Rights and Responsibilities of Older Persons - AAGI-ID Associação ...

– Older employees have the right and the responsibility to participate in trainingprograms, schooling and the advancement of expertise in order to keep theirknowledge and skills up to date.– Opportunities must be offered for a gradual transition from work to retirement.Retirement age must be made flexible.– Companies must give some consideration to aging employees and create flexibleworking conditions so to prevent work disruptions.– The elderly who perform volunteer work have the right to compensation for expenses,legal protection and guidance.Active citizenship– Just like other citizens, the elderly have the responsibility of contributing, inaccordance with their capacities, to the financing of the social security system andcommunity services.– The elderly must be able to exercise their democratic rights at all levels and areresponsible for making their voices heard.– The elderly who are able to do so have the responsibility of making themselvesavailable for political and social functions.– The elderly have the right to form organisations to promote their material andimmaterial interests.– The elderly have the right to have their own representatives to protect their owninterests.Financial security– Just like other citizens, the elderly contribute, in accordance with their own capacities,to the financing of community services.– The elderly have the right to financial security and an income that is related to salarydevelopments. This also applies to single women and older immigrants.– The elderly have the right to enjoy economic independence and to manage their ownfinances. This responsibility may only be taken from them in cases of incompetence.Personal development, social contact and meaningfulness– The elderly have the right to personal development, social contact and meaningfullives. They must have access to educational programmes, schooling and all levels oftraining in order to both maintain and improve their knowledge and skills.– The elderly have the right to their own views on life.– The elderly have the right to spiritual care and must be able to attend church servicesand other religious assemblies.– The elderly have the right to their own social network. They have the right to establishsocial relationships and to maintain contact with children, grandchildren, other next ofkin and friends.– The elderly have the right of access to culture activities, leisure-time activities andsport facilities, all tailored to suit their wishes and needs.Access to information– The elderly have the right to the information enabling them to make decisions forthemselves and to maintain control over their lives. They are furthermore responsiblefor familiarising themselves with such information.– The elderly have the right to information about a healthy way of life and arethemselves responsible for a healthy and active manner of living.4