Support for Age Demands Action
A host of high profile supporters have joined the growing number of people calling for an end to age discrimination across the world.
They're supporting our Age Demands Action campaign because they believe that older people everywhere must be included in society as equal citizens with equal rights.
Albert Minott, 72, lead singer of the Jolly Boys
The video shows Albert Minott, lead singer of legendary Jamaican reggae band, The Jolly Boys talking about his support for Age Demands Action.
Rowan Williams, 60, Archbishop of Canterbury
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"One of the ways we can tell what a society is really like is by the way it treats its most vulnerable members, older people among them. "The International Day of Older People is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the contribution older people make to their families and communities and of how much we all benefit when we build and sustain a society that values all its members." |
Hugh Masekela, 71, South African trumpeter, composer and singer
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"Getting older doesn't mean you're worth any less than before. As an older man I'm still playing and recording music better than I've ever done. "The stereotype that older people become weak, worthless and a burden on society is not true. It forgets the millions of aged people who are working hard. |
"They're raising families, leading communities and offering experience to younger generations.
"I strongly support HelpAge International's Age Demands Action campaign which champions older people's rights and fights age discrimination.
"Age discrimination is misinformed and doesn't reflect the amazing contributions older people are making around the world today and will be making in generations to come."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 79
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"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 persons 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."
More Age Demands Action supporters
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| Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate |
Min Bahadur Sherchan, the oldest person to climb Mount Everest |
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| Gcina Mhlope, South African actor, poet and storyteller |
Stephen Lewis, former UN Special Envoy |
International Day of Older People is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the contribution older people make to their families and communities...
Getting older doesn't mean you're worth any less than before. As an older man I'm still playing and recording music better than I've ever done.
Older persons are among the poorest and most marginalised in society today, but they offer an enormous potential for development tomorrow.
