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GENERAL
E/ESCAP/1174
7 April 2000
ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Fifty-sixth session
1-7 June 2000
Bangkok
EMERGING ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL:
SOCIO-ECONOMIC MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS
(Item 7 (c) of the provisional agenda)
GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MACAO PLAN OF ACTION ON AGEING FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Note by the secretariat
SUMMARY
The General Assembly, in its resolution 47/5 of 16 October 1992, the annex to
which contained the Proclamation on Ageing, decided to observe the year 1999 as
the International Year of Older Persons. In its resolution 50/141 of 21 December
1995 on the International Year of Older Persons: towards a society for all ages, it
invited regional commissions to bear in mind the goals of the Year when convening
regional meetings in 1998 and 1999 at which to mark the Year and formulate action
plans on ageing for the twenty-first century.
In response to the above mandate, ESCAP convened the Regional Meeting on
a Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific in Macao in October 1998, which
adopted the Macao Declaration and Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the
Pacific. At its fifty-fifth session held in April 1999, the Commission endorsed the
Macao Declaration and Plan of Action in its resolution 55/4 of 28 April 1999 -
Towards a society for all ages: Macao Declaration and Plan of Action on Ageing for
Asia and the Pacific.
The Commission urged all members and associate members to take early and
effective action to implement the Plan of Action, and at the same time requested the
Executive Secretary of ESCAP to provide full support and assistance to them in the
establishment of specific time-bound national goals and targets and policies on
ageing and the coordination of regional and subregional activities.
In implementation of Commission resolution 55/4, a set of guidelines on the
implementation of the Macao Plan of Action has been prepared with the aim of
assisting members and associate members in their effective implementation of the
Macao Plan of Action.
The Commission is invited to consider and endorse the guidelines on the
implementation of the Macao Plan of Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific as
contained in the present document.
|
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
I. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
- II. ACTION IN SPECIFIC AREAS
-
A. Social position of older persons
B. Older persons and the family
C. Health and nutrition
D. Housing, transportation and the built environment
E. Older persons and the market
F. Income security, maintenance and employment
G. Social services and the community
- III. COORDINATION AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
- IV. REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
INTRODUCTION
1. The Commission, recognizing the importance of population ageing in Asia and
the Pacific and acting in accordance with General Assembly resolution 50/141 of 21
December 1995 on the International Year of Older Persons: towards a society for all
ages, in its resolution 54/5 of 22 April 1998, requested the Executive Secretary to
convene a regional meeting to formulate a regional plan of action on ageing to mark
the International Year of Older Persons. The Macao Declaration and Plan of Action on
Ageing for Asia and the Pacific was adopted by the Regional Meeting on a Plan of
Action on Ageing for Asia and the Pacific on 1 October 1998.
2. The Macao Plan of Action identifies the immediate tasks for Asia and the Pacific
focusing on four main areas: understanding of the issues and implications of
population ageing for society; the preparation of the population for an ageing process
that is productive and fulfilling; the development of a service infrastructure and
environment based on traditional and modern institutions; and the delivery of essential
services needed by the growing number of older persons. The Plan of Action
addresses seven major areas of concern relating to ageing and older persons: (a) the
social position of older persons; (b) older persons and the family; (c) health and
nutrition; (d) housing, transportation and the built environment; (e) older persons and
the market; (f) income security, maintenance and employment; and (g) social services
and the community. Specific actions are recommended for each of the seven major
areas of concern.
3. The Commission, at its fifty-fifth session held in April 1999, endorsed the Macao
Plan of Action. It requested the Executive Secretary of ESCAP to provide full support
and assistance to members and associate members in the immediate implementation
of the Plan, including the provision of technical assistance, in the establishment of
specific time-bound national goals, targets and policies on ageing and the coordination
of regional and subregional activities.
4. To assist the member countries in their implementation of the Plan, a set of
guidelines on the implementation of the Plan has been prepared and further revised
following the International Symposium on Planning Attainable Targets for Societies for
All Ages, which was held in Macao from 26 to 29 October 1999. These guidelines
detail the specific goals and targets that should be established at the country and
regional levels and recommend dates or a time frame for initiation and review of action
in achieving the targets.
5. The Plan of Action contains concise recommendations on addressing important
issues relating to ageing and older persons, which represent the governments' desire
to take concrete and appropriate action to mitigate the adverse impact of population
ageing. The Plan takes note of the fact that issues related to population ageing may
not be among the top priorities of governments. However, in view of the significance of
the impact of population ageing, the Plan of Action and its recommendations
underscore the governments' concern that it will place increasing pressure on the
development process, especially on the social development of countries.
6. The Plan of Action indicates that individual countries will set their own goals and
targets within the framework of the recommendations and implement them in
accordance with their national circumstances. These recommendations need to be
concretized and re-phrased as specific goals and targets for each country to adopt for
implementation. A list of such goals and targets will help countries in their national
planning and monitoring process.
7. At the regional level, the need to establish a mechanism to monitor progress
made by countries in the implementation of the Plan of Action has been mandated by
the Commission. The monitoring system requires specificity in the goals and targets,
and a clear indication of the target date for the initiation of activities and achievement
of such goals. The establishment of this set of goals and targets will assist the
secretariat in reporting to the Commission periodically on the progress of
implementation.
8. The proposed guidelines are in four sections. The first section deals with the
general recommendations mentioned in the Plan of Action which are macro and
systemic in nature. The second section examines the specific areas that affect ageing
and older persons. The third section covers issues relating to coordination and
resource mobilization. The fourth section deals with regional and international
cooperation.
I. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
9. The Plan of Action proposed four immediate tasks to be taken by the
countries, in view of the importance of population ageing for national social and
economic development. The four tasks are essential for the building up of effective
national capacity and infrastructure for dealing with the impact of population ageing.
These tasks require the establishment of a coherent national programme on ageing,
and the national infrastructure should build upon an integrated network of service
organizations with quality services and effective delivery.
|
General recommendations
|
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Understanding of
the issues and
implications of
population
ageing
|
- Set up a national coordinating
body on ageing
- Establish a national
programme of study, research,
and public education on
population ageing:
(i) Set up information and
research apparatus on
ageing
(ii) Conduct baseline surveys
and analysis
(iii) Establish public
education programmes
(iv) Establish national
databases on ageing |
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005 |
| 2 |
Preparation for
an ageing
process that is
productive and
fulfilling
|
- Establish a national
programme to assist
preparations for ageing and
retirement involving public
education and policy changes |
Immediate |
2005 |
|
3 |
Development of
a national
infrastructure for
ageing and an
enabling
environment
|
- Establish a national
infrastructure of services for
older persons with three key
components:
(i) An integrated network of
organizations
(ii) Quality services with an
effective delivery
framework
(iii) Adequate training,
monitoring and research
support
|
Immediate |
2005 |
| 4 |
Delivery of
essential
services |
- Establish an effective,
accessible service delivery
network to bring services to
older persons
|
Immediate |
2005 |
II. ACTION IN SPECIFIC AREAS
10. The Plan of Action recognized seven major areas relating to ageing and older
persons that would require special attention. These are discussed in detail below.
A. Social position of older persons
11. The governments were mandated by the Plan of Action to make serious efforts
to dispel the negative perception of older persons and to inculcate vigorously a new
role for them based on their positive and continued contributions in the social,
religious, political and economic arenas. This was in response to the recognition that
the conventional perception of older persons tends to be negative. The Plan of Action
also stressed the importance of adequate lifelong preparation for successful ageing
and that governments should make serious efforts to prepare the population for the
ageing process.
|
Social position of older persons
|
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation
date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should prepare
for the
productive
ageing of the
population |
- Establish a programme to
promote lifelong education
- Provide equal opportunities to
allow older persons to remain
engaged in as many social,
economic and community
activities as possible
- Establish a programme to
promote lifelong preparation
for productive ageing with
positive and continued
contributions in the social,
religious, political and
economic arenas
|
2001
Immediate
2001 |
2006
2005
2006 |
| 2 |
Governments
should dispel
negative
perceptions of
older persons
and inculcate a
new, positive
role |
- Create a positive image of
older persons through public
education
- Recognize the positive
contributions of older persons
in the family, economy and
society
- Give due publicity to the
United Nations Principles for
Older Persons within the
national and cultural context
- Involve older persons in
national planning efforts
|
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005
2005
2005 |
B. Older persons and the family
12. The Plan of Action recognized the distinctive role of the family in Asia and the
Pacific and took note of the special position of older persons in the family, giving and
receiving support from each other. The governments appreciated the forces that
had adversely affected the capacity of the family to support and care for older
persons and agreed to initiate comprehensive programmes that would strengthen
the family. They also agreed to provide special assistance to vulnerable older
persons, including the destitute, those with low income, the minorities, the displaced,
the disabled, and persons with long-term medical conditions. The special needs of
widows and women without family support were also recognized.
|
Older persons and the family
|
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should take
effective steps to
enhance the
care-giving
capability of the
family through
appropriate
programmes |
- Promote co-residence
through housing policies and
financial incentives
- Provide home nursing
services for older persons
- Provide facilities for respite
care
- Provide programmes on
counselling, professional
guidance and emotional
support
- Strengthen intergenerational
relationships and the
traditional support system
|
Immediate
2001
2001
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2006
2006
2005
2005 |
| 2 |
Governments
should ensure
that vulnerable
older persons
(destitute, low-income,
minorities,
displaced,
disabled,
persons with
long-term
medical
conditions)
receive special
attention and are
covered by the
social safety nets
|
- Identify and assess the size
of these groups
- Determine the extent of
assistance |
2001
2001 |
2006
2006 |
| 3 |
Governments
should monitor
and meet the
special needs of
widows (who
form the largest
group of older
persons) through
special
programmes
|
- Make adequate provision for
older persons in emergency
planning and relief efforts for
widows and women without
family support |
Immediate |
2005 |
| 4 |
Governments
should dispel the
notion that older
persons only
receive support
and contributions
from the family
intergenerational
exchange is two-way
|
- Pay special tribute to the
contribution of older persons
to the family institution
- Promote multigenerational
relationships |
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005 |
C. Health and nutrition
13. The Plan of Action took note of the trend that cohorts of older persons were now
reaching old age in better health than before. The maintenance of good health could
be achieved through proper nutrition, diagnosis, preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
The governments were asked to develop and promote these low-cost, prevention-based initiatives and to put in place a system of coordinated care to evaluate the
health needs of older persons in a holistic manner. The governments were also asked
to examine policy options on health-care financing, as the rapidly increasing need for
health care for older persons would result in significant budgetary commitments.
|
Health and nutrition |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should put a
systematic
programme of
activities in place
to educate the
population on
healthy ageing |
- Educate the public on healthy
ageing, especially the
following components:
(i) Awareness of
physiological changes
(ii) Understanding
symptoms of common
ailments
(iii) Understanding the
risk factors of poor
health
(iv) Adoption of
preventive care and a
healthy lifestyle
(v) Prevention and/or
treatment of age-related
diseases
|
Immediate |
2005 |
| 2 |
Governments
should integrate
low-cost,
community-based activities
into existing
community
health
programmes
|
- Disseminate information
about common ailments
- Conduct mass screening
programmes
- Provide nutritional and dietary
advice to the public
- Provide security of minimum
nutrition needs |
Immediate
2001
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2006
2005
2005 |
| 3 |
Governments
should explore
innovative
options of health-care financing for
older persons |
- Assess and evaluate the co-payment of medical costs
between employees and
employers, and medical
funds, and explore insurance-based schemes
- Provide medical care at
concessionary rates to older
persons
|
2001
2001 |
2006
2006 |
D. Housing, transportation and the built environment
14.The Plan of Action emphasized that the quality of life of older persons was
intertwined with the adequacy of their living conditions. The governments were
urged to make resources available to address the housing needs of older persons
and to ensure that they had a reasonable and adequate living environment. Special
arrangements should also be made to meet the transportation and mobility needs of
older persons.
| Housing, transportation and the built environment |
|
| Plan of Action goals |
Targets |
Initiation
date |
Review
date
|
| 1 |
Governments
should ensure that
older persons have
a reasonable and
adequate living
environment |
Adopt the Global Strategy for
Shelter to the Year 2000, which
obliges the State to assume
responsibility for protection and
improvement of housing conditions
Make available resources to
address the housing needs of
older persons
Provide barrier-free access
throughout the community
Give incentives to facilitate home
upgrading and improvements to the
surrounding environment
Ensure that nursing homes and
shelters for the aged destitute are
well-run and meet quality
standards |
Immediate
2001
2005
2001
2005 |
2005
2006
2010
2006
2010 |
| 2 |
Governments
should make
special
arrangements to
meet the
transportation
needs of older
persons |
Give concessions in public
transport travel fares
Modify the physical environment
and transportation infrastructure to
facilitate independent movement
Promote the road safety of older
persons
|
Immediate
2001
Immediate |
2005
2006
2005 |
E. Older persons and the market
15. The Plan of Action recognized that older persons were a special group of
consumers, with many of the required goods and services provided by the private
sector. The governments should protect their rights as consumers as provided for by
the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection.(1) It was recognized that
private sector initiatives were important market mechanisms responding to the needs
of older consumers. The governments should facilitate the development of that
market.
|
Older persons and the market |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation
date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should ensure
that the rights of
older persons as
consumers are
safeguarded
|
- Encourage older persons to
join or form consumer groups to
protect their rights as
consumers
- Promote consumer education,
including education on market
practices |
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005
|
| 2 |
Governments
should facilitate
and regulate the
development of
service
industries
catering to older
persons |
- Provide appropriate incentives
and guidance to private service
providers
- Provide safeguards to prevent
abuse and ensure minimum
standards
|
2001
Immediate |
2006
2005 |
F. Income security, maintenance and employment
16. The Plan of Action observed that while saving for old age had a long tradition
in the region and its practice was widespread, the governments needed to assess
the extent to which the different sectors of the population were actually saving for old
age. It was agreed that that was a key element in a person's lifelong preparation for
old age. In addition, the governments recognized the particular importance of
continued employment as a form of income security, and agreed that participation in
the workforce should be encouraged as long as older persons were able to continue
to work. As the providers of the final safety net, the governments would constantly
review the adequacy of the social security schemes and provide additional
resources to improve the coverage and the current level of benefits.
| Income security, maintenance and employment |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation
date |
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should assess the
extent to which
the different
sectors of the
population are
saving for old age |
- Establish appropriate
mechanisms to encourage savings
during a person's economically
active years, including people in
the informal sector, women and
long-term unemployed workers
|
2001 |
2006 |
| 2 |
Governments
should
encourage older
persons'
participation in
the workforce |
- Implement flexible retirement
scheme and legal protection
- Establish job creation and
retention programmes
- Introduce programmes to
upgrade worker knowledge and
skills
- Encourage self-employment
through advisory services and
other assistance |
2001
2001
2001
2001
|
2006
2006
2006
2006 |
| 3 |
Governments
should
constantly
review the
adequacy of
benefits (social
security or
pension etc.) to
ensure a
reasonable
standard of living
|
- Devote additional resources to
such schemes to improve
coverage and level of benefits
- Make intensive studies to
examine the implications and
evolve new instruments of
income security |
Immediate
2001
|
2005
2006 |
G. Social services and the community
17. The governments recognized the occasional needs of older persons for social
service assistance to regain their well-being. The Plan of Action specified that the
governments should ensure that a reasonable level of services was available to older
persons, through a coordinated network of government and non-governmental
agencies. It also recognized that older persons themselves formed a pool of expertise
that could be tapped for community projects and activities, and that should be
facilitated.
|
Social services and the community |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation date
|
Review
date |
| 1 |
Governments
should recognize
the occasional
need for social
service
assistance by
older persons
|
- Commit adequate resources to
ensure a reasonable level of
services, especially home
support services
- Implement proper coordination
and integration of government
and non-government service
agencies in the provision of
support and alternative services
to older persons |
2001
2001
|
2006
2006 |
| 2 |
Governments
should view
older persons as
a valuable
resource in the
community |
- Open up avenues for their
participation through
membership in community
clubs and resident associations
- Encourage associations of
older persons
- Empower older persons to
undertake projects that would
improve community well-being
|
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate
| 2005
2005
2005 |
III. COORDINATION AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
18. The implementation of the Plan of Action is primarily a national responsibility,
requiring the concerted efforts of the government, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and other social entities. A central element in the implementation is national
coordination. The Plan of Action requested the governments to designate a national
coordinating body to provide overall policy direction and guidance in the planning and
formulation of national programmes. It also requested the governments to spell out the
goals and targets for their national plans and programmes in terms of quantifiable
outputs and time frames for their implementation. In the implementation process,
close cooperation and collaboration among government agencies, NGOs and the
private sector were extremely important, and a multisectoral approach was
emphasized. The Plan of Action further
urged governments to devote additional resources to the establishment of a national
infrastructure for ageing, and to harness the resources of NGOs and the private sector,
and among older persons themselves.
|
Coordination and resource mobilization |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initation date
|
Review date |
| 1 |
Governments
should
coordinate
implementation
of the Plan of
Action carefully
|
- A national coordinating agency
should be established:
(i) To provide overall policy
direction in the formulation
of national programmes
(ii) To review the
implementation on a regular
basis
(iii) To provide feedback on
the reviews to all parties
(iv) To ensure that the
needs of older persons are
adequately met |
Immediate |
2005 |
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Governments
should draw up
plans to meet
guidelines in the
Plan of Action
after a national
infrastructure for
ageing has been
set up |
- Specify attainable goals and
targets within well-defined time
frames in line with national
conditions
- Gather inputs from
participating sectors
- Bear in mind gender equality
and minimize urban-rural
imbalance |
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005
2005 |
| 3 |
Governments
should work
closely with
NGOs as well
as the private
sector |
- Encourage the development
of a strong non-governmental
sector by formulating a legal
framework for establishment
and registration, provision of
budgetary subvention and
assistance
- Promote open competition by
the private sector in service
delivery
- Consider privatization of
services where the private
sector is able to bring better
standards |
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005
2005 |
| 4 |
Governments
should show
commitment to
review national
priorities and,
where
necessary,
revise them to
ensure the availability
of sufficient
resources for
implementation
of the Plan of
Action
|
- Explore new ways of
financing, including establishing
a dedicated fund to provide for
additional resources
- Give assistance in NGO fund-raising activities
- Facilitate community resource
mobilization through capital
grants, tax exemptions or other
fiscal incentives
- Provide appropriate training,
guidance and recognition for
volunteerism
|
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate
Immediate |
2005
2005
2005
2005 |
IV. REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
19. The Plan of Action recognized the importance of international cooperation in
the implementation of the recommendations. Specifically, it asked ESCAP to be the
focal point for the region on issues related to ageing and older persons. In addition,
the United Nations system was asked to increase its support of the development of the
infrastructure for ageing at the country level. Finally, the Plan asked the ESCAP
secretariat to undertake a periodic review of the progress in the implementation of the
Plan.
|
Regional and international cooperation |
| Plan of Action
goals |
Targets |
Initiation
date
|
Review
date
|
| 1 |
Governments
should continue
to strengthen
their commitment
to current modes
of cooperation,
including
exchange of
information, joint
research and
training activities,
awareness
creation and
demonstration
projects with the
assistance of
ESCAP |
- ESCAP could:
(i) Continue facilitating the
exchange of national
experiences
(ii) Design programmes for
regional cooperation
(iii) Provide technical
assistance and advisory
services
(iv) Initiate resource
mobilization from
multilateral donor
institutions
(v) Coordinate
international
organizations in activities
on ageing
(vi) Monitor and review
implementation of the
Plan of Action
|
Immediate |
2005
2005 |
| 2 |
The United
Nations system
should increase
its support for
the development
of infrastructure
for ageing |
- The United Nations could
increase support by:
(i) Providing technical
assistance in policy and
programme development
(ii) Providing financial
support for major
initiatives
(iii) Providing a mechanism
for capacity-building
(iv) Disseminating relevant
materials
(v) Conducting and
providing advice on
seminars, workshops and
training courses |
Immediate
|
2005 |
| 3 |
International non-governmental
organizations to
intensify their
efforts |
- International NGOs could
provide technical assistance to
enhance national information,
training and research capabilities
- Promote networking and
cooperation among NGOs in the
region and between those in the
region and outside the region |
Immediate
|
2005 |
| 4 |
Progress in the
implementation
of the Plan of
Action is to be
reviewed |
- Governments could review the
Plan of Action at the subregional
level first, where appropriate,
given differing population
conditions
|
When
appropriate
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
| 5 |
Review of the
Plan of Action |
- ESCAP is to review and report
its findings for further action at its
annual session in 2001 and
every five years thereafter
|
When
appropriate
|
2005
|
1. See the annex to General Assembly resolution 39/248 of 9 April 1985.
|
