Connection, autonomy, and older persons' right to take part in cultural life: A human rights-based approach

Abstract

The chapter explores the potential of a human rights–based approach in enhancing autonomy and connection in the lives of older persons, particularly in relation to their right to take part in cultural life. As matters currently stand, many older persons cannot fully take part in the cultural and social life of the communities of which they are part because of physical, social, and systemic barriers. The chapter discusses how an approach focused on human rights could have a positive impact on these barriers and challenges. After describing the human rights–based approach's conceptual framework and outlining key international law instruments dealing with the right to take part in cultural life, the chapter considers the notions of autonomy, participation, ageism, and the role of local and international actors in furthering the objective of connected autonomy for older persons. Finally, the need to pursue efforts to adopt a dedicated convention on the rights of older persons is emphasized as this would be a key step in grounding a human rights–based approach in States’ social and political fabric, and thus create a stronger framework for older persons’ connected autonomy via participation in cultural and social life.