Ageing

The rapid growth of the world's ageing population requires strategies to ensure that this issue is adequately addressed by the regular programmes of United Nations organizations and bodies.

Two international conferences on ageing

The first World Assembly on Aging (A/RES/36/30) in Vienna in 1982 adopted the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing.

The second World Assembly on Ageing was held in Madrid on the 20th anniversary of the Vienna Assembly. The resulting document, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002 calls for changes in attitudes towards and policies concerning the enormous implications of ageing. The Commission for Social Development (CSocD) reviews the implementation of the Plan of Action.

Important resolution and plan of action

In 1991 the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Person (A/RES/50/141). They address older persons:

• independence
• participation
• care
• self-fulfillment
• dignity

In 1995, at the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen a Programme of Action was adopted based on the promotion and protection of all human rights in society and the participation of all people, including disadvantaged and vulnerable groups and persons.

Ageing in the UN calender

Since 1998, October 1st, the International Day of Older Persons is recognized every year (A/RES/45/106).

In 1999 the United Nations International Year of Older Persons (A/RES/50/141).

Since 2012 the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) happens each year on June 15th.

• An overview of the United Nations work in the field of ageing with full text reports and documents, data and statistics is posted at the website of Department of Economic and Social Affairs DESA), Social Policy and Development Division, Ageing.
• SDGs and Social Development Issues. Ageing. Illustration of SDGs that deal with ageing and older persons.
• Global Issues. Ageing.

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