It is a story that reflects something older people repeatedly tell HelpAge: they want their knowledge, experience and leadership to be recognised. Gul’s life shows that older people are not simply beneficiaries of change. They are often the people making it happen.
Independence, dignity and respect
Today, Gul says one of the most important foundations for a good life in older age is being able to remain independent.
“For me being physically active in old age is a secret to a good life.”
His own circumstances have helped him maintain that independence. Having served in the army, he receives healthcare and a pension.
“People have offered me more respect than I deserve,” he says. “A big reason for that is that I have my monthly pension and am self-dependent.”
But Gul is also aware that many older people do not enjoy the same security.
“I have seen people who do not have any source of income and how badly they are treated.”
His observation speaks to a broader challenge faced by millions of older people worldwide. Too often, access to income, healthcare and support determines whether older people can live independently and participate fully in society.
For Gul, the issue is not charity. It is dignity.
Why rights matter in older age
When discussing what governments could do differently, Gul is clear about the importance of economic security.
“The government should set up a monthly stipend for older people because it can make a significant difference in their lives,” he says. “It ends their dependency on others.”
His words reflect several of the rights older people are seeking to see protected through a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, including the rights to social protection, independence, participation and dignity.
Around the world, older people continue to face barriers that affect their ability to support themselves, access services and remain active members of their communities. A dedicated UN Convention would help ensure that governments recognise and protect these rights in law and practice.
For Gul, the issue is deeply personal. He has seen the difference that financial security can make in someone’s life, and the consequences when it is absent.
Looking to the future
Despite the challenges some older people face, Gul remains hopeful about what future generations can achieve.
He believes people should make the most of their time and continue contributing to the world around them.
“Every moment we spend is a moment that has been taken away from our life,” he says. “Age is like a flowing river, something irretrievable is being lost every moment.”
His hope is that future generations will grow older in a world where people do not have to worry about meeting their basic needs and where older people can live with dignity, security and respect.
As discussions continue on a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, Gul’s story is a reminder of why older people’s voices must be at the centre of the conversation. Older people are not only asking for their rights to be protected. They are helping shape the future they want to see.
And for Gul, that future starts with recognising a truth he has lived by throughout his life:
“Life is to be spent helping others.”
