Current status of the social situation, well-being, participation in development and rights of older persons worldwide

The ageing population is growing at an unprecedented rate. There are presently 740 million individuals in the world aged 60 years or over, and that number is expected to rise to 1 billion by the end of the present decade and possibly to 2 billion by mid-century. Most older people live in developing countries, where the bulk of the increase will occur.

This report covers:

• the social and economic well-being of the ageing population, documenting the demographics of older age, reviewing the economic situation of older persons, exploring health-related issues, and examining societal perceptions and the social integration of older residents
• how the diversity of situations characterising older persons in society and across the world has been taken into account, and an effort has been made to capture the evolving reality and perceptions of old age as well as older persons’ own views
  
• human rights norms as they pertain to older persons, incorporating several illustrative examples of how international human rights mechanisms have applied relevant norms to critical human rights issues affecting older persons

Older persons still face a number of major challenges, but the outlook for the ageing population is positive in many respects. Ageist stereotypes persist, and low levels of literacy and educational attainment have hindered the full participation of older persons in society. However, the older generation is gradually coming into its own. Within the next few decades, as the better educated younger population ages, education and literacy rates will increase significantly. Even now, as the number of older persons increases, there is a growing awareness of the importance of active ageing.