A/HRC/30/43 37. The Committee also noted that national policies should help older people to continue to live in their own homes as long as possible, through the restoration, development and improvement of homes and their adaptation to the ability of those persons to gain access to and use them.6 38. In addition, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities includes the concept of “universal design”, which may be of benefit to older persons. It is defined, in article 2, as the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design and develops State obligations regarding the promotion of the availability and use of universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities. 39. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing recommends the establishment of preventive and curative care, including rehabilitation and sexual health care, recognizing that health-promotion and disease-prevention activities throughout life need to focus on maintaining independence, on prevention, and on avoidance of delay in disease treatment, as well as on improving the health and quality of life of older persons who already have a disability. 40. Particular actions are encouraged to provide counsel and guide persons on healthy lifestyles and self-care.7 Detailed actions are designed to further encourage the adoption of care measures that take into account age and the diversity of older persons, including primary care, acute care, rehabilitation, long-term and palliative care, self-care and gerontological services, provided both by formal and informal caregivers. Special attention is given to the importance of developing housing options for older persons that encourage and reduce barriers to independence, including in public spaces, transportation and other services.8 41. At the regional level, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights recognizes the right to health and the role played by the family in society, and the right of older persons to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical or moral needs (arts. 16 and 18). The draft protocol to the Charter on the rights of older persons in Africa makes clear mention of care and support and access to health services, including in conflict and disaster situations. For instance, according to article 12, States should identify, promote and strengthen traditional support systems, including medical home based care, to enhance the ability of families and communities to care for older family members and adopt policies and legislation that provide incentives to all stakeholders including adult children, to support older persons in their communities, ensuring that they remain at home for as long as possible. 42. In the Americas, the Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right to social security and the right to health (arts. 9 and 10). Moreover, the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons dedicates an article to the right of older persons to receive long-term care, while maintaining their independence and autonomy. A comprehensive approach to the right to health has been adopted in article 19, by including health promotion, prevention and care of disease at all stages, including rehabilitation and palliative care. 43. In Europe, the Council of Europe recommendation on the promotion of human rights of older persons dedicates a specific title to care, in which it recommends that States promote a multidimensional approach to health and social care for older persons and encourage cooperation among the competent services. It mentions several measures, 6 7 8 8 Ibid., para. 33. Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, paras. 67 (d) and 105. Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, paras. 90 (f) and 98-100.