World Economic and Social Survey 2007: Development in an Ageing World
The World Economic and Social Survey 2007 analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing populations and aims to facilitate discussions in furthering the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by consensus by the Second World Assembly on Ageing on 12 April 2002. The Madrid Plan of Action focuses on three sets of priorities: older people and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and enabling and supportive environments for older persons.
The Survey underscores the need to fully recognize and better harness the productive and social contributions to societies that older persons can make but are, in many instances, prevented from making. It also emphasizes what is among the most pressing of challenges: that arising from the prospect of a shrinking labour force that must support an increasingly larger older population. Moreover, changes in intergenerational relationships may affect the provision of care and income security for older persons, particularly in developing countries where family transfers often play a major role. Thus, societies must also cater for the particular needs of older populations in terms of the requisite health care, assistance in case of disabilities and appropriate living conditions.
Source: Economic and Social Council, UN
