Towards a dignified old age: policies, rights and realities

Abstract

Population ageing in Latin America, and especially in Argentina, has become a progressive phenomenon that has transformed demographic structures. The combination of increased life expectancy and low birth rates has resulted in an increasingly ageing population. In 2040, for the first time, the number of older adults will exceed the number of children in the region. In Argentina, it was projected that by 2030, people over 60 would represent 17.5% of the population. In response to this scenario, international organisations promoted actions such as the World Assembly on Ageing (1982), the Madrid Declaration (2002) and the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). The Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Older Persons also established key principles such as autonomy, dignity and access to comprehensive health and justice services. However, beyond these regulatory frameworks, the real challenge lay in the effective implementation of policies that would ensure real rights. The health system played a fundamental role in sustaining the functional independence of older persons by providing care, rehabilitation and prevention. In addition, the need to rethink community and family practices to actively include older persons in social life was emphasised. Ultimately, ensuring a dignified old age involved not only recognising rights, but also transforming attitudes and social structures, promoting an inclusive and caring society.