I still have something to give: Laurent’s call to be seen, heard and respected in older age

Published

7 September 2026

After a lifetime of building, teaching and caring for others, Laurent wants older people to have a say in the future.

At 80 years old, Laurent Celestin Owona has spent a lifetime building things that last.

As a geotechnical engineer, he worked for more than 30 years. Along the way, he shared his knowledge with others and helped shape the careers of younger generations. Today, he takes pride not only in his professional achievements, but also in the values he passed on to his family.

Surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, Laurent finds joy in the relationships that have shaped his life.

“I’m lucky to be surrounded by my family, I live with my wife, my children and some of my grandchildren, and it brings me great joy not to be alone.”

Family, he says, is at the heart of what matters most.

“I have no real regrets, I’m making the most of every moment surrounded by my loved ones, my wife, our children and grandchildren. Family ties are sacred.”

Yet Laurent believes that growing older should not mean becoming invisible. After a lifetime of contributing to society, he wants older people to continue having a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

A life shaped by love, work and sharing

When asked what lessons he would like others to learn from his life, Laurent’s answer is simple.

“Love and sharing.”

Looking back, he speaks with pride about the family he and his wife built together and the values they passed on to their children.

“We weren’t able to give them everything they wanted, but we gave them love and solid values.”

His career remains another source of fulfilment.

“I also loved my work, I was a geotechnical engineer for more than 30 years, I was able to teach, and I’m pleased to know that some young people have made it their career.”

For Laurent, contribution does not end with retirement. Knowledge, experience and wisdom continue to have value throughout life.

More than a number

Laurent rejects the idea that older age should limit a person’s ability to contribute.

“To be honest, that’s not really the case, I feel left out of all the projects. I’m aware that some of my abilities have declined, but I’m convinced that I can still be benefit to the world.”

It is a message that resonates far beyond Cameroon. Across the world, older people continue to face age discrimination and exclusion from decisions that affect their lives, despite their experience and expertise.

For Laurent, being treated fairly is about inclusion.

“Being treated fairly means involving a person in the design and implementation of projects, regardless of their age, gender or social background.”

His words reflect one of the key principles behind calls for a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons: that older people should be recognised as active participants in society, not passive recipients of support.

Remaining the architect of his own life

Laurent describes himself as someone who has always shaped his own path.

“Whether within my family, community or society, I believe I have been the architect of my own journey and life.”

What he wants now is not special treatment, but the opportunity to continue being heard and involved.

I want to continue to be that architect, to be consulted, to consult others as well, but also to be protected and respected.

At a time when populations are ageing across the world, his words highlight why many older people are calling for stronger legal protections for their rights, including the rights to participation, dignity, respect and social protection.

For Laurent, ageing should never be viewed as something to hide.

“Growing older means becoming more mature and wiser… it is nothing to be ashamed of.”

A better future for future generations

Despite the challenges he has faced, Laurent remains optimistic.

“I am naturally optimistic.”

His hope extends beyond his own life to future generations of older people.

“If the convention is drafted and adopted by the (Member) States, then our living conditions and those of future generations will change.”

He hopes that younger generations will grow older in a world where they are protected, valued and treated with dignity.

“I hope they will reap the rewards of the struggle we are currently waging, that they will be protected, cared for and treated with respect.”

What a good life in older age looks like

For Laurent, the ingredients of a good life are not complicated.

“At our age, sharing moments with our family and our community, being able to look after our health, eat properly, and be treated as a person, not as a burden… that is what it means to have a good life.”

That vision lies at the heart of efforts to advance the rights of older people worldwide. As governments discuss a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, people like Laurent are helping shape what that future should look like: one where older people are listened to, included, protected and respected.

After a lifetime of contributing to his family, his profession and his community, Laurent’s message is clear.

Older people still have something to give. And they should always have a say in the world around them.

Why do we need a UN Convention?

There is currently no dedicated international human rights treaty that sets out governments’ obligations towards older people. Existing human rights frameworks do not consistently address the realities of ageing or provide adequate protection against age-based discrimination.

A UN Convention on the rights of older persons would create a dedicated international framework to protect their rights, address ageism and discrimination, and ensure that the needs, experiences and contributions of older people are reflected in laws, policies and services worldwide.