The global day of action for HelpAge International’s campaign is less than a week away.

On UN International Day of Older People (1 October), older people across the world will join together under the banner of Age Demands Action. They will demand recognition and support for their vital contribution to society.

Archbishop Tutu pledges his support

With 37 countries now taking part, momentum continues to grow as some of the world’s most respected figures add their support to the campaign.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has issued a statement endorsing Age Demands Action. He has echoed its call for governments and the international community to invest in older people, so that they can fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives.

He is joined by Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, South African poet, playwright and author Gcina Mhlophe, and Stephen Lewis, former UN Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in Africa and Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. All three have added their names to the Age Demands Action pledge.

Calling for change

Older people are among the poorest and most vulnerable groups in many societies, with over 100 million worldwide living on less than US$1 a day.

Their critical role as carers for those affected by HIV and AIDS and workers feeding extended families is both undervalued and unsupported. Age Demands Action is calling for change.

Delegations of older people will hold meetings with their national governments on 1 October. They will call for action to deliver improved access to healthcare, pensions, and income-generating activities.

Globally, HelpAge International will be calling on the international community to include older people in three key areas of the international development agenda: HIV and AIDS, the Millennium Development Goals and Human Rights.