Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:

AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, would like to thank the United Nations Secretariat for the opportunity to make a statement at the Second World Assembly on Ageing and to thank the Spanish Government for hosting this important world conference. AARP celebrates with all of you the increased number of persons throughout the world who are living longer and healthier than 20 years ago.

AARP, believes that this Second World Assembly on Ageing, through the adoption of an International Plan of Action on Ageing, can stimulate efforts to address the concerns and contributions of older persons in the developed and developing world.

AARP welcomes the new International Plan of Action on Ageing and recognizes the important impact this Plan can have on developing sound and measurable policies on ageing worldwide. However, AARP feels strongly that the plan must be more than a published document. An effective implementation mechanism is critical, one that requires participation, partnerships, commitments and leadership by governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector alike.

Finally, AARP wishes to emphasize the opportunities of later life and the need to raise awareness of age discrimination given a larger population of older persons. Many times older persons are regarded as a burden and are encouraged to withdraw from society. AARP hopes that the Second World Assembly and the International Plan of Action on Ageing will bring leadership and energy to addressing opportunities of population aging with the full integration and empowerment of older persons, socially, economically, and politically in societies throughout the world.

Thank you.