Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Call To Action To Elders Worldwide: The Need To Highlight Their Abilities, Wisdom, And Compassion As Citizen Diplomats, And Leaders For Social Change, Florence Ross

Peace and Conflict Studies

Excerpt

Kofi Annan (1999), the Secretary-General of the United Nations, noted that, “A Society for All Ages is one that sees elders as both agents and beneficiaries of development. It honors traditional elders in their leadership and consultative role in communities throughout the world.” Older persons are among the world resources most often unseen and overlooked. It therefore becomes necessary to raise the consciousness of older people to their changing role in American and global societies to ensure fulfillment in their eldering years. Prior prejudice against elders has prevented inclusion of their enormous potential, of their accumulated experience and wisdom. …