The United Nations Principles for Older Persons

In 1990, the UN General Assembly designated 1 October as the "International Day of Older Persons". In 1991, the Assembly adopted the "United Nations Principles for Older Persons" (resolution 46/91), encouraging governments to incorporate them into national programmes whenever possible. The Principles call for action in many areas, among them:

Independence: Older persons should have access to food, water, shelter, clothing, health care, work and other income-generating opportunities, education, training, and a life in safe environments.

Participation: Older persons should remain integrated into community life and participate actively in the formulation of policies affecting their well-being.

Care: Older persons should have access to social and legal services and to health care so that they can maintain an optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-being. This should include full respect for dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy.

Self-fulfilment: Older persons should have access to educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational resources and be able to develop their full potential.

Dignity: Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security, be free of exploitation and physical or mental and be treated fairly regardless of age, gender and racial or ethnic background.