Bridget Sleap, HelpAge’s Rights Policy Advisor, (pictured left) writes about older people’s rights on Human Rights Day:

Across the world, populations are ageing. There is no denying that this phenomenon presents huge challenges. How do you protect the rights of an ageing population? How do you build stronger, more inclusive societies?

Equal members of society

Taking a human rights approach can help. Protecting older people’s rights, treating them with respect and on an equal basis with younger people will enable them to lead dignified, secure lives, as equal members of society, as is their right.

Human rights and development go hand in hand – respecting people’s rights results in better development, where respect, dignity and having a say are recognised alongside material security as important to people’s wellbeing.
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There is no avoiding the impending threat of climate change and the impact it is already having around the world - most often affecting already struggling and developing regions of the globe.

Age change

Another phenomenon that is transforming the world as we know it and is often overlooked by organisations, governments and policy makers is global ageing.

By 2050, 1 in 5 people will be over 60. Globally, the number of people aged 60 plus will outnumber children aged 14 and under.

The missing link

Climate change and ageing are two of the most important issues facing humanity this century, yet explicit links between the two are rarely made.  So why does the climate change debate completely disregard the impact of climate change on older people?

At best, older people are mentioned as a “vulnerable group”. But they are more than this - older people’s knowledge and experience can help us reduce the effects of climate change.

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The BBC World Today programme is running a fascinating series this week, looking at the huge social and economic implications of  an ageing population.

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