Older people rights are protected under international law. Under this system, governments must ensure their national legislation, policies and practice protect the rights of all their citizens, including older people. HelpAge International is actively promoting the rights of older women and men within the international system to put pressure on national governments to protect older people’s rights. 

HelpAge International advocates age-inclusive and intergenerational approaches to development that actively integrate poor people of all ages into development policy and programmes, and strengthen intergenerational support systems.

HelpAge International actively promotes a society for all ages that puts an end to age discrimination.

Ten actions to end age discrimination

1. Recognise the human rights of older people and the benefits of population ageing for human development.
2. Allocate older people their fair share of national and global resources.
3. Guarantee adequate social protection and minimum income in old age.
4. Provide accessible and free healthcare for older people.
5. Make credit, employment, training and education schemes available to people, regardless of age.
6. Put an end to violence against older people.
7. Ensure policy makers listen to and act on the views of older people.
8. Include and consult older people in emergency aid and rehabilitation planning after disasters and humanitarian crises.
9. Establish international practice standards to govern public policy on ageing.
10. Support older people in their role as carers.

Download Creating an enabling environment for older people's rights (148kb pdf), a briefing to the United Nations.