A/CONF.

113/31

Vienna, 26 July to 6 August 1982

UNITED NATIONS
 A/CONF.113/31

Vienna, 26 July to 6 August 1982

UNITED NATIONS
New York, 1982
 Chap!

I.

II.

NOTE

Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with
figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document.

III.

IV.

I A/CONF.l13/31
I

V.

VI.

I.

II.

i
/]

00900

.
 CONTENTS

Chapter Paragraphs Page

I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDOF THE WORLD ASSmBLY ON AGING . . . . . 1 - 17 1

II. ATTENDANCE AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK . . . . . ..*..........*... 18 - 52 6

A. Date and place of the World Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6

B. Pre-conference consultations ......................... 19 6
c. Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 27 6
D. Opening of. the Assembly and election of its President 28 - 44 8
E. Messages from Heads of State or Government . . . . . . . . . . . 45 11
F. Adoption of the rules of procedure ................... 46 11
G. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work . . . . . . 47 - 48 12
Ii. Election of officers other than the President . . . .. . . . 49 12
I. Appointment of the members of the Credentials
Committee . . . ..I...................................... 50 - 51 13
J. Implications of decisions of the World Assembly for
the programme budget of the United Nations . . . . . . . . . . . 52 13

III. SUMMARYOFTHE GENERALDEBATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 - 146 14

IV. REPORTSOF SUBSIDIARY BODIES AND ACTION ON THESE REPORTS

BY THE WORLD ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 - 174 36

A. Report of the Main Committee ......................... 147 - 156 36

B. Report of the Credentials Committee .................. 157 - 174 38

V. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF THE WORLD ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 - 189 43

VI. INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGING AND OTHER

RESOLUTIONS AND DECISION OF THE WORLD ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . 190 46

Annexes

I. TEXT OF MESSAGESADDRESSED TO THE WORLDASSEMBLY BY HEADS

OF STATE OR GOVERNMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

II. LIST OF DOCUMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

-iii-
 ABBREVIATIONS

CSDHA Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs

ECA Economic Commission for Africa

EEC European Economic Community
ECE Economic Commission for Europe

ECLA Economic Commission for Latin America

ECWA Economic Commission for Western Asia
ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacifik
FA0 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
II13 International Labour Organisation

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UN~CO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Develoment Organization
UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the
Near East
WHO World Health Organization

-iv-

.
 Chapter I

HIS'IORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE WORLD ASSEMSLY ON AGING

1. On various occasions before 1977, and even as long ago as 1948 when the
General Assembly adopted resolution 213 (III) concerning a draft declaration on the
rights of the elderly, the subject of the position of the elderly or aged or older
persons in society had received incidental attention in the General Assembly of the
United Nations and in the United Nation5 bodies specially concerned with social
questions. For example, in article 11 of the Declaration on Social Progress and
Development (resolution 2542 (XXIV) of 11 December 1969, which also refers to the
Universal Declaration of Human fights and to the International Covenants on Human
Rights) the General Assembly had referred inter alia to the need to protect the
rights and assure the welfare of the aged. Similarly, in 1973 the General Assembly
adopted its resolution 3137 (XXVIII) entitled “Questions of the elderly and the
aged ‘. The subject had also been considered by specialised agencies in so far as
it is within the scope of their activities, notably by the International Labour
Organisation, World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation. In addition, the World Population Plan of
Action adopted by the World Population Conference of 1974 contains a provision
urging all Governments to take fully into account in their development policies,
the implications of changing numbers and proportions of the aged in the population.

2. It was in 1977, however, that the Economic and Social Council and the General
Assembly dealt with the subject more specifically. On 16 December of that year the
General Assembly, after noting the Council’s resolution 2077 (LXXI), adopted
resolution 32/132 by which inter alia it invited the views of States on the
desirability of convening a @‘world assembly on aging” (para. 2, this being the
first occasion on which this expression was used) and decided’to consider the
matter at its subsequent (thirty-third) session, in the context of an item entitled
*Problems of the elderly and the aged” and in the light of a report by the
Secretary-General and of pertinent observations by Member States.

3. Cne year later, in the course of its thirty-third session the General Assembly
adopted resolution 33/52 of 14 December 1978 by which it decided inter alia “to
organize . . . a World Assembly in 1982, as a forum to launch an international action
programme aimed at guaranteeing economic and social security to older personsl as
well as opportunities to contribute to national development”. By the same
resolution the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General td prepare a draft
programme for the World Assembly and to submit it, with his recommendations
concerning its organisation and objectives , through the Economic and Social Council
to the General Assembly at its thirty-fifth session, two year5 later.

4. Preparations for the World Assembly continued in the meantime at the national
and international level and as part of the activities of the Secretariat of the
United Nations and of the specialized agencies and intergovernmental bodies
concerned. On 17 Uecember 1979 the General Assembly adopted resolution 34/153 on
the “Question of the elderly and the aged” by which, after taking note with
appreciation of a progress report by the Secretary-General on the question and
recognising the increase *in the number .and proportion of the older section of the
population in a growing number of countries and the serious economic and social
implications of this phenomenon, it addressed certain recommendations to the
Governments concerned, including a recommendation concerning their full

-l-
participation in the world Assembly scheduled for 1982. In addition, the General
Assembly requested the Secretary-General inter alia to collect information that
might be used by the regional preparatory meetings envisaged in contemplation of
the World Assembly and to assist Governments at their request in the planning and
implementation of policies for the elderly and in their preparations for the World
Msembly. In the same resolution the General Assembly also requested the
specialized agencies, other intergovernmental bodies - in particular United Nations
funding agencies - and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council to continue to give attention and support to
activities concerned with the aging.

5. At its spring session of 1980 the Economic and Social Council considered the
topic of the “World Assembly on the Elderly", taking into account earlier
resolutions of the General Assembly and a report by the Secretary-General. m
2 May 1980 the Council adopted resolution 1980/26, by which it requested the
Secretary-General "to designate fran outside the United Nations a full-time
Secretary-General for the World Assembly . . . who shall be a recognised expert on
the aging and shall have experience of the United Nations system”; at the same time
the Council requested that "every effort should be made to absorb the costs
associated wth We establishment of the position of Secretary-General of the World
Assembly . . . through existing resources and/or voluntary contributions". By the
same resolution the Council addressed a number of recommendations to the General
Assemblyt it recommended inter alia that the General Assembly should%

(i) decide to establish an advisory committee for the World Assembly composed
of not more than 23 Member States designated by the Chairman of the Third
Committee of the General Assembly on the basis of equitable geographical
distribution;

(ii) request the Secretary-General to convene the advisory committee as early as

possible in 1981 at the Vienna International Centre;

(iii) request the Secretaryaneral, in consultation with Member States, to

prepare a draft international plan of action in time to be considered by
the advisory committee1

(iv) request the World Assembly to submit, if possible, such proposals and
recommendations as it deems appropriate to the General Assembly at its
thirty-seventh session.

In addition, the Council recommended that the General Assembly should enlist the
co-operation of Governments, the specialized agencies concerned, the regional
commissions and non-governmental organizations in the preparatory work for the
World Assembly and in that Assembly itself.

6. The Council's recommendations were endorsed later in the same year by the
General Assembly in its resolution 35/129 of 11 December 1980, by which it was also
decided to "change the name of the World Assembly to the WarId Assembly on Aging in
view of the interrelatedness of the issues of aging individuals and the aging of
populations". By the same resolution the General Assembly made provision for the
estabalishment of a voluntary fund for the World Assembly and invited contributions
to the Fund; it also invited the United Nations E'und for Population Activities to
continue to provide financial support to the preparatory work for the World
Assembly; and it invited Member States to consider organizing national committees

-2-
and activities in support of the purposes of the World Assembly. Lastly, the
General Assembly decided to deal with the subject at its thirty-sixth session in
the light of a further progress report of the Secretary-General and of the report
of the Advisory Committee for the World Assembly.

7. Acting on the request of the Economic and Social Council, as endorsed by the
General Assembly, the Secretary-General appointed Mr. William Kerrigan of the
United States of America as Secretary-General for the World Assembly on Aging as of
1 June 1981. 1/

8. Also in 1981 the Chairman of the Third Committee of the General Assembly
informed the Secretary-General by communications dated 30 June and 13 August 1981
that, after consultation with different regional groups and on the basis of
equitable geographical distribution, he had designated the following 22 Member
,States as members of the Advisory Committee for the World Assembly:
Benin, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist &public, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican
Republic, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco,
Nigeria, Philippines, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, 'I'ogo, Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics, United States of America and Venezuela. 2/

9. The Advisory Committee held its first session at Vienna from 17 to

21 August 1981. It elected as its Chairman Mr. A. H. B. de Bono (Malta) and its
other officers and considered, in particular, preparations for and the proposed
organization of the World Assembly and a draft international plan of action on
aging. A/ The Committee adopted a number of recommendations relating to the site
of the World Assembly, A/ to the draft provisional agenda for the World Assembly
and to the organization of the World Assembly and of the Committee's second session.
10. At its thirty-sixth session the General Assembly adopted two resolutions
relevant to the topic. By the first of these, resolution 36/20 of 9 November 1981
entitled "Question of the elderly and the aged", the General Assembly made a number
of recommendations addressed to Governments concerning national measures on behalf
of the elderly and the aged, appealed to the Member States for voluntary
contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for the World Assembly on Aging, and
inter alia requested the Secretary-General to undertake or strengthen certain
activities related to the subject of aging and to report on the results of these
activities at the thirty-seventh session. In addition, the General Assembly
invited the United Nations Fund for Population Activities "to continue to provide
financial support in the field of aging, particularly for the implementation of the
plan of action that would result from the world Assembly".

.ll. By the other resolution, resolution 36/30 of 13 November 1981 entitled 'World
Assembly on Aging", the General Assembly made certain decisions relating
specifically to the World Assembly. It welcomed the offer of the Government of
Austria to act as host to the World Assembly; decided that the World Assembly would
be held at Vienna from 26 July to 6 August 1982, to be preceded by two days of
pre-conference consultations for the purpose of reaching agreement of procedural
and organizational matters) approved an organizational structure of the World
Assembly; and requested the Secretary-General, subject to the availability of
resources, to convene two further sessions of the Advisory Committee for the World
Assembly'in the first half of 1982.
12. The Advisory Committee held its second session at United Nations Headquarters

-3-
7
i
from 16 to 22 February 1982, at which and after deliberation in the course of nine
meetings it adopted 10 recommendations and decisions concerning notably
participation in the World Assembly, the provisional agenda for the World Assembly,
provisional rules of procedure for the World Assembly, and the date, place and
agenda for the Committee's third session. i/

13. At its third session, held at Vienna from 3 to 7 May 1982, the Advisory
Committee considered further the text of a draft international plan of action on
aging and preparations for the World Assembly , and took a number of decisions. In
particular it recommended a revised text of the provisional agenda for adoption by
the Assembly, and agreed (subject to certain reservations) on the text of a draft
international plan of action. The Committee further recommended to the World
Assembly for its approval various measures regarding the procedure and organization
of the Assembly and its Committees , including the allocation of agenda items, the
appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee, the election of officers
of the General Committee and of the Main Committee, and the status and the
participation of non-governmental organizations in the World Assembly. g

14. The many activities preparatory to the World Assembly on Aging had included
also technical meetings at various levels at which topics likely to be dealt with
by the World Assembly were considered. These meetings had been convened variously
on the initiative of the Secretariat, of the regional commissions, or of
specialized agencies, in conformity with the relevant recommendations of the
General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, or on the initiative of
Governments or of non-governmental bodies in certain countries or regions. Thus, a
meeting of experts of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions was held in Malta
in June 1980; a meeting concerned with the Latin American region was held in Costa
Rica in December 1980; a meeting dealing with the Asia and Pacific region was held
in Bangkok in January 19811 a meeting concerned with the African region was
convened in Lagos in February 1981. A meeting concerned with North America was
convened in June 1981 at the invitation of a non-governmental organization of the
United States of America. A meeting for Western Europe was held at the invitation
of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in June 1981. As regards
Eastern Europe, the Institute of Gerontology of the USSR Academy of Medical Science
in Kiev prepared, jointly with like institutes of other countries of Eastern
Europe, a report on the question of aging as it arises in this region.
15. Subsequently, a series of intergovernmental meetings to consider questions
relating to aging were convened, under the auspices of the regional commissions
concerned, for each of the major regions with the object of drafting regional plans
that might be taken into account in the preparation of the international plan of
action to be adopted by the World Assembly. The regional meeting for Asia and the
Pacific was held in October 1981, those for Africa and Latin America in March 1982,
and that for the ECJZ region in April 1982. In Lieu of arranging an
intergovernmental meeting, the region of Western Asia submitted a document
containing guidelines and recommendations on aging to the annual meeting of the
Economic Commission for Western Asia in May 1982 for its approval as a contribution
to the preparation of the draft international plan of action.

16. For their part, the specialized agencies and other bodies concerned of the
United Nations system arranged meetings in September 1980, April 1981,
February 1982 and May 1982 for the purpose of reviewing and co-ordinating their
activities and contribution in preparation for the World Assembly. Several of the
specialized agencies and bodies of the United Nations system contributed documents

-4-
or studies concerning specific aspects of the phenomenon of aging for submission to
the World Assembly.

17. A large number of international non-governmental organiaations in consultative

status with the Economic and Social Council co-operated fully with the United
Nations in a series of activities preparatory to the World Assembly. In
particular, a forum of such organizations was held in Vienna in March 1982 in
preparation for the Assembly.

Notes

g See the relevant report of the Secretary-General, A/%/472, para. 4.

a-- Ibid., para. 5.

21 For particulars of the election of officers , attendance of members and an

account of the Committee’s proceedings at that session see its report in document
A/36/472, annex.

21 See a letter from the Minister for Foxeign Affairs of Austria dated
6 May 1981 addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (document
A/36/357).

5/ For particulars of attendance at the session, the list of officers (who

were Fe-elected) and the text of the decisions as well as an account of the
deliberations at that session see the Committee’s report (A/CONF.113/11).

21 For the text of the Advisory Committee’s recommendations see the report
on its third session (A/CONF.113/24),

-59
-

Chapter II

ATTENDANCE AND ORGANIZATION OF WORK

A. Date and place of the World Assembly

18. The World Assembly on Aging was held at Vienna frcm 26 July to 6 August 1982,
in conformity with General Assembly resolution 36/30 of 13 November 1981. During
that period the World Assembly held 17 plenary meetings.

B. Pre-conference consultations
:5
19. Pre-conference consultations open to the participation of all States invited
to the world Assembly were held at Vienna on 24 and 25 July 1982 to consider a
number of procedural and organizational matters. The consultations were conducted
under the chairmanship of Mr. A. H. B. de Bono (Malta), Chairman of the Advisory
Committee for the World Assembly. The report on the consultations (A/CONF.113/L.l
and Add.l) was submitted to the World Assembly and was accepted as a basis for the
organization of its work.

c. Attendance

20. The following States were represented at the World Assembly:

Afghanistan D&mark Japan
Algeria Djibouti Jordan
Angola Dominican Republic Kenya
Argentina Ecuador Kuwait
Australia EgYPt Lebanon
Austria El Salvador Lesotho
Bahrain Ethiopia Liberia
Bangladesh Finland Libyan Arab Jamahir iya
Belgium France Luxembourg
Benin Gabon Malawi
Botswana Gambia Malaysia
Brazil German Democratic &public Maldives
Bulgaria Germany, Federal Republic of Mali
Burundi Greece Malta
Byelorussian Soviet Guatemala Mauritius
Socialist Republic Guinea Mexico
Canada Guinea-Bissau Morocco
Cape Verde Haiti Mozambique
Central African Republic Holy See Netherlands
Chad Hungary New Zealand
Chile Iceland Nicaragua
China India Niger
Colombia Indonesia Nigeria
Congo Iran Norway
Costa Rica Iraq Pakistan
Cuba Ireland Panama
Cyprus Israel Peru
Czechoslovakia Italy Philippines
Democratic Kampuchea Ivory Coast Poland
Democratic Yemen Jamaica Portugal

-6-
Republic of Korea Switzerland United Republic of Cameroon
Romania Syrian Arab Republic United Republic of Tanzania
Rwanda Thailand United States of i%nerica
San Marino l-w0 Upper Volta
Saudi Arabia Trinidad and Tobago Uruguay
Senegal Tunisia Venezuela
Seychelles Turkey Viet Nam
Spain Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Yemen
Sri Lanka Republic Yugoslavia
Sudan Union of Soviet Socialist Zaire
Suriname Republics Zambia
Swaziland United Arab Emirates
Sweden United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland

21. The United Nations Council for Namibia was represented at the Assembly.

22. The Director-General for Development and International Economic Co-operation

of the United Nations was present at the Assembly. The Department of International
Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations was represented at the Assembly.

23. The secretariats of the following, regional commissions were represented at the
World~As3embl.y:

.&onomic Commission for Europe

Economic Commission for Latin America
Elconomic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Economic Commission for Africa
Economic Commission for Western Asia.

24. The following United Nations bodies and programmes were also represented%
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations High COmmiSSiOner for Refugees
United Nations Fund for Population Activities
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine &fugees in the Near East
United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board.

25. wpresentatives of the following specialized agencies and related

organizations participated in the work of the Assembly;

International Labour Organisation

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
World Health Organization.

-7-

I
26. The following intergovernmental organizations were represented by observers:

European Economic Community

League of Arab States.

27. A large number of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with

the Economic and Social Council attended the World Assembly. For the list of
participants see document A/CONF.113/INF.l and Corr.1, 2 and 3.
D. Opening of the Assembly and election of its President
(agenda items 1 and 2)

28. The Assembly was opened on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations by Mr. Jean Hipert, Director-General for Development and International
Economic Co-operation. In his opening statement the Director-General pointed out
that never before had nations of the world gathered to focus attention exclusively
on issues relating to aging and the elderly and, in this connection, to contribute
to the achievement of the ultimate aim of development, which, as stated in the
International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade,
was: "the constant improvement in the well-being of the entire population on the
basis of its full participation in the process of development and a fair
distribution of the benefits derived therefrom".
29. He noted that only a few years ago the issue of aging had been perceived as
being an important one and of immediate concern for developed countries only, but
now it had become evident that it could not be considered a minor issue for the
developing countries. The number of elderly in the world was expected to exceed
1 billion in 50 years' time, almost three quarters of them likely to be living in
developing regions by then. This demographic trend was a result of efforts to
control perinatal and infant mortality, to ensure decline in birth rates,
improvements in nutrition, health care and control of infectious diseases in many
regions of the world. It was also a consequence of efforts to ensure world peace
and stability. In fact, for industrialized and developing countries alike, the
question of aging has become more than a demographic or social issue, it has also
become a developmental issue.

30. The changes occurring as a result of the increasing ratio of the elderly
dependent for their well-being or even their sustenance on the younger and
economically active people would have an influence on socio-economic systems of all
countries. Problems were bound to arise in countries where the aged traditionally
benefited from the care and protection of next-of-kin or local communities. The
nature of such relationships became tenuous in countries where the number of the
elderly dependent on the economically active population increased concurrently with
a progressive erosion of traditional structures, like the extended family, by the
pressures of modernization , urbanisation, and by changing social values and
attitudes accompanying economic growth. These difficulties, many of which required
longer-term solutions, were aggravated by the current economic crisis, marked by
inflation, recession, and a rise in underemployment and unemployment. The
situation worsened in cases where Governments were compelled by severe economic
constraints to make difficult choices in the allocation of public resources. More
often than not, the social sectors received lower priority. There was a tendency
to give less attention to programmes for the elderly than, for example, to those in
favour of the young which were more readily viewed as a form of investment in the
future. In this connection, he stressed the need for concerted and urgent efforts

-8-
L

by Governments to ensure world economic recovery and, in particular, acceleration

of development of third world countries.

31. One of the important objectives for many developing countries was to extend
life expectancy. That had a bearing on development, if the elderly were to be
ensured a life of human dignity and decency. There was a need, therefore, to
accelerate the development of developing countries and to extend its benefits to
all parts of the population. Even in the industrialized countries, a longer and
healthier life was not a privilege shared equally by all individuals, mortality and
morbidity rates being higher in the poorer groups. Accordingly, what was needed
was a more equitable distribution of resources, both at the national and
international levels.

32. Referring to the draft Plan of Action, he stated that the draft Plan rightly
emphasized that the issues of aging should be viewed in the context of the over-all
socio-economic conditions prevailing in society. The aging must be considered as
an integral part of the population and as an important and necessary element in the
developmental process. The draft Plan rightly pointed out that policies and
programmes were necessary to respond to the specific needs and constraints of the
elderly. Several useful recommendations were made in the draft Plan for measures
in the fields of health, housing and the environment, family, social welfare,
income security and employment, and education. The draft Plan identified certain
areas for co-operation in research and the exchange of information and experience
at the international level. It stressed the need for education of the general
public about the aging process and the aging themselves.

33. The Director-General stressed that existing data on aging should be enlarged
and improved in order to assist Governments in the formulation, application and
evaluation of policies and programmes for the elderly, and to ensure the
integration of the aging in the development process. In this regard, he stressed
the importance of the exchange of skills, knowledge and experience between
countries. Another issue deserving careful study and consideration, at national
and international levels, was that of retirement policies and their impact on
employment. While the lowering of the retirement age might increase employment
opportunities for the young, he noted that at the same time it might lead to the
arbitrary removal of able persons from the productive process. In addition, in
developing countries, the young and more active sectors of the population were
migrating from the rural to urban areas in search of employment, and this trend
resulted in an increasingly insecure future for the elderly persons left behind.
34. The draft Plan drew attention to the need to reduce the costs of social
service and health care sys terns. This was an area where exchange of information
and experience between countries was likely to yield dividends. There was also an
obvious need to examine ways and means of ensuring an appropriate, if not adequate,
share of resources for social services for the aging. Mutually beneficial
exchanges on the issues of aging could also be made between developed countries,
that were experimenting with a wide range of social welfare and security schemes
for the elderly, and the developing countries whose traditional Social structures
and practices emphasized the importance of the family and the community. There was
perhaps even greater potential for co-operation among the developing countries
themselvtis because of their common cultural values and similar socio-economic
problems. The draft Plan emphasized the importance of intensifying international
co-operation, including in particular regional co-operation, tc provide direct
assistance in response to requests from Governments and to pranote co-opsrative
research, and exchange of information and experience among interested countries-

-9-
35. The Director-General noted with appreciation the contribution of the Advisory
Committee to the formulation of the draft Plan of Action as well as the
contribution of the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to the
preparation of the World Assembly. He expressed his confidence that the
non-governmental organizations would fully support the implementation of the Plan
of Action.

36. He also recognized the co-operation from, and the contribution by, the
specialized agencies concerned and the regional commissions of the United Nations
in the substantive preparations for the Assembly and expressed the hope that this
co-operation would be furthered and strengthened.

37. In conclusion, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, he

assured the Assembly that the United Nations Secretariat, in particular the Centre
for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, in close collaboration with
concerned organizations of the United Nations system , would make every effort to
ensure the effective implementation of the conclusions and recommendations of the
World Assembly on Aging upon their approval by the General Assembly at its
forthcoming session.

38. In an inaugural address, His Hxcellency Dr. Rudolf KirchschlGger, Federal

President of the Republic of Austria, the host country, welcomed the participants
and, on behalf of the Government and people of Austria, conveyed best wishes for
the success of the World Assembly on Aging. He stated that, although the United
Nations was an organization of States, its activities and policies must focus on
the individual and on mankind. It had thus far dealt with political, social and
economic fundamental rights and with the status and treatment of, for example,
women, children and the disabled. In convening the World Assembly on Aging, the
United Nations haid demonstrated its sensitivity to problems arising from daily life.

39. Dr. Kir chschliiger emphasized that, in an effort to enhance the quality of life
of the aging, nations must also strive to achieve the main purpose of the United
Nations, inter alia, to eliminate war , violence and the threat of force in
international relations, to aim at disarmament, and to establish a new
international economic order so as to bridge the chasm between the industrialized
and the developing countries.
40. Many old people were troubled by the cares of daily life and suffered from
loneliness or lack of appreciation. Others needed care because of illness or other
disabilities. The needs varied from individual to individual, and also according
to the environment and political and economic situation of their countries. The
economic and social circumstances of the aging who were in need could be alleviated
by Governments, by society and, in some instances, by self-help. Support for the
needy in this age group might be provided by the family, neighbours and the
community. He hoped that an action-oriented programme for the social and economic
security of the aging and for their participation in development would be
elaborated during the Assembly.

41. The Fibrld Assembly elected by acclamation Dr, Hertha Firnberg, Federal
Minister for Science ahd Research and head of the delegation of Austria, as
President of the World Assembly on %ing.

-lO-
42. In thanking the World Assembly on behalf of the Government and people of
Austria for her election, the President said that the documentation for the
Assembly indicated that the needs of the elderly and aging would increase and that
all nations would be affected in the long run. She emphasized that the
deliberations of the Assembly should be aimed not only at policy-makers but also at
the mass media, social planners, influential groups and, most important, the
average citizen; she hoped that the Assembly would alert world public opinion to
the developmental and humanitarian aspects of the phenomenon of aging. The
Assembly should arouse the consciousness of the world for the benefit of the
aging. It should spare no effort to live up to the expectation and hopes placed in
it. Failure would not only put its credibility at risk, but would also have a
detrimental effect on the United Nations itself. Millions of people throughout the
world expected tangible results from this distinguished gathering.
43. The draft Plan of Action, carefully elaborated during the three sessions of
the Advisory Committee, constituted a sound basis and a starting point for a
long-term action-oriented programme. The President expressed her gratitude to the
members of the Advisory Committee and in particular to its Chairman, Mr. de Bono,
for their untiring efforts in drafting the Plan of Action. She hoped that the
International Plan of Action would receive the widest possible consensus. 1co
achieve this objective the Assembly should be aware at all times that its essential
task was to deal with the problems of aging. Where other, more general, issues
aroser no matter how important , she sincerely hoped that their political content
would not distract the Assembly from this noble task or prevent it from adopting
unanimously a world plan of action.

44. The success of the Assembly would depend to a large extent on following up its
decisions. They should cover the institutional, organizational and financial
arrangements essential for the implementation of its recommendations. While
appreciating that the financial requirements would be difficult to meet at a time
of world-wide economic difficulties and constraints , nevertheless the President
considered that one should not and could not ignore the very real contribution that
the aging themselves could make to the development and to the well-being of a
nation. She pointed out that past experience showed that neglecting problems of
today could only increase their costs tomorrow. She added the hope that the
Assembly would be able to elaborate appropriate mechanisms to that end.
E. Messages from Heads of State or Government

45. At its opening meeting the World Assembly heard messages wishing it success
addressed to it by His Holiness the Pope and by the Heads of State or Government of ,
the United States of America, India and Poland (the full text of the messages is
contained in annex I to this report).
F. Adoption of the rules of procedure
(agenda item 3 (a))

46. At its 1st plenary meeting on 26 July 1982 the World Assembly adopted the
provisional rules of procedure approved by the Advisory Committee (A/CONF.113/2),
subject to the amendment of rule 6 to read:

-ll-
 "Elections

"me World Assembly shall elect the following Offh?rSr A President,

three Vice-Presidents for Co-Ordination, 21 other Vice-Presidents and a
Rapporteur-General , as well as a Chairman for the Main CCnNnittee established
in accordance with rule 42.”

G. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work

(agenda item 3 (b))

47. At the same meeting the World Assembly adopted as its agenda the provisional
agenda recommended by the Advisory Committee (A/CONF.113/1) el

1. Opening of the World Assembly

2. Election of the President

3. Organizational and procedural matters3

(a) Adoption of the rules of procedure

(b) Adoption of the agenda and organisation of work

(c) Election of officers other than the President

(d) Credentials of representatives to the World Assemblyr

(i) Appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee

(ii) Report of the Credentials Committee
4. General debate

5. Aging and development: the developmental issues

6. Aging and developments the humanitarian issues

7. International plan of action on aging

8. Adoption of the report of the World Assembly

48. AlSo at the same meeting the world Assembly decided, as recommended by the
Advisory Committee's decision 3 (III), that agenda items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 would be
considered in plenary meetings and that items 5, 6 and 7 would be considered by the
Main Committee.
H. Election of officers other than the President
(agenda item 3 (c))
49. At its 1st and 2nd plenary meetings on 26 July 1982 the World Assembly elected
the following officers%

-12-
 Vice-Presidents for Co-ordination: Mr, Dabacar Diagne (Senegal)
Mrs. Sylvia P. Mantes (Philippines)
Dr. Janos Szent6gothai (Hungary)

Vice-Presidents of the Assembly:

Algeria Indonesia Romania

Bulgaria Jamaica Sri Lanka
Chile Japan Sweden
China Kuwait Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Djibouti Lesotho United States of America
Dominican Republic Liberia United I&public of Tanzania
France Morocco Venezuela

Happorteur-General: Mr. L. J. Henar (Suriname)

Chairman of the Main Committee: Mr. A. H. B. de Hono (Malta)

I. Appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee

(agenda item 3 (d) (i))

50. The Advisory Committee had recommended that , in conformity with rule 4 of the
provisional rules of procedure, the World Assembly should appoint China, Ghana, the
Netherlands, the Niger, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics and the United States of America as members of the Credentials
Committee, on the understanding that if a State were not present, the Assembly
should replace that State by another State from the same regional groupr designated
by that group.

51. Since Ghana, Papua New Guinea and Paraguay were not represented at the World
Assembly, Argentina, Nigeria and Thailand were designated in their stead by the
WSpeCtiVe regional groups to serve as members of the Credentials Canmittee.
Accordingly, the World Assembly established a Credentials Committee composed of the
following States: Argentina, China, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Thailand,
Union of Soviet Socialist Hepublics, United States of America.

J. Implications of decisions of the World Assembly for the programme budget of

the United Nations

52. At the 15th plenary meeting of the World Assembly on Agingr on 5 August 1982,
the Secretary made a statement to the effect that any decisions of the World
Assembly that had implications for the programme budget of the United Nations would
be brought to the attention of the General Assembly by the Secretariat at the time
when the report of the World Assembly on Aging was considered.

-13"

P
 Chapter II f

SlMMARY OF THE GENERAL DEBATE

53. The general debate took place in the course of 13 plenary meetings of the
world Assembly from 26 July to 3 August 1982. The passages which follow reflect,
in succinct form, the points stressed by speakers in the debate.

54. The representatives of States , observers and the representatives of

specialized agenciesand United Nations bodies and of several intergovernmental
organizations made statements. Statements were also made by a number of
non-governmental organizations.

A. Introductory statements

55. opening the general debate, Mr. William Kerrigan, Secretary-General of the
World Assembly on Aging , enumerated the principles that had guided preparations for
the Assembly. The first was that the Assembly should have a practical outcome and
should come to grips with the demographic changes and resultant aging populations
in societies. The second principle was that it should avoid abstractions:
Governments should realize that the aging of the population would necessitate
changes in social, economic and political institutions while at the same time
remembering that they were dealing with human beings. The third principle was that
the subject to be dealt with by the Assembly was basic to common humanity.

56. Aging, and being an elderly person , were essentially social and cultural
phenomenal they were a shared human experience notwithstanding variations in
experience and tradition and differences between developing and developed
countries . The Assembly should eschew the risk of breaking down aging into two
distinct topics - aging in the developed countries and aging in the developing
coun tr ies .

57. While in terms of absolute numbers there were today more older people in the
developing than in the developed countries , and while the balance was shifting
steadily in the direction of the developing countries, the number of the old was
growing in all societies and on all continents. The task of the Assembly was to
understand the impact of demographic changes on societies and to translate its
understanding into a practical plan of action.

58, It would be a mistake, he thought, to argue that the aging of societies was a
matter of concern only to rich and developed countries. ~0th developed and
developing countries must ensure the well-being of the aging - their nutrition,
their health, their housing, their social ties, their cultural life - although
specific conditions varied from country to country.

59. In addition, he said, the economic and social welfare of the whole society
would be in danger if the growing needs of the aging group and the potential
resources which old people could offer to society were not taken into account.
MDre information was essential in such areas as the relationship of aging of
societies to the economy and investment and consumption patterns. He pointed out
that even in those few countries where aging was not yet receivig priority
attention (because of limited rural to urban migration, limited industrialization
or the lack of capital accumulation) the aging of the population was a factor to be
reckoned with.

-14-

i
60. As regards the outcome of the Assembly, Mr. Rerrigan felt sure that the
Assembly would define basic principles , within the framework and spirit of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that would guide public and private bodies
and individuals in dealing with aging. The Assembly should define a basic
international strategy, show the way for the United Nations, and make
recommendations to Governments.

61. He expressed the hope that the contributions of countries where respect for
age, traditional values , justice and human dignity were evident would influence the
working atmosphere of the Assembly. He had been much impressed by what he had seen
in this respect in the countries he had visited during the past year.

.62. The formulation of a strategy would have to be preceded by a reappraisal of

attitudes towards aging. When this subject had been discussed during preparations
for the Assembly, another broad distinction between developing and developed
countries had often been mentioned, namely that, while in the developing countries
the misery of aging was tempered by the care of relatives in the family and
community, in the industrialized regions material safety and access to
institutional care was provided only at the cost of personal and social
marginalization, passivity and a sense of uselessness. There were indeed many
contrasts between the ways in which old people were treated in different cultures.
He mentioned the traditions of respect for and deference towards the elderly in
Asia, the Middle East and other regions as well as the care for the old and frail
in Africa and Latin America. This treatment often contrasted sharply with practice
in the more developed countries. However, he continued, although older people in
the industrialized countries were often rewarded for their life-long contributions
to society with a social security pension and an invitation to leave their
employment, a great number of old and retired people were able to enjoy the
material security and the family support in forms other than physical co-habitation
or mater ial dependence. Public institutions and private individuals were becoming
aware of the shortcomings of standardized retirement and social security
arrangements.

63. At the same time, the traditional three-generation family was being eroded in
the developing countries and it would, unfortunately, become even more weakened.

64. In conclusion he drew attention to the situation of the numerous least

privileged elderly - the poorest, those displaced by war and civil strife, by
migration and natural disasters , women without children or relatives, and he urged
the participants in the Assembly to agree that the needs, expectations and
challenges of aging were more important than cultural, social or political
variations and to be willing to learn from each other.
65. Mrs. Leticia R. Shahani, Assistant Secretary-General for Social Development
and Humanitarian Affairs, addressed the World Assembly. In her statement, she
referred to the old as the fastest growing segment of the world's population. This '
trend was such that the mechanisms of aging were already deeply entrenched in some
countries, both developed and developing , and were expected to become even more
active in the near future. The aging of the world's population was so extensive
that it was expected to lead to fundamentally different societies. Although
methods of response to the challenge posed by the phenomenon of aging varied from
region to region, from country to country, there were areas of common concern to
both developed and developing countries. These needed to be identified as vital
and compelling requirements for regional and international cooperation.

-150
 66. She noted that the deepening world-wide recession had already imperilled the
economic and social plans Of many countries. Policies adopted to deal with the
dire situation, such as reductions of social welfare services, were likely to have
the unfortunate consequence of most severely and adversely affecting the poor and
the disadvantaged population groups , including a vast number of the elderly.

67. Member States of the United Nations, in accepting the principle aim of
development as declared in the Strategy for the Third Development Decade, had made
a firm commitment to human-oriented development: recognition of the human being as
both agent and beneficiary of development. She pointed out that, while economic
development was a major concern to all countries, those development efforts which
did not sufficiently take into account the human element often did not benefit the
majority of the population. Accordingly she expressed the hope that the World
Assembly would approach the question of aging within both an humanitarian and
developmental con text. She noted that the significant and accelerating changes in
technologies, organizations and mOdernizati.on, all touched the lives of the
elderly, affecting the relationship of their familiar habitats and environments as
I well as their families. She stressed that social change, which was occurring so
/ rapidly in all regions of the world, had serious implications for the roles,
continuing participation and socio-economic contribution of older persons.

68. With reference to the statement by the Director-General for Development and
International Co-operation on behalf of the Secretary-General that the Centre for
Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs was committed to the question Of aging
and would make every effort to ensure that the conclusions and recommendations of
this historic Assembly were effectively implemented, she drew attention to the fact
that the Centre had been the focal point within the United Nations system for the
co-ordination of activities related to the subject of aging. The Centre had acted
as a central promoting body in the United Nations system and in the international
community to stimulate interest and prompt action leading to the amelioration of
the situation of the aging. Over the years, the Centre had been involved in a
number of important activities designed to promote a greater world-wide awareness
Of the special issues affecting the aging. In this connection, she noted that, on
the one hand, the World Assembly was a culmination of the previous activities
concerned with the phenomenon of aging, but on the other, it was only the beginning
of the Centre's efforts in this area. The Centre was unique within the United
Nations system in that it was exclusively Oriented to the human dimension of,
development. The many programmes of the Centre , whether concerned with the
advancement of women, social development, crime prevention and crimi,nal justice,
aging, youth or the disabled, were all related to the human and social aspects of
development and their implications for the International Development Strategy for
the Third United Nations Development Decade.
69. She expressed the appreciation of the Centre to the specialized agencies and
organizations of the United Nations and to the community of non-governmental
organizations for their contribution to the preparation of the World Assembly on
Aging-
70. In conclusion, she affirmed that the Centre stood ready to implement the
recommendations and the International Plan Of Action resulting from the mse&dy,
and pledged to do her utmost in this regard.
B. Main points from statements by delegations in the general debate

71. In the ensuing debate, the opinion was very generally expressed that the
competent bodies of the United Nations had taken a welcome initiative in deciding
to convene the World Assembly on wing for the purpose of considering the almost
world-wide phenomenon of a radical change in demographic structure in modern
times. The World Assembly constituted the first global intergovernmental forum
called upon to take stock of the existing situation attributable to the profound
transformation which had occurred in the distribution of the age groups in the
population of virtually every country and to weigh the implications of these
changes and of those foreseeable in the coming decades.

72. The speakers in the general debate recognized well-nigh unanimously that the
alteration in the "pyramid" of age groups had produced or would produce
far-reaching consequences in the economic and social life of countries, that its
effect would continue to be felt in the future medium term and long term and that
action at the national and international level would be needed in order to
forestall Or palliate any adverse impact of these changes on individuals,
communities and nations. Accordingly, the World Assembly was described as a
welcome and timely opportunity for the representatives of countries in different
regions and with different economic and social systems to consult together with a
view to working out the text of an international plan that would recommend to the
attention of Governments a set of co-ordinated measures for dealing with the
phenomenon of aging societies at the various levels.
73. The phenomenon of aging, in the sense of greater average longevity, observable
in nearly all countries and regions was attributed to various causes by speakers in
the general debate. First and foremost, they cited the advances of medical science
in modern times, the improvement and extensions of the public health services,
better hygiene and the more generalized spread of welfare services. Other
contributory causes of the rise in life expectancy were improved nutrition,
improved housing, increased educational opportunities and generally the provision
of the amenities of life on a larger scale than in earlier generations. At the
same time it was realized that, while the trend towards a longer lifespan was
practically universal, vast differences separated the situation in developed
countries from that in the developing countries. In statistical terms, whereas in
some industrialized countries as much as a fifth of the total population was
accounted for by persons over the age of 60 years , in a number of developing
countries this age group accounted for barely 5 per cent of the population. Hence,
it was stated, the measures to be recommended in the plan of action would need to
be sufficiently varied and flexible to allow for application in these diverse
circumstances. Attention was drawn, furthermore, to the differences in demographic
structure between the urban and the rural environment, particularly in developing
countries.
74. It was pointed out that in many countries, notably the industrialized States,
the change in the age structure of the population in recent times was a result of
the simultaneously occurring decline in the birth rate and the decline in the
mortality rate, or the progressively lengthening lifespan. Many of the Governments
concerned had adjusted national economic plans, pension schemes, welfare services
and educational systems accordingly, and it was expected that other adjustments
would become necessary in the light of the future evolution of demographic trends.

-17-

a
 75. In many countries, these adaptations entailed heavy expenditure Of public
funds. Many delegations pointed out that the additional burden was being imposed
on the State budget at a time of world-wide recession characterised by widespread
unemployment, under-employment , under-utilization of industrial capacity and
inflation. In their opinion, the most difficult task for national policy-makers
and for the international community was to reconcile the demands of economic
recovery with the steadily rising claims for welfare and other social services in
the aging societies. They stressed however, that the right of the older citizens
to basic economic security ought to be guaranteed, for they had earned that right
through the work they had contributed to the national economy during their active
life.
76. Some delegations expressed the view that the Plan of Action should not merely
attract the attention of Governments but should stress the need for profound
changes in international economic relations. In view of the existing imbalances
between the economic situations of developing and developed countries, they
., considered that the problems of the old, as well as of womenr children, the
disabled and the population asa whole could only be effectively and completely
I, resolved with the establishment of the new international economic order and in
: consonance with the objectives of the International Development Strategy for the
Third United Nations Development Decade.
77. Many delegations pointed out that the Assembly was meeting against the sombre
'! background of a worsening political , social and economic international situation
which was bound to affects its deliberations. For, they said, the topic of aging
could not be considered in isolation from the brutal realities of the conflicts
which were raging in certain countries and regions and of which the older segments
of the population were victims no less - and perhaps even more grievously
affected - than the young. They urged the Assembly to add its voice to the appeals
made in other international gatherings and by distinguished personalities in favour
of peace and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, in favour of an end to
the arms race and of genuine disarmament. They stressed that only in a setting of
genuine international peace and d&ente would Governments be able to devote to the
strengthening and improvement of the services needed by the older population
resources which were at present spent on military and defence purposes. The
resources released by the cessation of the arms race if applied to social purposes
would, they considered, go a long way towards enhancing the quality of life of the
entire population, including the aged. They added that the aged, being more
vulnerable, also tended to suffer more than others from the effects of colonialism,
neocolonialism, racism and foreign intervention , aggression and occupation,.and
t-h@Y considered that the Assembly should call for the elimination of these odious
vestiges of the past.

78. Many delegations referred to the plight of elderly persons affected by armed
conflict in various regions. They mentioned in particular the suffering of the
civilian population, including many aged persons in the beleaguered city of Beirut,
and they urged the Assembly to make a strong plea on behalf of innocent,
defenceless victims of violence in Lebanon who were living under conditions of
siege and privation. These conditions, they said, were bound to inflict physical
harm and mental anguish especially on the most vulnerable segment of the resident
population - the aged.
79. A number of representatives drew attention to the growing disproportion in the
distribution of the sexes among the older generation, particularly though not

;i. -18-
,I
solely in industrialised countries. According to certain forecasts, they said,
among the older population women would outnumber men in ratios that varied from
region to region but that for the over-80s age group might rise to as high as
almost 2:l in certain societies. It was stressed that, in view of this prospective
trend, special policies would need to be worked out at the national and local
levels for the purpose of providing appropriate services and dwellings for the
larger numbers of old women , many of whom would be living alone. It was realized
at the same time that the situation would not be the same in rural as in urban
settings, nor in developed as in developing countries, and that consequently it was
the responsibility of each State and its Government to devise the systems of
services most in keeping with local conditions and within the scope of its
resources.

80. In some countries, it was pointed out, the family or voluntary philanthropic
bodies acted as the principal providers of care for the old. The authorites had a
statutory duty to provide services and to support services by voluntary
organizations. In each case, the State had a duty to ensure that persons in its
territory were safeguarded against discrimination by reason of age or sex,

81. 0ne of the many consequences of the dramatic change in the demographic
structure was said to be that affecting the relations between generations,
Traditionally, the family was the stable unit of society and relations between old
and young within that unit were governed by convention and custom. As a result of
progressive industrialization and urbanization the stability of society had been
shaken in many countries, the scale of values had altered, the size of families had
shrunk, the economic functions within the family had been redistributed and very
often members of the family had been dispersed. In many cases the young were now
receiving an education that differed fundamentally from that received by earlier
generations. The result frequently observed was an inter-generational gap in the
perception of the roles of young and old which was on occasion manifested in a lack
of understanding between them. Accordingly, in the opinion of many speakers it had
become more important than before to make a conscious and deliberate effort to
teach the public about the dignity attaching to age , to inculcate an attitude of
canprehension and respect for older personsl to enlist the participation of the
elderly to the fullest possible extent in societal activities and, conversely, to
enlighten the old about the preoccupations of the young in a troubled world.
Participation of the elderly should include their participation in policy
preparation and implementation at all levels. It was urged that the resources of
the mass media should be mobilized to contribute to the achievement of these
purposes,

82. tiny representatives referred to the migratory movements,,both within national

boundaries and across international frontiers, that had altered the pattern of
human settlements and the age composition of their population. In many countries,
developed and developing alike, the exodus from the countryside to the cities had
left behind a predominantly aging society deprived of the support of the young and
often far removed from essential services. The same movements had swelled the
urban population often to excessive dimensions and strained the capacity of the
municipal and other authorities to provide services for the old, particularly as
these authorities had an equal duty to provide educational, health and other
services for the young in the cities.
83. The speakers described how their countries were endeavouring to satisfy the
competing demands of the rural and urban communities, and of young and old, even in
times of economic difficulties. Several delegations mentioned the contribution

-19-
made by voluntary bodies to redress some of the imbalances in the distribution of
the population by the provision of certain social welfare SerViCeS in their
countries; in some cases dwellings specially designed for older persons were built
by voluntary or co-operative effort or with the support of fiscal incentives.
Reference was made also to the circumstances of the older members of families that
had moved, abroad in search of employment or for other reasons.
84, Some delegations considered that admission into homes for elderly people was
only justified if community services could not enable the aged to maintain an
independent way of life in their own dwellings. A number of delegations mentioned
that alternatives to institutional care for the elderly were being sought.
Examples mentioned included hcnne care , sometimes by volunteers, open-care,
out-patient services and compensation to neighbours or relatives for the care of
the elderly in their own homes. In addition, it was stressed that health-care
facilities should be easily accessible to the elderly: the social services, not
the elderly, should be required to be mobile and flexible.

85. A number of delegations stressed the importance of volunteer programmes.

Several countries mobilized youth for social services for the elderly and offered
the chance to replace military service by community service, which also served to
reduce institutional rigidity. Some delegations pointed out the importance of home
visiting services to provide companionship for the elderly and involve them in the
life of the community. Clubs or community centres for the aging were found in a
number of countries, as well as day-care centres where the elderly could meet, were
provided with meals, could participate in physiotheraw or could do some work for
extra income.

86. Among the factors taken into account in the social policies and planning of
many of the countries which made special provision for their aging population, the
representatives concerned referred inter alia to the distance between residential
areas and health care facilities; proximity to employment and education1 the
provision of homes suitable for persons with physical disabilities. Housing, it
was stressed, should be provided in accordance with the national and local economic
and cultural situation, to preserve the independence of the elderly who, in some
countries, often had to make do with substandard housing. The aged should not be
considered as a homogeneous entity , since their age group comprised individuals of
great diversity, Persons of very advanced age deserved special attention as
regards housing. Some delegations stated that as part of the public housing
programme, special housing facilities were built for the elderly in their
countries. Other delegations pointed to the dangers of creating old people's
ghettoes and considered that dwellings for the elderly should be integrated within
the community. Several representatives considered that the architectural design of
family homes and housing projects should also take into account the need for
accommodation of the aging as part of the extended family.

87. As regards 'the methods employed in different countries for dispensing social
services to the citizens and residents, the representatives explained the diversity
of national systems. In many countries, the responsibility for providing care and
attention to the old or the sick was entrusted to official bodies at various
administrative levels (central, regional or local). These bodies employed
professional workers who had been trained in the various disciplines of social
services, These professional workers were in many cases members of associations or
trade unions and their remuneration was governed by the scales applicable to public
servants. In other countries, it was reported, reliance for the provision of social

-2o-
services was placed largely on voluntary bodies , and in yet other countries the
professional bodies were supported or supplemented by voluntary or charitable
bodies, which might be lay or denominational. Several representatives stressed
that the voluntary bodies in their countries performed a very useful function in
that they were in close personal contact with their “clients” and their
environment, and hence were able to give them a sense of security and were alert to
any risk of a worsening of the situation of the old persons for whom they cared.

88. A number of delegations referred to the legal position of the elderly in their
countries. In some countries special legislation,had been enacted giving specific
rights or privileges to persons over the age of retirement, additional to the
rights enjoyed by all citizens. Examples cited were legislative provisions
granting special fiscal concessions to persons over a certain age, provisions
prohibiting discrimination based on age, and provisions concerning negotiations by
associations of old persons with the civic authorities about the application of
funds appropriated in the national budget for the specific benefit of the old.
Other delegations referred to the powerful influence of custom - often more binding
than leg isla t ion - which accorded to the older members of the community great
respect and deference and inculcated in the young a feeling of affection and esteem
for their elders.

89. The representatives of States that follow the Islamic tradition emphasized the
humanitarian considerations inspiring daily life in their countries. In conformity
with that tradition, the aging and the elderly were treated with the utmost respect
in their families and communities , as were the poor and the disadvantaged, the
infirm and the disabled. Zn many of the countries concerned, they said,
legislation had been enacted which provided for measures supplementing or
reinforcing the charitable and voluntary activities on behalf of the aged carried
on by private or religious institutions.

90. The national systems of retirement benefits and the age and other
qualifications which made persons eligible for these benefits in their countries
were described by nearly all the representatives who took the floor in the general
debate. In some countries, the age of retirement varied as between women and men,
very commonly the age limit being 60 for the former and 65 for the latter. In
other countries - notably those of Eastern Europe - the age limits were 55 and 60
respectively, though the persons concerned were free to continue in active
full-time or part-time service if they so wished. In yet other countries there was
provision for optional retirement with benefits, after the completion of a
specified number of years of service; and in a few countries the rules governing
retirement and pension benefits had been revised recently to enable those persons
who SO wished to continue in active employment beyond the age of 60 or 65 (as the
case may be) and in that way to earn higher pension benefits for their eventual
retirement. The representatives also gave particulars of the amount of pension
payments, which in most cases depended on the number of years of service, the final
remuneration and, to some extent, on the personal circumstances of the pensioner
(e.g. number of dependants, disability or invalidity). Some delegations reported
that in their countries retirement pensions were exempt from taxation! others
indicated that pension benefits were eligible for concessional treatment in their
countries’ fiscal re’gime .

91. Reference was made to the diversity of pension schemes and to the extent of
coverage provided by these schemes. In some countries, it was explained, pension
schemes were private, contributions being payable by both employer and employee,

-21-
and the pension funds were administered by trustees. In many other countries,
pension schemes were managed by the State or other public authorities (local,
regional, provincial etc.), In yet other countries public social security and
private pension schemes existed side by side , and it was open to the citizen to
supplement prospective benefits under the public scheme (to which contributions
were usually compulsory) by making contributions to a private scheme. It was
pointed out that owing to the erosion of monetary values by prolonged inflation,
the financial situation of the private pension funds had been impaired in some
cases and, furthermore, the benefits paid out by these funds had not kept pace with
the rise in the cost of living. As a result, in some countries certain groups of
retired people (women, migrant workers) were experiencing hardship and the State
had to intervene to relieve their condition. Several representatives reported that
in their countries a system of indexation had been introduced in order to safeguard
the standard of living of pensioners. In any case, in many countries a minimum
basic pension was guaranteed to the elderly by the State.
92. Many delegations stated that there should be greater awareness of the
situation of elderly women, who represented the majority of the world's aged,
because they had longer life expectancies than men, and who, in some countries,
were subject to social and economic discrimination. Some delegations pointed to
the lower pensions women received, usually as a result of the discrimination in the
remuneration for female employment. Examples of other forms of discrimination
cited included a reduction in pension provided to a woman after the death of her
spouse and a refusal by certain trade unions to agree to prolong the age of
retirement for women employees. Some delegations noted that older women were
socially disadvantaged because they usually worked in the home and did not earn
pension benefits during their active life. It was pointed out, however, that in
other countries women enjoyed equality of rights with men and thus older women were
not a disadvantaged group.

93. Cne delegation mentioned that in 1985, at the close of the United Nations
Decade for Women, countries would have the opportunity to report to the third
United Nations Conference on Women on the measures taken to alleviate the plight of
elderly women.

94. Reference was made frequently to the contribution which older people could
make, and in many cases were making, to society. The representatives who spoke on
this point said that while society had a duty to maintain the elderly who were in
need of support, it should not neglect the possibilities of mobilizing and
benefiting from the intellectual and cultural resources of the old. The older
members of a community were often the bearers of tradition and the transmitters of
cultural values and in that capacity performed a useful function and retained a
sense of belonging to society and sharing in its life. Many representatives
described the part played by the older citizens in their countries on these lines,
and stated that experience had shown the value of the integration or reintegration
of the older members in society. The aging were a valuable resource, whose
physical and mental capabilities could be used in a number of areas: examples were
given of voluntary work performed by the aging at the community level. However, if
the elderly were to have the opportunity to play the active role of which they were
capable, it was necessary for society to provide them with the services and
facilities which helped them to remain physically active and mentally alert.
95. A number of speakers drew attention to the contrast between the earlier view
of the onset of old age as the commencement of a decline, of a failing of mental
and physical powers, and the more recent view of the over-60 generation as a useful

-22-
element of society. Aging should no longer be regarded as a disease: thanks to
the achievements of medical science and to social welfare services the point at
which the human. being began the decline - which was the inevitable destiny of all -
could be postponed for many years. And the longer a person could avoid becoming a
dependant (whether on the family or on the State), the longer would that person
retain a sense of self-assurance, self-reliance and individuality and avoid the
feeling of uselessness and isolation which had been experienced by the elderly in
the past. Many representatives referred to research being carried out in their
countries to determine the physical and psychological factors responsible for the
process of aging and for variations in that process as between individuals and as
between the sexes. Some representatives said that geriatrics and gerontology would
probably become leading fields of scientific research in the future.

9Q. The situation of the elderly in the labour market was the subject of many
comments in the general debate. Many speakers considered that the age of
retirement laid down by the existing law in their countries was no longer
consistent with the physical or intellectual capacity of persons at that age, for
thanks to the greatly improved health care and a greater consciousness of physical
fitness many persons retained the full use of their faculties and skill beyond this
age. Such persons should, it was felt, be able to remain in productive employment
or occupation, and accordingly these representatives advocated a liberalization or
abolition of the mandatory age limit embodied in the labour legislation. Other
representatives took the view; however, that modern industry tended to prefer young
employees familiar with the modern technology and processes of production, and that
for this reason, the age limit should be retained or even lowered in order to allow
for the entry of new recruits into the labour market to replace those who retired.
It was stated that each country would have to take account of internal conditions
of unemployment or under-employment , as well as of its financial situation and of
that of the national or other pension funds in reaching a decision on this matter.

97. Some delegations stated that in their countries the Constitution provided for
all citizens the right to material security in old age , which was guaranteed by the
payment of old-age pensions at the expense of the State. The Labour Code of their
countries provided not only for special protection to be accorded to working
persons advanced in age but also for the creation of places of employment suited to
the specific needs of older persons. In their countries, the elderly enjoyed free
health care, paid for by the State,. and other benefits relating to their leisure
time and to transport and to rental of dwellings.

98. One representative expressed the view that, in calling for favourable
treatment of the elderly, one ought not to overlook the interests of the younger
generation.

99. The psychological effects of retirement were mentioned by many delegations.

Without adequate preparation for retirement, the elderly became withdrawn and felt
useless; one delegation referred to what it described as a virtual social
"euthanasia" associated with retirement - the transition from separation to
isolation. A number of delegations said that their countries had adopted measures
to ease the transition from economic activity to retirement, such as making the
retirement age flexible, gradually lessening the number of hours in the work week
'as a person approached retirement age, or part-time work.
100. The representative of Malta stated that, as a contribution to regional
co-operation in the matter of research and training in the practical aspects of the
process of aging, his Government was willing to offer a site in Malta for the

-23-
establishment of a centre which would train workers concerned with t&z welfare of
the elderly and gather and disseminate relevant information. The work of the
centre would be concentrated in the first place on the Mediterranean region, but
the scope of its activities might eventually be extended.

101. Several delegations stated that a national "Day for the Aging" had been
designated in their countries and that the %yW would be useful in promoting a
better understanding of the problems of the aging. Some of them indicated that it
was envisaged to fix the date for the observance of the "Day" as 26 July, the
anniversary of the opening of the World Assembly.

102. Some delegations observed that in the countries in which the rules of the
traditional extended family still made it possible for the great majority of the
elderly to be looked after and respected by their families the best way of
improving the situation of the elderly would be to strengthen national and
international efforts for raising the general standard of living of the population,
specially in the rural areas.

103. The desirability of international co-operation with a view to improving the

quality of the data base relating to the elderly was mentioned by many
delegations. They stressed the importance of the exchange of information and
experience at international level, and of education and training in the specialized
fields of gerontology and geriatrics , as well as of education and training or
professionalization of practitioners to provide services to the aging - both within
and outside an institutional setting.

104. A number of representatives considered that it was appropriate that the

Assembly's plan of action should be international in scopel for some of the ills
associated with old age were also international in origin, in the sense that they
were caused by the prevailing injust world economic order. As a result, they said,
old people in many of the developing countries were suffering from deprivation,
hunger and disease, whereas in the more affluent countries the aged, though not
perhaps denied material conforts I were affected by a sense of solitude and
abandonment.

105. Attention was drawn by many delegations to the dearth of information about the
phenomenon of aging, its repercussions on the national and international economies
and its effects on the political fabric of nations. The sporadic gathering of
scattered data should be replaced by the systematic world-wide collection of
relevant data, a function that might be entruted to the competent services of the
United Nations, including the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian
Affairs, and the specialised agencies concerned. Concerted technical research
might be carried out by the appropriate organizations of the United Nations family
intO the position and treatment of old persons in society. In that way, the
International Pl.an of Action might become an instrument of truly international
action. In this context, many delegations stressed the importance of the
implementation of the International Plan of Action in ways which the individual
countries considered appropriate.
106. The representatives of several developing countries emphasised the distinction
between the demographic features of the aging population in the developed and in
the developing countries. While in the developed countries the proportion of the
aged in the total population varied from 15 to 20 per cent, in the developing
countries the proportion ranged from 4 to 8 per cent. The same trend was likely to
continue until the year 2000.

-24-
107. One delegation welcomed the fact that several countries had contributed to the
United Nations Trust Fund for the World Assembly, clearly indicating the
wi.llJngness to co-operate in developing an international plan of action.
108. However, another delegation stated that, since several United Nations
organizations already dealt with technical co-operation, there was no need for any
special fund for technical co-operation as regards the subject of aging. The
mandate for the existing Trust Fund should not be prolonged or changed to create a
fund for technical co-operation activities. Any surplus in the E'und, it was
suggested, should be put at the disposal of the Centre for Social Development and
Humanitarian Affairs and used for post-Assembly activities in conformity with the
Plan of Action,‘or else transferred directly to UNDP. Another possibility
mentioned by one delegation was that of converting the existing Trust Fund into a
permanent fund to support the efforts of the developing countries - in particular
the least developed among them - on behalf of the aged.

109. As regards action to be taken at the international level to give effect to the
recommendations of the International Plan of Action on Aging, some delegations
expressed the view that the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs
should act as the focal point in the United Nations system for co-ordinating the
activities carried on within the system that were concerned with the phenomenon of
aging and that were entrusted to it by the Plan. Ebr that purpose, they
considered, the Centre should be strengthened. Purthermore, the Centre should
'co-operate with organizations of the United Nations family in activities of a
technical nature arising out of the Plan of Action; reference was made in this
connection to the support that might be provided by UNDP. Reference was also made
to the contribution that might be made to such activities by IM, UNESCO, WHO,'FA0
and UNFPA within the scope of their competence.

c. Sunmaries of statements by representatives of organizations in the United .

Nations system and other interogovernmental organizations

110. Mr. Shuaib Yolah, Under-Secretary-General for International &onomic and

Social Affairs, addressing the World Assembly, stated that in just half a century,
during which the world's population of all ages was expected to double, the number
of persons aged 60 or more would quadruple. Hence it was urgent that the
international community should be fully equipped to deal with the social and
humanitarian problems foreseeable in future years. He noted that there were a
number of clich& concerning the aging that needed to be dispelled, such as the
myth of aging itself. People aged differently; a person's chronological age might
be a convenient but not necessarily accurate yardstick, which might even result in
the unfair loss of work opportunities for many people. Perceptions of aging would
have to change at a time when the world was faced with a serious economic crisis.
It was imperative that special attention should be given to the plight of
vulnerable groups at the time when policies were formulated for improving the
economic situation. He emphasized that the United Nations stood for a human-
oriented approach to development which , in addition to fostering economic growth,
sought to give equal consideration to the human and social dimension of change.
Recalling that 1975-1985 was the United Nations Decade for Women, he said that
special efforts might be required for responding to the particular needs of older
women in many societies. He assured the Assembly that his Department, which
included the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, was ready to
play its role in undertaking the tasks to be carried out in future to implement the
Plan of Action and recommendations of the World Assembly as they may be approved by

-25-
the General Assemblv of the United Nations. In this connection, he expressed his
intention to work closely with organs of the United Nations sys tern and the
non-governmental organizations.
111. The representative of the Executive Secretary of the &onommc Commission for
Latin tierica stated that ECLA had co-operated with the Secretariat of the World
Assembly on Aging in preparations for the Assembly through a meeting of
governmental experts, an intergovernmental regional preparatory meeting and a
seminar bringing together representatives of governments and non-governmental
organizations. In Latin America the study of the situation with regard to aging
was new, since the population over the age of 60 years constituted a relatively
small percentage of the total population. Nevertheless the development process had
brought about a significant increase in the number of persons who reach 60 years of
age, thus creating a challenge for the governments in order to meet their needs in
the future. This task was made more difficult by the grave economic crisis shaking
the world economy, whose repercussions in Latin America had included a reduction in
resources devoted to social aspects of development. In order to meet the needs of
the aging in Latin America, the Governments members of ECLA had adopted a regional
plan of action emphasizing:

(i) the integration of policy planning on aging into the national development
plans;

(ii) the recognition of the rights and obligations of the elderly;

(iii) the recognition of the diversity within the sector of persons over 60t
(iv) the compatibility of the right to employment and the right to a pension}

(v) most importantly, the fundamental importance of the family as the basic
social institution providing not only economic but also spiritual
wellbeing for the elderly.

Within the resources at its disposal, ECLA offered its continued collaboration to
the Secretariat and to Governments in the implementation of the International Plan
of Action on Fging.

112. The representative of the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific stated that the issues of aging and the needs
of the aged in the region were definable largely in terms ofr rapid increase in
the number of the elderly in the next few decades , who were expected to account for
52 per cent of the world's total 'population in the year 2000 and for 58 per cent of
the total in the year 2025; limited resources for which many pressing developmental
priorities competed1 and accelerating socio-economic changes which tended to
undermine traditional values and institutions favouring the elderly. The basic
challenge for many countries of the region and for the Commission in the area of
population wasl therefore, to prepare and provide for the multifarious problems
associated with or stemming from this phenomenon in ways which would not only solve
the problems in question but also contribute to the attainment of the over-all
development objectives of the countries in the region. The Commission, within the
framework of the Regional Programme of Action on Aging endorsed by its 38th annual
session and the International Plan of PGtion adopted by the World Assembly, would
seek to assist its member countries in meeting this challenge through technical
assistance, promotion of information exchange, provision of intergovernmental
and/or export research, training, promotion of technical co-operation, and support
of pilot projects.

-26-
113. The representative of the IL0 said that many points of concern to the world
Assemblyr such as the status of older workers , retired people's resources and the
effects of aging on social security systems , were akin to the subjects that the IL0
was concerned with. Such problems were mainly to be found in the industrialized
world. They were beginning to appear, however, in the developing countries where,
for the most part, the only form of social protection available was still that
afforded by the extended family. The IL0 had adopted standards on all those
topics, chiefly to do with social security; in 1980 it had approved a document
specifically relating to older workers, Recommendation No. 162, which, guided by
three principles - equal treatment irrespective of age, modification of working
conditions and freedom of choice as to the date of retirement - proposed many
courses of action to follow. Additionally, technical cooperation from the IM had
enabled many countries to take steps to safeguard old persons' incomes. The
International Labour Office, which had been closely involved in the preparations
for the Assembly, had submitted three technical papers dealing with problems of
employment and occupation of older workers, the transition from working to
retirement, and income security, respectively. The Office wished particularly to
emphasise the importance, within the International Plan of Action which it would be
glad to help put into effect , of the general recommendation on preparation for
retirment and the specific recommendations relating to income and job security.

114. The representative of the mod and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations stated that the reason for FAC's special interest in the subject of aging
was that most of the aged in developing countries formed part of the rural
population which played a crucial role in agriculture and food production and which
still suffered from low standards of living and poor nutrition. Owing to the
adverse social, economic, health and environmental conditions prevailing in the
rural areas, the rural population appeared to age prematurely. This was
particularly true of women, for they began their reproductive,life early, bore
children at close intervals and simultaneously continued productive activities.
Assistance to the aging could be channelled'through many of the existing rural
development programmes of the FAO, especially those concerned with nutrition,
energy and integrated rural development. In all cases? because of the
disproportionate number of women among the rural aged, special attention should be
paid to their needs. The situation of the elderly in rural areas was discussed in
detail in FAO's document contributed to the Assembly. Programmes for the elderly
should not be undertaken in isolation from other sectors of the population, lest
the generation gap be widened. Accordingly, Member States, non-governmental
organizations and United Nations agencies were called upon to mobilize more
resources for integrated rural development that would take the aged into account.
115. The representative of the Director General of UNESCOstated that in its
various fields of competence UNESCOhad a role to play in addressing the questions
associated with the aged and aging, He drew attention to the need for programmes
of continuing education adapted to the needs of the elderly in order that they
should be able both to adapt to the inexorable changes taking place in their
societies and to enjoy their right to lifelong personal growth and enrichment. He
suggested that life should no longer be viewed as sequential phases of education,
work, and leisure but that these should be interwoven, in varying proportions,
throughout life. mrthermore, the stressed that the elderly should be viewed not
Only as consumers of education but as valuable resources for the education of
society, pointing out that in many societies the aged were both the repositories
and the communicators of cultural values and traditions. After referring to
UNHSCO's past and current activities relating to the elderly, he indicated that, in

-27-
 -1

UNEscO1s next Medium-Term Plan (1984-19891, increased attention would be given to

this area and he Urged representatives of Member States to co-ordinate the
positions to be taken by their delegations to the forthcoming extraordinary session
of TJN~COI~ General Conference with the positions they had taken at the World
Assembly . Finally, he pledged ~JNESOO'Sco-operation in general with all who would
be striving to implement the International Plan of Action on Aging.
116. The Director-General of the World Health Organisation said that only a
minority of people in the modern industrialized world failed to read their
seventieth birthday, surely a striking achievement. WHO's Member States were now
attempting to achieve the same by the year 2000 for all new-born children in the
world. That effort was popularly known as "Health for All by the Year 2000".
Living to a ripe old age should be seen as a triumph of the human species, but like
all triumphs it carried with it its own problems. The problems were worldwide.
Developing countries would have to face them no less than developed ones. In 1980,
more than half of the world's 260 million elderly aged 65 and over.had been living
in developed countries, but by the year 2000 almost three-fifths of the world's
400 million elderly would be in developing countries. The elderly were especially
vulnerable as regards their health, which'WH0 defined as a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely as the absence of disease or
infirmity. The health needs of the elderly were broad and, like those of all other
people, had to be provided for by joint action in a number of social and economic
sectors. The present Assembly was taking place in an environment of gloom
concerning the world economic situation. Yet the member States of WHO dared to
have an optimistic vision of the world in the year 2OOOi and their aspirations for
improving the well-being and quality of life of the world's aging were set within
this hope and expectation,
117. The representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for mfugees stated
that of the nearly 10 million refugees in the world 3 per cent or some 300,000 were
aged 60 and over. They suffered from physical and mental afflictions endemic to
their age. While a majority lived with their families, a sizeable number were
alone and suffered from lonel$ness and poverty. Though they had been in their
countries of asylum for many years, circumstances had prevented them from being
integrated. The High Commissioner's response:had been twofold% providing
assistance for immediate and short-term relief and promotion of durable solutions
in the form of voluntary repatriation where circumstances permitted, integration in
the country of asylum, or resettlement in a third country. The High Commissioner's
activities on behalf of elderly refugees were intended to ensure their physical,
psychological, social and economic security, The High Commissioner's Office had
assisted in the establishment of "Homes" for the aged in several countries, made
arrangements for the Payment of annuities and other assistance to meet their'
needs. The Office also promoted resettlement under various arrangements. It had
designated a focal Point to study the needs of elderly refugees witi a view to
developing a systematic global programme for'their benefit. The elderly refugees
also needed access, without discrimination, to available services at the national
\ level. The High Wnnhsionerts Office hoped to receive the co-operation and
suPPort of the international COI'NnUnity in carrying out its mandate on behalf of
elderly refugees, among others.

l18. The representative of the United Nations Development programme said that uNDP,
the largest multilateral financial institution supporting technical co-operation,
was ready to make a contribution to the implementation of the International Plan of
Action on Aging in the context of its activities in furtherance of economic and

-28-
social development. UNDP's financial support to technical co-operation was
multidisciplinary and related to all economic and social sectors. The use of
UNDP's resources was determined by the Governments of the recipient countries in
the light of their development priorities and objectives. Given the complexity of
the needs of the aging population and the commonly used system for sectoral
classification in technical co-operation, it was not easy to identify UNDP-financed
projects which were primarily or exclusively oriented to meet the needs of the
elderly population. Hence, it was difficult to make an accurate estimate in
financial terms of the magnitude of UNDP'S contribution, However, on the basis of
available information, it was estimated that UNDP's contribution was above
SDS 10 million for projects concerned with old age benefits, social security, etc.
A great many projects in such areas as health and nutrition, education, agriculture
and rural development, etc. had an impact on the lives and productivity of the
elderly, and the financial magnitude of this effort, while difficult to isolate,
would be in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars. He pointed out, however I
that the activities of UNDP depended on the funds provided by voluntary
contributions and that these had recently fallen short of expectations. The
uncertainty and unpredictability of UNDF resources represented the basic
constraints reflecting negatively on the whole system genuinely interested in and
dedicated to multilateral development aid. He urged Governments to contribute
generously to the funds of UNDP.

119. The Executive Director of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities
(UNFPA) stated that the aging of populations was the consequent phenomenon of the
demographic transition - the reduction of fertility and the prolongation of life
expectancy. Among the demographic characteristics of the aged that had social end
economic implications, the extremely old and the sex composition and urban-rural
distribution ,of the population needed special attention. One of the most important
issues facing both developed and developing countries was how,to ensure that, in
the process of industrialization, urbanization and accompanying social change, the
valuable aspects of village and extended family life were not lost. In this
respect, the less developed countries might be able to offer valuable insights to
the industrialized countries for discovering the dynamics which would permit the
full participation of older people in all activ$ties of the community and the means
of integrating then into the social change occurring under modern conditions. The
role of concerned international agencies should be to act as collaborators between
the Governments and peoples of those countries needing assistance and those able to
give it, and as transmitters of ideas and as arousers of concern. UNFPA's agenda
for the future might include, as appropriate3 basic data collection; research into
a country’s changing age structure and implications for labour supply and for
social services1 collaboration with concerned institutions, including
non-governmental organizations; and consultations concerning policy. In
August 1984, an International Conference on Population would be held. That
Conference would offer an opportunity to assess the achievements in the field of
population in the preceding decade and give new directions for the next decades on
the integration of population with development. As Secretary-General of the
forthcoming Conference, he assured the Assembly that aging would be on its agenda
and that proper consideration would be given to the recommendations made by the
World Assembly.
120. The representative of the Commission of the European Community sated that the
question of aging was a question not of physical deterioration but of psychological
decay. What had to be done was to change attitudes, to change the way people
thought of the aged. The idea of placing employment within a short span of years

-29-
had to be altered, both at the phase of entering employment and at the retiring
end. There was'no common European Community policy regarding the aged nor
regarding the family. However, it was quite clear that a range of problems
converged among the Member States. Common action was, therefore, called for,
within the wide range of social policies. The Commission had made recommendations
specifically in the area of flexible retirement. They were under consideration in
Member States. In industrialized countries, a revolution was in progress as a
result of increased longevity. The working population was decreasing, with a
number of workers thrust out of the work force before retirement age. As a result
of automation moreover, the working population would decrease even further. In
those circumstances, there had to be a change in the concept of retirement
altogether. It would no longer be an unusual. state but one common to a large
segment of society. In the field of health, the Commission's policy was limited to
hygiene. In the future, however, more emphasis would be placed on improving the
health of and services for the elderly. The Commission would pursue its function
in urging reluctant Governments to adopt useful policies for the aging.

121. The representative of the League of Arab States made a statement in which he
referred more specifically to the situation of the aged in the Arab world and
described the care accorded to them. He stressed that the Arab-Islamic heritage
and Islamic values had played a fundamental role in guiding the Arab nation in its
mukual support and solidarity against the violent jolts which had shaken the world
as a result of the onslaughts of development and modernization. After mentioning
briefly 'the efforts being made by the League's Office of Social work on behalf Of
the aged, he turned to the situation of the aged in Lebanon and emphasized the
tragedy suffered by this population group as a result of the Israeli aggression
against Lebanon and its capital, Beirut. He called upon all delegations
participating in the World Assembly to condemn strongly the inhumane and criminal
Israeli aggression against the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples and to support the
legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its legitimate representative, the
Palestine Liberation Organization.
*
* *

122. At the 15th plenary meeting on 5 August 1982 the representative of Malaysia,
on behalf of Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Democratic Yemen, India, Indonesia, Iraq,
Jordan, Kuwait, Iebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan,
Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen" introduced a draft resolution entitled
"Aging people in Lebanon" (A/CONF.113/L.3). The following countries joined in
sponsoring the draft resolution: Bulgaria, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus,
Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, Yugoslavia. The
sponsors revised operative paragraph 1 by adding the words "among innocent victims"
after the word "casualties", and operative paragraph 4 by adding the words “and
dispersed" after the word "extended". In addition, the representative of Malaysia
said that the words "38th session" in operative paragraph 5 should be corrected to
read "37th session".

123. A request was made for a roll-call vote on the draft resolution contained in
document A/CONF.113/L.3 entitled "Aging people in Lebanon" as revised by the
sponsors. Before the draft resolution was put to the vote, statements were made in
explanation of their votes by the representatives of Norway (speaking also on
behalf of the representatives of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden),
Switzerland, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Belgium, Netherlads, Australia
(speaking also on behalf of the representative of New Zealand) and the Holy See.

-3q-
 :

124. The representative of Norway stated that the Nordic countries - Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden - would abstain in the vote on the draft
resolution contained in document A/CONF.113/L.3. In the opinion of the Nordic
countries, the draft resolution dealt with a political question which clearly fell
outside the mandate of the World Assembly on Aging. The position taken by the
Nordic countries was one of principle, namely that questions of a political nature
should only be dealt with by the appropriate fora of the United Nations.
Therefore, their abstention did not reflect their opinion on the substance of the
draft resolution. The Security Council, as the competenjz organ of the United
Nations, had dealt with and continued to be seized with the situation in Lebanon.
The Nordic countries fully supported the decisions taken by the Council, and would
particularly stress the need to end the .immense sufferings inflicted upon the
civilian population by the Israeli invasion.
125. The representative of Switzerland stated that the Swiss delegation wished to
express in the World Assembly the keen concern of the Swiss authorities with regard
to the situation in Lebanon and the sufferings of innocent victims. The Swiss
delegation wished also to draw attention to the need for all belligerents to
respect the rules of humanitarian law. At the same time, while appreciating the
humanitarian motives underlying some of the paragraphs of draft resolution
A/ONF.113/L.3, the Swiss delegation would abstain in the vote on the draft
resolution, for it considered that the draft resolution was not within the scope of
the World Assembly and that some of the questions raised were not within its
competence.

126. The representative of Israel , announcing that he would vote against draft
resolution A/CONF.113/L.3, stated that the draft resolution was discriminatory
against many groups of elderly refugees , who were relegated by the international
community to a forgotten and neglected state. There were oth?r areas of conflict
in addition to the one in Lebanon. This draft resolution selected only one
category of elderly refugees for the attention of the Assembly. There were elderly
refugees suffering in South-East Asia, in Iran, in Iraq, in Ethiopia, in Somalia,
in the Sahara and in and from Afghanistan. Why should this Assembly be indifferent
to their suffering? Why did they not merit even to be mentioned by the Assembly?
Should one group of elderly refugees be more equal than others, many of whom had
escaped from the ravages of war in their respective countries, and many of whcxn
were not treated as equally as some others? He called upon delegations to reject
the draft resolution, because it was harmful for the cause of the elderly, because
it was based on untruth, and was unjust towards Israel, and because it
discriminated against many other groups of elderly refugees in dire need of
sympathy and help from this Assembly.
127. The representative of Belgium stated that the Belgian delegation would abstain
in the vote on draft resolution A/CONF.113/L.3. It considered that the World
Assembly was not competent to deal with the questions raised in the draft
resolution. It associated itself with the suffering of the Lebanese people and of
the Palestinians. It condemned the Israeli action in Lebanon. He added that the
draft resolution was unsatisfactory or obscure in many respects, and several of its
paragraphs, notably paragraphs 1, 3 and 4, were unsound in law.
128. The representative of the Netherlands stated that the Netherlands Government
had already expressed its grave concern over the Israeli invasion into Lebanon and
its consequences, both political and in the humanitarian field. The Netherlands
delegation realized that under the circumstances now prevailing in Lebanon, and in

-3l-
7
,:

particular in Beirut, the plight of elderly people - and that of other vulnerable
groups was particularly harsh. Hut, he asked, "Is this World Assembly then
indifferent to all those cases elsewhere in the world, except to those in Lebanon?
why is this Assembly focusing on only one case of severe sufferings?" The
Netherlands delegation had hoped that the resolution would be drafted to express
the all-embracing compassion of the participants for the particular affliction of
the aging in all contemptible situations. The hope had remained unanswered. It
was consequently clear that the draft resolution, which was of a selective
political nature, should not be dealt with in the world Assembly but in other
fora. For example, the Security Council had adopted, on 29 July 1982,
resolution 515 on the situation of the civilian population in Lebanon, which
included a strong'reference to the humanitarian principles of the Geneva
Conventions of 1949. It was for these reasons that the Netherlands delegation
would abstain in 'the vote and was unable to support the resolution as contained in
document A/CXXW.113/L.3.
129. The representative of Australia , speaking also on behalf of the representative
of New Zealand, stated that the delegations of these two countries would abstain in
the vote on draft resolution A/CONF.113/L.3, because of their conviction that it
was outside the mandate of the World Assembly. Their abstention would reflect
their view that the World Assembly should concentrate on its proper and important
business and not on particular political issues. The position of principle which
the two delegations were taking was without prejudice to their grave concern over
the issues being addressed in the Security Council.
130. The representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
stated that, while the United Kingdom delegation sympathized with the humanitarian
aims of the draft resolution in document A/CONF.113/L.3, it did not consider the
World Assembly on Aging an appropriate forum in which to discuss the situation in
Lebanon. The United Kingdom delegation would, therefore, abstain in the vote on
this draft resolution.
131. A vote was taken by roll--call on draft resolution A/CONF.113/L.3 as amended by
its sponsors. The result of the vote was as follows:

In favourt Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh,

Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Hyelorussian Soviet Socialist
&public, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,
China, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen,
Djibouti, bminican Hepubiic, Ecuador, Ngypt, Ethiopia, Gabon,
German Democratic Hepublic, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,
Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait,
Lebanon, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mexico,
Morocco, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama,
Philippines, Poland, mmania, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, 'Ibgo, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukrainian
Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
United Arab EW.rates, United Hepublic of Cameroon, United
Hepublic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia.

Against: Israel, Uhited States of America.

Abstaininq: Australia', Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Federal Republic of, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Luxembourg, Netherlands,

-32-
 New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland,
Trinidad and Zbbago, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
132. There were 73 votes in favour, 2 against and 26 abstentions. The draft
resolution was adopted. For the text see chapter VI below, resolution 1.

133. After the vote, statements in explanation of their votes were made by the
representatives of Spain, Federal Republic of Germany, Chile, Ireland, Costa Rica,
United I&public of Cameroon, Austria, Canada, France, Japan, United States of
America, Italy, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Greece and Guatemala.

134. The representative of Spain stated that his delegation had voted in favour of
draft resolution A/CONF.113/L.3 by reason of its humanitarian content and in
conformity with Spain's policy of favouring the elderly and of sparing them
suffering. In this sense, Spain had taken humanitarian action by sending to
Lebanon field tents and clothing, and food-stuffs for immediate use to a value of
200 million pesetas. In addition, it had remitted to IYNRWA$2 million - half of it
in cash - in order to strengthen that wency in these times of need. The Spanish
UNICEF had sent medicaments, blood plasma and clothing to a vaue of 134 million
pesetas. He stated that his delegation would have liked the resolution to refer to
all the aged people who were suffering the horrors of war, but it considered that,
while it was not possible to do everything, it would be wrong to fail to do at
least something. Accordingly, the resolution just adopted, which called for the
reunification of elderly families and which was moderate in character and
consistent with the humanitarian principles of the Government and people of Spain,
had received the support of the Spanish delegation.

135. The representative of the Federal Republic of Germany stated that the World
Assembly on Aging was a subject-oriented conference which, in'; his delegation's'
view, was not the right forum for the discussion of political questions like the
situation in Lebanon. He regretted that by the resolution on Lebanon the Assembly
had been politicised after it had succeeded during the entire phase of preparation
to keep out non-related political matters. He considered that a resolution of the
World Assembly that aimed only at the protection of one population group in an
armed conflict seemed to make little sense. His delegation felt that the entire
civilian population had to be protected. Furthermore, the preambular paragraphs of
the resolution rather one-sidedly formulated a connection between the suffering of
the civilian population in Lebanon and what the resolution called Israeli
aggression. He pointed out that the Lebanese people suffered from a spiral of
force that had begun not only with the Israeli invasion. In view of these
considerations his delegation had abstained in the vote on this resolution.

136. The represen,tative of Chile stated, with reference to the vote on the
resolution just adopted, that Chile was a peace-loving country and hence in favour
of the peaceful settlement of disputes. His delegation took the view that recourse
to violence was inadmissible. That attitude was reflected in the statements and
proposals made by the Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs in many forums and in the
General Assembly of the United Nations. That being so, Chile condemned the
aggression against Lebanon. In recent days that aggression had aggravated the
situation in the Middle Fast and had inflicted suffering on innocent civilians,
including elderly persons. Even though Chile considered that the World Assembly on
Wing was not the right forum for adopting a resolution of this kind, which was
political in nature, the Chilean delegation had voted in favour of draft resolution
A/aoNF.113/L.3 for humanitarian motives.

-330
 137. The representative of Ireland stated that Ireland had abstained in the vote
just taken on the draft resolution on aging people in Lebanon contained in document
A/aXF. 113/L. 3. The Irish delegation had not taken this position because of the
substance of the resolution, nor did its vote reflect its view of the terrible
events in Lebanon, which tragically still continued. Its attitude to these events
was clear. Ireland had condemned the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and also Israeli
non-compliance with Security Council resolution 509, which called for the
withdrawal of Israeli forces forthwith and unconditionally from Lebanon.
Nevertheless, the delegation of Ireland considered that the World Assembly on Aging
was not the appropriate forum to consider issues which were clearly political and
: . for this reason it felt obliged to abstain in the vote on the draft resolution.

138. The representative of Costa Rica stated that, as was right and proper, his
country had recently, in the forum of the United Nations in New York, expressed its
revulsion with respect to Israel’s warlike action in Lebanon. The delegation of
Costa Rica was concerned that so many human beings were dying on account of this
illogical war, and it was even more disturbed by the daily reports of the anguish
suffered by whole families, aged persons, women and children who were dying - as
had been said in the World Assembly - as innocent and defenceless victims.
Nevertheless, in the opinion of the delegation of Costa Rica the contents of
1
document A/aONF/113/L.3 were not a subject for the World Assembly on Aging and
strayed from the scope of the agenda which the Assembly was called upon to
consider, and the’very discussion of the draft resolution was out of keeping with
the purpose of the Assembly. Because of these considerations the delegation of
Costa Rica had abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/CDNF.l13/L. 3.

139. The representative of Austria stated that the Austrian delegation had voted in
favour of draft resolution A/CONF/113/L.3 by reason of its primarily humanitarian
aspects. It considered that the World Assembly could not ignore the plight of the
people in Lebanon, especially the elderly. His delegation was deeply concerned
about the vulnerability of civilians, in particular the elderly, in situations of
armed conflicts wherever they occurred. It hoped that this highly important
resolution, because of its wider political implications, would find appropriate
consideration in the forthcoming sessions of the General Assembly.

140. The representative of Canada stated that Canada was in agreement with the
over-all thrust of the draft resolution contained in document A/ONF.113/L.3 in
that it believed it desirable to offer additional protection to aging persons both
during periods of conflict and more generally in times of peace. However, this
resolution inappropriately focused attention on a particular situation, to the
exclusion of others, it introduced political issues which were beyond the mandate
of the World Assemby, and it contained political judgements. Therefore, while
supporting the general aim of the resolution, Canada, regrettably, had had to
abstain. Its vote should in no way be interpreted as reflecting the position of
Canada with regard to the conflict in Lebanon. Canada’s concern for the tragic
situation faced by that country and its civilian population had been expressed in
appropriate United Nations fora.

141. The representative of France stated that the tragic situation of the elderly
among other generations - in the areas of conflict was profoundly disquieting for
France, whose delegation had spoken explicitly on the subject in the Security
Council. The French delegation considered, however, that the World Assembly on
Aging was not the right forum for discussing the subject. Accordingly, the Frend
delegation had abstained in the vote on draft resolution A/CDNF/113/L.3.

-34-
142. The representative of Japan stated that, although the Japanese delegation had
voted for the draft resolution on the "Aging people in Lebanon", contained in
document A/CONF.113/L.3, out of humanitarian consideration of the plight of the
population in Lebanon, including parricularly the aged, the Japanese delegation
considered this World Assembly as not an appropriate forum to discuss this kind of
political issue.

143. The representative of the United States of America, explaining his

delegation's vote against draft resolution A/CONP/113/L.3, stated that the United
States delegation shared the concern of other delegations at the injury and loss of
life inflicted on innocent civilians by the current hostilities in Lebanon.
Mxeover, it fully appreciated the point that the elderly in situations of this
kind were particularly vulnerable and deserved special attention. Nevertheless, it
was the firm view of the United States delegation that politically-motivated
resolutions should not be introduced into the deliberations of such bodies as the
World Assembly on Aging. These issues were being dealt with elsewhere in the
United Nations. Finally, he said that the resolution just voted upon was flawed by
taking a wholly one-sided view of the tragic conflict in Lebanon,
144. The representative of the Dominican Republic stated that, being a peace-loving
country and recognizing the need to safeguard the rights of the elderly, who were
a more vulnerable segment of the world's population, the Dominican Republic had
voted in favour of draft resolution A/CONF.l13/L.3. The delegation of the
Dominican Republic would have preferred a broader resolution, tending to protect
all the elderly in all armed conflicts at all times. In addition, the delegation
had suggested that the resolution should make a recommendation concerning the
protection of the elderly in cases of natural disasters. Not having succeeded in
obtaining a broadening of the terms of the resolution in the way it would have
liked, the delegation of the Dominican I&public had voted in favour for
humanitarian reasons.

145. The representative of Greece stated that Greece shared the opinion, expressed
by several distinguished delegates of other States in the World Assembly, that
political problems must be dealt with within the appropriate United Nations fora,
primarily the General Assembly and the Security Council. Nevertheless, the Greek
delegation believed that the World Assembly was competent to consider issues
relating to the fate of the elderly in time of warfare and armed conflict. As it
had stated earlier, the Greek delegation wished that all delegations should
consciously realize that political will and consistency were indispensable in order
to secure for the aging the respect and assistance that they vitally needed, in
peace as well as in wart and it had stressed the point particularly in these times,
having fresh in memory the fate of the elderly refugees in Lebanon, in Palestine,
in Cyprus and elsewhere in the world. He added that the resolution just adopted
concerned only the situation in Lebanon. His delegation had accepted this
focusing, having the greatest understanding for the plight of the Lebanese and
Palestinian civilian population, particularly of the elderly, as well as for the
urgency of their situation in Lebanon. The Greek delegation expressed the hope
that the resolution would be acted upon by the General Assembly of the United
Nations at the next session, where Member States which had not found it possible to
vote for it would have ample opportunity to join Greece in supporting it.
146. The representatives of the Republic of Korea and of Zaire stated subsequently
that, had they been present at the time of the vote, they would have voted in
favour of draft resolution A/CONF.113/L.3.

-35-
 Chapter IV

REPORTS OF SUBSIDIARY BODIES AND ACTION ON THESE REPORTSBY

THE WORLDASSEMBLY

A. Report of the Main Committee

147. At its 1st plenary meeting on 26 July 1992 the World Assembly on Pqing
allocated to its Main Committee the following agenda items for considerations

Aging and developments the developmental issues [51

Aging and development: the humanitarian issues [61
International plan of action on aging [7]

148. The Committee had before it the following documents:

Introductory documents demographic considerations

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/4)

Introductory document: developmental issues

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/5)

Aging populations: economic policy considerations

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.l13/6)

Migration and aging

Report of the Secretary-General (q/coNF.113/7)

Aging population and rural development

Report of the Food and Agriculture Organization (A/CoW.l13/8)

Introductory document: humanitarian issues

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/9)
Aging in the context of the family
Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/10)
Aging and social welfare
Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/12)

Housing, environment and aging

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/13)

Social development and aging

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/14)
Problems of employment and occupation for older workers
Report of the International Labour Organisation (A/CONF,ll3/l5)
Transitions between professional life and retirement
Report of the International Labour Organisation (A/CCNF.113/16)

-36-
 Income maintenance and social protection of the older person: Income
security for the elderly
Report of the International Labour Organisation (A/CONF.113/17)

Income maintenance and social protection of older persons: The role

of social security
Report of the International Labour Organisation (A/CONF.113/18 and Corr.2)

Health policy aspects of aging

Report of the World Health Organization (A/CONP.113/19)

Education and aging

Report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (A/CONF.113/20)

The older refugees

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(A/CONF.l13/21 and Add.1)

Draft international plan of action on aging

Report of the Secretary-General (A/CONF.113/22)
Activities of the United Nations system on aging
Report of the Secretary-General (A/OONF.113/23)

E&port of the Advisory Committee for the World Assembly on Aging on its third
session (A/CONF.113/24)
Human settlements and the aging
Report of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat)
(A/CONF.113/25)

Regional plans of action on aging

(A/CONF.113/26)

149. The Committee met from 27 July to 5 August, under the chairmanship of
Mr. A. H. B. de Bono (Malta), who was elected by acclamation at the World
Assembly's 1st meeting on 26 July 1982.

150. The Committee elected the following other officers by acclamation:

Vice Chairmen: Mrs. M. Perez Palacio (Peru)

Dr. D. F. Chebotarev (Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic)
Mr. mtombo Tsitaimbwe (Zaire)
Rapporteur: Mr. Abdullah Malim Raginda (Malaysia)

151. The Committee decided to concentrate its work on the preparation of an

international plan of action on aging, taking as the basis of its work the draft
International Plan of Action on Aging contained in the report of the
Secretary-General (A/CONF.l13/22).

152. After having considered the draft plan and amendments thereto proposed by a
large number of delegations (A/CONF.llJ/MC/L.l, 2, 3/Rev.l, L.4-19, L.20 and Xid.1

-37-
and Add.a/Corr.l (English only), L,21-26), in the course of both formal and
informal meetings, the Main Committee decided at its 17th meeting on 5 August to
recommend to the Assembly for adoption the text of the International Plan of Action
on Aging reproduced in the annex to its report (A/CONE'.133/W/L.27* together with
A/CONP/l13/30).

Action by the World Assembly

153. At the 17th plenary meeting on 6 August 1982 the World Assembly considered the
report of the Main Committee (A/CONF.113hC/L.27* in conjunction with
A/CONF.l13/30) which was introduced by Mr. A. H. B. de Bono (Malta), Chairman of
the Committee.
154. At the same meeting the World Assembly adopted by consensus the text of the
International Plan of Action recommended by the Main Committee. For the text of
the Plan of Action as adopted see chapter VI, below.

155. After the adoption of the Plan of Action, statements were made by the
representatives of Peru, France, the Union of Soviet Socialist &publics (on behalf
of the socialist countries of Eastern Europe), Malaysia (on behalf of the Asian
group of countries), Israel, Spain and Brazil.

156. The representative of Brazil stated that the Brazilian delegation wished to
place on record that it considered paragraphs 13 and 14 of the Plan of Action as
among the most important provisions of the Plan of Action since they recognized the
urgent need for the establishment of a new international economic order.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian delegation reserved its position with respect to the
limitative expression "most of the developing countries" contained in the second
sentence of paragraph 14, which was not in conformity with the objectives of the
Plan of Action as a whole and which, above all, was inconsistent with the
resolutions , plans, programmes, strategies, etc. adopted by the General Assembly.
B. Report of the Credentials Committee
157. At its 6th plenary meeting, on 28 July 1982, the World Assembly, in accordance
with rule 4 of its rules of procedure, appointed a Credentials Committee consisting
of the following Statesr Argentina, China, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Panama,
Thailand, Union of Soviet Socialist F&publics and United States of America.
158. The Credentials Committee convened on 29 July 1982.

159. Mr. Djibo Doufray (Niger) was unanimously elected Chairman.

160. The Committee had before it a memordandum dated 29 July 1982 from the
Secretary-General of the World Assembly on the status, as at 29 July 1982, of
credentials of the representatives to the Assembly. The Memorandum as orally
amended by the &gal Adviser during the meeting (see next paragraph) indicated that;
(a) Credentials issued by the Head of State or Government or by the Minister
for Foreign Affairs , as provided for in rule 3 of the rules of procedure of
the Assembly, had been received in respect of representatives of 67 States,
Namely: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Benin,
Botswana, Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Cape
Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic

-38-
 Kampuchea, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, German Democratic
Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Hungary,
Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liberia,
Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco,
Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Republic of Korea,
Romania, Seychelles, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey,
Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Hapublic of
Tanzania, Upper Volta, Yugoslavia;
(b) Credentials in the form of a telegram from the Head of State or
Government or Minister for Foreign Affairs had been received in respect of
representatives of 12 States, namely: Brazil, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Mexico,
New Zealand, Nicaragua, Rwanda, San Marino, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago,
Uruguay!

(c) Credentials in the form of a letter , note verbale or telegram emanating

from a Permanent Hepresentative , an Ambassador, a Minister other than the
EWeign Minister, or from a Permanent Mission, Embassy or Ministry of the
State concerned had been received in respect of representatives of 25 States,
namelyr Argentina, Belgium, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Dominican
Hepublic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Greece, India, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan,
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Tunisia, Wited
Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Zaire)

(d) As at 29 July 1982, representatives of 118 States had registered as

participants in the Assembly. Accordingly, no credentials had yet been
received from the representatives of 14 States, namely: Bangladesh,
Democratic Yemen, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Kenya, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Swaziland, Togo, United Republic of Cameroon, Yemen, Zambia.
161. The Legal Adviser stated that since the preparation of the memorandum by the
Secretary-General of the Assembly, representatives of additional States had
registered and some had submitted credentials. Accordingly, the Legal Adviser
orally amended the memorandum to reflect the status at the time of the meeting.
The contents of the memorandum, as orally amended, are set out in the foregoing
paragraph. The Legal Adviser further explained that the States listed in
subparagraph (a) above had submitted credentials in the form required by rule 3 of
the rules of procedure of the Assembly; the States mentioned in subparagraph (b)
had submitted credentials in the form of telegrams emanating from the authorities
referred to in rule 3, while the States mentioned in subparagraph (c) had issued
credentials signed by authorities other than those referred to in rule 3; the
States referred to in subparagraph (d) had registered delegates as participants in
the Assembly, but had not yet submitted any credentials. The Legal Adviser stated
that the practice was to approve the credentials issued in the form required by
rule 3, to approve provisionally those credentials which were not in proper form
and to recommend to the Assembly that the delegations that had not yet submitted
credentials should be permitted to continue to participate in the Assembly on the
understanding that proper credentials would be submitted as soon as possible.
162. In response to a question from the representative of the United States, the
Legal Adviser stated that under rule 5 of the rules of procedure, representatives
were entitled to participate provisionally in the Assembly, pending a decision of
the Assembly on their credentials. It was not, therefore, in contravention of the
rules of procedure that delegations had participated in voting before the Assembly

-39-
had acted on their credentials. In reply to a question by the representative of
Nigeria, the Legal Adviser stated that if no credentials were received from a State
participating in the Assembly, its right to participate in the work of the Assembly
or the regularity of the proceedings of the Assembly would not be affected. In
response to the representative of Thailand the Secretary said that certain of the
delegations listed in paragraph 160, subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d), had already
indicated their intention to submit credentials conforming to the requirements of
rule 3 of the rules of procedure.

163. The representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics stated that "The
delegations of Afghanistan, the People's Republic of Bulgaria, Byelorussian Soviet
Socialist *public, 'Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Democratic Yemen, Hthiopia,
German Democratic Republic, Hungarian People's Republic, Polish People's Republic,
Republic of Angola, R?public of Cuba, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ukrainian
Soviet Socialist Republic and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics at the United
Nations World Assembly on Aging adamantly protest against the presence at the
Assembly of the persons, calling themselves 'the representatives' of the so-called
'Uemocratic Kampuchea', who represent nobody but the remnants of the criminal
rdgime put down by the Kampuchean people. The only legitimate representative of
the Kampuchean people is the Government of the People's Republic of Kampuchea,
which has the mandate of the People's Assembly , elected in May 1981 in the course
of free general elections, with the participation of 97 per cent of the Kampuchean
population. Only the representatives, appointed by it, can represent this country
at the United Nations and its international fora. The delegations referred to
above request that the statement be considered an official protest." At the
request of the representative this statement was, with the consent of the
Committee, included verbatim in its report.
164. The representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Hepublics also reaffirmed
the non-acceptance by his delegation of the credentials submitted by the fascist
junta in Chile, which had been stated repeatedly in the General Assembly of the
United Nations and in other international bodies.

165. The representative of the Netherlands recalled that rule 3 of the rules of
procedure provided that the credentials of delegations should be issued either by
the Head of the State or Government or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Pursuant to rule 4 the task of the Credentials Committee was to examine the
credentials of the representatives. His delegation interpreted this rule to mean
that the Committee's task was limited to verifying whether the credentials had been
issued by the Head of the State or Government or Minister for Foreign Affairs in
office of the country concerned. With regard to Kampuchea, it was a fact that at
present no authority could claim to represent Kampuchea. Therefore the Government
of the Netherlands could not support the acceptance of the credentials presented by
the Government of Democratic Kampuchea and his delegation wished to abstain on this
question.
166. The representative of Panama expressed the view that the task of the World
Assembly was to consider the question of aging and that it would be desirable to
avoid spending time debating purely political questions.

167, The representative of China stated that "It is well known that Democratic
Kampuchea is a Member State of the United Nations. Since the World Assembly on
Aging has been convened by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly the
question of the representative of Democratic Kampuchea does not exist at all. The

-4o-
question raised by the Soviet representative is beyond the framework of the terms
of reference of the Assembly. It is a vain attempt to prevent the legal
representative of the Kampuchean people from participating in the Assembly and it
is a deliberate move to interrupt the orderly progress of the Assembly. The
Chinese delegation resolutely opposes this kind of manoeuvre by the Soviet
representative." At the request of the representative this statement was, with the
consent of the Committee, included verbatim in its report.

168. The representative of Thailand stated that the credentials of Democratic

Kampuchea were fully valid. He concurred with the remarks by the representative of
Panama.

169. On the proposal of the Chairman , the Committee unanimously adopted the
following resolution:

"The Credentials Committee,

"Having examined the credentials of the representatives to the World Assembly

of Aging, referred to in paragraph 160 above,

"Taking into account the different reservations expressed by delegations

during the debate,
"1 , Accepts the credentials of the 67 States referred to in
paragraph 160(a) above1
"2. Accepts provisionally the communications relating to the
representatives of the 37 States referred to in paragraph 160(b) and (c)
above, pending the receipt of credentials complying with rule 3 of the
rules of procedure;

" 3. Recommends that the representatives of the 14 States referred to in

paragraph 160(d) above should continue to participate provisionally in
accordance with rule 5 of the rules of procedure, pending the receipt of
credentials complying with rule 3."

170. The Cormnittee also decided to authorize its Chairman to formulate the report
of the Committee with the assistance of the Secretary , and to submit the report to
the World Assembly after having shown a draft thereof to the members of the
Committee. The Chairman was further authorized to supplement, when introducing the
report in the Assembly, the information set out in paragraph 160 above so as to
reflect any further registrations, credentials and communications received by the
Secretary-General after the meeting of the Committee.

171. On the proposal of the Chairman, the Committee decided to submit its report t=o
the World Assembly for approval.

Action by the World Assembly

172. At the 15th plenary meeting on 5 August 1982 the world Assembly considered the
report of the Credentials Committee (A/C!ONF.113/29), which was introduced by
Mr. Djibo Doufray (Niger), Chairman of the Committee.

-41-
173. When introducing the Committee's report he provided some supplementary
information that had been communicated since the report had been prepared. In
particular, he announced that credentials issued by the Head of State or Government
or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs had been received in respect of the
representatives of Helgium, Costa Pica, Finland, Greece, Japan, Nicaragua, San
Marino, Sri Lanka, and lnisia; and that credentials in the form of a letter, note
verbale or telegram from a Permanent wpresentative, an Ambassador, a Minister
other than the Foreign Minister or from a Permanent Mission, Embassy or Ministry of
the State concerned had been received in respect of the representatives of
Burundi, Guinea, mgo, United Republic of Cameroon and Zambia. He added that the
relevant subparagraphs of the Credentials Committee's report should be considered
in the light of this supplementary information and rectified accordingly.
174. At the same meeting, the World Assembly, after taking note of the
supplementary information, approved the report of the Credentials Committee (for
the decision see chapter VI below).

-42-
 Chapter V
ADOPTION OF THE,REPORT OF THE WORLDASSPMBLY
175. The Rapporteur-General introduced the draft report of the World Assembly
(A/CONF.113/L.2 and Add.l-3) at the 15th plenary meeting on 5 August 1982. At that
meeting and at the 16th plenary meeting on the same date the Assembly considered
chapters I, II and III of the draft report and adopted them wth certain amendments.
176. At the 17th plenary meeting on 6 August 1982, the President announced that,
after consultations in the General Committee, certain draft resolutions which had
been circulated had been withdrawn by their respective sponsors. The draft
resolutions in question were:

A/CONF.113/L.5 entitled "Practical training centres", sponsored by Jamaica

and Malta

A/CONF.113/L.6 entitled "Establishment of an international clearing house on

aging policies", sponsored by the Dominican Republic, France
and Poland

A/CONF.113/L.7 entitled "Support from the United Nations Fund for Population
Activities (UNFPA) for matters in the field of aging",
sponsored by Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico,
Panama and Peru

A/CONF.113/L.8 entitled "Protection of elderly consumers", sponsored by

Angola, Austria, France, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama,
Philippines and Senegal*

A/CONF.113/L.9 entitled "International co-operation", sponsored by Chile and

Tunisia
A/CONF.113/L.10 entitled "United Nations Trust Fund for the World Assembly on
Aging", sponsored by Chile, Guatemala, Indonesia, Lebanon,
Malta, Morocco, Philippines, Tunisia, United States of
America and Zaire

A/CQNF.l13/L.11 entitled "Strengthening of the capacity of the Centre for

Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs", sponsored by
Chile, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malta, Philippines and Tunisia.

177. The representative of Japan drew attention to the draft resolution entitled "A
Day for the Aging" (A/CCNF.113/L.4) sponsored by her delegation jointly with the
delegations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Malta, Pakistan, Peru and Senegal. After
explaining the purpose of the draft resolution she stated that, after
consultations, the sponsors had agreed not to press this draft resolution and, in a
spirit of co-operation, withdrew it.

* As a consequence, the Netherlands amendments (A/CONF.113/L.12) to this

draft resolution were likewise withdrawn.

-43-
178. At the 17th (closing) plenary meeting on 6 August 1982, the representative of
Mexico introduced a draft resolution expressing the World Assembly's gratitude to
the host country. The draft resolution was adopted by acclamation. For the text
as adopted see chapter VI below, resolution 2.

179. At the same meeting, the World Assembly adopted the draft report as a whole
and authorized the Rapprteur-General to complete the report, in conformity with
the practice of the United Nations, with a view to its submission to the General
Assembly at its thirty-seventh session.

180. Also at the same meeting the World Assembly heard an address by the
Secretary-General of the United Nations. He stated that of all the major United
Nations conferences held in recent years? the World Assembly on Aging was the one
whose subject matter intimately touched upon the present or future of every man,
woman and child who lived a normal span of life. Longevity, in the past, had been
for the few: in the twentieth century it had become the destiny of the majority.
Thus, for the first time in history, the entire world was confronted by a
phenomenon of diverse implications: social, cultural, economic, political and even
emotional. To those for whom the world of the aging represented a world of
shadows, the work of the Wkrrld Assembly should prove a beacon of light. Its
positive approach could lift up the hearts of many who must confront the challenge
in the years to come. It was, therefore, a World Assembly for the young as well as
for the old.

181. This applied to the collective attitudes and actions of societies, of nations,
as well as to those of the individual. The young countries of the world, those
faced with the problem of providing for vast masses of children and young people,
would soon have to meet the further challenge of ensuring a safe and happy
existence for exactly the same people when, in only a few decades, they reached old
age. To instil into the minds of individuals and societies, young, middle-aged and
old, the idea that aging was an achievement , an opportunity to fulfil our hopes and
aspirations as human beings and human societies, had been the main purpose of the
World Assembly.
182. He had been particularly impressed by the broad participation of governments
in the Assembly, with a large number of delegations from the developing countries.
There could be no better sign of the world-wide recognition that the subject of the
Assembly concerned everyone, every country, either at present or in the future.
Indeed, by the year 2025, the developing countries would reach levels of aging
similar to those reached in other regions in the 1950s , when the special problems
of the aging had begun to impinge forcefully upon public consciousness in
industrialized societies. These demographic trends were bound to have an impact on
social life and progress. At certain stages of development, trends of population
growth, age distribution and demographic structure could create additional
difficulties for sustained development , if they were out of balance with social,
economic and environmental factors. Cn the other hand, if taken into account and
properly planned for, these trends could enhance development.
183. When the United Nations had been established, it had ndt been apparent that
the world's population structure would change so dramatically and that the aging in
both the developed and developing countries would come to constitute such a
substantial proportion of human society. The World Assembly, therefore,' was yet
another example of how the United Nations had tried to respond effectively to
large-scale economic, social and other shifts.

-44-
184. Another aspect of the World Assembly merited attention, It was one'of the few
occasions on which an issue of global impact and importance had been considered by
the international community at a relatively early stage, before it was too late.
The whole purpose and thrust of this'forward-looking Assembly were most encouraging
to the international community.
185. He referred to the basic principles of the International Plan of Action on
Aging , namely that the ultimate aim of economic growth or development was the
constant improvement of the well-being of the entire population; that the process
of economic growth or development must always promote human dignity; that the
change in population structures could have a significant effect on economic growth,
the composition of the labour force , patterns of consumption and needs for goods
and services; that the aging were a valuable national resource) and that essential
and proper medical care should be the key to the attainment and preservation by all
peoples of a level of health permitting them to lead a socially and economically
productive life.

186. He added that he would direct the various departments and officies of the
United Nations to be responsive to the recommendations and resolutions of the World
Assembly, as well as to the Plan of Action , and to co-operate fully in their
fulfilment. In particular, the Offices of the Director-General for Development and
International Economic Co-operation and of the Under-Secretary-General for
International Economic and Social Affairs would ensure the implementation of the
Plan of Action through the appropriate offices of the Organisation. In this
endeavour, the co-operation of the specialized agencies would also be called for,
in accordance with their specific interests and competences.

187. In conclusion, he said that efforts towards international co-operation and

exchange of views in this field should be undertaken with the greatest respect for
the particular traditions and cultural values of every nation or ethnic community.
However, a basic unity of human values characterized the concern with the aging and
the elderly in any culture and society. Aging was an inevitable process and every
human person must consider in advance the possible difficulties of marginalization,
passivity, loneliness or despair, together with questions concerning health care,
housing and some form of income security. The International Plan of Action on
Aging would, he hoped, prove a most useful instrument for ensuring that a generally
extending life span all over the world would be accompanied by determined efforts
to fill this extension of time with a new meaning. Every man and woman who had
reached or expected to reach the age of wisdom would support endeavours in all
societies towards this end.
188. After statements by the representatives of Senegal (on behalf of the group of
African States), Uruguay (on behalf of the Latin American countries), Canada (on
behalf of the Western European and other States), the United Arab Eknirates and
Jordan (on behalf of the Arab countries)) the Secretary-General of the World
Assembly on Aging made a statement summing up the principal results of the Assembly.
189. The President of the world Assembly on Aging made a closing statement and
declared the Assembly closed.
, Chapter VI

INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGING AND OTHF3

RESOLUTIONSAND DECISION OF TBE WORLD A8SFZ$3LY

190. At its 15th and 17th plenary meetings on 5 and 6 August 1982 the World
Msembly adopted the Plan of Pction (sect. A below) and the resolutions and
decision (sect. B below) the text of which is set out in this chapter.

A. VIENNA INTERNATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON AGING

CONTENTS
Paragraphs

Preamble
Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..*.................*...................* l-5

I. Introduction .............................................. 6 - 24

A. Demographic background ................................ 6 - 12

B. Humanitarian and developmental aspects of aging .. . .. . . 13 - 24

II. Principles l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

III. Recommendations for action . . . .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . 26 - 85

A. Goals and policy recommendations .*.................... 26 - 76

B. Promotion policies and programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 - 85

IV. Recommendations for implementation . .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 86 - 118

A. Pole of Governments . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . 86 - 93

B. Role of international and regional co-operation .. . . . . . 94 - 115

C. Assessment, review and appraisal .. . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. . .. .. 116 - 118

-46-
 PREAMBLE

The countries gathered in the World Assembly on aging,

Aware that an increasing number of their populations is aging,

Having discussed together their concern for the aging, and in the light of
this the achievement of longevity and the challenge and potential it entails,

Having determined that individually and collectively they will,(i) develop

and apply at the international, regional and national levels policies designed to
enhance the lives of the aging as individuals and to allow them to enjoy in mind
and in body, fully and freely, their advancing years in peace, health and security1
and (ii) study the impact of aging populations on development and that of
development on the aging, with a view to enabling the potential of the aging to be
fully realized and to mitigating, by appropriate measures, any negative effects
resulting from this impact,

1. Do solemnly reaffirm their belief that the fundamental and inalienable

rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights apply fully and
undiminishedly to the aging; and

2. Do solemnly recognize that quality of life is no less important than

longevity, and that the aging should therefore, as far as possible, be enabled to
enjoy in their own families and communities a life of fulfilment, health, security
and contentment, appreciated as an integral part of society.

-47-
 FOREWORD
1, Recognizing the need to call world-wide attention to the serious problems
besetting a growing portion of the populations of the world, the General Assembly
of the United Nations decided, in resolution 33/52 of 14 December 1978, to convene
a World Assembly. on Aging in 1982. The purpose of the World Assembly would be to
provide a forum "to launch an international action programme aimed at guaranteeing
economic and social security to older persons , as well as opportunities to
contribute to national development". In its resolution 35/129 of 11 December 1980,
the General Assembly further indicated its desire that the World Assembly "should
result in societies responding more fully to the socio-economic implications of the
aging of populations and to the specific needs of older persons". It was with
these mandates in view that the present International Plan of Action on Aging was
conceived.

2. The Plan of Action should therefore be considered an integral component of the

major international, regional and national strategies and programmes formulated in
response to important world problems and needs. Its primary aims are to strengthen
the capacities of countries to deal effectively with the aging of their populations
and with the special concerns and needs of their elderly, and to promote an
appropriate international response to the issues of aging through action for the
establishment of the new international economic order and increased international
technical co-operation, particularly among the developing countries themselves.
3, In pursuance,of these aims , specific objectives are set:
(a) 'Ib further national and international understanding of the economicl
social and cultural implications for the processes of development of the aging of
the population;
(b) "& promote national and inter national understanding of the humanitarian
and developmental issues related to agingi

(c) 'Ib propose and stimulate action-oriented policies and programmes aimed at
guaranteeing social and economic security for the elderly, as well as providing
opportunities for them to contribute to , and share in the benefits of, development;
(d) 'BJ present policy alternatives and options consistent with national
values and goals and with internationally recognised principles with regard to the
aging of the population and the needs of the elderly1 and

(e) 'lb encourage the development of appropriate education, training and

research to respond to the aging of the wokId's population and to foster an
international exchange of skills and knowledge in this area.

4. The Plan of Action should be considered within the framework of other

international strategies and plans. In particular, it reaffirms the principles and
objectives of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (General Assembly resolultion 217 A (III)), the International Covenants on
Human Rights (General Assembly resolution 2200 A (XXI)) and the Declaration on
Social Progress and Development (General Assembly resolution 2542 (XXIV)), the
Declaration and the Programme of Action on the Establishment of a New International

-48-
Economic Order (General Assembly resolutions 3201 (S-VI) and 3202 (S-VI)) and the
International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade
(General Assembly resolution 35/56) and also General Assembly resolutions 34/75 and
35/46, declaring the 1980s as the Second Disarmament Decade.
5. In addition, the importance of the following , adopted by the international
community, must be stressed, for the question of aging and the aging of populations
is directly related to the attainment of their objectives:

(a) The World Population Plan of Action; L/

(b) The World Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Objectives of the
International Women"s Year; 2/

(c) The Programme of Action for the Second Half of the United Nations Decade
for Women; 3J

(d) The Declaration of Alma Ata (on primary health care); A/

(e) Declaration of.Principles of the United Nations Conference on Human
Settlements (HABITAT); 2/

(f) The Action Plan for the Human Environment; g/

(g) The Vienna Programme of Action on Science and Technology for

Development; z/

(h) The Programme of Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination l3/ and
the Programme of Action for the second half of the same Decade; y

(i) The Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting and Implementing Technical
Co-operation among Developing Countries; g/
(j) The International Labour Organisation (IX)) Convention No. 102 concerning
minimum standards of social security;

(k) ITX) convention No. 128 and Recommendation 131 on invalidity, old-age and
survivors' benefits;
(1) II0 Recommendation No. 162 concerning older workers;
(m) The Programme of &&ion of the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and
Rural Developmentl _11/.
(n) The World Programme resulting from International Year Of Disabled
Persons; l2J
(o) The Caracas Declaration adopted by the Sixth United Nations Congress on
the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders; 13/
(p) The &commendation on the development of adult education, adopted by the
General Conference of UNESCOat its nineteenth session (Nairobi, 1976);

(q) 1~ Convention No. 157 concerning maintenance of social security rights,

1982.

-49-
 I. INTRODUCTION

A. Demographic background
6. Only in the past few decades has the attention of national societiies and the
world community been drawn to the social, economic, political and scientific
questions raised by the phenomenon of aging on a massive scale. Previously, while
individuals may have lived into advanced stages of life, their numbers and
proportion in the total population were not high. The twentieth century, however,
has witnessed in many regions of the world the control of perinatal and infant
mortality, a decline in birth rates, improvements in nutrition, basic health care
and the control of many infectious diseases. This combination of factors has
resulted in an increasing number and proportion of persons surviving into the
advanced stages of life.

7. In 1950, according to United Nations estimates, there were approximately

200 million persons 60 years of age and over throughout the world. By 1975, their
number had increased to 350 million. United Nations projections to the year 2000
indicate that the number will increase to 590 million, and by the year 2025 to over
1,100 million; that is, an increase of 224 per cent since 1975. During this same
period, the world's population as a whole is expected to increase from 4.1 billion
to 8.2 billion, an increase of 102 per cent. Thus, 45 years from now the aging
will consititute 13.7 per cent of the world's population.
8. It should be noted, furthermore, that in 1975 slightly over half (52 per cent)
of all persons aged 60 and over lived in the developing countries. By the
year 2000 - owing to the differential rates of increase - over 60 per cent of all
older persons are expected to live in those countries, and it is anticipated that
the proportion will reach nearly three quarters (72 per cent) by 2025.

9. The increase in the numbers and proportions of the aging is accompanied by a

change in the population's age structure. A declining proportion of children in a
population increases the proportion of older persons. Thus, according to the
United Nations projections, the population aged less that 15 years in the
developing regions is expected to decline from an average of about 41 per cent of
the total population in 1975 to 33 per cent in 2000 and 26 per cent in 2025. In
the same regions, the population of 60 years and over is expected to increase from
6 per cent in 1975 to 7 per cent in 2000 and to 12 per cent in 2025, thus reaching
the level observed in the developed regions in the 1950s. In those latter regions,
the population below the age of 15 is expected to decline from 25 per cent in 1975
to 21 per cent in 2000 and to 20 per cent in 2025; however, the group aged 60 and
over is expected to increase as a proportion of the total population, from
15 per cent in 1975 to 18 per cent in 2000 and 23 per cent in 2025. It should be
noted that these are averages for vast regions and that considerable variations
exist between countries and at the subnational level.

10. According to model life tables, increasing life expectancy at birth could
imply an increase in life expectancies at age 60 in the developed regions of
approximately one year between 1975 and 2025. In the developing regions, the
projected increase would be roughtly 2.5 years. Men of the age of 60 could thus
expect an average of over 17 years of further life in the developed regions by 2025

-5o-
and of over 16 years in the developing regions. Women could expect about an
additional 21 and 18 years, respectively.

11. It should be noted that, if present trends prevail, the Sex ratio (that is,
the number of men per 100 women) will continue to be unbalanced in the developed
regions with, however, a slight improvement. For instance, this rate, which in
1975 was 74 for the 60-69 age group will be 78 in 2025, with a rise from 48 to 53
for the over-80 age group. In the developing regions, this rate will be 94 in 2025
against 96 for the 60-69 age group, and 73 against 78 for the over-80 age group,
signifying a slight decline. Thus, women, in most cases, will inCreaSingly
constitute a majority of the older population. Gender-based differences in
longevity may have some impact of living arrangements, income, health care and
other support sys terns.
12. Another important consideration is the trend in urban-rural distribution, In
the developed regions, two thirds of the aged were in urban areas in 1975, and this
proportion is expected to reach three quarters by the year 2000. In the developing
regions, three quarters of the aged were to be found in rural areas. Nevertheless,
the increase in the proportion of the aging in urban areas in these countries could
be considerable and exceed 40 per cent by the year 2000. These changes can be
influenced by migration.
B. Humanitarian and developmental aspects of aqinq

13. The demographic trends outlined above will have significant effects on
society. The achievement of sustained development requires that a proper balance
be preserved between social, economic and environmental factors and changes in
population growth distribution and structure. Countries should recognize and take
into account their demographic trends and changes in the structure of their
populations in order to optimize their development.

14. For this purpose a substantial financial effort will be needed on the part of
Governments and the international institutions concerned. Actually however, the
economic situation of most of the developing countries is such that they are unable
to release the means and resources needed for carrying out their development policy
successfully.

15. In order to enable these countries to deal with the basic needs of their
population, including the elderly, it is necessary to establish a new economic
order based on new international economic relations that are mutually beneficial
and that will make possible a just and equitable utilization of the available
weal.th, resources and technology.
16. The present International Plan of Action on Aging deals both with issues
affecting the aging as individuals and those relating to the aging of the
population.

17. The humanitarian issues relate to the specific needs of the elderly. Although
the elderly share many problems and needs with the rest of the population, certain
issues reflect the specific characteristics and requirements of this group. The
sub-topics examined are health and nutrition, housing and environment, the family,
social welfare, income security and employment, and education.

18. The developmental issues relate to the socio-economic implications of the

-51-
aging of the population, defined as an increase in the proportion of the aging in
the total population. Under this heading are considered, inter alia, the effects
of the aging of the population on production, consumption, savings, investment
and - in turn - general social and economic conditions and policies, especially at
times when the dependency rate of the aging is on the increase.

19, These humanitarian and developmental issues are examined with a view to the
formulation of action programmes at the national , regional and international levels.

20. In some developing countries , the trend towards a gradual aging of the society
has not yet become prominent and may not, therefore, attract the full attention of
planners and policy makers who take account of the problems of the aged in their
over-all economic and social development planning and action to satisfy the basic
needs of the population as a whole. As outlined in the preceding section, however,
United Nations projections show that:
(a) A marked increase in the population over the age of 60 years is expected
in tie future, particularly in the segment of those aged 80 years and over;

(b) In many countries, the increase in the proportion of the over-60

population is expected to become apparent over the next few decades, and especially
during the first quarter of the twenty-first century; and

(c) Increasingly women will constitute the majority of these elderly

populations.

21. The issue of the aging of populations , with its vast implications both for
over-all development at the national level and for the welfare and safety of older
individuals, is therefore one which will concern all countries in the relatively
near future; it already affects some of the more developed regions of the world.

22. The measures for the optimum utilization of the wisdom and expertise of
elderly individuals will be considered.

23. The human race is characterized by a long childhood and by a long old age.
Throughout history this has enabled older persons to educate the younger and pass
on values to them; this role has ensured man's survival and progress. The presence
of the elderly in the family home, the neighbourhood and in all forms of social
life still teaches an irreplaceable lesson of humanity. Not only by his life, but
indeed by his death, the older person teaches us all a lesson. Through grief the
survivors come to understand that the dead do continue to participate in the human
community, by the results of their labour, the works and institutions they leave
behind them, and the memory of their words and deeds. This may encourage us to
regard our own death with greater serenity and to grow more fully aware of the
responsibilities toward future generations.
24. A longer life provides humans with an opportunity to examine their lives in
retrospect, to correct some of their mistakes, to get closer to the truth and to
achieve a different understanding of the sense and value of their actions. This
may well be the more important contribution of older people to the human
community. Especially at this time, after the unprecedented changes that have
affected human kind in their life-time, the reinterpretation of life-stories by the
aged should help us all to achieve the urgently needed reorientation of history.

-52-
 II. PRINCIPLES
25. The formulation and implementation of policies on aging are the sovereign
right and responsibility of each State, to be carried out on the basis of its
specific national needs and objectives. However, the promotion of the activities,
safety and well-being of the elderly should be an essentjal part of an integrated
and concerted development effort within the framework of the new international
economic order in both the developed and the developing parts of the world.
International and regional co-operation should, however, play an important role.
The International Plan of Action on Aging is based on the principles set out below:

(a) The aim of development is to improve the well-being of the entire

population on the basis of its full participation in the process of development and
an equitable distribution of the benefits therefrom. The development process must
enhance human dignity and ensure equity among age groups in the sharing of
society's resources, rights and responsibilities. Individuals, regardless of age,
sex or creed, should contribute according to their abilities and be served
according to their needs. In this context, economic growth, productive employment,
social justice and human solidarity are fundamental and indivisible elements of
development, and so are the preservation and recognition of cultural identity;

(b) Various problems of older people can find their real solution under
conditions of peace, security, a halt to the arms race and a rechannelling of
resources spent for military purposes to the needs of economic and social
developmentt

(C) The developmental and humanitarian problems of the aging can best find
their solution under conditions where tyranny and oppression, colonialism, racismr
discrimination based on race, sex or religion, apartheid, genocide, foreign
aggression and occupation and other forms of foreign domination do not prevail, and
where there is respect for human rightst

(d) In the context of its own traditions, structures and cultural values,
each country should respond to demographic trends and the resulting changes.
People of all ages should engage in creating a balance between traditional and
innovative elements in the pursuit of harmonious development;
(e) The spiritual, cultural and socio-economic contributions of the aging are
valuable to society and should be so recognized and promoted further. Dtpenditure
on the aging should be considered as a lasting investment)
(f) The family, in its diverse forms and structures, is a fundamental unit of
society linking the generations and should be maintained, strengthened and
protected, in accordance with the traditions and customs of each country;
(g) governments and, in particular, local authorities, non-governmental
organizations, individual volunteers and voluntary organizations, including
associations of the elderly , can make a particularly significant contribution to
the provision of support and care for elderly people in the family and community.
Governments should sustain and encourage voluntary activity of this kind;

(h) An important objective of socio-economic development is an age-integrated

-53- ,
 -

society, in which age discrimination and involuntary segregation are eliminated and
in which solidarity and mutual support among generations are encouraged;
(i) Aging is a life-long process and should be reccgnized as such.
Preparation of the entire population for the later stages of life should be an
integral part of social policies and encompass physical, psychological, cultural,
religious, spiritual, economic, health and other factors;

(j) The Plan of Action should be considered within the broader context of the
world's social, economic, cultural and spiritual trends, in order to achieve a just
and prosperous life foK the aging, materially as well as spiritually;,
(k) Aging, in addition to being a symbol of experience and wisdom, can also
bring human beings closer to personal fulfilment, according to their beliefs and
aspirations;

(1) The aging should be active participants in the formulation and

implementation of policies, including those especially affecting them!

(m) Governments, non-governmental organizations and all concerned have a

special responsibility to the most vulnerable among the elderly, particularly the
poor, of whan many are women and from rural areas;

(n) Further study on all aspects of aging is necessary,

III. RECOM!!ENDATIONSFOR ACTION

A. Goals and policy recommendations

26. The Plan of Action can only include proposals for broad guidelines and general
principles as to the ways in which the international community, Governments, other
institutions and society at large can meet the challenge of the progressive aging
of societies and the needs of the elderly all over the world. More specific
approaches and policies must, by their nature, be conceived of and phrased in terms
of the traditions, cultural values and practices of each country or ethnic
community, and programmes of action must be adapted to the priorities and material
capacities of each country or community.
27. There are, nevertheless, a number of basic considerations which reflect
general and fundamental human values, independent of culture, religion, race or
social status: values induced by the biological fact that aging is a common and
ineluctable process. The respect and care for the elderly, which has been one of
the few constants in human culture everywhere , reflects a basic interplay between
self-preserving and society-preserving impulses which has conditioned the survival
and progress of the human race. '

28, The pattern by which people are judged to have reached old age at a point set
only in terms of the number of years thay have completed, and where the loss of
employment status may entail their being placed on the sidelines of their own
society, is one of the sad paradoxes of the process of so&o-economic development
in some countries. The aim of that development was originally to improve the
general living standards, health and well-being of the population at large,
including the elderly.

-54-
 29. The close historical interaction between the socio-economic and technological
development of the industrialized countries from the last century onwards, and the
old-age security systems they adopted as a part of the same processI should be
analysed and kept in mind; however, other options corresponding more closely to the
circumstances and needs of the developing countries ought also to be considered.

30. Wing is simultaneously a sign of and a result of socio-economic development,

in the quantitative as well as the qualitative sense. One major example of the
effects of the imbalance between the sectoral approaches taken to national and
international development during the past decades is the fact that advances in
medicine and public health have by far out-paced progress over the same period in
production, income distribution, training, education, housing, institutional
modernization and social development in general terms. The developing countries
are in this sense about to "age" without all the sectors necessary to ensure
balanced and integrated development being able to follow at the same pade and
guarantee a decent living standard for the dramatically increasing numbers of
elderly people foreseen for the next few generations.

1. General policy recommendations

31. The following summarized considerations, based on the above remarks, may
provide guidelines for the consideration of policies and specific actions%

(a) The progressive aging of societies, the continuing increase of the

elderly population both in absolute and in proportional terms, is neither an
unexpected, unforeseeable event nor a random result of national and international
development efforts. It is the first and most visible outcome of a sectorally
based approach to socio-economic development all over the world and should be
accompanied by equally efficient interventions in other areas in order to ensure
balanced growth and integrated development;

(b) With a long-term view to slowing down the over-all aging of the
community, Governments may be able to take the measures necessary to adjust or
avoid imbalances between age groups , while preserving the right to life of the
elderly;

(c) Tb this end, policies and actions should be inspired by the determination
to give further qualitative content and meaning to a quantitative process in order
to make sure that the generally expanding life-span of individuals the world over
will be accompanied by efforts to fill these extra years with a sense of purpose
and accomplishment, and that people will not be relegated to a marginal and passive
role after a certain age level;

(d) As the transition into old age is a gradual and individual process,
notwithstanding the statutory retirement age limits adopted in some countries and
cultures, all policies and programmes should be based on the fact that aging is a ,
natural phase of an individual's life cycle , career and experience, and that the
same needs, capacities and potentialities usually prevail over the entire life-span8
(e) AS most people can expect to survive their own retirement age by a
substantial number of years1 the concept of "preparation for retirement" should not
continue to be conceived as a last-minute adaptation, but be proposed as a
life-long consideration from adulthood onwards - as much to the individual for his
or her future benefit, as to policylnakers, universities, schools, industrial work
centres, the media and society at large. It should serve as a reminder that

I -55-
policies on aging and for the elderly are an important society-wide concern, and
not solely a question of caring for a vulnerable minority. For this reason, this
calls for a general policy of prevention;

(f) Policies to meet the challenge of a growing, healthier and more active
elderly population - based on the view of the aging of society as an opportunity to
be utilized - automatically benefit the individual aging person, materially and
otherwise. Similarly, any effort to ameliorate the quality of life for the
elderly, and to meet their diverse social and cultural needs, enhances their
capacity to continue interacting with society. In this sense, the developmental
and the humanitarian aspects of the question of aging are closely intertwined)
(g) It is imperative that, when considering the question of aging, the
situation of the elderly should not be considered separate from the over-all
socio-economic conditions prevailing in society. The elderly should be viewed as
an integral part of the population. They should also be considered within the
framework of population groups such as women, youth, the disabled, and migrant
workers. The elderly must be considered an important and necessary element in the
development process at all levels within a given society?

(h) Aging is apparent in the working-age population long before the number of
persons over 60 increases. It is essential to adapt the labour policy as a whole
and technology and economic organizations to this situation;
(i) This consideration should be accompanied by recognition of the fact that
for the elderly in general - and particularly for those beyond a certain higher age
(the "old old") - policies have to be considered and programmes implemented in
response to their specific needs and constraints. Sectoral interventions in such
fields as health and nutrition, housing, income security, and social, cultural and
leisure activities are as necessary for the elderly as for other population groups,
and should be provided for by each country or community according to the means
available to it. It is recognized that the extent of the provision that can be
made, and its timing, will be affected by prevailing economic circumstances?
(j) Policies and action aimed at benefiting the aging must afford
opportunities for older persons to satisfy the need for personal fulfilment, which
can be defined in its broader sense as satisfaction realized through the
achievement of personal goals and aspirations , and the realization of
potentialities. It is important that policies and programmes directed at the agig
promote opportunities for self-expression in a variety of roles challenging to
themselves and contributory to family and community. The principal ways in which
older people find personal satisfaction are through; continued participation in
the family and kinship system, voluntary services to the community, continuing
growth through formal and informal learning, self-expression in arts and crafts,
participation in community organizations and organizations of older people,
religious activities, recreation and travel, part-time work, and participation in
the political process as informed citizens.

32. A priority consideration for all countries is how to ensure that their vast
humanitarian efforts in favour of the elderly do not result in the maintenance of a
growing, relatively passive and disenchanted sector of the population. Policy
makers and researchers , as well as the mass media and the general public, may need
a radical change of perspective in order to appreciate that the problem of aging
today is not just one of providing protection and care, but of the involvement and

-56-
participation of the elderly and the aging. Eventually, the transition to a
positive, active and developmentally oriented view of aging may well result frcm
action by elderly people themselves, through the sheer force of their growing
numbers and influence. The collective consciousness of being elderly, as a
socially unifying concept, can in that way become a positive factor. Since
spiritual well-being is as important as material well-being, all policies,
programmes and activities should be developed to support and strengthen the
spiritual well-being of the aging. Governments should guarantee the freedom of
religious practices and expression.

2. The impact of aqing on development

33. The trend towards the successive aging of population structures is bound to be
one of the main challenges to international and national planning efforts during
the last decades of this century and well into the twenty-first. In addition to
the general considerations outlined above on the status and predicaments of the
elderly sections of societies , and the review of the needs and potentialities of
the elderly, attention should be given to the vast and multifaceted impact which
the aging of populations will have on the structure, functioning and further
development of all societies of the world. The role of the public and private
sectors in assuming responsibiility for some of the functions now provided by the
family in developing countries will probably have to increase under such
circumstances.

34. In the first instance, it is evident that aging, both in terms of absolute
numbers and in terms of the relative proportion of the elderly in any society, will
necessarily change the structure and composition of the economically active
population. The most basic manifestation of this phenomenon will be the gradually
deteriorating ratios between the economically active and employed sectors of
society and those dependent for their sustenance on the material resources provided
by these sectors. Countries with established social security systems will depend
on the strength of the economy to sustain the accumulated charges of income-basis
and deferred retirement benefits for a growing elderly population and the costs of
maintaining dependent children and of ensuring training and education for young
people.

35. Changing dependency ratios - in terms of the number of old people depending
for their material safety on younger, economically active and wage-earning people -
are bound to influence the development of any country in the world, irrespective of
its social structure, traditions or formal social security arrangements. Problems
of a social nature.are likely to emerge in countries and regions where the aging
have traditionally benefited from the care and protection of their next of kin or
the local community. Those relationships may become increasingly difficult to
maintain when the number of dependent elderly increases while at the same time
traditional care-providing structures , such as the extended family, are undergoing
radical change in many regions of the world.
36. As mentioned above, the total dependency ratio in many countries may
eventually be maintained at close to present levels, owing to the progressively
decreasing number of non-employed and dependent children and youths resulting from
shrinking birth rates. There remains, however, a political and psychological
problem related to the perceptions of the relative urgency of covering the material
and other needs of population groups not directly participating in production and
public life. The costs of programmes in favour of the younger generations may be

-57-
more easily acceptable in view of their value as a form of investment in the
future; conversely, such costs in favour of the elderly --especially when not
directly related to individual savings or wage-related benefits - are less easily
accepted, particularly when they weigh heavily on already overstrained national
budgets.

37. The problem of deteriorating dependency ratios, and hence of gauranteeing even
minimal material security for older people with reduced capacities for earning,
will be most acute in the rural areas, particularly in the less productive,
subsistence farming areas of the developing countries, which already suffer from an
escalating flight of the younger and more active sectors of the population towards
the urban areas in search of wage-earning employment. !Lhis trend naturally leads
to an even more insecure future for the older persons left behind and - in a
vicious circle of further deprivation - reduces the chances of further stimulating
public investment in agriculture and services which would benefit the remaining
farmer s.
38. Tb some extent this phenomenon could be considered as partially offset or at
least mitigated by the transfer of sustenance funds back from the younger people
who have found salaried employment in the urban and industrialized areas. In many
cases, the bize of the remittances indicates an effort not only to help sustain the
family, but to save for future investments, productive or not. EW the immediate
future, this phenomenon may help to soften the effects of the rural exodus and
provide a certain level of material safety for the older and inactive left behind,
Nevertheless, it can hardly be seen as a long-term reliable compensation for the
migration of the young, active people from the rural areas or from their own
countries. Concentrated efforts aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions
prevailing in rural areas are indispensable, particularly considering the migrants'
return to their country of origin.

39. Wral development should be seen as a key to the over-all problem of the aging
in large parts of the world, as much as it is a key to balanced and integrated
national progress in countries with an essentially agricultural economy. To some
extent, policies to improve production and productivity in rural areas, to
stimulate investment, create the necessary infrastructures, introduce appropriate
technologies and provide basic services, could strengthen the generalized social
security systems in force in other and more industrialized countries.

40. The slowly expanding life-span of the population even in developing areas
constitutes a hidden resource for national economies which, if properly stimulated
and utilized, might help to compensate for the exodus of younger people, decrease
the real dependency ratios , and ensure the status of the rural elderly as active
participants in national life and production, rather that as passive and vulnerable
victims of development.

41. A desirable compensation for the emigration of young people to other countries
would be an improvement in the continuity of social benefits in terms of
contributive rights to a pension, including favourable provisions for financial
transfers in whatever form the benefits are granted to migrant workers. This would
be not only equitable, but also consistent with the stimulation of the development
of the economy of the home country. Bilateral and multilateral social security
agreements must be developed to this effect. Other measures should accompany these
efforts, notably in terms of providing housing for repatriates. While aging
migrants have the same needs as other elderly people, their migrant status gives
rise to additional economic, social, cultural and spiritual needs. In addition, it

-58-
is important to recognize the role the older migrants could play in the support of
their younger counterparts.

42. In countries with fully developed social security sytems linked to compulsory
retirement age levels, over-all aging is, and will continue to be, one of the most
imPortant structural factors affecting the composition of the labour force. This
phenomenon should not be considered solely in terms of its repercussions on the
elderly. Because of their sheer dimension and close interaction with other sectors
and processes affecting the active labour force, retirement policies cannot be
treated in an isolated manner as a separate phenomenon. Fbr various countries the
most visible relationship is that between arrangements for retirement and problems
of unemployment, especially among young people about to enter the labour force.

43. Much has already been said about that relationship , and various governmental
actions have been considered or taken to respond to it. Whatever the apparent
wisdom of lowering retirement age levels in order to open up employment
opportunities for the young, such action can hardly be seen as anything but a
short-term and partial solution of one social problem through the creation of
another, probably longer-lasting one. &&re innovative actions should.be considered
at both extremes of the labour force structure.

44. On the other hand, the wide varieties in personal interests and preferences
among people approaching retirement age could , without too many administrative or
organizational changes, be taken into account in a system of elastic retirement
plans catering to the individual. Where retirement is preferred, different age
levels for voluntary early retirement can be established with reduced benefits and
counterbalanced by extended employment periods for those older persons whose job
constitutes their main commitment, and occasionally their main reason for living.
Other arrangements, such as part-time or occasional work or consultancies are
already in use, especially at the higher technological and administrative levels,
and could be extended to a greater part of the labour force. In order to implement
this measure, provision should be made for training and retraining and the
development of new skills.
45, The interrelationship between the employment and income needs of the young and
the elderly raises particularly acute problems for women, whose longer life
expectancy may mean an old age aggravated by economic need, isolation, and with
little or no prospects for paid employment.

46. Where social security systems based on accrued retirement benefits exist, the
growth in the number and longevity of retired persons is now emerging as a major
aspect of the husbandry of national economic resources, and is sometimes presented
in terms of a gradual freezing of a large share of national wealth for so-called
non-productive purposes. On the other hand, it will probably be recognised that
the accumulation of retirement funds could constitute a stabilizing factor in the
national economy, in the sense of providing for long-term and conservatively
utilized sources of funding on a substantial scale , whose impact,on otherwise
fluctuating economic systems can be beneficial. In such systems,' the purchasing
power of the pensions paid should as far as possible be maintained.
47. Similarly, most pension payments from retirement funds represent deferred
earnings by the individual retiree. The natural use of pension payments for
immediate material needs rather than for long-term and insecure investments may I /’
also be a stimulating factor in societies heavily dependent on individual spending
and consumption for their economic health.
,

-59-
40. Where formal retirement benefit systems d0 not yet exist,
implications of the aging of societies are for the time being 1
will probably continue to be so, unless serious and far-reachin
t0 turn this liability into a potential benefit f
Governmental initiatives to promote material development
international action to sustain such initiatives, could
effort to prepare for the future of those approaching 01
traditional structures of protection are about to dissoZ

3. Areas of concern to aging individuals

49. The recognition that all aspects of aging are interrelated implies the need
for a co-ordinated approach to policies and research on the subject. Considering
the aging process in its totality, as well as its interaction With the social and
economic situation, requires an integrated approach within the framework of over-
all economic and social planning, Undue emphasis on specific sectoral problems
would constitute a serious obstacle to the integration of aging Policies and
programmes into the broader development framework. Although the recommendations in
the following narrative have been divided under broad headings, it should be
recognized that there is a high degree of interdependence among them.

50. Within the framework of recognizing this interdependence, particular attention

could be given to co-ordinating preventive efforts in order to combat the
detrimental effects of premature aging. From birth onwards, the detrimental
effects of premature aging on the individual could be avoided by:

- An educational effort designed specifically to make young people aware of

the changes which will occur as they grow older;

- A healthy general life-style;

- Appropriate adjustments to working hours and conditions;

- Splitting up each individual’s time and responsibilities among various

types of activities so that he can have several different jobs as he grows
older, and achieve the best possible balance between time spent in leisure,
training and work;

- Constant adaptation of the man to his work and, more important, the work to
the man, and changing the type of work in accordance with the changes in
each per son, in family circumstances, and in technological and economic
development. In this sphere, occupational medicine and permanent education
should play an essential role.

51. In resolution 198V62, the Rzonomic and Social Council called upon the
Secretary-General to elaborate a set of general guidelines for consumer
protection. mrthermore, the mod and Agriculture Organisation of the Cnited
Nations has adopted a Code of Ethics on International Trade in Food and the World
Health Organisation an International Cbde of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes
to protect children’s health. Elderly consumers should be protected, since the
good health, safety and well-being of the elderly are the objective of the world
Assembly on Aging.

-60..
 (a) Health and nutrition
52. Whil@ the rapidly increasing number of old people throughout the world
represents a biological success for humanity, the living conditions of the elderly
in mOSt countries have by and large lagged behind those enjoyed by the economically
active population. But health, that state of total physical, mental and social
well-being, is the result of interaction between all the sectors which contribute
to development.
53. %idemiological studies suggest that successive cohorts of the elderly
arriving at the same age have better levels of health, and it is expected that, as
men and women live to increasingly greater ages , major disabilities will largely be
compressed into a narrow age range just prior to death.

Recommendation 1

Care designed to alleviate the handicaps, re-educate remaining functions,

relieve pain, maintain the lucidity, confort and dignity of the affected and help
them to re-orient their hops and plans, particularly in the case of the elderly,
are just as important as curative treatment.

Recommendation 2

The care of elderly persons should go beyond disease orientation and should
involve their total well-being, taking into account the inter-dependence of the
physical, mental, social, spiritual and environmental factors. Health care should
therefore involve the health and social Sectors and the family in improving the
quality of life of older persons. Health efforts, in particular primary health
care as a strategy, should be directed at enabling the elderly to lead independent
lives in their own family and community for as long as possible instead of being
excluded and cut off from all activities of society.

54. There is no doubt that, with advancing age, pathological conditions increase
in frequency. Furthermore, the living conditions of the elderly make them more
prone to risk factors that might have adverse effsts on their health (e.g., social
isolation and accidents) - factors that can be modified to a great extent.
Research and practical experience have demonstrated that health maintenance in the
elderly is possible and that diseases do not need to be essential components of
aging.
Recommendation 3

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is required, as well as preventive

meaSures, to reduce disabilities and diseases of the aging.

Recommendation 4

Particular attention should be given to providing health care to the very old,
and to those who are incapacitated in their daily lives. This is particularly true
when they are suffering from mental disorders or from failure to adapt to the
environment; mental disorders could often be prevented or modified by means that do
not require placement of the affected in institutions, such as training and
Supporting the family and volunteers by professional workers, promoting ambulant

-61-
 fi !
i mental health care, welfare work, day-care and measures aimed at the prevention of
! social isolation.
;,!
55. Some sectors of the aging, and especially the very old, will nevertheless
continue to be vulnerable.- &cause they may be among the least mobile, this group
is particularly in need of primary care from facilities located close to their
residences and/or communities. The concept of primary health care incorporates the
use of existing health and social services personnel, with the assistance of
community health officers trained in simple techniques of caring for the elderly.

56. Early diagnosis and treatment are of prime importance in the prevention of
mental illness in older people. Special efforts need to be taken to assist older
persons who have mental health problems or who are at high risk in this respect.

57. Where hospital care is needed, application of the skills of geriatric medicine
enables a patient's total condition to be assessed and, through the work of a
multidisciplinary team, a programme of treatment and rehabilitation to be devised,
which is geared to an early return to the community and the provision there of any
necessary continuing care. All patients should receive in proper time any form of
intensive treatment which they require , with a view to preventing complications and
functional failure leading to permanent invalidity and premature death.
Recommendation 5

Attentive care for the terminally ill, dialogue with them and support for
their close relatives at the time of loss and later require special efforts which
go beyond normal medical practice. Health practitioners should aspire to provide
such care. The need for these special efforts must be known and understood by
those providing medical care and by the families of the terminally ill and by the
terminally ill themselves. Bearing these needs in mind , exchange of information
about relevant experiences and practices found in a number of cultures should be
encouraged.

58. A proper balance between the role of institutions and that of the family in
providing health care for the elderly - based on recognition of the family and the
immediate community as elements in a well-balanced system of care - is important.
59. Existing social services and health-care systems for the aging are becoming
increasingly expensive. Means of halting or reversing this trend and of developing
social systems together with primary health care services need to be considered, in
the spirit of the Declaration of Alma Ata.

Recommendation 6
The trend towards increased costs of social services and health-care systems
should be offset through closer co-ordination between social welfare and health
care services both at the national and community levels. l33r example, measures
need to be taken to increase collaboration between personnel working in the two
sectors and to provide them with interdisciplinary training. These systems should,
however, be developed, taking into account the role of the family and community -
which should remain the interrelated key elements in a well-balanced system of
care. All this must be done without detriment to the standard of medical and
social care of the elderly.

-62-
60. Those who give most direct care to the elderly are often the least trained, or
have insufficient training for their purpose. ‘I@ maintain the well-being and
independence of the elderly through self-care , health promotion, prevention of
disease and disability requires new orientation and skills, among the elderly
themselves, as well as their families, and health and social welfare workers in the
local communities.

&commendation 7

(a) The population at large should be informed in regard to dealing with the
elderly who require care. The elderly themselves should be educated in self-care;

(b) Those who work with the elderly at home, or in institutions, should
receive basic training for their tasks, with particular emphasis on participation
of the elderly and their families I and collaboration between workers in health and
welfare fields at various levels;

(c) Practitioners and students in the human care professions (e.g. medicine,
nursing, social welfare etc.) should be trained in principles and skills in the
relevant areas of gerontology, geriatrics, psycho-geriatrics and geriatric nursing.

61. Al.1 too often, old age is an age of no consent. Decisions affecting aging
citizens are frequently made without the participation of the citizens themselves.
This applies particularly to those who are very old, frail or disabled. Such
people should be served by flexible systems of care that give them a choice as to
the type of amenities and the kind of care they receive.

Recommendation 8

The control of the lives of the aging should not be left solely to health,
social service and other caring personnel, since aging people themselves usually
know best what is needed and how it should be carried out.

Recommendation 9

Participation of the aged in the development of health care and the

functioning of health services should be encouraged.

62. A fundamental principle in the care of the elderly should be to enable them to
lead independent lives in the community for as long as possible.

Recommendation 10

Health and health-allied services should be developed to the fullest extent

possible in the community. These services should include a broad range of
ambulatory services such as: day-care centres, out-patient clinics, day hospitals,
medical and nursing care and domestic services. Emergency services should be
always available. Institutional care should always be appropriate to the needs of
the elderly. Inappropriate use of beds in ‘health care facilities should be
avoided. In particular, those not mentally ill should not be placed in mental
hospitals. Health screening and counselling should be offered through geriatric
clinics, neighbourhood health centres or community sites where older persons
congregate. The necessary health infrastructure and specialized staff to provide
thorough and complete geriatric care should be made available. In the case of

-63-
institutional care, alienation through isolation of the aged frm society should be
avoided inter alia by further encouraging the inVOlV@ment of family members and
volunteer 6.

63. Nutritional problems, such as deficient quantity and inappropriate

constituents, are encountered among the poor and underprivileged elderly in both
the developed and the developing countries, Accidents are also a major risk area
for the elderly. The alleviation of these problems may require a IWltiSeCtOral
approach.

Recommendation 11

The promotion of health , the prevention of disease and the maintaining of

functional capacities among elderly persons should be actively pursued. For this
purpose, an assessment of the physical, psychological and social needs of the group
concerned is a prerequisite, Such an assessment would enhance the prevention of
disability, early diagnosis and rehabilitation.

Recommendation 12

Adequate, appropriate and sufficient nutrition, particularly the adequate

intake of protein, minerals and vitamins, is essential to the well-being of the
elder ly . Poor nutrition is exacerbated by poverty, isolation, maldistribution of
food, and poor eating habits, including those due to dental problems. Therefore
special attention should be paid to:

.(a) Improvement of the availability.of sufficient foodstuffs to the elderly

through appropriate schemes and encouraging the aged in rural areas to play an
active role in food production;

(b) A fair and equitable distribution of food, wealth, resources and

technology;

(c) Mucation of the public, including the elderly, in correct nutrition and
eating habits, both in urban and rural areas1

(d) EYovision of health and dental services for early detection of

malnutrition and improvement of mastication;

(e) Studies of the nutritional status of the elderly at the community level,
including steps to correct any unsatisfactory local conditionst

(f) J&tension of research into the role of nutritional factors in the aging
process to communities in developing countries.

Recommendation 13

Efforts should be intensified to develop home care to provide high quality

health and social service8 in the quantity necessary so that older persons are
enabled to remain in their own communities and to live as independently as possible
for as long as possible. Home care should not be viewed as an alternative to
institutional care; rather I the two are complementary to each other and should so

-64-
link into the delivery system that older persons can receive the best care
appropriate to their needs at the Least cost.

Special support must be given to home care services, by providing them with
sufficient medical, paramedical, nursing and technical facilities of the required
standard to limit the need for hospitalization.
Recommendation 14

A very important question concerns the possibilities of preventing or at least

postponing the negative functional consequences of aging. Many life-style factors
may have their most pronounced effects during old age when the reserve capacity
usually is lower.

The health of the aging is fundamentally conditioned by their previous health

and, therefore, life-long health care starting with young age is of paramount
importance; this includes preventive health, nutrition, exercise, the avoidance of
health-harming habits and attention to environmental factors, and this care should
be continued.

Recommendation 15

The health hazards of cumulative noxious substances - including radioactive

and trace elements and other pollutions - assume a greater importance as life-spans
increase and should, therefore, be the subject of special attention and
investigation throughout the entire life-span.

Governments should promote the safe handling of such materials in use, and
move rapidly to ensure that waste materials from such use are permanently and
safely removed from man's biosphere.

Recommendation 16

As avoidable accidents represent a substantial cost both in human suffering

and in resources, priority should be given to measures to prevent accidents in the
home, on the road, and those precipitated by treatable medical conditions or by
inappropriate use of medication.

Recommendation 17
International. exchange and research co-operation should be promoted in
carrying out epidemiological studies of local patterns of health and diseases and
their consequences together with investigating the validity of different care
delivery systems, including self-care, and home care by nurses, and in particular
of ways of achieving optimum programme effectiveness; also investigating the
demands for various types of care and developing means of coping with them paying
particular attention to comparative studies regarding the achievement of objectives
and relative cost-effectiveness; and gathering data on the physical, mental and
social profiles of aging individuals in various social and cultural contexts,
including attention to the special problems of access to services in rural and
remote areas, in order to provide a sound basis for future actions.

(g) Protection of elderly consumers.

-65-

.~. _-. --, .- ,. ---- -- - -~- --

Recommendation 18
Governments should:

(a) Ensure that food and household products, installations and equipment
conform to standards of safety that take into account the vulnerability of the aged3
(b) Encourage the safe use of medications, household chemicals and other
products by requiring manufacturers to indicate necessary warnings and instructions
for use;

(c) Facilitate the availability of medications, hearing aids, dentures,

glasses and other prosthetics to the elderly so that they can prolong their
activities and independencet

(dl Restrain the intensive promotion and other marketing techniques primarily
aimed at exploiting the meagre resources of the elderly.

Government bodies should co-operate with non-governmental organizations on

consumer education programmes.

The international organizations concerned are urged to pranote collective

efforts by their Member States to protect elderly consumers.

-66-
 (c) Housing and environment
64. Adequate living accommodation and agreeable physical surroundings are
necessary for the well-being of all people, and it is generally accepted that
housing has a great influence on the quality of life of any age group in any
country. Suitable housing is even more important to the elderly, whose abodes are
the centre of virtually all of their activities. Adaptations to the home, the
provision of practical domestic aids to daily living and appropriately designed
household equipment can make it easier for those elderly people whose mobility is
restricted or who are otherwise disabled to continue to live in their own homes.

65. The elderly meet manifold problems'in traffic and transport. Especially
elderly pedestrians have to cope with objective or subjectively felt dangers that
restrict and limit their mobility and pa.rticipatory aspirations. The traffic
circumstances should be adapted to older people instead of the other way around.
MeaSUreS and facilities should include traffic education, speed limits especially
in human settlements, traffic-safe environments, accommodations and means of
transport, etc. '
Pecommendation 19

Housing for the elderly must be viewed as more than mere shelter. In addition
to the physical, it has psychological and social significance, which should be
taken into account. '1r0 release the aged from dependence on others, national
housing policies should pursue the following goals:
(a) Helping the aged to continue to live in their own homes as long as
possible, provision being made for restoration and development and, where feasible
and appropriate, the remodelling and imIxovement of homes and,their adaptation to
match the ability of the aged to get to and from them and use the facilities;
,
(b) Planning and introducing - under a housing policy that also provides for
public financing and agreements with the private sector - housing for the aged of
various types to suit the status and degree of self-sufficiency of the aged
themselves, in accordance with local tradition and customs;

(C) Co-ordinating policies on housing with those concerned with community

services (social, health, cultural, leisure, communications) so as to secure,
whenever possible, an especially favourable position for housing the aged vis-&vis
dwellings for the population at large;

(d) Evolve and apply special policies and measures, and make arrangements so
as to allow the aged to move about and to protect them from traffic hazards;
(e) Such a policy should, in turn, form part of the broader policy of support
for the least well-off sectors of the population.
Recommendation 20
Urban rebuilding and development planning and law should pay special attention
to the problems of the aging, assisting' in securing their social integration.

-67-
Recommendation 21

National Governments shoul.d be encouraged to adopt housing policies that take

into account the needs of the elderly and the socially disadvantaged. A living
environment designed to support the funcationalcapacities of this group and the
socially disadvantaged should be an integral part of national guidelines for human
settlements policies and action.
Recommendation 22
Special attention should be paid to environmental problems and to designing a
living environment that would take into account the functional capacity of the
elderly and facilitate mobility and communication through the provision of adequate
means of transport.

The living environment should be designed , with support from Governments,

local authorities and non-governmental organizations, so as to enable elderly
people to continue to live., if they so wish, in locations that are familiar to
them, where their involvement in the community may be of long standing and where
they will have the opportunity to lead a rich, normal and secure life.

Recommendation 23
The growing incidence of crime in some countries against the elderly
victimizes not only those directly involved, but the many older persons who become
afraid to leave their homes. Efforts should be directed,to law enforcement
agencies and the elderly to increase their awareness of the extent and impact of
crime against older persons.

Recommendation 24

Whenever possible, the aging should be involved in housing policies and

programmes for the elderly population.
(d) Family

66. The family, regardless of its form or organization, is recognized as a

fundamental unit of society. with increasing longevity, four- and five-generation
families are becoming common throughout the world. The changes in the status of
women, however, have reduced t&ix traditional role as caretakers of older family
members; it is necessary to enable the family as a whole, including its male
members, to take over and share the burden of help in and by the family. Women are
entering and remaining in the labour force for longer periods of time. Many who
have completed their child-rearing roles become caught between the desire and need
to work and earn income and the responsibility of caring for elderly parents or
grandparents.

Recommendation 25

As the family is recognized as a fundamental unit of society, efforts should

be made to support, protect and strengthen it in agreement with each society's
system of cultural values and in responding to the needs of its aging members.
Governments should promote social policies encouraging the maintenance of family
solidarity among generations, with all members of the family participating. The

-68-
 role and contribution of the non-governmental organizations in strengthening the
family as a unit should also be stressed at all levels.

Recommendation 26

Appropriate support from the wider community, irvailable when and where it is
needed, can make a crucial difference to the willingness and ability of families t0
continue to care for elderly relatives. Planning and provision of services should
take full account of the needs of those carers. * _

67. mere is ample evidence of the high esteem in which older people are held in
developing countries. Trends towards increasing industrialization and urbanization
and greater mobility of the labour force indicate, however, that the traditional
concept of the’role of the elderly in the family is undergoing major change.
world-wide, the over-all responsibility of the family to provide the traditional
care and support needs of the aging is diminishing.

Recommendation 27

Ways to ensure continuity of the vital role of the family and the dignity,
status and security of the aging, taking into account all the internal and
international events which might influence this status of security, are issues that
deserve careful consideration and action by Governments and non-governmental
organizations. Recognizing the predominance of older women, and the relatively
greater numbers of widows than widowers throughout the world, particular
consideration should be given to the special needs and roles of this group.

Recommendation 28
t
Governments are urged to adopt an age/family-integrated apprqach to planning
and development which would recognize the special needs and characteristics of
older persons and their families. Older persons should be included in the
governmental and other decision-making processes in the political, social, cultural
and educational areas among others, and children should be encouraged to support
their parents.

Recommendation 29

Governments and non-governmental bodies should be encouraged to establish

social services to support the whole family when there are elderly people at home
and to implement measures especially for low-income families who wish to keep
elderly people at home. ’

(e) Social welfare ,

68. Social welfare services can be instruments of national policy and should have
as their goal the maximizing of the social functioning of the aging. lhey should
be community-based and provide a broad range of preventive, remedial and
developmental services for the aging, to enable them to lead as independent a life
as possible in their own home and in their community, remaining active and useful
citizens.

69. In relation to elderly migrants appropriate measures should be taken to

provide social welfare services in accordance with their ethnic, cultural,
linguistic and other characteristics.

-6 9-
Recommendation 30

Social welfare services should have as their goal the creation, promotion and
maintenance of active and useful roles for the elderly for as long as possible in
and for the community.

70. In many countries where resources are scarce, there is a general lack of
organized social welfare services, particularly in the rural areas. Although the
role of governments in providing such services is paramount, the contribution of
non-governmental organizations is also of great importance.

71. In traditional societies, old people have always enjoyed a privileged position
based on respect, consideration, status and authority. mt this is starting to be
upset under the influence of modern trends and that privileged position is now
being questioned. It is therefore time to become aware of these changes and on
that basis to define national aging policies that would avoid some of the problems
concerning the elderly faced by some developed countries.

Recommendation 31

Existing formal and informal organizations should consider the particular

needs of the aging and allow for them in their programmes and future planning. The
important role that co-operatives can play in providing services in this area
should be recognized and encouraged. Such co-operatives could also benefit from
the participation of elderly people as full members or consultants. A partnership
should be formed between governments and non-governmental organizations designed t0
ensure a comprehensive, integrated, co-crdinated and multipurpose approach to
meeting the social welfare needs of the elderly.

Recommendation 32

The involvement cf young people - in providing services and care and in

participating in activities fdr and with the elderly - should be encouraged, with a
view to promoting intergenerational ties, Mutual self-help among the able and
active elderly should be stimulated to the extent possible, as should the
assistance this group can provide to its less fortunate peers, and the involvement
of the elderly in informal part-time occupations.

Recommendation 33

Governments should endeavour to reduce or eliminate fiscal or other

constraints on informal and voluntary activities, and eliminate or relax
regulations which hinder or discourage part-time work, mutual self-help and the use
of volunteers alongside professional staff in providing social services or in
institutions for the elderly.

mcommenda tion 34

Whenever institutionalisation is necessary or inevitable for elderly persons,

the utmost effort must be made to ensure a quality of institutional life
corresponding to normal conditions in their communities, with full respect for
their dignity, beliefs, needs, interests and privacy; States should be encouraged
to define minimum standards to ensure higher quality of institutional care.

-7 o-
 Rcommendation 35

In order to facilitate mutual help among the elderly and let their voices be
heard, governments and non¶ov@rnmental bodies should encourage the establishment
and free initiative of groups and movements of elderly persons and also give other
age groups 0pportunitieS for training in, and information on, the support of the
elderly.

(f) Income security and employment

12. Major differences exist between the developed and the developing countries -
and particularly between urban, industrialized and rural, agararian economies -
with regard to the achievement of policy goals related to income security and
employment . Many developed countries have achieved universal coverage through
generalized social Security schemes. J?x the developing countries, where many if
not the majority of persons, live at subsistence levels, income security is an
issue of concern for all age groups. In several of these countries, the social
security programmes launched tend to offer limited coverage; in the rural areas,
where in many cases most of the population 1 ives, there is little or no coverage.
mrthermore, particulax attention should be paid , in social security and social
programmes, to the circumstances of the elderly women whose, income is generally
lower than men’s and whose employment has often been broken up by maternity and
family responsibilities. In the long term, policies should be directed towards
providing social insurance for women in their own right,

Recommendation 36

Governments should take appropriate action to ensure to all older persons an

appropriate minimum income, and should develop their economieg to benefit all the
population. R, this end, they should:

(a) Create or develop social security schemes based on the principle of

universal coverage for older people, mere this is not feasible, other approaches
should be tried, such as payment of benefits inl kind, or direct assistance to
families and local co-operative institutions;

(b) Ensure that the minimum benefits will be enough to meet the essential
needs af the elderly and guarantee their independence. Nether or not social
Security payments are calculated taking into account previous income, efforts
should be made to maintain their purchasing power. Ways should be explored to
Protect the savings of the elderly against the effects of inflation. In
determining the age at which pensions are payable, due account should be taken of
the age of retirement, changes in the national demogra&ic structure and of the
national economic capacity. At the Same time, efforts should be made to achieve
continuous economic growth;

(c) In social Security systems, make it possible for women as well as men to
aoquire their own rights;

(d) Within the social security system and if necessary by other means,
respond to the Special needs of income Security for older workers who are
unemployed or those who are incapable of workingi

(e) other poSSibilj.tieS of making available supplementary retirement income

and incentives to develop new means of personal savings for the elderly should be
explored.

-710
73. Broadly related to the issues of income security are the dual issues of the
right to work and the right to retire. In most areas of the worldr efforts by
older persons to participate in work and economic activities which will satisfy
their need to contribute to the life of the community and benefit society as a
whole meet with difficulties. Age discrimination is prevalent: many older workers
are unable to remain in the labour force or to re-enter it because of age
prejudice. In some countries this situation tends to impact women more severely.
The integration of the aged into the machinery of development affects both the
urban and rural population groups.
F&commendation 37

Governments should facilitate the participation of older persons in the

economic life of the society. 3or that purpose;
(a) .Appropriate measures should be taken, in collaboration with employers'
and workers' organizations, to ensure to the maximum extent possible that older
workers can continue to work under satisfactory conditions and enjoy security of
employment;
(b) Governments should eliminate discrimination in the labour market and
ensure equality of treatment in professional life. Negative stereotypes about
older workers exist among some employers. Governments should take steps to educate
employers and employment counsellors about the capabilities of older workers, which
remain quite high in most occupations. Older workers should also enjoy equal
access to orientation, training and placement facilities and services;

(C) Measures should be taken to assist older persons to find or return to

independent employment by creating new employment possibilities and facilitating
training or retraining. The right of older workers to employment should be based
on ability to perform the work rather than chronological age.

(d) Despite the signifidant unemployment problems facing many nations, in

particular with regard to young people, the retirement age for employees should not
be lowered except on a voluntary basis.

Recommendation 38

Older workers, like all other workers, should enjoy satisfactory working
conditions and environment. Where necessary, measures should be taken to prevent
industrial and agricultural accidents and occupational diseases. Working
conditions and the working environment, as well as the scheduling and organization
of work, should take into account the characteristics of older workers.
Recommendation 39
Proper protection for workers, which permits better follow-up for people of
advanced age, comes about through a better knowledge of occupational diseases.
This necessarily entails training medical staff in occupational medicine.

Similarly, pre-retirement medical checks would allow the effects of

occupational disease upon .the individual to the detected and appropriate steps to
be planned.

-72-
 Recommendation 40

Governments should take'or encourage measures that will.ensure a smooth and

gradual transition from active working life to retirement , and in addition make the
age of entitlement to a pension more flexible. Such measures would include
pre-retirement courses and lightening the work-load during the last years of the
working life, for example by modifying the conditions of work and the working
environment of the work organization and by promoting a gradual reduction of
work-time.
Recommendation 41

Governments should apply internationally adopted standards concerning older

workers, particularly those embodied in I&commendation i62 of the International
Labour Organisation. In addition, at the international level, approaches and
guidelines concerning the special needs of these workers should continue to be
developed.

Recommendation 42

In the light of IM Convention NO. 157 concerning maintenance of social

security rights, measures should be taken, particularly through bilateral or
multilateral conventions, to guarantee to legitimate migrant workers full social
coverage in the receiving country as well as maintenance of social security rights
acquired, especially regarding pensions, if they return to their country of
origin. Similarly, migrant workers returning to their countries should be afforded
special conditions facilitating their reintegration, particularly with regard to
housing .
‘L
Recommendation 43
I
As far as possible, groups of refugees accepted by a country should include
elderly persons as well as adults and children, ahd efforts should be made .to kee,p
family groups intact and to ensure that approF,iate housing and services are
provided.

(g) JMucation
74. The scientific and technological revolutions of the twentieth century have led
to a knowledge and information "explosion". The continuing and expanding nature of
these revolutions has given rise also to accelerated social change. In many of the
world’s societies, the elderly still serve as the transmitters of infOrnWiOn,
knowledge, tradition and spiritual values: this important tradition should not be
lost. IL

Recommendation 44

Educational programmes featuring the elderly as the teachers and transmitters

of knowledge , culture and spiritual values should be developed.

75. In many instances, tihe knowledge explosion is resulting in information

obsolescence, with, in turn, implications of social obsolescence. ‘These changes
suggest that the educational structures of society must be expanded to respond to
the educational needs of an entire life-span. Such an approach to education would
suggest the need for continuous adult education, including preparation for aging

-73-
 *.

and the creative use of time. In addition, it is important that the aging, along
with the other age groups, have access to bal;ic literacy education, as Well as to
all education facilities available in the community.

IEecommendation 45

As a basic human right, education must be made available without

discrimination against the elderly. Mutational policies should reflect the
principle of the right to education of the aging, through the appropriate
allocation of resources and in suitable education programmes. Care should be taken
to adapt educational methods to the capacities of the eiderly, so that they may
participate equitably in and profit from any education provided. ‘Ihe need for
continuing adult education at all levels should be recognized and encouraged.
consideration should be given to the idea of university education for the elderly.

76. There is also a need to educate the general public with regard to the aging
process . Such education must start at an early age in order that aging should be
fully understood as a natural process. The importance of the role of the mass
media in this respect cannot be overstated.

Recommendation 46

A co-ordinated effort by the mass media should be undertaken to highlight the

positive aspects of the aging process and of the aging themselves. This effort
should cover, among other things:

(a) The present situation of the aged, in particular in rural areas of

developed and developing countries, with a view to identifying and responding to
their real needs;

(b) The effects of migration (both internal and international) on the

relative aging of populations of rural areas, and its effects on agricultural
production and living conditions in these areas!

(c) Methods to develop job opportunities for and adapt conditions of work to
older worker s. This would include developing or furnishing simple equipment and
tools which would help those with limited physical strength to accomplish their
assigned tasks;

(d) Surveys of the role of education and aging in various cultures and
societies.

Recommendation 47

In accordance with the concept of life-long education promulgated by the

Ulited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ,
informal, community-based and recreation-oriented programmes for the aging should
be paromoted in order to help them develop a sense of self-reliance and community
responsibility. Such programmes should enjoy the support of national Governments
and international organisations.

Recommendation 48

Governments and international organizations should support programmes aimed at

providing the elderly with easier physical access to cultural institutions

-74-
j *’
(museums', theatres, opera houses, concert halls, cinemas etc.) in order to
encourage their greater participation in leisure activities and the creative use of
the ir time. mrthermore, cultural centres should be asked to organize for and with
the elderly workshops in such fields as handicrafts, fine arts and music, where the
elderly can play an active role both as audience and participants.

Recommendation 49

Governments and internationalorganizations concerned with the problems of

aging should initiate programmes aimed at educating the general public with regard
to the aging process and the aging. Such activities should start from early
childhood and continue through all levels of the formal school system. 'Ihe role
and involvement of ministries of education in this respect should be strengthened
in encouraging andbfacilitating the inclusion of aging in curricula, as an aspect
of normal development and education for the life of individuals beginning with the
youngest age; so leading to greater knowledge of the subject and to possible
positive change in the stereotypical attitudes to aging of present generations,
N6n-formal channels and the mass media should also be used to develop such
programmes. The mass media should also be used as a means of promoting the
participation of the aged in social, cultural and educational activities within the
community1 conversely, the aged or their representatives should be involved in
formulating and designing thes,e activities,
Recommendation 50

Where stereotypes of the aging person exist, efforts by the media, educationai
institutions, Governments, non-governmental organizations and the aging themselves
should be devoted to overcoming the stereotyping of older persons as always
manifesting physical and psychological disabilities, incapable of functioning
independently and having neither role nor status in society. These efforts are
necessary for achieving an age-integrated society.

Recommendation 51
Comprehensive information on all aspects of their lives should be made
available to the aging in a clear and understandable form.

B. Promotion policies and programmes

77. The full realization of the Plan of Action depends on the implementation of
all international documents, strategies and plans, mentioned in paragraphs 4
and 5. In promoting policies and programmes within the framework of the Plan of
i?ction, the Centre for social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, the Uhited
Nations Fund for Population PLtivities, the United Nations Development Programme,
the Department of Technical co-operation for Development and the regional
Commissions as well as the specialized agencies, institutions and other
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are urged to give maximum
assistance to all countries at their request. Full use should also be made of
Opportunities existing for technical co-operation between developed and developing
countries in the field of aging,

1. Data collection and analysis

78. Data concerning the older sector of the population - collected through

-7 s-
censuses, surveys or vital statistics systems - are 'essential for the formulation,
application and evaluation of policies and programmes for the elderly and for
ensuring their integration in the development process.
79. Governments and organizations that are in a position to do so should develop
an information base which would be more specific than the "sixty-and-over" one now
in use and which would be of help in planning the development of and solving
problems concerning the elderly. The base could cover social, age, functional and
economic classifications, among others.

80. Household sample and other surveys and other sources of demographic and
related socio-economic statistics provide important'data for use in formulating and
implementing policies and programmes for the elderly.

81. All countries that so request should be provided with the technical assistance
needed to develop or improve data bases relating to their elderly and the services
and institutions that concern them. 'Ihe assistance should cover training and
research in methodologies for collecting, processing and analysing data.
Recommendation 52
Data concerning the aging could be developed along the line of a codification
system which will give national governments information tabulated by sex, age,
income levels, living arrangements, health status and degree of self care, among
others. such data could be collected through the census , micro or pilot census or
representative surveys. Governments are urged to allocate resources for that
purpose.

Recommendation 53

Governments and institutions concerned should establish or improve existing

information exchange facilities, such as data banks in the field of aging.

2. Training and education

82. The dramatic increase in the number and proportion of older adults calls for a
significant increase in training. A dual approach is needed2 an international
Programme for training concomitant with national and regional training programmes
that are particularly relevant to conditions in the countries and regions
concerned. The needs of the elderly, as well as the implications of the aging of
the population for development, need to be taken into account in developing
education and training policies and programmes for all ages, especially the younger
generation.
Recommendation 54
mucation and training programmes should be interdisciplinary in nature, as
aging and the aging of the population is a multidisciplinary issue. Wucation and
training in the various aspects of aging and the aging of the population should not
be restricted to high levels of specialization, but should be made available at all
levels. Mforts should be made to regulate the training skills and educational
requirements for different functions in the field of aging.

83. The exchange of skills, knowledge and experience among countries with similar
or comparable structures and composition, or having historical, cultural,

-7 6-
linguistic or other links, with respect to their aging Population would be a
particularly fertile form of international co-operation. Resides the transfer of
specific skills and technologies, the exchange of experience regarding the wide
array of Practices relating to aging could also constitute an area for technical
co-operation among developing countries. In regions which include both developed
and developing countries side by side, the rich opportunities for mutual learning
and co-operation in training and research should be vigorously explored.
Recommendation 55

Intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations should take the necessary

measures to develop trained personnel in the field of aging, and should strengthen
their efforts t0 disseminate information on aging, and particularly to the aging
themselves.

E&commendation 56
Retirees' and elderly people’s organizations should be involved in planning
and carrying out such exchanges of information.
Recommendation 57

The implementation of several recommendations will require trained personnel

in the field of aging. Practical training centres should be promoted and
encouraged, where appropriate facilities already exist, to train such personnel,
especially from developing countries , who would in their turn train others. These
centres would also provide updating and refresher courses and act as a practidal
bridge between and among developed and developing regions; they would be linked
with appropriate United Nations agencies and facilities.

Recommendation 58

At national, regional and international levels , extra attention should be

given to research and study undertaken in support of integrating the problems of
aging in planning and policy formulation and management.
Recommendation 59
Training in all aspects of gerontology and geriatrics should be encouraged and
given due prominence at all levels in all educational programmes. Governments and
competent authorities are called upon to encourage new or existing institutions to
Pay special attention to appropriate training in gerontology and geriatrics.
3. Research

84. The Plan of Action gives high priority to research related to developmental
and humanitarian aspects of aging. Research activities are instrumental in
formulating, evaluating and implementing policies and programmes: (a) as to the
implications of the aging of the Population for development and (b) as to the needs
of the aging. Research into the social, economic and health aspects of aging
should be encouraged to achieve efficient uses of resources, improvement in social
and health measures, including the prevention of functional decline, age-related
disabilities, illness and Poverty, and co-ordination of the Services involved in
the care of the aging.

-77-
85. !the knowledge obtained by research provides scientific backing for a sounder
basis for effective societal planning as well as for improving the well-being of
the elderly. mrther research is required, e.g. (a) to narrow the wide gaps in
knowledge about aging and about the particular needs of the aging, and (b) to
enable resources provided for the aging to be used more effectively. !&ere should
be em&asis on the continuum of research from the discovery of new knowledge to its
vigorous and more rapid application and transfer of technological knowledge with
due consideration of cultural and social diversity.

Recommendation 60
Research should be conducted into the developmental and humanitarian aspects
of aging at local, national, regional and global levels. Research should be
encouraged particularly in the biological, mental and social fields. Issues of
basic and applied research of universal interest to all societies include:
(a) The role of genetic and environmental factors;

(b) The impact of biological, medical, cultural, societal and behavioural

factors on aging;

(c) The influence of economic and demographic factors (including migration)

on societal planning;

(d) The use of skills, expertise, knowledge and cultural potential of the
aging;
(e) The postponement of negative functional consequences of aging;
(f) Health and social services for the aging as well as studies of
co-ordinated programmes;

(g) Training and education.

Such research should be generally planned and carried out by researchers closely
acquainted with national and regional conditions, being granted the independence
necessary for innovation and diffusion. States, intergovernmental organizations
and non-governmental organizations should carry out more research and studies on
the developmental and humanitarian aspects of aging , co-operate in this field and
exchange their findings in order to provide a logical basis for policies related to
aging in general.
Recommendation 61

States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations

should encourage the establishment of institutions specializing in the teaching of
gerontology, geriatrics and geriatric psychology in countries where such
institutions do not exist.
Recommendation 62

International exchange and research co-operation as well as data collection

should be promoted in all fields having a bearing on aging, in order to.provide a
rational basis for future social policies and action. Special emphasis should be
placed on comparative and crosscultural studies on aging. Interdisciplinary
approaches should be stressed.
-78-
 IV. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

A. mle of Governments

86. The success of this Plan of Action will depend largely on action undertaken by
Governments to create conditions and broad possibilities for full participation of
the citizens, particularly the elderly. Tb this end, Governments are urged to
devote more attention to the question of aging and to utilize fully the support
provided by intergovernmental and non-governmental organiaations, including
retirees' and elderly people's organisations.

87. Since wide divergencies exist with respect to the situation of the aging in
various societies, culture6 and regions - as reflected in different needs and
problems - each country should decide upon its own national strategy and identify
its own targets and priorities within the Plan. A clear commitment should be made
at all levels of Government to take appropriate action to achieve those targets and
give effect to those priorities.

88. avernments can play an important role with regard to the Plan of Action by
evaluating and assessing the aging process from the individual and demographic
points of view, in order to determine the implications for development of these
processes in the light of the prevailing political, social, cultural, religious and
economic situation.

89. The architects of national policies and strategies for the implementation of
the Plan of Action should recognise that the aging are not a homogeneous group and
be sensitive to the wide differences and need6 of the aging at various stages'of
their lives. bvernments should pay special attention to improving the lot of
elderly women, who are often at a severe disadvantage,

90. The establishment of interdisciplinary and multisectoral machinery within

Governments can be an effective means of ensuring that the question of the aging of
the population is taken into account in national development planning, that the
needs of the elderly are given the attention they merit, and that the elderly are
fully integrated into society.

91. These actions will gain in effectiveness if their preparation, implementation

and follow-up are well co-ordinated at various geopolitical levels. The
co-ordination must flow from co-operation between those in positions of
responsibility in all sectors and the representatives of pensioners and the aged,
in order to ensure the participation of the latter when deicisions of direct
concern to them are being taken. Hence, it would be appropriate to Consider the
setting up of corresponding planning, programming and co-ordinating bodies at the
national level.

92. In certain countries, some of the objective6 of the Plan of Action have
already'been achieved; in others they may only be accomplished progressively.
Moreover, by their very nature, some measures will take longer to implement than
others. Governments are urged, therefore, to establish short-, medium- and
long-term objectives with a view to facilitating implementation of the Plan, in the
light of their resources and priorities.

93. Governments should, if necessary, retain in a suitable form (or encourage the
formation of) the mechanisms established at the national level to prepare for the

-79-
 World Assembly on Aging, in order to be ready to facilitate the planning,
implementation and evaluation of the activities recommended by the World Assembly.

H. mle of international and regional co-operation

1. Global action
94. International co-operation in the implementation of the programme of action on
the establishment inter alia of a new international economic order and of the
International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development Decade,
based on the peaceful co-existence of States having different social systems, is
: essential to achieving the goals of the Plan of Action and can take the form of
i bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Governments and by utilizing the
United Nations system. Such co-operation could take the form of direct assistance
(technical or financial), in response to national or regional requests,
co-operative research, or the exchange of information and experience.

95. The General Assembly, the eonomic and Social muncil and all its appropriate
subsidiary bodies, in particular the Commission for Social Development, the
Governing Council of the Uhited Nations Development Programme, and the legislative
and policy-making bodies of the concerned specialized agencies and
intergovernmental organisations are urged to give careful consideration to the Plan
of Action and to ensure an appropriate response to it.
96. In view of the role that the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian
Affairs of the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs has been
playing within the United Nations system in matters related to the aging, it should
be strengthened in order to continue to serve as the focal point for activities in
that respect; to this end the Secretary-General of the IBited Mtions is requested,
within the existing global resources of the United Nations, to give due
consideration to the provision of appropriate increased resources for the
implementation of the Plan of Action, which will be primarily at the national level.

97. The Administrative Committee on Co-ordination should consider the implications

of the Plan of Action for the United Nations system with a view to continued
liaison and co-ordination in implementing the provisions of the Plan.
98. The need to develop new guidelines in areas of concern to the elderly should
be kept constantly under review in relation to the implementation of the Plan.
99. Governments, national and local non-governmental voluntary organizations and
international non-governmental organizations are urged to join in the co-operative
effort to accomplish the objectives of the Plan. They should strengthen their
activities by encouraging the formation of and utilizing regular channels of
communication at the national level for consulting with the elderly on policies and
programmes that affect their lives. Governments are also urged to encourage and,
where possible, support national and private organizations dealing with matters
concerning the elderly and the aging of the population.

100. All States are invited to consider designating a national "Day for the Aging"
inconformity with general Assembly resolution 36/20 of 9 November 1981.
101. The International Plan of Action on wing should be brought to the attention
of the appropriate United Nations bodies responsible for preparations for the

-8O-
 International Conference on Population (1984) , so that its conclusions and
recommendations could be taken into account in preparing the proposals for the
further implementation of the world Population Plan of *Action.
(a) Tachnical co-operation

102. The United Nations, and in particular the United Nations Development Programme
and the Department of Technical Co-operation for Cevelopment, together with the
specialised agencies, should carry out technical co-operation activities in support
of the objectives of the Plan of F&ion. The Centre for Social Development and
Humanitarian Affairs should continue to promote, and provide substantive support
to, all such activities.
103. The voluntary'Trust Fund for the World Assembly on Aging, established by
General Assembly resolution 35/129, should be used, as requested by the General
Assembly, to meet the rapidly increasing needs of the aging in the developing
countries, in particular in the least developed ones. The payment of voluntary
public and private contributions should be encouraged. The Trust Fund should be
administered by the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs.
104. Furthermore, as requested by the General Assembly in its resolution 36/20, the
Fund should be used to encourage greater interest in the developing countries in
matters related to aging and to assist the Governments of these countries, at their
request, in formulating and implementing policies and programmes for the elderly.
It should also be used for technical co-operation and research related to the aging
of populations and for promoting co-operation among developing countries in the
exchange of the relevant information and technology.

105. Aging is a population issue which affects development and which requires
increasing international assistance and co-operation and, therefore, the United
Nations Fund for Papulation Ik=ti.vities is urged, in co-operation with all
organizations responsible for international population assistance, to continue and
to strengthen its assistance in that field, particulary in developing countries.
(b) Exchange of information and experience

106. The exchange of information and experience at the international level is an

effective means of stimulating progress and encouraging the adoption of measures to
respond to the economic and social implications of the aging of the population, and
to meet the needs of older persons. Countries with different political, economic
and social systems and cultures and at different stages of development have
benefited from the common knowledge of problems, difficulties and ahcievements and
from solutions worked out jointly.

107. Meetings and s,eminars have proved to be most valuable in providing a regional
and international exchange of information and experience and should be continued.
These could focus, inter alia, on promoting technical co-operation among developing
countries and on monitoring the implementation of the Plan of Zction.
108. The Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs should co-ordinate
the activities of regional and subregional research and development centres in the
United Nations system, promote the preparation of information materials, as well as
the constant exchange of information on problems and policies related to aging and

-81-
the training of personnel, and facilitate activities related to teChniCal
co-operation among developing countries in collaboration With concerned governments
and regions.
109. With respect to the exchange of information about matters Concerning aging, it
is essential that standardized definitions, terms and research methodologies be
developed> the United Nations should treat these matters with all due importance.

110. The mited Nations bodies concerned should encourage Governments and the
international community to pay special attention to developing programmes, projects
and activities that will give older persons the skills, training and opportunities
necessary to improve their situation and enable them tb participate fully and
effectively in the total development effort. Special attention should be given to
training courses in technoiogies that will enable older persons to continue to work
in agriculture.
111. The International Plan of Action on Aging should be transmitted to the unit in
the mited mtj.ons &cretariat responsible for International <Youth Year (1985) in
order that that unit may bring the recommendations and conclusions of the World
Assembly on Aging - particularly as they relate to intergenerational matters - to
the attention of national planning committees concerned with developing ideas for
the Youth Year.

(c) Formulation and implementation of international guidelines

1X2. The appropriate organizations should undertake studies on and review
periodically the effectiveness of existing international guidelines and instruments
related to the subject of aging, in order to determine their adequacy in the light
of changing conditions in the modern world and the experience gained since their '.
adoption.
2. Regional action
113. Effective implementation of the Plan will aleo require action at the regional
level. All institutions having regional mandates are therefore called upon to
review the objectives of the Plan and contribute to their implementation. In this
respect, a central,role should be played by the Uhlited rations regional commissions.

I-14. In order to carry out the above-mentioned functions, Governments members of

regional commissions should take steps to ensure that their regular programme of
activities take into account the.problems of aging.

115. Furthermore, in co-ordination with the conduct of the international review

discussed above, the regional commission should organize the periodic review of
regional plans.

C. Assessment, review and appraisal

116. It is essential that assessment, evaluation and review should take place at
the national level, at intervals to be determined by each Country.
117. Regional appraisal and review should focus on the special role regional action
can play and the particular advantages it can offer in such fields as training,
research and technical co-operation among developing Countries.

-82-
118. It is recommended that the Commission for Social Development should be
designated the intergovernmental body to review the implementation of the Plan of
titian every four Years and to make proposals for updating the Plan as considered
necessary l‘Ihe findings of this exercise should be transmitted through the
Elconomic and Social Council to the General Assembly for consideration. lb assist
the Oxnmission in its work it should be provided with periodic reports on progress
made within the United Nations system in achieving the goals and’ objectives of the
Plan. tie Centre for Social Development and Bumanitarian Affairs should serve as
the co-ordinator of this process.

B. RESOLUTIONS AND DECISION OF TBE WORLD ASSFMBLY

Resolution

1. Aging people in Lebanon

2. ExFa:ession of gratitude to the Government and people of Austria

Decision

Report of the Credentials Committee

1. Pqing people in Lebanon

tie world Assembly on Ming,

Deeply concerned by the vulnerability of the elderly in situations of armed

conflict and aggression,

Deeply disturbed by the Israeli aggression against Lebanese and Palestinian

people which has once again acutely brought to the attention of the international
community the vulnerability of the civilian population and in particular the
elderly ,

Recalling the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

wcallinq further Article 14 of the Geneva Cbnventionof 1949 and other

international instruments on the protection of civilians in situations of armed
conflict,

1. Condemns military aggression on civilian areas inhabited by Lebanese and

Palestinian families as well as the use of weapons of HEMS destruction like cluster
bombs which cause indiscriminate casualties among innocent victims particularly
among the elderly;

2. Urges Member States to take all necessary measure8 to ensure the

lnotection and to safeguard all civilian population including in particular the
elderly, during periods of tension and armed conflict?
 3. Requests the General Assembly to take necessary measures which would
declare institutions for the elderly as "immune protected areas" in situations of
armed conflict and aggression, as is the case of hospitals, Red Cross facilities,
etc.;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to call upon Israel to permit the Arab
refugees who are 60 years old and over to rejoin immediately their extended and
dispersed families in the occupied Arab territories;

5. m the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly

at its thirty-seventh session on the action taken to implement this resolution.

15th plenary meeting

5 August 1982

2. -pression of gratitude to the Government and people of Austria

The World Assembly on Aging,
Having met at the Wofburg Congress Centre, Vienna, from 26 July to
6 August 1982 at the invitation of the Government of Austria,

1. Expresses its profound gratitude to the Government of Austria for the

facilities generously placed at its disposal and for the efficiency and courtesy of
the Austrian authorities and their personnel that were concerned with the physical
arrangements for the Assembly;
2, Expresses its sincere appreciation also to the Government and people of
Austria and to the authorities and population of Vienna for the hospitality shown
to participants in the Assembly;

3. Decides that, to mark the association of the capital of Austria with the
elaboration of the plan of action adopted by the Assembly, the plan shall be known
as the "Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging, 1982".

17th plenary meeting

6 August 1982

Bcision

Report of the Credentials aommittee

At its 15th plenary meeting on 5 August 1982 the world Assembly approved the
report of the Credentials Committee.

-84-
 Ebtes
IJ Report of the United Nations World Papulation mnference, Bucharest e
19-30 August 1974 (United Nations Publication, 8ales ~0, B,75.X~ff,3), chap- f*

21 Raport of the World Conference of the International *men's Yrearr *xico

City, 19 June-2 JULY 1975 (United Nations publication, Sales raw ~.76,lV~l) I chap,
I,

11 Report Of the World Conference of the United Nations mcade for WOment
Equality, Development and Peace n Copenhaqen, 14-30 July 1980 (United Nations
publication, Sales No= B.8D.IV.3 and corrigendum), chap. I, sect. A.

4/ World Health Organisation, Health Care: Report of the International

conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata, Union of Soviet Socialist mpublics
6-12 September 1978 (Geneva, 1978).
z/ Report of HABITAT: United Nations Conference on Human Settlements,
Vancouver, 31 May-11 June 1976 (United Nations publication, ales NO. E, 76.IV.7 and
corrigendum), chap. 1.

V Report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment,

Stockholm, 5-16 June 1972 (United Rations publication, Sales Mo. E.73,II.A. 14 and
corrigendum).

7/ Report of the United Nations Conference on Science and %ohnolosy for

Development, Vienna, 20-31 AuquSt1979 (United Nations publication, Sales
ND. E.79.11.21 and corrigendum), chap. VII.
y Report of the World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial
Discrimination, Geneva, 14-25 August1978 (United Nations publication, Sales NO.
E,79.XIV.2), chap. II.

y General Assembly resolution 34/24, annex.

A#!/ F&port of the Vlited Nations Conference on 'Irechnical Co-operation among

Developing Countries, Buenos Aires, 30 August-12 September 1978 (United Nations
publication, Sales NO. E.78.XI.A.11 and corrigendum), Chap. 1.

ll/ mod and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Report of the
WorLdConference on Aqrarian Reform and Rural Development, Ibme 12-20 July 1979
(WCARRD~EP), part one; transmitted to the members of the General Assembly by a ,.
note of the Secretary-General (A/34/485) l

12/ See A/36/471/Md.l, annex, sect. If.

G/ General Assembly resolution 35/171, annex.

-85-
 Annex I

TEXT OF MESSAGESADDRESSEDTO THE WORLDASSEMPLYBY HEADS

OF STATE OR GOVERWNT

1. Message from His Holiness Pope John Paul II

in various occasions in the past, the Holy See has hailed with great interest
and hope the United Nations initiative of convening a World Assembly on the problem
of the aging of the population and its consequences for each individual and thus
for society. Since that decision was confirmed, we have witnessed the expansion
and deepening of an awareness of this demographic phenomenon of our times, which
forces countries and the international community to think about the specific fate,
needs, rights and abilities of the older generations, whose numbers are growing
constantly. Beyond individuals, this reflection should extend to the very
organization of society in relation to this stratum of its population.
A careful study of the preparatory work for this World Assembly and the Plan
of ktion submitted for consideration to all States Members of the United Nations
disclosed several points which the Holy See particularly endorses. lhese are:
attention given to older persons as such and to the quality of their life today;
respect for their rights to remain active members in a society which they have
helped to build; the will to promote a social organization in which each generation
can make its con,tribution together with the others; and, lastly, the appeal to the
creativity of each socio-cultural environment, in order to evoke responses that
will satisfy the need to keep the elderly engaged in activities corresponding to
the great diversity of their origin and education, abilities and experience,
culture and beliefs. These themes indicate that not just abstract or technical
problems are at stake but the fate of human beings , each having his own history,
family roots, social bonds and occupational successes or failures, which have
characterized or still characterize their lives.

To this important Assembly, which is dealing with these realities in order to

explore them in depth and find practical and judicious solutions, the Church would
like to offer the contribution of its reflection, its experience and its faith in
mankind. More specifically, it offers its human and Christian vision of old age,
its conviction regarding the family or family-type institutions as the most
propitious setting for the well-being of the aged, and its support for the
commitment of modern society to the service of the older generations.

I recall with emotion my meeting with old people in November 1980 at Munich
Cathedral. I emphasized, on that occasion, that human old age was a natural stage
of life and that it should generally be its consummation. 'his vision implies,
obviously, that old age - when a person attains it - should be understood as an
element having its own particular value within a human life as a whole, and its
also requires a precise conception of the human being as having both a body and a
soul. It is from this point of view that the Bible often speaks of advanced age or
of the aged with respect and admiration. The Book of Ecclesiasticus, for example,
after praising wisdom associated with the hoary head (chap. 25, verses 4-6),

-86.

Y
continues with a long panegyric of the ancestors whose "bodies are buried in peace.
but their name lives for evermore" (cf.- chaps. 44-51). The New !Bzstament likewise
contains numerous passages speaking of old age in venerable terms. Saint Iuke
paints with emotion the picture of the old man Simeon and the prophetess Anne
welcoming Christ to the Temple. At the time of the early Christian communities, we
see the Apostles appointing elders to watch over their young foundations. !l%e
Church greatly hopes that the Plan of Fction will admit this concept of old age
envisaged as not only an inexorable process of biological deterioration or as a
period separate from the other seasons of life but as a possible phase in the
natural development of the life of every human being, of which it represents the
culmination.
In truth, life is God's gift to man, who is created by love in His image and
in his likeness. If the sacred dignity of the human person is understood in this
way, it follows that a value attaches to all the stages of life. Bar reasons of
consistency and justice alone, it is surely impossible to value truly the life of
an old man without valuing truly the life of a child from the commencement of its
conception. If life ceased to be respected as an inalienable and sacred
possession, the consequences would be incalculable. It must, therefore, be
resolutely affirmed, as did the Congregation for the Lbctrine of the Faith in its
Declaration on Euthanasia of 5 May 1980, that nothing and nobody can authorize the
termination of the life of an innocent human being, foetus or embryo, child or
adult, old person, incurable or dying invalid , and that any such act is a violation
of the divine law, an offence against the dignity of the human person, a crime
against life, an outrage against humanity. It is very fitting to mention that the ,
same Declaration, in referring to the use of therapeutic methods, went on to say
that it is today very important to protect, at the moment of death, the dignity of
the human person and the Christian concept of life against techniques that may lend
themselves to malpractice. Death is a part of our human horizon and gives it its
true and mysterious dimension. The modern world, particularly the Western world,
needs to learn to reintegrate death in human life. Surely, there is no one who
does not wish that his fellow human beings, and himself, may be able to accept and
accomplish that last act of earthly existence with that dignity and that serenity
which are assuredly possible for believers.

I would like now to take a look, with you, at the characteristics of advanced
age. Some are painful and difficult to accept, especially for a person who is
alone. The others are a source of riches, for oneself and for others. mgether,
they form part of the human experience of those who are old today and of those who
will be old tomorrow.

The fundamental aspects of the third and fourth ages tend, naturally, towards
the weakening of physical strength, a lessened alertness of the mental faculties,
gradual decline of activities to which one was attached, diseases and infirmities
which ensue and the prospect of the emotional separations entailed by the departure
for the hereafter. These saddening characteristics may be transformed by
philosophical convictions and, in particular, by the certainties of the faith for
those fortunate enough to be believers. Ear them, the final stage of earthly life
may be lived as a mysterious accompanying of Christ the Redeemer on his tragic
Journey of the Cross before the radiant dawn of Easter. However, more broadly, it
may be stated that the way in which a civilization accepts old age and death as a
constituent element of life and the way in which it helps its older members to live
their death are a decisive criterion of the respect which that society has for man.

-87-
 Old age also has its favourable aspects. It is the time when men and women
may reap the harvest of the experience of their whole life, make an apportionment
between what is essential and what is subsidiary and attain a level of great wisdom
and deep serenity. It is the period when they can devote a great deal of time, or
even all their time, to lovifig their familiars or casual awuaintances with the
disinterestedness, patience and discreet joy so admirably displayed by many old
people. It is also, for believers, the blessed opportunity of meditating on the
splendours of the faith and of intensified prayer.

fie rich promise of these values and their survival are linked to two
inseparable conditions. First, the elderly themselves must whole-heartedly accept
their age and appreciate its potential. !Ihe second condition is that modern
society must become capable of recognizing the moral, emotional and religious
values enshrined in the mind and heart of the old, and it must strive for their
integration in our civilization, which suffers from a disturbing gap between its
technical level and its ethical level. Gild people can live,only with difficulty in
a world which has lost its awareness of its spiritual dimension. They lose their
self-esteem when they see that what matters most is the citizen's monetary worth
and that other resources of the human being are slighted or looked down upon. Such
a climate is at variance with the well-being and fruitfulness of old age and
necessarily engenders withdrawal, the painful feeling of uselessness and,
ultimately, despair. It must be stressed once again, however, that it is the whole
of society which deprives itself of enriching and regulating elements when it
presumes to recognize only its young and adult members in full possession of their
strength as sound assets for its development and to rank the others among the
unproductive, whereas numerous experiments, scientifically conducted, prove the
contrary.

XI

In my apostolic exhortation Familiaris consortia, I said that, because of the

divine origin of the human family, its essence and purposes are defined by love;
II ,.. established as an 'intimate community of life and love', the family . . . has
the mission to guard, reveal and communicate love . . . All members of the family,
each according to his or her own gift, have the grace and responsibility of
building, day by day, the communion of persons , making the family 'a school of
deeper humanity'" (paras. 17 and 21).

IhiS offers a prOSpect of the opportunities which the family affords to the
elderly, in terms of both the faithful support which they are entitled to expect
from it and their potential contribution to the life and function of the family.
Admittedly, the conditions for the integration of the elderly into the households
Of their children or other relatives do not always exist, and sometimes su& an
integration is even impossible. In such cases some other solution must be
considered, but the children or other family members have a duty to maintain
regular and warm contact with those who have to enter a home for the aged.
However, there is no doubt that, when the aged continue to live with their
famili.eS, they can give family members the benefit of affection and wisdom,
understanding and indulgence r advice and comfort, faith and prayer, which are for
the most part the special gifts of those in the evening of life. In so doing, they
also help to restore to honour, above all by their example, qualities that are
often undervalued today, such as being a good listener, self-effacement, serenity,
generosity, inwardness and discreet and radiant joy, Furthermore, the regular or

-88-
I-

I
occasional presence of the elderly among their family is often an invaluable means
of promoting contact and understanding between generations, which are necessarily
diverse and complementary. This strengthening of family ties, as I have just
described it and within the scope of what is possible , can be a source of stability
and vitality, of humanity and spirituality for this basic unit of every society,
which is called by the most richly evocative name in all the world's languages:
"the family".

III

Current population trends present society with a new field in which it can
serve the human person by guaranteeing to the elderly their rightful place in the
community and fostering their specific contribution to its development.
The older generations, which, in some legal and social systems, are being
removed from economic activity at an ever earlier age, are reflecting - sometimes
with anguish - on the place and role assigned to them in this new type of society.
HOWwill they use the early retirement which is being imposed on them? Does modern
society, as it evolves in new directions, still expect anything from its aged,
retired members?
AS they face this new and wide-ranging problem, society as a whole and, of
course, its leaders must give serious thought to solutions likely to satisfy the
aspirations of the aged. There can be no single solution. While it is normal for
society to encourage the possibility of the elderly remaining within their families
and their familiar settings wherever possible and desirable, other arrangements
should be offered to senior citizens and the aged. In this area, a society which
is truly conscious of its duties to the generations which have made their
contribution to the history of the country must establish appropriate
institutions. In order to provide continuity with what the elderly have known and
experienced, it is extremely desirable for these institutions to be patterned on
the family, affording, for example, to the elderly the human warmth which is so
necessary at all stages of life but especially in old age, a degree of autonomy
compatible with the requirements of community life, a range of activities in
keeping with their physical capacities and occupational abilities, and all the care
required by those of advancing age. Of course, institutions of this kind already
exist, but many more are needed. In this connection, I wish to draw attention to
the charitable work which the Church has done throughout the ages through its many
institutions for the elderly. IQY such institutions be commended and encouraged:
A society earns special distinction when it promotes as best it can, with due
reverence for the elderly and in the various institutions dedicated to them, the
convergence of these paths of service to man.

I think it would be useful to refer once again briefly to some of the new
services which society can provide for retired persons and the aged to ensure them
a place and role in the human community. I am thinking of the life-long training
which exists in several countries and which not only is a source of personal
enrichment for those who benefit from it but also equips them to adjust to and
participate in the everyday life of society. Indeed, the elderly possess reserves
of knowledge and experience which, if maintained and even supplemented by a
well-suited process of life-long training , can be put to good use in various
fields, ranging from education to simple social and philanthropic services. In
that regard, some novel proposals might be explored with the elderly themselves or

-8g-
the associations which represent them. I also think that society should make an
effort, with due allowance for tie individual capacities of the elderly and the
very diverse situations in different continents, to create opportunities for a
diversification of activities. Between a tedious uniformity and an unstructured
existence it should be possible to strike a judicious balance between an occupation
or other work, reading or even study, leisure, independent or organized contacts
with other persons and other milieux, and time for quiet and prayerful meditation.
me of the services which society can perform for the older generations is to
encourage the establishment, where there are none, of associations for the aged and
to support those which exist. Such associations have already produced results by
helping those who reach retirement and old age to overcome loneliness and the
painful feeling that they are no longer of any use. Such associations should be
recognized by the leaders of society as the legitimate expression of the voice of
the elderly and of the most underprivileged among them. Lastly, I am thinking of
the role which the media, particularly television and radio, can and should play in
projecting a fairer and more positive image of old age and of the potential
contribution of the elderly to the vitality and stability of society. Towards that
end, those who control the electronic media and the press must come to believe in
or at least respect a concept of human life that is not based solely on economic
and purely material utility but on the full meaning of life, which admits of
admirable development and growth until the very end of each individual’s stay on
earth, especially when the environment is propitious.
In concluding these reflections and suggestions , it remains for me to express
my hope that the Vienna World Assembly on Aging will yield abundant and lasting
fruits. The topic of aging, like the many others dealt with and promoted by the
Ulited Nations Assembly, including children and the disabled, has a crucial bearing
on the present and future of human civilization. The worth and influence of every
culture, in whatever continent or country and at whatever period of history, depend
solely on the pre-eminence it accords to the all-round development of the human
person, from the first to the last stage in each one's earthly stay, by contrast
with the temptation of a society caught up in a frenzied whirl of production and
consumption of material goods. Nay the leaders of today's world work together for
the genuine benefit of mankind and involve their peoples in that endeavour! That
is the object not only of my most fervent wishes but also of my constant prayers
before God, the source of all goodness.

2. Message from H.E. Mr. RXiald Reaqan, President of

the united States of America
I appreciate the opportunity to extend greetings to delegates attending the
Uhited Nations World Assembly on wing.
This Assembly represents a timely and farsighted effort on the part of the
world community of nations to address one of the more remarkable phenomena of our
times. Thanks to unprecedented advances in medicine, nutrition, and economic
development, more people than ever before in history can enjoy the prospect of
becoming senior members of society and of enjoying long and productive lives.
lhis development is most welcome, but it poses a number of social and economic
questions with which we must deal. Qlder persons must have a secure place in
society. They must be given the opportunity to contribute both socially and

-go-
economically. Above all, they must not be denied the dignity that comes from being
wanted, needed, and respected.

The challenges of ensuring a productive place in society for our older

citizens are already upon us, and these challenges are fast growing in magnitude.
The task before the World Assembly on Aging is not simple, and it must be
undertaken vigorously and with a sense of purpose. !Jhat task is to identify and
define the many questions surrounding a rapidly aging world population and to point
the way to the answers or solutions that will effectively meet future challenges
and promote the highest values of human freedom and dignity.

The mited States has strongly supported preparation for this world Assembly,
and we will continue to work with the other member nations for the betterment of
this important, growing part of our world population.
I send my very best wishes to you for success in the very essential work you
are undertaking.

3. Message from N.E. Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister

of India
Progress in me,dicine has not actually lengthened the life span of human beings
but it has made it possible for more of them to live out a fuller measure of their
allotted years. In affluent societies one-unit families and greater mobility in
their life styles have aggravated the generation gap. Gild people are left very
much on their own. Those who can afford it, are put in comfortable and often
beautifully located homes. Yet they are separated from their dear ones and
familiar surroundings. Even this is beyond the means of average citizens, and the
facilities provided for their aged leave much to be desired.

In developing countries, the problem is not so serious. Old people are

revered as elders and sheltered within the joint family. Being in touch with
several generations, seeing their families grow up around them keeps up their
interest in life and issues. But industrialisation and modernity are beginning to
disturb the old pattern. Even here, the concern and care for the old, which was so
much a part of our tradition, is weakening. Also in the poorer sections, when
there is natural or other calamity , it is the old who suffer most.

In India we have just begun to make provisions for old age pensions and are
encouraging voluntary agencies and others to build homes for the aged. Dedicated
social workers are also looking after the incurables.
The pooling of experiences and ideas from different countries will be useful
in helping us to tackle our own problem. I send my good wishes to the mited
Nations World Assembly on Aging and to the eminent personalities who are
representing their countries.

-g1-
 4. Message from H.E. Mr. Henryk Jablonski, President of the
Council of State of Poland
On behalf of the Polish people, the highest authorities of the Polish People's
Republic, and on my own behalf, I express to you our great appreciation for the
decision to take up an issue of such importance as that of the aged throughout the
world.
The significance of the problems of the aged stems not only from the increase
in the number of persons in that group and their particular needs, but also from
the specific social situation of the aged in various regions of the world.

I wish to assure you that the problems of the aged in Poland are the focus of
attention of the authorities and of the general public. The reason is not only our
country's difficult economic situation. In Poland, the older generation has always
enjoyed special respect, playing a role in handing down national traditions and
enriching the younger generation by its experience. Cur principal task, therefore,
is not only to provide special protection for the aged against the consequences of
the crisis, but also to ensure that they have a social status which, at a time of
rapid social change and changing life-styles , would guarantee them universal
respect and full participation in social and political life.
In Poland, many of the goals of the draft programme of action of the World
Assembly on Aging have been achieved or are about to be achieved. There is no age
discrimination problem in our country. The social security system is constantly
being improved and covers the entire population. !t'he National Committee for the
Aged, convened early in 1982, oversees all such matters and includes in its ranks
representatives of the highest authorities and of social organisations, as well as
of various scientific disciplines.
The maintenance of world peace is of particular importance to the
implementation of the&programmes of the world Assembly and of our own country.
The maintenance of peace is a necessity, not only to guarantee the economic
development of all countries in the world, and thereby ensure an adequate standard
of living for the aged, but, first and foremost, to establish a feeling of total
security, to meet one of the basic , inalienable demands of all mankind.
Et)r this reason, we firmly condemn all the hostilities taking place in various
parts of the world. For this reason too, in concert with the other socialist
countries and all who desire the harmonious coexistence of all peoples, we shall
take the necessary steps to maintain and strengthen peace. The world cannot live
forever under the threat of a cataclysm posed by the limitless build-up of the
nuclear weapons potential. Life in peace is the prerequisite for the solution of
the major social problems of the modern world,

In wishing the Assembly fruitful discussions, I should like to assure you that
the problems of the aged are and will continue to be the subject of special
attention on the part of the authorities and of society in Poland.

-g2-
 Annex II

List of documents

A. Basic documentation

Symbol Title
A/oONF.l13/PRE-oONF/L.l Annotated list of questions [for
pre-conference consultations]

A/CDNF.l13/1 Provisional agenda

A/OONF.l13/2 Provisional rules of procedure

A/CDNF.113/3 Organizational and procedural matters

A/CONF.113/4 Introductory document: demographic
considerations. Report of the
Secretary-General

A/alNF.l13/5 Introductory document: developmental

issues. Report of the Secretary-General
A/ODNF.113/6 wing populations: economic policy
considerations. Raport of the
Secretary-General
A/CDNF.113/7 Migration and aging: Bportof the
Secretary-General
A/ONF.l13/8 Aging populations and rural development:
Report of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the IPlited Nations
A/ONF.113/9 Introductory document: humanitarian
issues: Report of the Secretary-General
A/CDNF.113/10 Aging in the context of the family:
Report of the Secretary-General

A/OONF.113/11 Report of the Advisory Cbmmittee for the

World Assembly on Aging on its second
session

A/CDNF.113/12 Aging and social welfare: &port of the

Secretary-General

A/CDNF.l13/13 Housing, enviroment and aging: Report of

the Secretary-General

A/a3NF.113/14 social development and aging: Report of

the Secretary General

-93-

-II
 Symbol ~- Title
A/a)NF.l13/15 Problems of employment and occupation for
older workers: Report of the
International Labour Organisatibn

A/Cr)NF.l13/16 Transitions between professiona life and ,

retirement; Report of the International
Labour Organisation

A/a)NF.113/17 Income maintenance and social protection

of the older person: income security for
the elderly: peport of the International
:rr..;,: Labour Organisation

A/CDNF.113/18 and Corr.1 and 2 Income maintenance and social protection

of the older person: the role of social
security: Haport of the International
Labour Organisation

Health policy aspects of aging: Report of

the World Health Organization

A/OONF.l13/29 Wucation and aging: I&port of UNESCO

A/Q)NF'.113/2L The older refugees: *port of the United
A/03NF.ll3/21/Add.l Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

A/CONF.113/22 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging: Report of the Secretary-General

A/(XINF.113/23 Z&tivities of United Nations system on

aging: Report of the Secretary-General
&port of the Advisory Committee for the
World Assembly on Aging on its third
session

A/OONF.113/25 Human settlements and aging: Report of

the United Nations Centre for Human
Settlements

A/OC)NF.113/26 Regional plans of action on aging

A/COHF.113/27 Letter dated 13 May 1982 from the Director
in charge of co-ordination of multilateral
social matters in the Rderal Ministry for
Nxeign Affairs of Austria addressed to
the Secretary-General of the World
Assembly on Aging

A/CDNF.l13/28 Adoption of the rules of procedure

-g4-
 Symbol Title

A/CONF. 113/29 Credentials of representatives to the

World Assembly on Aging: E&port of the
Credentials Committee

A/CDNF.113/30 Report of the Main Committee

A/CONF.l13/L.l Report of the Pre-Conference consultations
held at the Hcfburg Congress Centre, Vienna

A/ODNF.ll3/L.l/Add.l 2 Addendum
A/QONF.ll3/L.2 Draft report of the world Assembly on
Aging: Table of contents

Idem: Chapter I. Historical background

ofhe World Assembly on Aging
Idem: Chapter II. Attendance and
Gnization of work
Idem: Chapter III. Summary of the
Gral debate
A/03NF.ll3/L.3 Aging People in Iebanon: draft resolution
submitted by Algeria, Angola, Bahrain,
Democratic Yemen, India, Indonesia, Iraq,
Jordan, Kuwait, Ijebanon, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya, Morocco, Pakistan, Tunisia,
United Arab IBirates, Yemen

A/CXINF.ll3/L.4 A Cay for the Aging: draft resolution

submitted by Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,
Malta, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal

A/OONF.ll3/L.5 Practical training centres: draft

resolution submitted by Jamaica and Malta

A/CDNF.ll3/L.6 Establishment of an International Clearing-

House on Aging Policiest draft resolution
submitted by mminican Republic, Prance
and Poland

A/CDNF.l13/L.7 Support from the.United Netions Eund for

Population Activities (UNFPA) for matters
in the field of aging: draft resolution
submitted by Chile, Colombia, Eominican
Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and
Peru

A/ONF.113/L.8 Protection of the elderly consumers:

draft resolution submitted by Senegal

-9%
 Symbol Title

A/CX)NF. 1 I.3 /L. 9 International co-operation: draft

resolution submitted by Chile and mnisia

United Nations Trust Pund for the world

Assembly on Aging: draft resolution
submitted by Chile, Guatemala, Indonesia,
Lebanon, Malta, MOrocco, Philippines,
mnisia, United States of America and Zaire

A/CDNF.113/L.l1 Strengthening of the capacity of the

Centre for Social Development and
Humanitarian Affairs: draft resolution
submitted by Chile, Indonesia, kbanon,
Malta, Philippines and Tunisia

A/UJNF.lkJ/L. 12 Netherlands: amendments to draft

resolution contained in document
A/aNF.llJ/L.S

A/ODNF.l13m/L.l Draft International Plan of Action on

Ag ing : Text agreed by the Advisory
Cbmmlttee at its third session (Annex to
document A/CDNF.113/24): United Kingdom:
proposed amendemen t s

A/CDNF.l13/MZ/L. 2 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging: Report of the Secretary-General
( Document A/CIDNF.113/22) : Byelorussian
Soviet Socialist Republict proposed
amendments

A/QONF.& 13/K/L. 3 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging: Text agreed by the Advisory
Mmmittee at its third session (Annex to
document A/CXINF.113/24): mited States of
America: proposed amendment

Ide m: tnited States of America, France,

Federal Republic of Germany: proposed
amendment

A/UINF.lla/K/L. 4 Ide m: Cuba: proposed amendment

A/CT) NF. 1 I.3 /%lC/L. 5 Id em: Note by the Secretariat

A/CnNF.l13/E/L. 6 Ide m: German Democratic Republic:

proposed amendments

A/CXINF.l13/MC/L. 7 Ide m: Holy See: proposed amendments

-g6-
 Symbol Title

A/CCNF.l13hC/L.8 Draft International Plan of ACtiOn on

Aging: &port of the Secretary-General
(A/oONF.113/22): Cuba: proposed amendment

Idem: !l?unisia: proposed amendment

A/CONF.113/MC/L.l0 Idem: union of Soviet Socialist Republics:
zosed amendments

A/ONF.ll3/MC/L.l1 Idem: France: proposed amendment

A/aONF.113/%K/L.12 Draft International Plan of Action on
Aging: aplanation of variations between
A/03NF.113/22 and Annex of A/CONF.l13/24:
hbte by the Secretariat

Draft International Plan of Pction on

Aging, Report of the Secretary-General
(A/CDNF.l13/22): Uhited Republic of
Cameroon: proposed amendment

A/OONF.113/MC/L.14 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging, Report of the Secretary-General
A/CYJNF.113/22): Tunisia: proposed
amendment

A/Q3NF.l13/MC/L.15 Idem: France: proposed amendment

A/CY)NF.113/MC/L.16 Idem: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist

Gblic: proposed amendment

A/CXJNF.ll3/MC/L.17 Xdem: mited States of America: proposed

amendments

A/(X)NF.ll3/MCI/L.18 Idem: Senegal: proposed amendment

A/OONF.113/W/L.19 Idem: Netherlands: proposed amendment

A/aNF.113/MC/L.20 Ide m: Consolidated text of amendments to

document A/CC~~.113/22

A/ONF.113/K/L.20 and Wd.l, Md.2, Idem: Consolidated text of amendments to

Add.2/CWr.l and Add.3 document A/ONF.113/22

A/CXlNF.l13/K/L.21 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging: Text agreed by the Advisory
C&mmittee at its third session (Annex to
document A/a)NF.ll3/24): Consolidated
text of amendments to document
A/CCNF.113/24
 -

Symbol Title

A/OONF.l13/MC/L.22 Draft International Plan of Action on

Aging: Report of the Secretary-General
(document A/CDNF.113/22): Algeria:
proposed amendment

A/OONF.113m/L.23 Idemt Anendment proposed by the Ulited

States

A/mNF.l13m/L.24 Idem: knendment proposed by Algeria

A/CONF.ll3/MC/L.25 Idem: Amendment proposed by China

A/ODNF.113/I'Z/L.26 Idem: knendment proposed by Malta

A/OONF.lUfiC/L.27* Draft report of the Main Committee

Information documents

SpbOl Title

A/ODNF.113/hiSc.l and Ccrr.1 and

Add.1 and 2 Provisional list of participants

A/CXlNF.lU/INF.l and Corr.l and 2 List of participants

B. Background documents

1. National reports

ALGERIA EGYPT
ARGENTINA FINLAND
AUSTRALIA FRANCE
AUSTRIA FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
BAHRAIN GREECE
BELGIUM GUATEMALA
BULGARIA IWNGARY
BYEIORUSSIAN SCNIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC ICELAND
CAEfADA INDIA
mSTA RICA INDONESIA
CUBA IRAQ
CYPRUS IRELAND
CZECHDSLOVAKIA ISRAEL
DEWARK ITALY

-98-
 JAMAICA
JAPAN
JORDAN
KENYA
KUWAIT
LUXEMBOURG
MALAYSIA
MALDIVES
MALI
MALTA
MAURITIUS
SHILANKA
SWEDEN

2. Papers submitted by non-governmental otganizations

Symbol .
A/axw,113/NGo/1 International Association of Gerontology
"Foundations of a Policy for the Aged in the
Eighties and Beyond"

A/CONF.l13/NGO/2 International Federation on Aging Suggestions

II for Amendments to the Draft International
Action Plan

A,/CONF.l13/%0/3 The Associated Country Women of the Worlds

Statement to the World Assembly on Aging

International Association of the Third Age

Universitieer Statement

EURAG- European Federation for the Welfare

of the Elderly
Statement

A/CONF.113/tWO/6 World Federation for Mental Health

Statement
World Leisure and Hecreation Association
Statement
International Security Organization -
Statement
A/CONF.113/%0/9 International Federation of Business b
Professional Women - Statement

-99-
 7

Symbol
A&!ONF.113/NGO/10 "Tree Planting by Aging and Youth" Statement
submitted by 23 NGG's:

Arab American University Graduates

Baha'i International Community
Baptist World Alliance
Global Education Associates
Gray Panthers
International Catholic Child Bureau
International Catholic Education Office
International Council of Jewish Women
International Council of Women
International Federation of Settlements
and Neighbourhood Centres
International Federation of University Women
International Humanist and Ethical Union
Jaycees International
Pan-Pacific and South East Asia Women's
Association
Quota International Inc.
Universal Esperanto Association
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl
scouts
World Federation for Mental Health
World Jewish Congress
World Union of Catholic Women's
Organization
World Union for Progressive Judaism
World Woman's Christian 'Bamperance Union
Zonta International

A/C0NF.113/%0/11 Korean Senior Citizen Association

Background document

A/CONF.l13/NGO/l2 International Federation for Home Economics

Statement

A/CONF.l13/NGO/13 International Prevention of Road Accidents

Statement

La F&d&ration Internationale des Rhsistants

(FIR)
IRS activitis de la F&&ration Internationale
des I&istants pour les personnes agees et
les victims de la guerre

A/CONF.l13/HGO/l5 Ligue des Soci&& de la Croix ROUge

Informations sociales, Regards sur la
vieillissement

-lOO-

P
 Maharishi European Research University,
Switzerland
Maharishi University of Natural Law, England
Maharishi International University, USA
Maharishi Academy of Vedic Science, India
Maharishi's Technology of Consciousness
Transcendental Meditation offering fulfilment
to the United Nations World Assembly on Aging

A/CONF.l13/NGC/17 Maharishi's Technology of Consciousness

Transcendental Meditation offering fulfilment
to the United Nations World Assembly on Aging
Maharishi European Research University,
Switzerland
Maharishi University of Natural Law, England
Maharishi International University, USA
Maharishi Academy of Vedic Science, India
A/CQNF.l13/NCC/18 International Federation of the Elderly's
Associations FIAPA: The Role of the
Elderly's Associations towards Aging

A/CONF.l13/NGC/l9 A World Charter on Aging - The Nine Essentials

Statement by Help the Aged

A/[X)NF.l13/NGC/20 "A Renewable Resource: all the people

providing care for the dependent aging"
Elvirita Lewis Foundation

Suggestions concerning housing: amendments

to the Draft International Action Plan
submitted by the Society for the Care of Old
People
A/CONF.113/%0/22 Statement by the Federation of Associations
of Former International Civil Servants
A/C!ONF.l13/NGC/23' Statement by Rehabilitation International
A/CQNF.l13/NGO/24 "Life-long Education and ,Aging"
The Association for Continuing Higher
Education

82-23577/0342-3t -lOl-
. A. _. ". ,._ .._ ..,. . . .1,. .,. .-".
 HOW TO OBTAIN UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATIONS
United Nations publications may be obtained from bookstores and distributors
throughout the world. Consult your bookstore or write to: United Nations, Sales
Section, New York or Geneva.

COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS DES NATIONS UNIES

Les publications des Nations Unies sont en vente dans les librairies et les agences
d6positaires du mondc cntier. Informez-vous aup& de votre libraire ou adressea-vous
B : Nations Unies, Section des ventes, New York ou Gen&ve.

COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS

Las publicaciones de las Naciones Unidas e&In en venta en librerias y casas distri-
buidoras en t&as purtes dcl mundo. Consulte a su librero o dirijase a: Naciones
Unidas, Secci6n de Ventas, Nueva York o Ginebra.

___- -----p--e

Litho in United Nations, New York 00900 United Nations publication

23577-September 1982-3,075 Sales No. E.82.1.16

,‘,
I
i