Madrid international plan of action on ageing – some reflections

Abstract

Introduction: The World Assembly on Ageing in 2002 came out with ‘The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing’ as guidance to member countries of the UN to plan their development policies by focusing on their respective population ageing pattern, current and projected. However, even after over twenty years since the document was signed by UN member countries to address multiple dimensions related to ageing issues, still certain challenges need attention, especially in countries where development resources are a constraint and populations ageing rapidly as seen for instance in South Asia as well as in Southern Africa and South America. Methods: This article based on the available literature, reports, and author’s research reviews the progress of MIPAA globally, specifically in South Asia, and generally in regions of Southern Africa and South America given their certain special similar socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Result: The challenges faced globally and especially in these regions are analyzed through a review of the implementation of MIPAA. To what extent these specific regions given their circumstances have been able to adopt the long-term strategy of MIPAA and develop a perspective on building a society for all ages by forging partnerships between different stakeholders from a right-based approach is reflected in this discourse. Conclusion: In the context of South Asia specifically and to some extent for other regions, certain suggestions are voiced out in removing respective shortfalls and taking forward the global guidance of MIPAA in the coming years.