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The renowned rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu recognises the importance of the Age Demands Action campaign. He has given the campaign his full support, as outlined in the letter below.
The Archbishop is well known for his activism on human rights and won the nobel peace prize in 1984. He is the acting chair of the Elders – an international group of older leaders who can advise us in times of trouble.
Archbishop Tutu, aged 77, is proof that older people are a great resource and certainly have much to contribute to society.
Archbishop Tutu's letter in support of Age Demands Action 2008
Age Demands Action addresses the issue of the world's ageing population.
By 2050, one in every five people worldwide will be over the age of 60. We must prepare for this radical demographic shift.
Older persons are among the poorest and most marginalised in society today, but they offer an enormous potential for development tomorrow. To ensure that this potential is fulfilled requires action.
That is why older persons worldwide are together calling for a package of social pensions, affordable healthcare and anti-discriminatory legislation and practice.
Governments must recognise the critical role of older persons in caring for people living with HIV and AIDS, and orphaned grandchildren, and offer greater support.
In emergency situations, older people need equal access to food, shelter and medical care, which must be accounted for in humanitarian responses.
With the support of the international community, we can create a society in which all older people fulfil their potential to lead dignified, healthy and secure lives. But to realise this vision, we must act now.
Age Demands Action.
Desmond M Tutu Archbishop Emeritus
Other celebrities supporting the campaign this year will be featured shortly.
