AGE calls for decent life and respect for human dignity in old age
In response to the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, Brussels-based platform representing older people, AGE has called for guaranteed decent life and respect for the human dignity in old age.
Brussels, 18 January 2010
On the occasion of the press conference organised by a coalition of European social NGOs active in social inclusion on 19th January to mark the launch of the European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, AGE Platform Europe calls for more dignity and quality of life in old age.
AGE members call upon national governments and the European Commission to: guarantee an adequate minimum income in old age; ensure effective involvement of senior citizens in policy-making; improve universal access to social services based on quality standards for health and long-term care services; enforce gender equality in employment to ensure their adequate pension; and combat poverty among older workers while facilitating a smooth transition towards retirement.
A minimum old age income should be recognized as fundamental right to ensure everyone’s dignity and independence and fight poverty. In addition to addressing the “monetary” aspect of poverty, actions should be taken to facilitate access to all various but essential services, such as quality health care, decent housing and social and civic participation for all citizens whatever their age.
People aged 65+ are one of the most vulnerable groups exposed to poverty and social exclusion and should be therefore included as a specific target group in European and national action plans and strategies on social inclusion. Click here to read AGE Platform Europe and the EY2010 Coalition demands for 2010.
Click here to read AGE Platform Europe and the EY2010 Coalition demands for 2010.
About AGE Platform Europe
AGE - the European Older People’s Platform is a European network of organisations of people aged 50+ and represents over 22 million older people in Europe. AGE aims to voice and promote the interests of the 150 million inhabitants aged 50+ in the European Union and to raise awareness of the issues that concern them most. www.age-platform.org.
For more information on AGE, please see its website here
For the website of the EY2010 Coalition of NGO networks please clicke here
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****Updated*****Guide to the 2010 European Year for Combatting Poverty and Social Exclusion
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