“As the international community now embarks on an effort to articulate the post-2015 development agenda, it is clear that the issue of population ageing should be fully addressed as part of this process.”
Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General
Chapter 5 of Ageing in the 21st Century summarises the main findings from this report.
(c) Jenny Matthews/Age UK
Grandmother and grandchild in Lebanon.
It outlines key recommendations and follow-up actions to secure “a society for all ages”.
Population ageing is a demographic revolution that is transforming the world we live in forever. It can no longer be ignored.
How we choose to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities it brings will determine the future of our world.
The last 10 years have seen important progress to implement the Madrid Plan, with many countries adopting new policies, strategies, plans and laws on ageing. But much, much more needs to be done.
Many governments continue to avoid the responsibilities they have to older citizens, meaning millions continue to live in poverty, lack income security, healthcare, access to basic services and the full enjoyment of their human rights.
Strong leadership will be crucial to ensure these basic but essential needs are addressed. Concrete, cost-effective advances will come from ensuring age investment begins at birth and acknowledging now that the vast majority of people will live to old age.
A key finding of the report is the incredible wealth of productivity and contributions of those aged 60 or over. This highlights the huge opportunity population ageing poses for societies everywhere.
With the right measures in place to secure healthcare, regular income, social networks and legal protection, there is a “longevity dividend” that could and should be reaped worldwide by current and future generations.
Chapter 5: Contents
- Summary and conclusions
- Recommendations (including Ten priority actions to maximise the opportunity of ageing populations.)
Download Chapter 5: The way forward (502kb).