Stakeholder Group on Ageing
SGA Statement for HLPF Session 10 “Vertical cooperation – local authorities and national governments working together for implementation of the 2030 Agenda” 13 July Katherine Kline, AARP
My name is Katherine Kline and I am speaking on behalf of the Stakeholder Group on Ageing.
Dr. Penny Vera-Sanso, Senior Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London suggests that the two major trends facing development in the 21st century are increasing longevity and urbanization. While it is widely believed that urbanization benefits young persons, it is less recognized that older urban persons also gain in greater economic opportunities and increased social freedom. However, she warns that there could be risks of marginalization, discrimination and deprivation if policy makers do not take also into account the needs, interests and contributions of this older cohort. The title of this session speaks of vertical cooperation between local authorities and national governments but does not mention that recipients of their policies themselves must be active partners from conception to implementation of efforts that impact their lives.
A good example of this essential partnership comes from Singapore which recently revised its plan for dealing with its ageing population after engaging more than 4,000 Singaporeans from all walks of life to hear what their aspirations and ideas were on how the government could help them age well. The result is a 10 point Action Plan for Successful Ageing. It includes employability, lifelong learning, senior volunteerism, health and wellness, social engagement and inclusion, ageing-in-place, housing that supports changing needs, re-defining the travel experience, making urban infrastructure more senior-friendly and research to better understand needs and encouraging innovation.
Will the panel please comment on how can this good practice of civic engagement be emulated?
My name is Katherine Kline and I am speaking on behalf of the Stakeholder Group on Ageing.
Dr. Penny Vera-Sanso, Senior Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London suggests that the two major trends facing development in the 21st century are increasing longevity and urbanization. While it is widely believed that urbanization benefits young persons, it is less recognized that older urban persons also gain in greater economic opportunities and increased social freedom. However, she warns that there could be risks of marginalization, discrimination and deprivation if policy makers do not take also into account the needs, interests and contributions of this older cohort. The title of this session speaks of vertical cooperation between local authorities and national governments but does not mention that recipients of their policies themselves must be active partners from conception to implementation of efforts that impact their lives.
A good example of this essential partnership comes from Singapore which recently revised its plan for dealing with its ageing population after engaging more than 4,000 Singaporeans from all walks of life to hear what their aspirations and ideas were on how the government could help them age well. The result is a 10 point Action Plan for Successful Ageing. It includes employability, lifelong learning, senior volunteerism, health and wellness, social engagement and inclusion, ageing-in-place, housing that supports changing needs, re-defining the travel experience, making urban infrastructure more senior-friendly and research to better understand needs and encouraging innovation.
Will the panel please comment on how can this good practice of civic engagement be emulated?
Stakeholders