UN Programme on Ageing – Ageing Women

United Nations Principles for Older
Persons

To add life to the years that have been added to
life

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The UN
Principles aim to ensure that priority attention will be given to the
situation of older persons. The UN Principles address the independence,
participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity of older persons.

Principles:

• Independence

• Participation

• Care

• Self-Fulfillment

• Dignity

Full text-only version of the International Plan
of Action on Ageing
and UN Principles for Older Persons is also
available through gopher.

United Nations Principles for Older
Persons

The General Assembly:

Appreciating the contribution that older persons make to their
societies,

Recognizing that, in the Charter of the United Nations, the peoples
of the United Nations declare, inter alia, their determination to
reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of
the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations
large and small and to promote social progress and better standards of
life in larger freedom,

Noting the elaboration of those rights in the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights and other declarations to ensure the application of universal
standards to particular groups,

In pursuance of the International
Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing
and endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 37/51 of 3
December 1982,

Appreciating the tremendous diversity in the situation of older
persons, not only between countries but within countries and between
individuals, which requires a variety of policy responses,

Aware that in all countries, individuals are reaching an advanced age
in greater numbers and in better health than ever before,

Aware of the scientific research disproving many stereotypes about
inevitable and irreversible declines with age,

Convinced that in a world characterized by an increasing number and
proportion of older persons, opportunities must be provided for willing
and capable older persons to participate in and contribute to the
ongoing activities of society,

Mindful that the strains on family life in both developed and
developing countries require support for those providing care to frail
older persons,

Bearing in mind the standards already set by the International
Plan of Action on Ageing and the conventions, recommendations and
resolutions of the International Labour Organization, the World Health
Organization and other United Nations entities,

Encourages Governments to incorporate the following principles into
their national programmes whenever possible:…

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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.

6. Older persons should be able to reside at home for as long as
possible.

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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.

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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.

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Self-fulfillment

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.

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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.

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