Empowering the Older People: The Role of Advocacy, Awareness, and Education in Protecting Seniors' Rights
As the global population ages, the challenges and needs of elderly individuals have come to the forefront of societal discussions. The global population aged 60 years or over has increased from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025 and it is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. (UN DESA Population Division). In Mauritius latest figure show there are 274, 787 older persons 60 and above.
In many countries, senior citizens are often among the most vulnerable members of society, facing issues related to health, financial security, abuse, and neglect. Treatment meted to older persons has taken very shocking forms in the last 5 years: theft, physical and non-physical violence, attempt at chastity and rape, ill treatment and abuse, ageism in general at home, in offices and in public. However, with the right support systems in place, we can ensure that their rights are not only recognized but actively protected.
One such initiative gaining traction worldwide is the creation of commissions or organizations dedicated to advocating for older people’s rights, raising awareness, and providing education through workshops.
One of the most impactful ways to promote and protect elderly people rights is through the establishment of dedicated commission. The Commission for the Rights of Older People of DIS-MOI is a specialised committee comprising members of the organisation, empowered by the regional Secretariat to focus on older people rights issues. The Commission actively promotes and protects the rights of older people in Mauritius and the wider Indian Ocean region. It undertakes specific projects funded by various bodies or serves as a standing committee addressing ongoing issues related to older people’s welfare and rights.At DIS-MOI, this commission plays a crucial role in advocating for older people’s rights, raising awareness about the issues they face, and organizing workshops to educate both people about these rights.
The commission plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the dignity, freedom, and well-being of older adults by empowering them with the tools and knowledge to navigate a world that sometimes overlooks their needs. DIS-MOI Mauritius,for instance, advocates during public meetings and multi-party meetings with the ministries concerned( in particular the Ministry of Social Integration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) on two major issues:
a) That Mauritius supports a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
b) That Mauritius signs and ratifies the African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights relating to the rights of older persons in Africa.
The Impact of a Commission for Rights of Older People
The main objectives of the commission at DIS-MOI are:
1. Improved Legal Protections: Through their advocacy efforts, elderly rights commission can lead to stronger laws and regulations that better protect seniors from abuse and discrimination.
2. Increased Public Awareness: As awareness grows, society becomes more supportive of seniors, fostering a culture that values and respects older individuals.
3. Empowered Seniors: Knowledge is power, and by equipping seniors with the tools to navigate complex systems, they are better able to protect their interests and live with dignity.
4. Better Community Integration: As more age-friendly policies are implemented, seniors can more easily stay active, engaged, and independent in their communities, reducing isolation and loneliness.
Advocacy & Awareness
The Need for Advocacy: A Call for Action
Elderly people are often subject to ageism, discrimination, and neglect in various forms, from the healthcare system to public policies and everyday societal attitudes. In many instances, these challenges arise because elderly people are not fully aware of their rights or lack access to resources that can support them in claiming those rights.
Dis-Moi has hence dedicated a commission that focuses on rights for older people for raising public awareness and ensuring that the voices of older adults are heard. The commission serves as watchdogs for policy changes, advocate for legal protections, and push for reforms in healthcare, housing, and social services tailored to the older population. Through advocacy, this commission not only encourages the implementation of laws and regulations that protect seniors but also works to remove systemic barriers that prevent seniors from fully participating in society. This could include pushing for age-friendly city planning, accessible public transport, and anti-discrimination laws, as well as ensuring that senior citizens have access to proper legal counsel and support when their rights are violated.
Creating Awareness: Breaking the Silence
In many cultures, there is a tendency to overlook or underestimate the challenges that older individuals face. This lack of awareness often leads to neglect, marginalization, and even abuse. Commissions dedicated to rights of older people play a critical role in breaking the silence surrounding these issues.
As such DIS-MOI has taken the responsibility of organizing campaigns, media outreach, and public events that educate both the general public and policymakers about the rights of older individuals. These initiatives may focus on issues such as:
–Elder abuse and exploitation: Raising awareness about financial exploitation, physical abuse, emotional neglect, and the importance of creating safe environments for elderly people.
– Access to healthcare and social services: Ensuring that seniors can receive appropriate medical care, mental health support, and community services without discrimination or delay.
– Legal rights: Highlighting the legal protections available to seniors, such as the right to live independently, access to age-appropriate housing, and the right to make decisions about their own health and well-being.
By promoting these issues in the public sphere, the commission for the rights of older people helps to educate society at large about the challenges seniors face and foster greater empathy and understanding.
Documentation & Research
Workshops
Building Knowledge and Empowering Seniors
While advocacy and awareness campaigns are essential, another key aspect of protecting the rights of older people is ensuring that they are informed and empowered to act. This is where workshops come into play.
DIS-MOI frequently organizes workshops that are tailored specifically to the needs of older adults. These workshops can cover a variety of topics, such as:
– Financial literacy and fraud prevention: Teaching seniors how to protect themselves from financial scams, identity theft, and ensuring they have the tools to manage their finances effectively.
– Legal rights and protections: Educating seniors about their rights, including how to access legal help if they face discrimination or abuse, and understanding the legal documents (like power of attorney and living wills) that are essential for their autonomy.
– Health and wellness: Providing seniors with knowledge about maintaining physical and mental health, including access to health screenings, exercise routines, and mental health resources.
These workshops provide not only information but also a sense of community. They offer a platform for seniors to ask questions, share experiences, and receive direct guidance from experts. Importantly, these sessions help to empower seniors by giving them the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and others in their age group
Key Activities
- Affiliation with HelpAge and GAROP which has strengthened the position of DIS-MOI at the continental and international levels.
- Organize workshops with various audiences and stakeholders, including older men and women in community associations, unions, parishes, university (UTM), secondary school students, MACOSS
- Regular interventions in the media (TV, radios, local press and International Federation on Ageing Newsletter).
- DIS-MOI has thus established itself as a spokesperson for older people at the national and international levels
KEY PROJECTS/SERVICES
Promoting Rights Of Older People Project
The Need for Ongoing Commitment
In an ageing world, the work of a commission dedicated to the rights of older people is more important than ever. Its role in advocating for, educating, and empowering seniors ensures that older individuals can lead fulfilling, dignified lives free from fear of abuse, neglect, or discrimination.
The Key challenges remain the widespread lack of awareness about:
a) The universality and indivisibility of human rights
b) The fact that the rights of older people do not change with age
c) Demographic dynamics and the ageing of the population
d) Health, respect and dignity of older people
e) Elderly people considered as holders of rights rather than as seekers of aid or social protection.
If you’re passionate about protecting the rights our seniors, consider supporting or becoming involved in the various initiatives. Whether through attending workshops, donating to advocacy organisations, or simply educating those around you about the needs and rights of older adults, every small effort contributes to the larger goal of building a society where ageing is not seen as a burden but as a respected stage of life.
By working together, we can create a future where older people are not only seen but heard, where their rights are fully respected, and where they can live out with the same dignity and joy they deserve.