NAME: AHEREZA ANSELEM

COURSE UNIT: SOCIAL WORK WITH ELDERY

LECTURER; KIWUMOLO PETER

QTN: Identify the similarities and differences in the content of the three documents
namely

The United nations principles on older persons

The Madrid international plan of action on elderly

The Uganda national plan of action on elderly

The united Nations principles for older persons, The Madrid international plan of action
on elderly and The Uganda national plan of action on elderly

These share a common goal of promoting the well-being and rights of older persons.
The similarities include

Respect for human rights Both documents underscore the fundamental importance of
upholding the human rights of older persons. They stress that older individuals are
entitled to the same rights as any other members of society, including the rights to
dignity, autonomy, equality, and non-discrimination.

Dignity The principles outlined in these documents emphasize the significance of

preserving the dignity and independence of older persons. They recognize that older
individuals should be able to live with respect and autonomy, free from abuse, neglect,
or exploitation in any community

Social Inclusion Its a common theme in these documents is the promotion of social
inclusion for older persons. They advocate for creating age-friendly environments that
enable older individuals to participate fully in society, access services, and engage in
meaningful activities

Health and Well-being These sets of principles prioritize the health and well-being of
older persons. They highlight the importance of providing access to healthcare services,
promoting healthy aging practices, and addressing the specific needs and challenges
faced by older individuals.
Empowerment and Participation, the documents stress the empowerment and active
participation of older persons in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They
call for involving older individuals in policy development, planning, and implementation
to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected.’

Ageism Awareness, addressing ageism is another shared focus in these documents.

They aim to challenge stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes towards older persons,
advocating for a society that values and respects individuals of all ages.

However, there are also notable differences in the content of these documents. The
United Nations Principles for Older Persons provide a broad framework outlining
fundamental rights and principles that should guide policies and actions concerning
older persons globally. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing focuses more
specifically on addressing the challenges posed by population aging and outlines
strategies for enhancing the quality of life for older persons at both national and
international levels. The Uganda National Plan of Action tailors these principles and
strategies to the specific context and needs of older persons in Uganda.

The United Nations Principles for Older Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in
1991, consists of 18 principles that aim to promote the full enjoyment of all human rights
and fundamental freedoms by older persons. These principles emphasize the
importance of independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, dignity, and security for
older individuals. The document highlights the need for governments to recognize and
respect the rights of older persons and to ensure their inclusion in society.

On the other hand, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing was adopted
during the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002. This action plan provides a
comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities associated
with population aging. It focuses on key areas such as income security, health care,
social integration, intergenerational solidarity, and human rights. The Madrid Plan
emphasizes the need for governments to develop policies and programs that promote
active and healthy aging while respecting the rights and dignity of older persons.

In summary, while both documents share a common goal of promoting the well-being of
older individuals, they differ in their specific focus areas and approaches to addressing
the challenges of an aging population.
.

References;

United Nations; The United Nations provides official documents and guidelines related
to aging populations and human rights.