The role of HelpAge network members
Drawing on its close work with older people and communities, the Gerópolis Center helped raise awareness of the proposed legislation and created spaces for dialogue involving older people, community organisations, public institutions and universities. It also supported training and leadership development so that older people could understand the proposed law and confidently advocate for their own rights.
Gerópolis worked closely with the Red Voces Mayores (Older Voices Network), to build a shared advocacy platform that united civil society organisations, academics and organisations of older people. Together, they monitored the legislative process, engaged decision-makers and maintained momentum throughout several years of debate.
When challenges emerged during the final stages of approval, these organisations continued their advocacy efforts, mobilising public support and reinforcing the importance of adopting the legislation.
A foundation for future change
For advocates for older people across Chile, the publication of the law marks both an achievement and a new beginning.
“We are proud to see this law become a reality after so many years of determined advocacy by older people and their allies. But the work does not stop here. The next challenge is making sure older people know their rights and that those rights are reflected in policies, resources and decisions that affect their lives,” said Viviana García.
One of the most important next steps will be the development of a new National Ageing Policy, creating an opportunity for older people to help shape how the law is implemented in practice.
While Chile has had ageing policies before, this will be the first to be developed under the framework of the new law and grounded in a rights-based approach. The legislation provides an 18-month timeframe for its development, and the resulting policy will guide government action over the next decade.
Following the approval of the law, the government began bringing together universities, civil society organisations and other institutions to support the policy’s co-creation. This process offers an important opportunity to ensure older people continue to have a strong voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
Looking ahead
Chile’s new law sends a clear message that older people are not passive recipients of care but rights holders, leaders and active contributors to their communities. Thanks to years of collaboration and advocacy, the country now has a stronger foundation for protecting those rights and promoting dignity, inclusion and healthy ageing for current and future generations.
