Whatever our work history, gender, disability or position in society, we all need a reliable, adequate income as we get older. With a secure income, we can contribute to our communities and have a good quality of life. Choosing how we live and support ourselves as we age is key to living with dignity. The right systems, structures and opportunities have to be in place to for this to become reality.

This includes:

• Pensions and social protection (against poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion).
• Decent work that gives a fair income, safe working conditions, equal opportunities and treatment and, enables our personal development.
• Access to financial services without discrimination and the opportunity to start businesses.

Around the world, we face discrimination and ageism as we get older. Many older people are excluded from employment and work opportunities, financial services, skills development, and employment generation schemes.

COVID-19 and the measures imposed to control the spread of the pandemic made the situation worse. For example, lockdowns meant that younger family members who were supporting elder relatives, can no longer provide financial assistance. Those who are not part of a pension scheme, can be pushed further into poverty and often struggle to receive emergency relief.