UN ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE VULNERABLE OLD PERSONS
Introduction
UN Mandate for the Care of the Elderly
The United Nations (UN) recognizes the rights and needs of older persons through various declarations, frameworks, and initiatives aimed at ensuring their dignity, empowerment, and well-being. Below are key mandates and frameworks guiding the care and support of the elderly:
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 1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Adopted in 1948, the UDHR asserts that all human beings, including older persons, are entitled to rights and freedoms without discrimination. These rights include:
– The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
– Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
– The right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, clothing, housing, and medical care.
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 2. Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging (1982)
The Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging, adopted during the World Assembly on Aging, established the framework for addressing the needs of older adults. It emphasizes:
– The importance of participation by older persons in social, economic, and political life.
– The need for social protection systems that support the autonomy and independence of older people.
– The promotion of lifelong learning and education for older adults.
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 3. MIPAA (Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging) (2002)
Following up on the Vienna Plan, MIPAA was adopted to further promote and protect the rights of older persons. Key areas emphasized in MIPAA include:
– Ensuring empowerment and participation: Encouraging the participation of older persons in community life and decision-making processes.
– Access to healthcare: Recognizing the need for adequate healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of an aging population.
– Social inclusion: Fostering social systems that prevent discrimination and promote inclusion in society.
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 4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In 2015, the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes specific goals addressing the needs of older persons. Notable SDGs that relate to the elderly include:
– Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages—this includes access to healthcare and essential services.
– Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries—this encompasses addressing economic disparities faced by older adults.
– Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable—ensuring that urban planning considers the needs of the elderly.
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 5. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
While focused primarily on persons with disabilities, the CRPD also encompasses older persons, particularly those with disabilities or age-related conditions. The Convention advocates for:
– Equal recognition before the law.
– Access to justice.
– Participation in cultural and community life.
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 6. UN Guidelines on Older Persons’ Rights
In 2010, the UN General Assembly adopted the “United Nations Principles for Older Persons,” which serve as guiding principles to enhance the rights and well-being of older individuals. These principles include:
– Independence: Older persons should have access to the resources necessary for independence and self-sufficiency.
– Participation: They should have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives and to contribute to their communities.
– Care: Older individuals are entitled to receive assistance and support to ensure their well-being and quality of life.
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 Conclusion
The UN’s mandates for the care of the elderly underscore the critical importance of recognizing older persons as valuable members of society, deserving of respect, dignity, and comprehensive support. These frameworks promote a holistic approach to elder care, advocating for policies and practices that enhance their quality of life and empower them to participate fully in society. By adhering to these mandates, nations can create inclusive environments that prioritize the rights and needs of older individuals, ensuring that they are treated with the dignity they deserve.
SHUF’S UN INITIATIVES
The United Nations (UN) addresses the needs of older adults through various initiatives and programs. The United Nation organization not only promotes healthy aging, access to healthcare, and social services but also supports older adults’ physical and mental well-being, advocates for social protection policies and programs that ensure older adults have access to income security, social services, and support. Including ensuring their human rights protection, dignity, autonomy, and participation in society. UN further advocate for what it calls Age-Friendly Environments that enable older adults to live safely and participate fully in their communities without undue isolation, neglect or abandonment. And thus, UN works with various agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to address the needs of older adults, this also includes; civil society organizations, governments and the private sector to promote age-friendly policies, programs, and services for the total well-being of the old persons.
SHUFÂ ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE VULNERABLE OLD PERSONS
Safeguard Humanity Foundation (SHUF) addresses the needs of older adults through various initiatives, including:Â
1. Healthcare Support: Providing access to medical care, health education, and wellness programs tailored to older adults’ needs.Â
2. Social Support: Offering emotional support, companionship, and community engagement opportunities to combat loneliness and isolation.Â
3. Nutrition and Food Security:Â Ensuring access to nutritious food, meals, and hydration to support overall health and well-being.Â
4. Housing and Shelter:Â Providing safe, secure, and accessible housing options, including assisted living facilities and home modifications.Â
5. Economic Empowerment: Supporting older adults in maintaining financial independence through employment opportunities, financial literacy, and social protection programs. Advocacy and Policy:
6. Age-Friendly Policies:Â We advocate for policies and programs that support older adults’ rights, dignity, and well-being. Promote initiatives that enable them age in their communities, with access to necessary services and support.
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Social and Emotional Benefits
It helps promote healthy aging by encouraging healthy habits, providing access to healthcare, and supporting mental and physical well-being, and the moral imperatives are enormous:Â
Caring for older adults is a moral and ethical imperative, as it respects their inherent dignity and worth.
Many older adults have contributed to society throughout their lives, and caring for them is a way to reciprocate and show appreciation for their efforts.
3Caring for older adults is a social responsibility, as it helps to build a more compassionate and supportive society
Social and Emotional Benefits
It provide support for family members or caregivers who may be struggling to balance their own responsibilities.
Caring for older adults demonstrates respect and gratitude for their contributions to society and their families. It helps to build bridges between generations, promoting understanding, empathy, and mutual support.
Combat loneliness and isolation: Many older adults face loneliness and isolation, and caring for them can help alleviate these issues, this comes with practical benefits:
Older adults possess valuable knowledge, experience, and wisdom that can be passed down to younger generations.
