Ranking the UN Principles for Older Persons
Introduction:
In 1991, the United Nations wrote out a list of 18 Principles that older persons should have. This document is the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. Its purpose is to suggests ways that governments can incorporate needs and values of older persons into government programmes. The Principles are organized into five themes: Independence; participation; care; self-fulfillment; and dignity. These are not rights (which people have a legal claim to), but rather are suggested criteria to guide actions that involve older persons.
This activity will allow the class to understand the concept of Principles and to prioritize the UN Principles for Older Persons.
Objectives:
Suggested time: 1 hour.
Materials:
Copy of the UN Principles for Older Persons
Evaluation based upon:
Set up:
Divide the class into pairs of students. Give each pair an envelop containing the UN Principles for Older Persons, cut into strips.
Each pair will then work together to rank the Principles according to the value they place in each principle. This can be done in a diamond shape so that students can give some Principles the same weight:
1
2 2
3 3 3
4 4
5
Once the pairs have established their ranking, the class will come together into one large group to compare their rankings. Use the following questions to have a class discussion:
Questions: