A/RES/68/134 Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing maintain their many vital contributions to the well-being of their families, communities and societies, Recalling also World Health Assembly resolution 65.3 of 25 May 2012 on strengthening non-communicable disease policies to promote active ageing, which recognizes that population ageing is among the major factors contributing to the rising incidence and prevalence of non-communicable diseases, Concerned that many health systems are not sufficiently prepared to respond to the needs of the rapidly ageing population, including the need for preventative, curative, palliative and specialized care, Deeply concerned that the situation of older persons in many parts of the world has been negatively affected by the world financial and economic crisis, Recognizing the essential contribution that the majority of older men and women can continue to make to the functioning of society if adequate guarantees are in place, Noting that older women outnumber older men, and noting with concern that older women often face multiple forms of discrimination resulting from their gender-based roles in society, compounded by their age or disability or on other grounds, which affect the enjoyment of their human rights, Reaffirms the Political Declaration1 and the Madrid International Plan of 1. Action on Ageing, 2002;2 2. Recognizes the successful conclusion of the second review and appraisal of the Madrid Plan of Action and its results at the international, regional and national levels, and acknowledges the recommendations of the Commission for Social Development at its fifty-first session, in that regard, as endorsed by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 2013/29 of 25 July 2013; Also recognizes that major challenges faced by older persons which 3. undermine their social, economic and cultural participation remain; 4. Takes note with appreciation of the decision of the Human Rights Council in its resolution 24/20 of 27 September 2013 4 to appoint an independent expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, and invites Member States to cooperate with the independent expert in carrying out his or her mandate; Invites Member States to continue to share their national experiences in 5. developing and implementing policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons, including within the framework of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing; Stresses the importance 6. Working Group on Ageing to unnecessary duplication of each procedures and subsidiary organs Nations bodies and treaties; for the independent expert and the Open-ended work in close coordination, while avoiding other’s mandates and those of other special of the Human Rights Council, relevant United Encourages all Member States to be mindful of the reports of the 7. independent expert, including the comprehensive report to be brought to the attention of the Working Group; _______________ 4 See Official Records of the General Assembly, Sixty-eighth Session, Supplement No. 53A (A/68/53/Add.1), chap. II. 2/7