Older persons irrespective of gender, race and economic
and health status have the right to live in dignity and free of the
perverse effects of poverty, illness, homelessness and malnutrition; and
protection from isolation, abuse, neglect and discrimination.
Our work is based on the
United Nations Principles of Older Persons - Independence,
Participation, Care, Self-fulfilment and Dignity. For the next 5
years (2003-2008), the IFA will focus on :
- Poverty - Work to alleviate older persons from the
perverse effects of poverty and support policies that encourage economic
independence to the fullest extent.
- Health and Well-being - Promote policies and
practices that enable older people to live healthfully and
actively.
- Abuse and Neglect - Raise awareness regarding the
fact that older people may face their final years with abuse and neglect
as part of their daily lives.
- Discrimination and Ageism - Raise awareness about
the extent to which ageism undermines a person's right to the dignity
they deserve.
- Gender - Improve the understanding about the fact
that older women face a "triple jeopardy" due to social status, economic
conditions and illness and disabilities associated with long life.
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