A/HRC/30/43 55. Social transfers and pension schemes often account for the largest part of the resources of older persons and significantly reduce their at-risk-of poverty rate by ensuring some financial security.12 They are thus an important factor in enabling older persons to live autonomously and not be dependent on intra-family transfers or any other private income. Access to social insurance schemes and pensions, particularly for women, rural workers, and persons who worked in the informal sector, is essential for persons to live an autonomous life when they become old. 56. The Independent Expert strongly encourages the review of austerity measures and fiscal consolidation programmes, especially those which may negatively impact the economic and financial autonomy of older persons by increasing the risk of poverty, exclusion and insecurity in old age. Social protection should be strengthened, both contributory and non-contributory schemes, by increasing resources, improving the availability of and access to services, through communication and by removing any obstacles to receiving the benefits. 4. Right to work 57. It is also important to ensure the right to work by fostering the active economic participation of older persons as long as they are willing or able. Older persons have much to contribute, based on the considerable skills, wisdom, expertise and experience they have acquired throughout their professional life, and they should be encouraged to continue working if they wish. Therefore, workplaces and job options that include older workers should be developed, as well as voluntary work. Older persons have indispensable roles in assisting peers and participating in intergenerational activities by helping younger generations, and by contributing to the education of grandchildren. This will help reinforce social cohesion and the interaction of older persons with other members of the community. 5. Right to adequate housing and accessibility 58. Age-sensitive communities and age-friendly environments are preconditions for older persons to live with autonomy and remain integrated in society. Older persons should be able to live in environments that are safe and adaptable to their personal preferences and changing capacities. The environment should therefore be adapted to their needs. This should include, for instance, outdoor and public spaces, the physical environment, buildings, transportation, social participation and inclusion, civic participation and employment, information and communications and other facilities and services in both urban and rural areas. 59. Physical barriers significantly undermine the autonomy of older persons and deny them access to basic services, including health care. When older persons are unable to drive, the lack of public transport, especially in rural and remote areas, presents serious challenges. Even if they are able to access public transport, older persons still require a reasonable level of physical fitness, the competence to follow bus-route directions, the ability to endure long rides and bus transfers, and a safe environment to wait and to walk in. 60. Accessibility encompasses access to infrastructure, buildings, transportation, information and care settings in urban and rural areas. States should provide comprehensive barrier-free accessibility environments and work towards eliminating existing barriers. Public buildings, facilities, roads and transportation should be easily accessible. For this to occur, revisions to building control acts and urban planning codes, with the inclusion of standards of universal design in a variety of sectors and facilities, may be needed. States should also provide training to all stakeholders involved in adapting public spaces to 12 A/HRC/14/31. 11