The Labour Party has proposed a commission on the status of older people to encourage further participation by older people in social and economic life.
The party said the commission would hear submissions from older people, their families and carers so that "immediate measures" could be implemented to improve the quality of life of the elderly.
Labour spokesperson on Older People Mr Sean Ryan TD said that in tandem with the commission a set of guaranteed social rights would be legislated for, including the right to accommodation, healthcare and access to a nursing home.
If in Government, the party said it will also introduce legislation to make it illegal for employers to require an older person to retire on reaching a certain age if the person is capable of and wishes to go on working.
The party claims it will also remove the time limits on free travel for older people and examine the possibility of introducing schemes for areas not served by adequate public transport.
The move has been welcomed by Age Action Ireland who said the party's promise of a State pension of €200 within two years was three years ahead of similar promises from Fianna Fáil and the PDs.