联合国大会一九九一年十二月十六日第46/91号决议通过大会，赞赏老年人对其社会所作的贡献，确认在《联合国宪章》中，联合国人民除其他外，宣布其决心重申基本人权，人格尊严与价值，以及男女与大小各国平等权利之信念，并促成大自由中之社会进步及较善之民生，注意到在《世界人权宣言》、《经济社会文化权利国际公约》和《公民与政治权利国际公约》以及其他宣言中对这些权利作了详细的阐述，以确保对特定群体适用普遍标准，根据老龄问题世界大会通过并由大会1982 年12 月3 日第37/51号决议核准的《老龄问题国际行动计划》，认识到老年人的处境不但国与国之间有极大的差异，而且在各国国内及个人之间也大不相同，需要有多种政策回应，意识到在所有国家内，老年人的人数不断增加，而且健康状况比以往更好，意识到科学研究已否定了许多年老必衰、每况愈下的陈旧观念，深信在老年人数目和比例日增的世界，必须提供机会，让有意愿有能力的老年人参加社会日常活动并且做出贡献，念及在发达国家和发展中国家，家庭生活的压力需要对那些照顾体弱老年人的人给予支助，铭记由《老龄问题国际行动计划》以及国际劳工组织、世界卫生组织和其他联合国实体通过的公约、建议和决议所已确定的标准，鼓励各国政府尽可能将下列原则纳入本国国家方案，
Adopted by General Assembly resolution 46/91 of 16 December 1991 The General Assembly ,
Appreciating the contribution that older persons make to their societies,
Recognizing that, in the Charter of the United Nations, the peoples of the United Nations declare, inter alia , their determination to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Noting the elaboration of those rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and other declarations to ensure the application of universal standards to particular groups,
In pursuance of the International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 37/51 of 3 December 1982,
Appreciating the tremendous diversity in the situation of older persons, not only between countries but within countries and between individuals, which requires a variety of policy responses,
Aware that in all countries, individuals are reaching an advanced age in greater numbers and in better health than ever before,
Aware of the scientific research disproving many stereotypes about inevitable and irreversible declines with age,
Convinced that in a world characterized by an increasing number and proportion of older persons, opportunities must be provided for willing and capable older persons to participate in and contribute to the ongoing activities of society,
Mindful that the strains on family life in both developed and developing countries require support for those providing care to frail older persons,
Bearing in mind the standards already set by the International Plan of Action on Ageing and the conventions, recommendations and resolutions of the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization and other United Nations entities,
Encourages Governments to incorporate the following principles into their national programmes whenever possible:
1.Older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and health care through the provision of income, family and community support and self-help.
2.Older persons should have the opportunity to work or to have access to other income-generating opportunities.
3.Older persons should be able to participate in determining when and at what pace withdrawal from the labour force takes place.
4.Older persons should have access to appropriate educational and training programmes.
5.Older persons should be able to live in environments that are safe and adaptable to personal preferences and changing capacities.
6.Older persons should be able to reside at home for as long as possible.
7.Older persons should remain integrated in society, participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their well-being and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations.
8.Older persons should be able to seek and develop opportunities for service to the community and to serve as volunteers in positions appropriate to their interests and capabilities.
9.Older persons should be able to form movements or associations of older persons.
10.Older persons should benefit from family and community care and protection in accordance with each society's system of cultural values.
11.Older persons should have access to health care to help them to maintain or regain the optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well-being and to prevent or delay the onset of illness.
12.Older persons should have access to social and legal services to enhance their autonomy, protection and care.
13.Older persons should be able to utilize appropriate levels of institutional care providing protection, rehabilitation and social and mental stimulation in a humane and secure environment.
14.Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms when residing in any shelter, care or treatment facility, including full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy and for the right to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives.
15.Older persons should be able to pursue opportunities for the full development of their potential.
16.Older persons should have access to the educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational resources of society.Dignity
17.Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse.
18.Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution.
