A/HRC/33/44 to contributory social security systems, which tend to accentuate gender inequality, with older women more likely to receive lower pensions and other contributory benefits. Some countries provide social welfare grants to provide income support to infirm and older persons in need, as well as those with disabilities, in order to ensure that they have an adequate standard of living. 54. The provision of a universal public pension is an alternative model that prevents old age poverty as it is paid to every older person starting at a particular age, but regardless of income, assets, employment status or history. Since there is no mandatory retirement age, it also allows older persons to remain in the labour market for longer periods. Moreover, as it is universal, such a public pension scheme is relatively simple to administer, since no means test or employment record is required. 55. Providing information and advisory services on social security payments, pensions and retirement planning contributes to preventing old age poverty. 56. As populations continue to age, the financial sustainability of social security systems increasingly becomes a concern. Medium-term projections of the sustainability of public expenditure highlight areas that require reform. 57. The promotion of resource-generating activities will also help to reduce the risk of poverty of older persons. Particularly in developing countries, training can be provided to older persons to enable them to develop and manage microprojects, or specific credit lines can be established for older persons for the financing of resource-generating activities. E. Right to work 58. Participation in the labour market enhances the self-esteem of older persons, their social inclusion and their financial security. Older workers should enjoy equality of opportunity and treatment in relation to all aspects of work and conditions of employment in all sectors. The practices, attitudes and legal framework that affect the equal participation of older persons in employment need to be analysed in order to design measures to prevent employment discrimination and effectively address existing barriers to older persons’ participation in the workforce. 59. The establishment of a repertory of skills or an online platform of older persons serves several purposes. It enhances the esteem in which the valuable contribution of older persons is held within the family and society and enhances intergenerational solidarity. At the same time, it encourages older persons to continue to remain active and productive and enables older persons’ know-how, expertise and skills to be matched up with employers’ needs for expertise and advice. A critical mass of data is required for optimal functioning of the repertory. That may require awareness-raising campaigns in order for older persons to register. Encouraging volunteerism is another way to empower older persons to continue contributing to their communities and foster a positive image of older persons as contributing members of society. Employers’ and networking fairs have similar objectives. 60. Changing the attitudes of employers towards older workers and raising employers’ awareness of the business benefits of hiring older workers may help to create new opportunities for older persons. Other measures to encourage employers to recruit and retain older workers include financial and technical assistance. Employment of older persons in public services in designated areas, such as auxiliary roles for a limited period, should also be considered. 61. Improving older persons’ access to the labour market can also be achieved by providing older jobseekers with career counselling, labour market training and subsidies for business start-ups, as well as job mediation. Opportunities for older persons with reduced GE.16-11742 11