International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1. The day aims to raise awareness of the impact of an aging population and the need to ensure people can grow old with dignity and to elevate consciousness about points which are affecting the aged, like senescence and elder abuse. The day additionally celebrates and honour to respect the contributions that older individuals make to society.
Older people make huge contributions to the society through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities, and participating in the paid labour force. Celebrating this day will increase understanding of the impact of Covid-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.
International Day of Older Persons: History
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (by resolution 45/106) designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons. This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on aging that was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on aging and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
In 1991, the General Assembly (by resolution 46/91) adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. In 2002, the Second World Assembly on aging adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on aging, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
International Day of Older Persons 2020: Theme
The UN observance will also promote the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030. It focuses on bringing together UN experts, civil society, government, and health professionals to discuss the five strategic objectives of the Global Strategy and Action plan on Ageing and Health. The global strategy is properly integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and issues related to ageing cut across the 17 goals mainly Goal 3. Its purpose is to “ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of all at all ages”.
International Day of Older Persons: Quotes
- “Old age takes away what we have inherited and gives us back what we have earned.”
- “You get old and realize there are no answers just stories.”
- “Be young and stupid today in order to be old and wise tomorrow! Spread the love on this International Day of Older Persons!”
- “Lord save us all from old age and broken health and a hope tree that has lost the faculty of putting out blossoms.” – Mark Twain
- “The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
- “Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.” – Victor Hugo
- “Many believe – and I believe – that I have been designated for this work by God. In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for God and I put all my hope in Him.” Michelangelo
