The UN is calling for older people to be provided with the support they need to live full lives. On the International Day of Older Persons, the UN chief called for the necessary support systems to be created for them Human Rights
As populations age, systems of care and support that enable older people to remain active in society are essential, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on 1 October.
However, older people often lack access to the care they need, leaving them even more vulnerable, with older women, many of whom bear the brunt of unpaid care work, suffering the most from a lack of support.
“Recognising the rights of both care recipients and care givers is essential to building resilience. We must work to create care systems that are people-centred, sustainable and equitable,” the Secretary-General said.
“This requires investing in professional long-term care infrastructure, ensuring decent work and creating opportunities for people to move from informal to professional care,” he added.
He called on countries to commit to strengthening care and support systems that respect the dignity of older people and those who care for them.
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