IYOP Questions and Answers

What is IYOP?

IYOP, or International Year of Older Persons, is the designated topic for the year 1999 as decided by the United Nations.  Since 1959, World Refugee Year, the UN has designated specific years to help focus world attention on important issues with the aim of generating concerted action in that area.
 

Why a year focusing on older persons?

The theme for IYOP is “Towards A Society For All Ages,” acknowledging the multigenerational, multidimensional, multisectoral aspects of ageing.  Ageing concerns us all because most people will join this group.  Social, economic and spiritual well-being in old age have their beginnings in early life.  This theme expresses the idea that everyone has a role to play in addressing the issue of the world’s ageing population.
 

What will be some of the effects of the increase in the world’s ageing population?

The impact of the world’s ageing population on socio-economic and cultural policies is already presenting problems to Governments.  However, the effects of the increase in the world’s ageing population will be felt differently in developed and developing countries.  In developed countries it has been predicted that difficulties will arise due to a declining labour force and increasing costs of care and pension systems.  Worker-pensioner conflicts may arise if policies are not adjusted.  In addition, family structures are changing with more people in older generations and less in the younger.

In developing countries the impact of ageing will not be felt as soon because most do not have comprehensive social systems in place.  However, demands on scarce resources, and growing levels of non-communicable disease and related disability will compound the strain on support structures for older persons.  Security in old age will present another concern as fertility rates decline and more young people migrate to urban centres.
 

What is the goal of the UN for the International Year of Older Persons?

The aim of declaring 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons is to bring international attention to the issue of demographic change.  The objective is to promote the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, which set out a broad framework for action on ageing and outline 18 entitlements of older persons.  The Year is about celebrating the lives, achievements and contributions of older persons, but also about giving older persons a platform on which to voice their demands and concerns for the future.
 

What does the UN hope to achieve for older persons?

By declaring 1999 the International Year of Older Persons, the UN has challenged Governments to implement the International Plan of Action on Ageing and to promote the UN Principles for Older Persons.  At the international level, the UN seeks to foster awareness and dialogue on the world’s ageing population.  The objective is to establish a climate of action to the questions pertaining to older persons.   In this vein, the United Nations has created an IYOP website with  information including the operational and conceptual framework for the Year, highlights of worldwide preparations for the Year, future strategies and a calendar of international IYOP events.

On a national level, the UN seeks to encourage Governments to address demographic change in their own countries by incorporating the needs of older persons into national plans and policies.  The standard and strategies for action in this area are contained in the International Plan of Action on Ageing.
 

What is the International Plan of Action on Ageing?

The International Plan of Action on Ageing is the first international instrument on ageing.  It was drafted at the World Assembly on Ageing in 1982 and adopted by the General Assembly later that year.

The International Plan of Action on Ageing has established an international agenda on dealing with issues affecting older persons.  Countries gathered at the World Assembly on Ageing decided to develop and apply policies designed to enhance the lives of older persons and to study the impact of ageing populations on development.  Through the International Plan of Action on Ageing they expressed their views.  The document contains 62 recommendations in the areas of:  health and nutrition; consumer protection; housing and environment; family; social welfare; income security and employment; and education.

These recommendations are not legally binding, but create an international standard for action in this area.  Governments are encouraged to take the steps recommended to effectively prepare for the ageing population in their countries.
 

What is the UN doing to promote the International Plan of Action on Ageing?

The UN appraises and reviews achievements of member states in incorporating the International Plan into national strategies every four years (1985, 1989, 1993, 1999).  The UN uses this information to determine the global response to the International Plan.

In 1992, the UN endorsed global targets on ageing for 2001 to give a pragmatic approach to implementation of the International Plan. It anticipates cooperation between Governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to set national targets, to integrate ageing into development plans, support programmes dealing with older persons, improve research on ageing,  include ageing in international fora, and establish a global network of senior volunteers.  The Centre for Social Development (Economic and Social Council) is the coordinator and focal point of this UN strategy. The Centre will evaluate and report on progress for all targets.

Many UN agencies have initiated activities to promote the International Plan of Action on Ageing through IYOP.  These include research projects on the implication of ageing on different sectors, a multi-media campaign, convening of workshops and conferences on issues affecting older persons, and information bulletins on world ageing.
 

What can you do?

Any initiative is a valuable contribution to the IYOP.  An important aspect of the IYOP is that everyone has something to offer to and benefit from during this important Year.  The Canadian federal and provincial governments, NGOs, and community groups are developing campaigns, awareness-raising events and practical projects to support older people, to increase the visibility of ageing issues and to publicize the central theme “Towards a society for all ages.”

Being informed is the first hurdle in taking action.  Find out about IYOP!  Learn about the tremendous global demographic change that is taking place!  Decide how best to contribute, whether through educating yourself, joining a community group, or planning your own event.

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