It is 8:00 am and as I rush up to the third floor of my office building the first thing that comes to my mind is the countdown to 1 October, the International Day of Older People. With less than 60 days left, 55 countries across the globe are planning events including marches and radio shows. Delegations of older people will also meet local and regional decision makers and ask them to make changes that will improve the lives of many around them.
All this happens through the fantastic grassroots campaign, Age Demands Action, where citizens across the world are expressing concern about age discrimination and the perception that older people are not important in their society.
Older activists campaign against age discrimination
ADA is the only one of its kind and a unique opportunity for people from all walks of life to raise their voice in support of older people.
The campaign was launched on 1 October, 2007 in 26 countries and grew to 51 countries by 2010. In a short span, it has already had significant achievements and impact.
In the Philippines, Age Demands Action activists lobbied senior officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This played a vital role in achieving an expanded Social Protection Bill 2010 (Bill R.A 9994), which will enable five million people over the age of 60 to access a social pension.
In Sri Lanka the campaign played a significant role in pushing for the Ministry of Social Services’ revised cabinet paper that granted a social pension of 1,000 Sri Lankan rupees (9 USD) for all those over 80.
Influencing local governments and decision makers
This year, the expectations are high. Delegations of older people are campaigning for increased social protection in 24 countries; pushing for ageing policies to be adopted in 23 countries and demanding greater healthcare access in 15 countries.
Delegations from Fiji to Peru will meet decision makers to follow up commitments made by governments in previous years. Older people in Sri Lanka will meet with their Prime Minister and ask for social pensions for all above the age 60. In Nepal, older people will meet the President and call for the 2006 Senior Citizens Act to be fully implemented.
A global campaign
Citizens across the globe will be connected together by signing our Age Demands Action petition and posting messages of support for older people on our website.
As I reach my desk, I feel positive about the momentum that has been building across the HelpAge global network. With the support from our amazing group of ADA partners, older people will have a chance to make the campaign’s fifth year a memorable one for all.
Get involved with ADA
To find out more about the campaign visit Age Demands Action
Or
Show your support by signing our ADA petition