“If I could write the rules”

Older people know best what rights they need

What would happen if older people could write the rules that shape their lives?

Around the world, governments are making decisions that affect older people every day, decisions about healthcare, income, housing, care, and how people are treated in their communities. But the people who know most about growing older are rarely asked what the rules should look like.

HelpAge global network has partnered with 1in6by2030 to ask older people around the world:

If you could help write the rules for how the world treats older people, what would you put in them?

Their answers are personal, practical and shaped by very different lives. Together, they show why older people must have a say in the new UN convention intended to protect their rights.

Read what they have to say. And tell us what rules you would write.

Eloisa Cifuentes, 72, Colombia

Eloisa Cifuentes, 72, speaks about the importance of Provida, where activities and workshops give her opportunities to socialise, relax and spend time with others. Even while living with aches and pains, she describes the value of making space for enjoyment, friendship and peace of mind in later life.

I’ve learned the value of hard work – the lesson our parents passed down to us about raising our children.

Phạm Huy Chương, 72, Vietnam

After more than 40 years of military service, Phạm Huy Chương, 72, says he is not afraid of difficulties. Now, one of his greatest sources of happiness is being able to help others. He also believes that older age should not mean stepping away from an active life: he swims regularly and sees health, family, financial security and having a home as important foundations for later life.

We must guide people toward a legal framework, as only rule of law can guide the collective mindset.

The right to be respected is the most important.

Read the full story

Hanan Ridhi Abdullrahim, Jordan

For Hanan Ridhi Abdullrahim, family is a source of joy, but older age has also brought economic pressure. She teaches mathematics privately at home so she can earn money to support herself and her husband. She says she has learned to rely on herself, while also describing the need for better support, healthcare and inclusion for older people in Jordan.

I learned to depend on myself, and that is the most important thing for me.

Dedicate a salary for older people.

Laurent Celestin Owona, 80, Cameroon

Laurent Celestin Owona is 80 and lives with his wife, children and some of his grandchildren. A geotechnical engineer for more than 30 years, he also taught young people who went on to pursue the same profession. Today, he says a good life means being surrounded by family, looking after your health and being treated as a person rather than a burden.

Being treated fairly means involving a person in the design and implementation of projects, regardless of their age, gender or social background. I feel left out of all the projects, but I can still be benefit to the world.

A duty for countries to provide medical care, and a pension sufficient to cover food costs.

Read the full story

Gul Abbas Satti, 72, Pakistan

Gul Abbas Satti, 72, has spent much of his life helping people around him. He is proud of helping his community secure electricity after years without it, and he remains active socially and politically. For him, independence in older age is closely connected to having an income: he has seen how differently older people can be treated when they have no financial resources.

I would build more old age homes in Pakistan. Then there are government funds for the poor, including the older persons but there has been a lot of corruption in that department. I would end that.

The government should set up a monthly stipend for older people because it can make a significant difference in their lives. It ends their dependency on others.

Read the full story

Older people in Kenya

In Kenya, older people came together for a community discussion about what a good later life looks like and what needs to change. They spoke about the importance of health, economic security, freedom from discrimination and abuse, and having a say in decisions that affect their lives. They also highlighted the need for stronger legal protection and greater recognition of older people’s voices and contributions.

Addressing right to health, increased social pensions, accountability, freedom of movement and involved in decision making.

Autonomy, ownership, participation, accountability, my health and economic rights.

If you could write the rules

What one rule would you write for the world you want to grow older in? Think about what governments, services, communities or families should do differently. Please keep your answer to one clear rule.

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A convention shaped by older people’s voices

Ageing is a universal experience. As populations grow older around the world, stronger legal protections are needed to ensure that everyone can enjoy their rights throughout their lives.

A UN convention on the rights of older persons will be an important step towards making that vision a reality. It will help ensure that older people everywhere are recognised not as passive recipients of support, but as rights holders whose voices, experiences and contributions matter. And older people should have a central role in shaping the rules that affect them.

HelpAge global network members

This initiative was made possible through a collaboration with HelpAge global network members ACAMAGE (Cameroon), Fundación Provida Colombia, KARIKA (Kenya), FAID (Pakistan), VIOBA (Vietnam) and HelpAge’s partner Families Development Association (Jordan).

1in6by2030

The portraits and interviews have been produced by 1in6by2030 – a global photography project documenting the historic demographic shift where 1 in 6 people worldwide will be over the age of 60 by the year 2030.

UN Convention on the rights of older people

A new convention is crucial in ensuring that their rights and well-being are protected and respected.

Learn more