International Day of Older Persons
The International Day of Older Persons is an annual observance day celebrated on October 1st to recognize the contributions of older persons and to raise awareness about the issues and challenges they face. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day on December 14, 1990, through resolution 45/106. Since then, the day has been observed globally to promote the rights and well-being of older persons.
Background
The world’s population is aging rapidly, with the number of people aged 60 years and above expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for societies worldwide. The International Day of Older Persons aims to highlight the importance of creating inclusive and age-friendly environments that enable older persons to participate fully in society.
Theme
Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for the International Day of Older Persons to focus attention on a specific issue affecting older persons. Some of the recent themes include:
- 2021: Digital Equity for All Ages
- 2020: Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?
- 2019: The Journey to Age Equality
- 2018: Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions
- 2017: Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society
The themes reflect the changing needs and concerns of older persons and help guide policy discussions and action plans.
Significance in India
India has a rapidly aging population, with the number of people aged 60 years and above projected to reach 194 million by 2031. The International Day of Older Persons holds special significance in India, as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of older persons to society and to address the challenges they face.
The Government of India has taken several measures to ensure the well-being of older persons, such as:
- The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), adopted in 1999, aims to promote the health, safety, and social security of older persons.
- The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, provides legal protection and financial support to older persons.
- The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) scheme provides assisted living devices to senior citizens belonging to the BPL category.
Despite these efforts, older persons in India continue to face challenges such as poverty, neglect, abuse, and lack of access to healthcare and social services.
Celebrating the Day
The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated worldwide through various events, workshops, and campaigns. In India, the day is marked by:
- Awareness campaigns on the rights and issues of older persons
- Health camps and medical check-ups for older persons
- Cultural programs and events showcasing the talents and contributions of older persons
- Intergenerational activities promoting solidarity between younger and older generations
- Felicitation of older persons for their achievements and contributions to society
These celebrations not only honor the lives and experiences of older persons but also help break down stereotypes and promote a more positive and inclusive attitude towards aging.
The Way Forward
As the world’s population continues to age, it is crucial to create age-friendly environments that promote the well-being and participation of older persons. This involves:
- Ensuring access to quality healthcare, social services, and support systems
- Promoting lifelong learning and skill development opportunities
- Combating age discrimination and elder abuse
- Encouraging intergenerational solidarity and dialogue
- Involving older persons in decision-making processes that affect their lives
By working together to address these challenges, we can build a society that values and respects the contributions of older persons and enables them to live with dignity and fulfillment.
The International Day of Older Persons serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions that older persons make to our families, communities, and societies. It is an opportunity to celebrate their lives, experiences, and wisdom while also addressing the challenges they face. By promoting the rights and well-being of older persons, we can create a more inclusive and age-friendly world for all.
