The 1948 Convention on Human Rights clearly sets out the universal principles of justice. Over the years, and with the ageing of the population, the gaps and inadequacies concerning older persons have been recognized and are increasingly brought to the fore of the international agenda. The push towards a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons has been widely supported internationally.

 

This paper will look at the role played by an ageing organization in advancing local recognition of the need for a convention on the Rights of Older Persons. Understanding the needs of older people is key to informing what rights are needed and providing this information to policymakers and the general public, while including the voices of older persons. Research, which is a key function of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at the University of the West Indies (MAWC), has led to the Centre playing a critical role in this area given its understanding of ageing and its connections with older persons.

 

An aged care organization is well-positioned to work with rights advocates to inform the proposed convention. In practice, there are many roadblocks including identifying the appropriate government ministry with responsibility for leading efforts at the national level. Approaches to navigating these and other hurdles will be discussed. MAWC has provided research on older persons’ status, needs, and preferences thus confirming the importance and relevance of the convention, to enhance buy-in among local stakeholders. These will be described.

 

Over the years, more has been learnt about the rights of older persons. Much progress has been made since the International Year of Older Persons in 1999, which identified dignity, autonomy and participation in society as critical. Civil society can work with leading international agencies, including the International Federation of Ageing (IFA) and HelpAge International, to lobby governments. The time for countries like Jamaica to make significant advances is now. This is reinforced by recent actions at the level of the United Nations where the way forward has been proposed. Civil Society has put forward ideas and pilot projects, all with the necessary evidence. MAWC is now shifting to identify and implement ways for the proposal to be translated into a funded, sustainable programme.

Douladel Willie-Tyndale, Doctor of Philosophy, Public Health, Post Graduate Diploma,

Gerontology (Distinction), Master of Science, Epidemiology

 

Douladel Tyndale is a Senior Lecturer and the Director of Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at

The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. In addition to teaching courses in research

and gerontology, she coordinates the gerontology programmes offered at the Centre and

supervises students at the master’s and doctoral levels.

 

Dr. Willie-Tyndale’s research interests include sexual and genitourinary health, social

participation, ageing and relationships, and well-being of life in older persons.