During my time involved in the “age business” I have attended more conferences than I care to count. Too many of these have been the ‘convinced’ talking to the ‘convinced’ about reasons for understanding and responding to population ageing.
The very worst of these events are when they are involved with domestic or international government agencies. Not only do these events fail to deliver but waste taxpayer’s money.
I have been on the periphery of the discussions about seeking UN recognition for the rights of older people.
Recently there was the Second Session of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing.
This involved the delegations from Member States, experts, and NGOs, considering whether to proceed towards a Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons.
Let’s just say that these people get whatever they want – a convention or whatever. How much difference would that make? Zilch. We have more UN conventions than you have had hot dinners and what good do they do?
The bottom line of this personal gripe is that there is a cadre of people who fly around the world; spend countless hours in talking shops and delivery not one ounce of value to older people. Sure they collect lots of air miles and inflate their self-importance but that’s about it. Dick Stroud
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