Families key to tackling challenges posed by demographic changes, Annan says

With the greying of world population accelerating, families hold the key to tackling the challenges posed by this demographic revolution, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message marking the International Day of Families, which is observed globally on 15 May.

The United Nations estimates that between now and 2050, the number of older persons will rise from about 600 million to almost 2 billion. Commenting on the upheaval this transformation will cause, Mr. Annan said older persons are likely to lose traditional family support and social networks. "The shrinking size of the working population means older people are even more at risk of having to make do with inadequate pensions and medical attention," he noted.

Given these challenges, the international community must redouble its resolve to build a society for all ages, the Secretary-General said. "By helping families promote the active participation of their older members in society and development, we can ensure that older persons' invaluable gifts and experience are put to use, and give them the opportunity to continue learning throughout life," he said, adding that families can also serve to strengthen the bonds among generations and combat abuse, violence, disrespect and discrimination against older people.

Mr. Annan emphasized that the elderly are a source of wisdom and experience. "Older people are intermediaries between the past, the present and the future," he said. "They enrich the lives of younger generations, and are crucial in binding the family structure together."