Year of entry into force:
Region: Universal
Legal Status: Intergovernmental - Non-binding
Excerpts
Independence
1. Older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter,
clothing and health care through the provision of income, family and community
support and self-help.
2. Older persons should have the opportunity to work or to have
access to other income-generating opportunities.
3. Older persons should be able to participate in determining when
and at what pace withdrawal from the labour force takes place.
4. Older persons should have access to appropriate educational and
training programmes.
5. Older persons should be able to live in environments that are safe
and adaptable to personal preferences and changing capacities.
Participation
7. Older persons should remain integrated in society, participate
actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly
affect their well-being and share their knowledge and skills with younger
generations.
8. Older persons should be able to seek and develop opportunities for
service to the community and to serve as volunteers in positions appropriate
to their interests and capabilities.
9. Older persons should be able to form movements or associations of
older persons.
Care
10. Older persons should benefit from family and community care and
protection in accordance with each society’s system of cultural values.
11. Older persons should have access to health care to help them to
maintain or regain the optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-
being and to prevent or delay the onset of illness.
12. Older persons should have access to social and legal services to
enhance their autonomy, protection and care.
13. Older persons should be able to utilize appropriate levels of
institutional care providing protection, rehabilitation and social and mental
stimulation in a humane and secure environment.
14. Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental
freedoms when residing in any shelter, care or treatment facility, including
full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy and for the right
to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives.
Self-fulfilment
15. Older persons should be able to pursue opportunities for the full
development of their potential.
16. Older persons should have access to the educational, cultural,
spiritual and recreational resources of society.
Dignity
17. Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and
be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse.
18. Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender,
racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued
independently of their economic contribution.