- 111 - Persons which Governments were encouraged to incorporate into their national programmes is that older persons should be able to form movements or associations of older persons. 5. Specific provisions of the Covenant Equal rights of men and women (art. 4) 20. In accordance with article 3 of the Covenant, by which States parties undertake "to ensure the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights", the Committee considers that States parties should pay particular attention to older women who, because they have spent all or part of their lives caring for their families without engaging in a remunerated activity entitling them to an old-age pension, and who are also not entitled to a widow’s pension, are often in critical situations. 21. To deal with such situations and comply fully with article 9 of the Covenant and paragraph 2 (h) of the Proclamation on Ageing, States parties should institute non-contributory old-age benefits or other assistance for all persons, regardless of their sex, who find themselves without resources on attaining an age specified in national legislation. Given their greater life expectancy and the fact that it is more often they who have no contributory pensions, women would be the principal beneficiaries. Rights relating to work (arts. 6-8) 22. Article 6 of the Covenant requires States parties to take appropriate steps to safeguard the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain a living by work which is freely chosen or accepted. In this regard, the Committee, bearing in mind that older workers who have not reached retirement age often encounter problems in finding and keeping jobs, stresses the need for measures to prevent discrimination on grounds of age in employment and occupation. 6/ 23. The right "to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work" (art. 7 of the Covenant) is of special importance for ensuring that older workers enjoy safe working conditions until their retirement. In particular, it is desirable to employ older workers in circumstances in which the best use can be made of their experience and know-how. 7/ 24. In the years preceding retirement, retirement-preparation programmes should be implemented, with the participation of representative organizations of employers and workers and other bodies concerned, to prepare older workers to cope with their new situation. Such programmes should, in particular, provide older workers with information about their rights and obligations as pensioners; the opportunities and conditions for continuing an occupational activity or undertaking voluntary work; means of combating detrimental effects of ageing; facilities for adult education and cultural activities; and the use of leisure time. 8/ 25. The rights protected by article 8 of the Covenant, namely trade union rights, including after retirement age, must be applied to older workers.