HelpAge International
| Published date | 01 February 2003 |
| Date | 01 February 2003 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200300006 |
| Pages | 35-39 |
| Author | Sarah Graham‐Brown,Stuart Connor |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 5 Issue 1 • February 2003 © Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Limited 35
key words
rights-based approach
poverty
elder abuse
Madrid Plan
abstract
HelpAge International carries
out work on issues of ageing and
development across a worldwide
network. Experience suggests that
older people are struggling to be
seen, heard and understood, and are
still excluded from action to improve
their situation. This paper also
reports on the Madrid Plan, the first
international agreement to
recognise the potential of older
people to contribute to the
development of their societies.
HelpAge International takes a rights-based approach to
development and places high value on networking and support
to older people’s organisations. Since its beginning in 1983,
HelpAge International has grown to a worldwide network of 70
members in 40 countries across Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin
America and the Caribbean, North America and Europe.
HelpAge International has four regional centres and nine
country programmes, supported by offices in London and
Brussels. HelpAge International collaborates with member
organisations and a wide range of other partners in over 80
countries.
Aims and objectives
The goal of HelpAge International is to achieve lasting
improvements in the quality of life of older people. This is done
through sharing knowledge, expertise and resources. Great
importance is placed on advocacy. Policy makers are encouraged
to consider older people’s access to basic human rights, including
the right to participate in policy discussions.
Main activities
Unprecedented demographic change – both population ageing
and population growth – is a key structural issue for the world,
comparable in impact to globalisation and climate change.
Increased longevity is a triumph of human development. People
in all parts of the world are living longer. Global life expectancy
in 1945 was 45 years; now it is 65, and by 2045 it is estimated it
will be 76. Already two-thirds of the world’s over-60s live in
developing countries, where the fastest increases are taking
place.
One out of 10 people is now aged 60 or above, according to
United Nations figures. By 2050, one out of five will be 60 years
or older. And by 2150, this figure will be one out of three. The
HelpAge International Sarah Graham-Brown
Media Office, HelpAge International
Stuart Connor
Research Fellow, University of Wolverhampton
Organisationalprofile
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