Human Rights A New Language for Aging Advocacy

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to consider how human rights concepts developed by the international human rights movement could contribute to advocacy efforts on behalf of the aging in an era of population aging. Design and Methods: This study evaluated changes in popular perceptions of aging, the concomitant need for a reformulation of aging advocacy, and the role that human rights concepts could play in protecting older persons. It then considered human rights concepts as they are related to the issues of work, retirement security, health care, and long-term care. Results: Human rights apply to all aspects of the life spectrum and can be a powerful force in defending and protecting older persons by operating as a baseline for establishing the underlying values for aging policies and by linking older persons' concerns with the other segments of society. Implications: The study's conclusion suggests that seniors' groups should use human rights principles as a new foundation on which to develop new approaches to their public education and advocacy efforts.