What Are the Key Principles for the Human Rights of Older People?
Just as with any other age group, older adults are entitled to the full range of universal human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons, outlined by the OHCHR, are often used as a framework to understand these rights within the context of aging. The principles emphasize five core areas: independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity.
Independence
Older persons should have access to essential resources like food, water, shelter, clothing, and healthcare to maintain well-being and independence. This also includes opportunities for work or income generation and the ability to decide on retirement. They have the right to live in safe, adaptable environments that support their preferences and capacities, allowing them to remain at home as long as possible.
Participation
Integration into society is crucial, allowing older persons to actively participate in policy decisions affecting them. Opportunities for community contribution through volunteering and sharing skills are important. The right to form associations is also a key aspect of participation.
Care
Older persons should receive support from family and community, aligned with cultural values. Access to healthcare is essential for physical and mental health. Even in care facilities, they retain their human rights, including dignity, privacy, and control over their lives.
Self-Fulfillment
The right to develop one's potential throughout life is important. Access to educational, cultural, spiritual, and recreational resources supports this.
Dignity
Older persons must live in dignity and security, free from exploitation, abuse, and neglect. They should be treated fairly without prejudice based on age or other characteristics.
Challenges to Protecting the Human Rights of Older People
Despite international frameworks, older people globally face widespread human rights violations. Several challenges contribute to this issue:
- Ageism: Systemic age-based discrimination, or ageism, is a root cause of human rights violations. It is embedded in negative societal stereotypes that can lead to exclusion and deny older people their rights in employment, healthcare, and social contexts.
- Inadequate Legal Protection: The international human rights system has been slow to address the unique challenges older people face. Unlike children or people with disabilities, there is currently no universal, legally binding international convention specifically for the rights of older persons.
- Abuse and Neglect: Elder abuse is a significant problem, often going undocumented. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect, and occurs in both community and institutional settings.
- COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing human rights violations, exposing how systemic ageism resulted in older persons being isolated and denied health services.
Comparison of Rights-Based and Welfare-Based Approaches
| Feature | Rights-Based Approach | Welfare-Based Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Core Philosophy | Views older persons as active rights holders with inherent entitlements. | Considers older persons as passive beneficiaries of support and assistance. |
| Focus | Empowering older individuals to exercise their rights and freedoms. | Providing social programs and welfare services to meet basic needs. |
| Problem with Ageism | Recognizes and actively combats ageism as a form of discrimination. | May inadvertently reinforce ageist stereotypes by portraying older people as dependent and vulnerable. |
| Accountability | Holds states accountable for ensuring older people can enjoy their human rights. | Accountability is often limited to the provision of services rather than ensuring a full spectrum of rights. |
| Result | Aims for an age-neutral society where older adults are fully included and can contribute. | Can lead to marginalization if programs do not address the root causes of discrimination. |
The Path Forward: Promoting and Protecting Rights
Several measures are necessary to better protect the human rights of older people:
- Advocate for a UN Convention: A dedicated UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is increasingly seen as necessary to provide a stronger framework and accountability.
- Combat Ageism: Public awareness and education are key to challenging negative stereotypes and fostering respect for older adults' contributions.
- Enhance Legal Frameworks: Governments must strengthen laws to prohibit age discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The U.S. Older Americans Act is one example.
- Increase Social Supports: Investing in community services like transportation and meal delivery helps older adults maintain independence.
- Strengthen Elder Abuse Prevention: Improved reporting and response systems for abuse are needed, including caregiver training and data collection.
- Support Advocacy Organizations: Groups like AARP and the National Council on Aging advocate for older persons' rights and provide resources.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the human rights of older people is vital for creating a society that values all ages. While universal rights apply, older adults face unique challenges requiring specific protections. Combating ageism, strengthening laws, and ensuring robust support systems are crucial for older people to live securely and participate fully. Protecting the human rights of older people is about upholding the dignity and equality of everyone.
