This report, our contribution to the Madrid+10 review and appraisal process, takes stock of progress since the adoption of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002.
Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge is based on an assessment of progress since the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002 in the three priority areas identified in Madrid: development, health and well-being, and enabling and supportive environments. It reviews progress in policies and actions taken by governments and other stakeholders in response to Madrid’s call for creating a society for all ages. Its unique feature is a focus on the voices of older persons themselves, captured through group discussions with older men and women in 36 countries around the world. The first-hand accounts and testimonies of older persons help to ensure that the perspectives of the older population are better understood and acted upon.
The report identifies gaps and proposes the way forward with recommendations to ensure an age-friendly world in which everyone, including older persons, is given the opportunity to contribute to development and share in its benefits, the voices of all age groups are heard, and all persons are included in decision-making that affects them. Ageing is a lifelong process that does not start at age 60. Today’s young people will be part of the 2 billion-strong population of older persons in 2050. A better world for younger people today will mean a better world for older persons in 2050.
The report shows that there has been some important progress since Madrid. A number of countries have approved national policies, plans, programmes or strategies on ageing and older persons and some have approved age-specific legislation since 2002. But we know that policies and legislation alone are not sufficient to make a real change in the quality of life of older persons. Policies and legislation must be enforced so that older persons can enjoy their human rights, and programmes must be implemented and monitored to ensure that they reach those most in need.
