working methods must be very specific to national and local situations. She welcomed the establishment by the United Nations of an Internet database on ageing.

PIER BENEDETTO FRANCESE (Italy) noted that national statistics forecast a 39 per cent increase in Italy's population over age 60 by 2040. Therefore, provision of care and safeguarding of the elderly's independence, had become important issues for his Government. Italy had accepted that challenge with determination and vigour.

He recalled that, in preparatory committee for the International Criminal Court, Italy had drafted a provision for protecting senior citizens. “Growing Old Well, Growing Old Together" had been the theme for Italy's celebration of the International Year. Steps taken included the development of social welfare law to provide new economic subsidies to families of older persons. The year's observance would culminate in a show involving 8,000 municipalities to demonstrate what was being done at the local level, as well as to prod the culture towards developing a social system that would embrace the participation of older persons.

CHRISTINE BERGMAN (Germany) said her Government’s concrete goals included fostering citizens' social commitment and involvement, as well as encouraging voluntary social work. Since the World Conference in Vienna in 1982, much had been done to increase awareness of ageing issues. However, the Plan adopted there reflected the social and economic situation of 20 years ago; there must be renewed efforts to take into account the new challenges being faced.

By 2030, the European Union would have to cope with over 100 million senior citizens, she stated. Developing countries were also experiencing the phenomenon of a growing ageing population, but were unable to provide basic services due to a lack of funds. The notion of “productive ageing” might be a helpful concept for many countries, as creating opportunities for older people to earn income might be a useful way for them to contribute to the growth of the economy. In 2002, a second International Plan should be adopted. Germany was proposing to host a regional Ministerial Conference in Berlin in 2002 to discuss the region’s particular problems.

JULIA T. ALVAREZ (Dominican Republic) reviewed the activities of her country in observance of the International Year. A Code of Rights for Older Persons to protect and defend the rights of older people had been approved by the Congress and the media had been involved to create a positive attitude toward ageing. The Dominican Republic had also become the first developing nation to work with other partners to create International Longevity Centers.

She said that key questions included: What might be the nature of intergenerational ties in the future? What did increased longevity mean to people of all ages? What was the significance of the feminization of ageing? How could political and social strategies deal with ageing and be adapted to economies in different stages of development? It was important to recognize older people as actors in the drama of their own lives and in functioning of society not just as people who were passive and needy.

S.R. INSANALLY (Guyana), speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, said that by the year 2005, more than 70 per cent of all persons over 60 would live in developing countries. The obligation to provide them with employment opportunities, improved healthcare, education and other social benefits would not be easily satisfied. The Governments of those countries, faced with debt burdens and structural adjustment programmes, simply could not bear the costs of adequate social systems. Special attention would have to be given to older women, who required programmes and policies that were sensitive to their particular situation.

He said it was incumbent on policy makers to provide an enabling environment for older persons, particularly women, that would enable them to participate in the development process. The institution of the family had been undermined by migration, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and other socioeconomic changes. Despite constraints, Governments must assume greater responsibility for the nurturing of the aged and protection of the family. They could only succeed if other stakeholders in society, including the private sector and community organizations, were willing to assist. In that context, the media had a role to play in enhancing public awareness of ageing. The Group called on the United Nations to address ageing in the context of development, and for adequate resources to be provided to relevant agencies.

MAKARIM WIBISONO (Indonesia) welcomed the efforts made within the United Nations programme on ageing. Family life dynamics were being altered by economic reality. The increasing entrance into the work force of traditional caregivers altered the multigenerational support within the family. That lent added importance to the need for income security and opportunities for older persons for a decent livelihood. Also, the particular situation of older women needed to be addressed, and obstacles to their participation in social and economic development removed.

Indonesia, with less than 10 per cent of its population considered to be older persons, and with decreased population growth rates, might anticipate a considerable demographic shift in the coming years. In Indonesia, older persons had always been accorded a high degree of respect and deference; therefore, the challenge was to ensure that that attitude was not threatened by the vagaries of economics or the uncertainties of globalization. He also reviewed the initiatives of Indonesia on ageing, including a brochure issued to publicize the goals of the International Year.

BRUNO RODRIGUEZ PARRILLA (Cuba), said it was unfair to deal with everyone in the same way. In Africa, the average life expectancy was 49 for men and 51 for women and in Europe 69 for men 77 for women. How then could it be claimed that current statistics reflected the situation in both industrialized in less developed countries? There could be no comparison when in Africa health expenditures reflected only a small proportion of the continent's economy. In third world countries, the astronomical figure of 48 million persons died of avoidable diseases while in South Asia and the developed world, the figure was proportionately much over.

In the developing world, he said, the basic concern was not the population explosion, but life expectancy. It was essential to redefine the roles of ageing. The lack of solidarity suffered by many older persons abandoned by their societies, was a problem, particularly in opulent societies, where that vulnerability was most obvious. In Cuba, healthcare reached everyone, he said. Satisfactory ageing was an indicator of good health. His government had also focused on the status of its social security system during the year. To confront the specific problems facing the ageing population, a fair international economic order should be established.

EVELINE HONIGSPERGER (Austria) said that in her country the core objectives of implementing the International Year were defined as: appreciation of old age as an equal stage of life; encouragement of dialogue and interaction between the generations; active inclusion of older persons in society and politics; and promotion of voluntary work by older persons through the establishment of community centers for those activities. She recalled the observance last year of an “Action Day for a Better Understanding between the Generations". More than 300 events had been organized on that day, ranging from counseling on free healthcare to platforms devoted to dialogue between generations.

Seven working groups comprising more than 500 actors had also been formed to develop a comprehensive national policy on older persons, she said. It was their responsibility to analyze future challenges regarding the trends of an ageing society and develop a sound basis for sustainable long-term programmes. For the first time in Austria, a scientific study on the situation of older persons had been prepared this year to guide future work. It provided concrete information on housing, lifestyle, family, healthcare and the participation of older persons in Austrian society.

JUAN LARRAIN (Chile) said that trends with respect to ageing had a more profound impact on female populations, especially in the rural areas. A plan to provide equality of opportunity for Chilean women had been formulated with the specific needs of older women in mind, since there was a high proportion of older women who were poor and heads of households. In the current decade, Chile had alleviated some of the problems affecting the elderly and the poor with respect to healthcare, housing and social development.

He reviewed programmes being implemented to improve living conditions. One was entitled "more life for your years". The motto of "a society for all ages", was interpreted in Chile as a signal for the elimination of all types of discrimination, and involved all sectors of Chilean society.

HECTOR MARAVALL (Spain) stated that in observance of the Year, the State Council of Older Persons had organized a programme of activities that comprised thousands of observances, including a campaign to promote volunteer movements among older persons, gerontology education and programmes geared towards integration of older persons in Spanish society. There had been notable improvements in pension schemes, healthcare, home improvement, tourism, transportation adaptation and a change in public image of older persons. However, there were still shortcomings in respect of care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and a comprehensive healthcare plan specifically geared towards older persons was needed.

Spain was in favour of holding a global conference in 2002 in Vienna, to improve strategies on ageing for the next 20 years. Special attention should be paid to developing countries, he emphasized. Also, he added, different forums should be convened to discuss specific global issues of ageing.

KHENTHONG NUANTHASING (Lao People's Democratic Republic) said that population ageing had become one of the world's alarming issues. Both the International Plan of Action on Ageing and the United Nations Principles for Old Persons had been generally accepted by the Member States, but different countries had different ways to meet the targets, based on their economic, social, cultural and religious realities.

In Laos, even if family had the primary responsibility to take care of its old members, the Government was doing everything to help them, he said. It had provided funds for building retirement communities and, in other cases, it assisted the old people by supplying construction materials which they could use to build their houses. There was a national pension scheme, and in public hospitals, older persons received medical treatment at free or reduced costs. He also reviewed the initiatives to celebrate the International Year, including a campaign of medical check-ups conducted in many cities.

YUKIO SATOH (Japan) said efforts must be maximized to empower and increase opportunities for older persons. Caring for them was central to the concept of a “society for all ages”. While governments, central as well as local, must take leadership in that effort, the roles of civil societies and volunteer groups as well as the media were also essential. Networking and partnership, as well as cooperation among those partners, were critically important.

He said ageing was an important issue for Japan, whose society was growing older at a speed unprecedented in any country of the world. One out of six Japanese was 65 years old or older, and it was expected that in 2050 one third of the population would be in that category. The Japanese Parliament had enacted a basic law in 1995 that provided for necessary measures, in line with United Nations guidelines. His Government was also working on a new social security system.

MOKHTAR CHAOUACHI (Tunisia) said progress in the scientific and medical fields had been beneficial and improved lifestyles and longevity. However, more still needed to be done, including the creation of living conditions that were beneficial to older persons. That should remain the focus of international activities.

Recognizing that, due to disparities between rich and poor countries, international assistance was needed by those countries that lacked the means to respond adequately to the needs of their elderly, his President, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, had proposed the establishment of a world solidarity fund. Older persons were given priority in Tunisia's social projects. He reviewed national initiatives, including social security funding, financial assistance for older persons in need of healthcare, assistance for families which took in older persons, medical care to housebound older persons and the offering of a diploma in geriatric care.

PETER PENNEKAMP (Netherlands) said his country had shown that market-based economic policies and comprehensive social welfare policies could coexist successfully. In the Netherlands, an overwhelming majority of the elderly lived in their own homes, including more than half of the people over 85. Living independently was far more important than institutionalized care. Those who were in need of care were enabled to live independently by well-coordinated services such as home care and adapted housing, or by volunteers and informal care. All this entailed a crucial role for local authorities, local services and citizens in the area.

He said that one of the high points of the International Year in the Netherlands had been Generations Day, held on the first day of summer. It had provided a chance for young and old to meet, exchange thoughts and work together. A national project had been started in order to anchor intergenerational cooperation in policies and practices. Regard for older people –- not just for their needs, but also for their strengths, experience and contribution to society –- should be an essential part of all nations’ policy.

LOIS WILSON (Canada) said his Government had introduced reforms to its pension plan that assured the plan’s fairness across generations and its financial sustainability for the future, while keeping benefits to pensioners intact. He drew attention to the development of a National Framework on Ageing. Ministers had approved a set of core policy principles, which had been endorsed by senior citizens in consultations across his country. Those policy principles were dignity, independence, participation, fairness and security.

He said that among the Year’s initiatives in Canada had been the Fourth Global Conference on Ageing, held in Montreal; 60 nations had participated. The Montreal Declaration, which reviewed the status of older persons around the world and reaffirmed the 1991 United Nations Principles of Older Persons, had emerged from that conference. He also cited projects designed to promote a legacy of intergenerational understanding, such as the “Generations CAN Connect” project, which sought to build bridges between seniors and youth, using information and communication technologies.

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