A/HRC/39/50 strive to prevent their social exclusion, which constitutes an important risk for older persons living in urban environments, especially in the context of gentrification. C. Human rights impact 45. The realization of the right to an adequate standard of living is essential to preventing the social exclusion of older persons. It is generally considered to be indispensable to the fulfilment of all other rights and encompasses all the basic subsistence rights, such as adequate food and nutrition, clothing, housing and the necessary conditions of care when required. The aim is to ensure that everybody is able to live in conditions of dignity, in which they are able to satisfy their needs and interact with others. It has been interpreted to include the provision of health services, income, family and community support and self-help, and as such also relates to decent employment, health, long-term care and independent living in the community.14 In addition, article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights requires States to ensure the right to social security in old age. 1. Right to housing 46. Housing is an essential aspect of active ageing and of the ability of older persons to live an autonomous life and prevent them from being socially excluded. Many communities have been experiencing a decline in social housing stock and other housing problems. In the context of gentrification, housing increasingly becomes a marketable asset. That puts pressure on the provision of social and State housing and may even increase the number of persons sleeping in the street or other places unfit for human habitation. According to human rights law, housing is not a commodity, but a basic human right that calls for human rights-based solutions. 47. In general terms, the right to housing can be defined as the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity. 15 It includes several aspects, notably legal security of tenure, the availability of services, materials and infrastructure, affordable housing, habitable housing, accessible housing, housing in a suitable location and housing constructed and sited in a way which is culturally adequate. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in its general comment No. 6 (1995) on the economic, social and cultural rights of older persons states that housing is more than shelter, as it encompasses a psychological and social dimension. It also covers the need for family support. The Committee also acknowledges that national policies should help older persons to continue to live in their own homes as long as possible. 48. In the context of gentrification, older persons may be faced with forced eviction, harassment or other threats to make them leave their place of residence (A/HRC/10/7/Add.2).16 Privatization and real estate investments may contribute to the unaffordability of land and housing for the urban poor, leading to increased homelessness and regression in the enjoyment of the right to housing. 49. As people grow older, they often feel the need to change their home because it is no longer adapted to their needs (e.g. too large, not barrier-free), but face considerable obstacles, particularly financial, as new rents may be significantly higher. Financial services, such as loans, mortgages or commercial insurance, to enable them to adapt their homes are often not available to older people or are prohibitively expensive because of the inappropriate use of age as a criterion, including for determining risk. 14 15 16 See Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 6 (1995) on the economic, social and cultural rights of older persons; see also United Nations Principles for Older Persons. See Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 4 (1991) on the right to adequate housing, para. 7. See also Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 6. and general comment No. 7 (1997) on forced evictions. 11