International Day of Older Persons
On October 1st all of the Age Connects regions come together to support the International Day of Older Persons. The day is dedicated to recognising and respecting the contributions of older persons to society, as well as examining issues that affect their lives.
The history of this special day can be traced back to December 14th 1990 when the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older People. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1st 1991.
The importance of promoting health, preventing, and treating illnesses across all stages of life is underscored by the rapid growth in the number of older individuals. Between 1980 and 2021, the population aged 65 or older tripled from approximately 260 million to 761 million. Projections suggest that from 2021 to 2050, the global proportion of older adults will rise from under 10% to about 17%.
In societies with aging demographics, adapting to the increasing number of elderly individuals with varying functional abilities is crucial. The ability to perform essential tasks and engage in daily activities is influenced not only by an individual's inherent capabilities but also by their social and physical surroundings. Supportive environments play a vital role in helping older adults maintain their activity levels and independence as they age.
We're privileged to have older individuals in our lives, whether they're relatives, friends, or simply acquaintances. Older people serve as reservoirs of wisdom, experience, and captivating stories. They can motivate us to keep pushing forward or caution us about potential pitfalls we might overlook. It's essential to seek their guidance whenever and wherever we can.
Regrettably, we frequently overlook or, worse, outright disregard the older individuals in our midst. This is one of the many reasons why the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st is such a wonderful occasion.
Join Age Connects Wales on October 1st and help us in recognising the vital role of older people in our communities, and the difference we can all make in helping them to age well.