Protecting the Rights, Dignity and Well-being of Older Persons
By Phetoho Maja
October is recognised as Social Development Month in South Africa, providing an opportunity to reflect on the importance of building inclusive communities where every person can live with dignity, access essential services and enjoy their fundamental human rights. The month also coincides with the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990 through Resolution 45/106. In South Africa, we also celebrate Older Persons week from the 25th of September to 2nd October.
This commemoration reminds us that ageing is a natural part of life and that older persons deserve to live in environments where they are respected, protected and empowered to participate meaningfully in society. It is also an opportunity to confront the challenges experienced by older persons, including abuse, neglect, social isolation, poverty and barriers to accessing essential services.
As our society continues to evolve, we must recognise that caring for older persons goes beyond providing food, shelter and healthcare. It requires a collective commitment to protecting their rights, preserving their independence and ensuring that they remain as valued members of their families and communities.Older persons have rights that must be respected
Older persons are entitled to the same fundamental human rights as every other member of society. Their age should never be a reason to deny them dignity, independence, equal treatment or opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons, adopted in 1991, identify five key areas that should guide how societies treat and support older people: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity.
Independence means that older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and healthcare, as well as opportunities to pursue education, employment or income-generating activities where appropriate. They should also be able to make decisions about their lives and remain in their homes for as long as their circumstances and support systems allow.
Participation is equally important. Older persons possess valuable knowledge, experience and life skills that can benefit younger generations and society as a whole. They should be encouraged to participate in community activities, contribute to public discussions and influence policies that affect their well-being. Care requires families, communities and government to work together to ensure that older persons receive appropriate physical, emotional, social and healthcare support. Families
have a responsibility towards the care and well-being of older persons. Where residential care is necessary, facilities must provide safe and humane environments that respect the rights, privacy, beliefs and personal choices of residents. Self-fulfilment recognises that ageing should not bring an end to personal growth. Older persons should have opportunities to participate in educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational activities that promote their interests and well-being.
Above all, dignity requires that older persons live free from exploitation, discrimination, neglect and all forms of abuse. They must be valued for who they are, rather than judged by their age, health status or economic contribution. These principles should not remain statements on paper. They must be reflected in how we treat older persons in our homes, communities, healthcare facilities and institutions.
Breaking the silence around elder abuse One of the most concerning challenges facing older persons is abuse, which can occur within families, communities, residential facilities and other relationships where trust is expected. Older persons may be particularly vulnerable because of declining health, frailty, social isolation or dependence on others for daily care. However, vulnerability should never be mistaken for helplessness, and dependence on a caregiver must never become an opportunity for exploitation. Elder abuse takes many forms. Physical abuse involves acts that cause bodily injury or discomfort, while psychological or emotional abuse includes humiliation, intimidation, threats and other conduct that causes mental suffering.
Financial and material abuse occurs when someone misuses an older person’s money, pension, property or other assets without proper consent. This may include taking money from an older person’s bank account, coercing them into signing documents or using their pension for personal benefit without their agreement.
Sexual abuse involves sexual conduct without the person’s consent. Neglect occurs when an older person’s basic needs, including food, shelter, personal hygiene, healthcare and safety, are not adequately met. Human rights violations may also occur when older persons are denied their freedom, privacy, dignity or the opportunity to make decisions about their own lives.These forms of abuse can have devastating consequences, affecting an older person’s physical health, emotional well-being, financial security and trust in those around them.
