A3-0324/94

Resolution on the situation of the elderly in the developing countries

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mrs Van Hemeldonck and others on the situation of elderly people in developing countries (B3-0736/92),

-having regard to the EC Treaty, especially Articles 130u, 130w and 130x thereof,

-having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the policy of the Community and its Member States on the campaign against poverty in developing countries (COM(93)0518),

-having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation (A3-0324/94),

A.whereas the dramatic demographic trend includes a disproportionate rise in the number of elderly people, especially in the developing countries, which will account for two thirds of all elderly people after the year 2025,

B.whereas the elderly in the developing countries, unlike many industrialized and 'modern' societies, traditionally live in an intact family unit, which provides for their needs; whereas they make an active contribution to society until well into old age,

C.whereas the elderly play a leading role in the family and society and are important for the preservation and handing down of knowledge and cultural values,

D.whereas the changes that accompany modernization in many spheres of society, migratory movements and migration from the land are causing the break-up of the traditional family structure, the destabilization of the system of values and a loss of status for the elderly,

E.whereas this trend may bring insecurity of material welfare for the elderly, or even extreme poverty, isolation and cultural exclusion; whereas, however, elderly people whose needs are appropriately met and who are integrated into society are capable of living a full, socially useful and largely independent life,

F.whereas many developing countries have not yet made adequate provision to meet the basic needs of the elderly in the areas of nutrition, medical care and housing and the available funds are often very limited,

G.whereas the elderly make an essential contribution to the harmonious development and preservation of cultural identity and respect for their interests is, moreover, a dictate of humanity, social justice and solidarity between generations,

H.whereas respect for the elderly is characteristic of the traditions of most developing countries; whereas allowance must be made for cultural diversity, given that the transfer of the ideas and lifestyles of the industrialized countries may have a negative impact in the socio-cultural sphere,

1.Calls on the Commission to place greater emphasis in its policy dialogue with the developing countries on the increasingly precarious situation of many elderly people, to take greater account of this target group in its projects and programmes for vulnerable social groups, involving non-governmental organizations where appropriate, and in this context to develop a coordinated strategy with the Member States;

2.Calls on the Commission to formulate and implement its programmes in accord with the following demands;

3.Refers to Article 130u of the EC Treaty and the Council decisions of 2 December 1993 giving priority to the campaign against poverty and advocates that the security of the welfare of elderly people, especially women, be taken into account in this context;

4.Believes that some form of pension scheme should be established to prevent extreme poverty among elderly people so that they may meet their basic requirements and lead a decent life;

5.Advocates programmes for the promotion and maintenance of the independence of the elderly and for their integration and participation in social life; emphasizes, therefore, the need for adult education and vocational training schemes and for measures to prevent discrimination in working and social life; recommends the promotion of cooperatives and similar institutions and the creation of suitable jobs for elderly people to improve their income security;

6.Considers it vital for the elderly to have better opportunities to participate in public and political life if they are to develop their personality fully and to participate in social life and if their economic, social and cultural interests are to be protected;

7.Believes that access to all available social services, especially in the areas of nutrition, transport, communications and culture, should be made easier for the elderly, not only in everyday practice but also when aid is distributed to victims of disasters and to refugees;

8.Advocates an increase in specific measures to provide for and rehabilitate those who suffer age-related afflictions and diseases and calls for the training of specialists in the care and counselling of the elderly on matters relating to medical care, nutrition and hygiene and for the provision of technical assistance;

9.Urges that measures be taken for the elderly in the areas of care, home care and income support and support for local initiatives in these areas;

10.Calls for preparations to be made, together with the ACP countries concerned, for the inclusion in the future Lomé Convention of a specific section on the situation of the elderly that takes account of this resolution;

11.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments of the Member States.