Building a global policy framework to address the needs and contributions of older people in emergencies : Création d'un cadre mondial visant à tenir compte des besoins et des apports des ainés dans les situations d'urgence

More on the emerging global policy context for healthy/active ageing and follow-up to the MIPAA can be found in Appendix 1. 6. In recognition of the particular vulnerability of older people in the face of emergencies and their need for humanitarian assistance and protection, the MIPAA includes two objectives that specifically address older people’s needs and contributions in emergencies. [...] In addition, the Plan calls on governments and agencies to recognize the contribution that older people can make in the re-establishment and reconstruction of communities and the rebuilding of the social fabric following emergencies. [...] The priorities for action address the need for governments and other stakeholders to change perceptions of older persons, to better identify and respond to the specific needs of older people, and to better identify and utilize the contributions of older people in emergency and disaster situations. [...] This engagement needs to include collective planning for the mitigation of disasters, locating and identifying those who are the most vulnerable in emergencies, determining levels of individual and community needs, and the development of community-based solutions for recovery and the restoration of livelihoods. [...] Invest in health promotion and population and public health policies and programmes that recognize active and healthy ageing as the primary strategy for building resiliency and contributing to improved quality of life for older people generally, and for strengthening seniors’ capacity to prepare for, cope with, and respond to the effects of emergencies and disasters.