Issue 121 – 26, September 27th, 2026
October 1st, the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons will be observed with the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”
National Webinar & Local Events
October 01, 2026, at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
CURC has partnered with OPSEU to hold a webinar on October 1st, under the title “CHARLIE Talk”, with special guest, Charlie Angus.
“Retired from the job not the fight.” We still need to fight!
Join us for an online webinar for a national conversation about the issues affecting older people and what we can do together to defend the services and rights we rely on.
Pension Watch
Pension Watch is a new website introduced this week by Help Age International that gathers information from around the world about social pensions. It shows where social pensions exist, who they help, how they are organized, and how much they cost. The website uses interactive maps and charts so people can easily see the data.
Social pensions are payments given by the government, these pensions are very important because they help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for older adults.
Social pensions are available in many countries, no matter if they are rich or poor. In fact, most social pension programs are in middle-income countries. These countries are not just in wealthy nations, many are in developing nations too.
There are two main types of social pensions: universal and targeted. Universal pensions are given to all older people, while targeted pensions are for those living in poverty. Surprisingly, data shows that universal pensions often give higher benefits than targeted ones.
The website also shows when countries started their social pension programs. Most countries introduced social pensions when they were still low- or middle-income. Over time, 105 countries are now choosing to give social pensions to help their older citizens.
Most social pension programs are affordable. Data shows that more than half of these programs cost less than 1% of a country's total economic output (called GDP). Some cost between 1% and 2%. This means that even poorer countries can afford to offer social pensions.
Studies also show that social pensions help reduce poverty the most when they cover many people. Besides helping with money, social pensions improve health, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. They also empower women by giving them a reliable income.
Pension Watch is useful for governments, organizations, researchers, and anyone interested in helping older people. It offers reliable data to help design better pension programs and fight poverty.
Social pensions are a simple way to give older adults financial security. They are found in many countries, cost less than you might think, and have a big impact on reducing poverty and improving lives. They also boost local economies because older people spend money in their communities.
Pension Watch helps us understand how these programs work around the world and how they can be improved.
Read more - Welcome to Pension Watch - HelpAge International
Our Rights
When people talk about older people’s rights, they are talking about rights that belong to all of us. We will all grow older, we should all be able to live with dignity, make our own choices, and take part in our communities at every age.
As people grow older, they should still be able to make choices, take part in community life and receive fair treatment. Yet many older people face age discrimination, abuse, neglect or barriers to health care, housing, work and public services. Their concerns may be treated as less important, or decisions may be made for them without asking what they want. Existing international human rights agreements do not always clearly address the barriers people can face in later life. A new United Nations (UN) convention could help change that.
A convention would set out more clearly what governments must do to protect older people’s human rights. It could guide governments as they make laws, policies and services. It could also help public agencies, care providers and communities understand that older people have the same rights as everyone else.
A strong convention could help:
- Challenge age discrimination. It can make clear that people should not be denied opportunities or services simply because of their age.
- Protect choice and independence. Older people should be supported to make decisions about their lives, care and living arrangements.
- Prevent abuse and neglect. Governments would have clearer duties to prevent harm, respond to reports and support people who have been abused.
- Improve access to services. It could guide fair access to health care, housing, income support, transport, information and other services.
- Give people ways to seek help. A convention can strengthen laws and complaint systems, so people have a way to challenge violations of their rights.
- Help governments measure progress. Governments can be asked to report on what they are doing and where more work is needed.
This moment is the result of many years of work by older people, community groups and human rights campaigners. Much of that work has happened quietly, within Congress of Union Retirees of Canada, in local meetings, community organisations and conversations with governments.
On 3 April 2025, the UN Human Rights Council agreed to create a working group to draft a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons. This was a major step forward. In July 2026, the working group met for the first time in Geneva and discussed how the drafting process should move ahead.
The next session is planned for 26–30 October 2026. After that, five groups of topics will help shape the treaty: its opening text, key definitions, the rights it will protect, and how governments will put it into practice and check their progress. A first full draft, known as a “zero draft,” is planned for 2027.
Older people are not just the subject of this treaty. It is their treaty, and we will help shape it. Older people must be equal partners in the talks, not people who are asked for their views only after the important choices have been made.
Real participation means more than being invited to a meeting. National meetings can help people take part without travelling to Geneva. The treaty is being drafted internationally, but its promises will need action at home. Governments will need public support to adopt strong rules and put them into practice. Domestic support can also encourage leaders to take part in the negotiations and to support a treaty that makes a real difference.
CURC can build that support by talking with older people, community groups, government agencies, elected representatives and the public. It can explain what the convention could mean in everyday life and share local examples of problems that clearer protections could help address. It can also encourage government to consult older people, support the drafting process and prepare to put the final treaty into effect.
The process must include older people with different backgrounds and experiences, including people with disabilities.
At the July 2026 meeting, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) called for a drafting process that includes older people, civil society groups and national human rights institutions. GAROP also asked for clear questions and plans to be shared early, so people have time to prepare and respond.
GAROP is a network of 411 organisations around the world, of which CURC participates fully. Its position for the Geneva meeting was shaped with its members and through community discussions, over 200 older people and their organizations took part in those discussions.
On 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons, campaigners are marking the day in different ways. Some are meeting with government officials. Others are holding community discussions or raising awareness in public. CURC is participating in many of these action as well as a National Webinar called “Charlie Talk”. Each action helps show that older people’s rights matter.
The UN drafting process has reached an important stage. The choices made now will help decide whether the future convention reflects older people’s lives and needs. Older people must be heard throughout the process, not only at the beginning, and not only when it is convenient.
CURC can help build that support by talking with older people, community groups, government agencies, elected representatives and the public. It can explain what the convention could mean in everyday life and share local examples of problems that clearer protections could help address. It can also encourage government to consult older people, support the drafting process and prepare to put the final treaty into effect.
The convention is being written now. CURC’s full participation, and support for action at home, can help ensure that the final agreement is practical, fair and shaped by older people themselves.
Building a Better Future for Older Adults
The Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of British Columbia (COSCO BC) marked its 75th anniversary last year with a conference that brought people together from across BC and Canada. Older adults, community groups, researchers, service providers, and leaders discussed one important question: What does it take to make sure every older adult can live with dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging?
They recently offered a report of the conference, over two days, participants talked about housing, health care, income, transportation, climate change, and the important role of senior’s centres. They shared research, personal experiences, and ideas for change. One message stood out: ageing is not the problem, inequality is.
Participants said that ageism, unfair treatment because of someone’s age, is still common. It can affect government policies, health care, funding, and the way older adults are treated in daily life.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 BC heat dome showed how older adults can be left at risk during emergencies. Conference speakers called for stronger protections and supported the idea of a United Nations convention on the rights of older people.
More seniors are struggling with poverty. Single older women, newcomers, people with disabilities, and seniors who live alone can face extra challenges. High housing costs and gaps in health and home-support services can make life harder.
People in rural and remote communities may also have to travel long distances to see a doctor or reach other services. The same plan will not work for every community.
Many older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. But getting help at home can be difficult or costly. Participants called for better home support, caregiver programs, and health services that work together.
They also said senior’s centres are essential. These centres offer meals, activities, learning, social connection, and help finding reliable information. They can be a welcoming place for people who might otherwise feel isolated. The conference called for stable funding so centres can keep serving their communities.
A safe, dependable way to get around helps older adults reach health care, buy food, visit friends, and take part in community life. Without transportation, people can become isolated and lose independence.
Participants called for better accessible transportation, including HandyDART, community transit, and services for rural areas. As one key idea from the conference put it: mobility is belonging.
The conference also challenged the idea that older adults are simply people who need help. Older adults are organizers, mentors, caregivers, advocates, and leaders. Their knowledge and experience can help shape decisions about health care, housing, climate action, and community life.
Participants said that policies should be created with older adults, not just for them. Their voices should be heard in planning and decision-making.
The conference called for stronger rights protections, more affordable housing, better income support, and improved access to health and home-care services. It also called for long-term funding for senior’s centres, better transportation, and services that respect different languages and cultures.
COSCO BC’s 75th anniversary conference celebrated the work of older adults and the communities that support them. It also made clear that building a fairer future takes joined-up action across health care, housing, income, transportation, and community services.
Older adults are a vital part of BC’s communities. A future where everyone can age with dignity and belonging must be built with their leadership, experience, and ideas.
Read more - 75th-Conference-Report-03-26-