Celebrating the
International Day of Older Persons 2019: “The Journey to Age Equality”
By Lance Robertson, ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary
for Aging
The United Nations designates October 1 as the International
Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme—The Journey to Age Equality—focuses on
pathways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality.
It is aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, Goal 10 which is designed
to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequality of outcome, including
through measures to eliminate discrimination, and to employ and promote the
social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex,
disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.
The 2019 theme is intended to explore how to address
demographic and other societal changes and to change the narrative of “old
age”. In less than two decades, older adults are projected to outnumber
kids for the first time in U.S. history. Starting in 2030, when all Baby
Boomers will be older than 65, older Americans will make up 21 percent of
the population, up from 15 percent today. These demographics have
great implications for policies related to healthcare, caregiving, social
structures, pensions and social security.
At the Administration for Community Living, we strive to
maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults and
people with disabilities. Today, at the Pan American Health Organization’s
(PAHO) 57th Directing Council Side Event, I am moderating a panel, The Response to Aging Societies:
Challenges and Opportunities in Fostering Sustainable Health and Long-Term
Care System in the Americas, highlighting perspectives from the
U.S., Europe, Japan and the PAHO Regional.
In August, I had the privilege to represent the United States
at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Third Senior Officials’
Meeting. Specifically, I participated in the 9th High-Level Meeting (HLM)
on Health and the Economy in Puerto Varas, Chile. There, I shared our
vision to help older adults reach their full health potential, live with
dignity, and participate fully in society. I presented on the economic
imperative for planning to enhance healthy aging, embracing the digital
future in support of healthy aging in place, and supporting the global
aging agenda. These presentations included examples of how progress
has been made possible in the United States because of the framework we
have based in equity, inclusion and nondiscrimination.
Also, I heard from, and was inspired by, what I learned from
others about their structures and innovations in the fields of health
and aging. As a result, I urge us all to use today, the International Day
of Older Persons, as an opportunity to honor and celebrate the countless
contributions and enormous potential of older people throughout the globe.
We should rededicate ourselves and continue to promote the health,
well-being, community involvement, and independence of older
Americans. Also, we should all work to promote equality in access and
opportunity -- including access to healthcare, caregiving, the ability to
work and remain employed, access to lifelong learning, or in the range of
social protections that lead to productive living throughout the life course.
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