A/HRC/RES/35/13 14. Recognizes that the family unit is facing increasing vulnerabilities and pressures, and notes that, inter alia, single parent-headed households, child-headed households, families with members with disabilities and intergenerational households might be particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion, and resolves to pay particular attention to them, while bearing in mind that a considerable proportion of households worldwide are headed by women and many other households are dependent on female income, and that female-maintained households are very often among the poorest because of wage discrimination; 15. Remains convinced that older persons, including those with disabilities, and their family members should receive the protection and assistance necessary to achieve the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by every person; 16. Highlights the role of families in supporting their members, including older persons, and recognizes their potential in contributing to the protection and promotion of older persons among their members; 17. Stresses that families remain the first and most immediate environment where older persons can develop their potential and enjoy a fulfilling life, and that the realization of the human rights of older persons can be deeply affected by the quality of life and the support and assistance provided to them, including through access to a range of support services that are responsive to individual choices, wishes and needs; 18. Affirms that older persons have equal rights with respect to family life, and that States should realize these rights and prevent the concealment, abandonment, neglect and segregation of older persons and undertake to provide early and comprehensive information, services and support to older persons and their families; 19. Emphasizes that consultation with older persons is essential in the formulation and adoption of legislation and policies relating to their specific needs and concerns; 20. Encourages States to increase efforts to raise awareness of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, including by promoting and supporting initiatives to advance a positive public image of older persons and their multiple contributions to their families, communities and societies and by working with the respective international, regional and national bodies and mechanisms, as appropriate; 21. Also encourages States to continue their efforts to implement the Madrid Plan of Action and to mainstream the concerns of older persons into their policy agendas, bearing in mind the crucial importance of intergenerational family interdependence, solidarity and reciprocity for social development and the realization of all human rights of older persons, and to prevent discrimination against older persons and provide social integration; 22. Recognizes the importance of strengthening intergenerational partnerships and solidarity, and in this regard calls upon Member States to promote opportunities for voluntary, constructive and regular interaction between generations in the family, the workplace and society at large; 23. Encourages States and non-governmental bodies to establish social and care services to support the whole family and individual carers when there are older people at home and to implement such measures, especially for low-income families, to be able to care for the older people at home; 24. Recognizes the potential of older persons as leaders in the family and community for education, communication and conflict resolution; 4