On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. Since then, the world has come together annually to celebrate the contributions and rights of older people. In 2023, the theme revolves around fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.
The global landscape is changing, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rapid growth of the older population. Over the past four decades, the number of people aged 65 or older has tripled, rising from approximately 260 million in 1980 to a staggering 761 million in 2021. And the momentum is not slowing down. By 2050, it is projected that the global share of older persons will increase from less than 10% to approximately 17%. This demographic shift poses unique challenges and opportunities for societies worldwide (United Nations, 2023).
This International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to celebrate the wisdom, experience, and resilience of older individuals while recognizing the vital role they continue to play in our communities.
As we commemorate this important day, events are taking place around the world. Here we highlight two that you might like to participate in, although we are certain there are many more:
1. 2023 International Day of Older Persons in Asia and the Pacific
Hosted by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
This event will shine a spotlight on the human rights situation of older persons in Asia and the Pacific. It will showcase examples of policies that promote intergenerational solutions, with a focus on equality, freedom, and justice for all across the life course. Additionally, the event will address human rights protection gaps affecting older persons and discuss ways to advance this agenda in the region.
Registration: Click here to register
2. International Day of Older Persons Roundtable 2023
Hosted by: Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
To mark the International Day of Older Persons, OPAN is bringing together members of the National Older Persons Reference Group (NOPRG) for a roundtable discussion. Moderated by DAI’s own Theresa Flavin, a NOPRG member and dementia advocate, the event will feature insights from Margaret Duckett, Judith Covell, Paul Absolom, and Ted Cole regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons and its impact on ageism. Join this conversation on October 3, 2023, to explore aging with your rights protected.
Registration: Click here to register
These events offer an excellent opportunity to engage in discussions, share experiences, and advocate for the rights and well-being of older persons. They serve as a reminder that, regardless of age, we are all interconnected, we all have rights, and it is our collective responsibility to create a world where the promises of human rights are fulfilled for every generation.
For more information about International Day of Older Persons and related initiatives, you can visit the official older persons page from the United Nations.
On this International Day of Older Persons, let us celebrate the richness of life experiences that older individuals bring to our communities and work together to ensure that they live with dignity, respect, and the fulfillment of their human rights, across generations.
Reference:
United Nations, 2023, International Day of Older Persons 1 October, accessed 28 October 2023, </en/observances/older-persons-day>.