The International Day of Older People is observed on 1 October each year.
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons. This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna international Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly. The holiday was observed for the first time on 1 October 1991.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.
In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted The Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.
In societies with aging populations, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities.
The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual’s inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside. Supportive environments, such as family, friends, churches and local government play a pivotal role in assisting older persons to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.
Older Persons Week is celebrated from 26 September to 2 October this year.
Spoil grandpa and grandma by visiting or phone them. If they stay far away, video chat with them. But what about an “appreciation day”? Celebrate by having dinner together. Maybe you can show them something new on the cellphone. Most important, tell them regularly that you love them and pray for them every day.
Albin Bowler, Email
