A/HRC/30/43 discrimination. Non-contributory old-age benefits or other assistance should be provided for those without resources on reaching old age, with special attention to be given to older persons working in the informal sectors, older women, older widows, and those living in rural and remote areas. 105. In the light of the significant contribution of social transfers and pension schemes, austerity measures and fiscal consolidation programmes should be revised in order to ensure the provision of basic income to older persons, together with adequate social and health-care services and support. 106. A thorough evidence-based analysis of the current and future needs of various forms of care or affordable, accessible and barrier-free housing is essential for meeting the immediate needs and for planning and preparing for the future and for developing appropriate measures to ensure an inclusive society for all ages. Right to work 107. States should introduce incentives for employers and employees to extend people’s working lives beyond the mandatory retirement age. Workplace environments and working conditions should be adapted to older workers by introducing flexible working arrangements, including phased retirement. The Independent Expert also points out the importance of continued education and access to new technologies, as well as vocational rehabilitation. States should ensure that social security and pension systems do not penalize older workers who choose to work beyond normal retirement age. 108. The contribution of older persons should be recognized and encouraged, including, but not limited to, their role in the care of family members, in household maintenance and in voluntary and associative activities. Right to adequate housing and accessibility 109. States should adopt housing policies that take into account the special needs of older persons to enable these persons to live autonomously. Ageing at home requires innovations in the housing sector, including alternative forms of housing for older persons, such as mixed and designated communities and age-adapted homes, or flatsharing concepts that promote intergenerational interaction. Alternative forms of housing and the possibility to adapt their homes should ensure that older persons can remain in their homes and lead autonomous lives. 110. States should establish tax incentives and subsidies to encourage developers to build accessible and appropriate housing for older persons. Credit facilities should also be encouraged in public and private banks to allow older persons to adapt their homes or to become homeowners. In view of the difficulties often faced by older persons in accessing financial and insurance services and resources, the Independent Expert wishes to remind businesses of their obligations to adhere to international standards preventing, inter alia, all forms of discrimination and to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which provide guidance on responsible contracting and State-investor contract negotiations. 111. Given that the physical ability, individual characteristics and the transport environment crucially influence the mobility of older persons, States are encouraged to adopt comprehensive national accessibility policies. There is also a need to include mandatory provisions demanding the implementation of barrier-free access. States should also ensure the elimination of existing barriers in public spaces and buildings, including in care settings. The Independent Expert recommends that architects and engineers apply a human rights-based approach in designing public and private buildings. 18