Baker McKenzie and GIA Longevity, have presented the "Global Report on Aging 2024", a study that analyzes the existing challenges regarding the protection of the rights of the elderly in more than 100 countries, as a basis for proposing solutions to the problem that generates an aging population worldwide.
The report, conducted by Baker McKenzie as part of a pro-bono collaboration, highlights the urgency of adapting policies to integrate older adults into the workplace, combat social isolation and adjust social protection systems to the phenomenon of an aging global population.
In a joint effort, Baker McKenzie and the GIA are leading a global initiative to eradicate ageism and promote the dignity of older adults worldwide. Its main objective is to push for the adoption of an international convention on the human rights of older persons at the United Nations General Assembly, similar to existing frameworks for the protection of children and persons with disabilities.
The presentation event in Madrid brought together experts such as Manuel Pimentel (Baker McKenzie), Jesús Norberto (Plataforma de Mayores Pensionistas), Salvador Noves (CaixaBank), Margarita Fernández and Isabel Otaola (Baker McKenzie), who discussed ageism and business strategies for the inclusion of older adults.
Margarita Fernández commented: "This report is a call to action for public and private policies to adapt to a population that has an increasing percentage of older people with a greater capacity to remain active into old age. She also reflected on the negative impact of ageism on welfare systems and the labor market, calling for incentives for a more flexible labor and fiscal model that facilitates alternative careers".
Isabel Otaola added: "Baker McKenzie's global network has been instrumental in this comprehensive analysis. Together, we have been able to gain an insight into the existing (or non-existent) protection given to older people worldwide, which is going to be the basis for the future convention on the rights of older people that we are promoting."
The Global Report on Aging 2024 presents an overview of the existing systems of protection for the elderly in different countries, including a view of existing practice in relation to the labor, economic and social participation of the elderly.