All people should have the same chances.
This means for example that older people should have the same chances as anyone else. Age Platform is an organisation which works on the rights of older people. They did a document to tell European politicians how they can make Europe a better place for older people. |
AGE Platform Europe and its members launched their Manifesto for the EU elections during an event held at the European Parliament on 5th November, demanding an Age-Friendly European Union.
MEP Claude Moraes, Co-Chair of the Intergroup on Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, who hosted the event, said: “AGE Platform Europe’s Manifesto for the 2014 elections is about making pledges that will challenge entrenched prejudices faced by older people, who make an incredibly valuable contribution to our society.”
Manifesto urges the EU politicians to effectively respond to the demographic change in the continent. It suggests a series of measures to support the access of older people to quality care, housing, employment, services and goods, etc. It calls for taking collective responsibility for the re-organisation of European society which would consider the new demographic trends and create benefits for all citizens.
In the document, AGE calls for EU policies and initiatives that will: Promote equal opportunities and the realisation of human rights for all Guarantee the adequacy, fairness and sustainability of Europe’s social and health protection systems Ensure universal access to goods and services, in particular to the built environment, ICT, mobility and public services Support the right to grow and age in good mental and physical health Create age-friendly labour markets and economy Involve older persons in all policy and research processes that concern them Protect the right for all to live and die in dignity
You can find a full version of the Manifesto here.
Inclusion Europe welcomes the Manifesto, as ageing of population is also an issue for people with intellectual disabilities and their families who constitute one of the most vulnerable groups of ageing citizens. Older people with intellectual disabilities often face double discrimination. Therefore a special attention should be paid to older people with disabilities whose needs must be addressed in the measures for the creation of the ‘Age-friendly’ European Union. |