Introduction

The International Day of Older Persons is observed on 01 October each year.

On 14 December 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 01 October as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106.

The holiday was observed for the first time on 01 October 1991.

Purpose

The holiday is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse.

It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.

Similarities to Other Days

This holiday is similar to National Grandparents Day in the United States and Canada as well as Double Ninth Festival in China and Respect for the Aged Day in Japan.

The observance is a focus of ageing organisations and the United Nations Programme on Ageing.

Annual Themes

• 1998 & 2000: Towards A Society for All Ages.
• 2004: Older persons in an intergenerational society.
• 2005: Ageing in the new millennium.
• 2006: Improving the Quality of Life for Older Persons: Advancing UN Global Strategies.
• 2007: Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities of Ageing.
• 2008: Rights of Older Persons.
• 2009: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons: Towards a Society for All Ages.
• 2010: Older persons and the achievement of the MDGs.
• 2011: The Growing Opportunities & Challenges of Global Ageing.
• 2012: Longevity: Shaping the Future.
• 2013: The future we want: what older persons are saying.
• 2014: Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All.
• 2015: Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment.
• 2016: Take A Stand Against Ageism.
• 2017: Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.
• 2018: Celebrating Older Human Rights champions.
• 2019: The Journey to Age Equality.
• 2020: Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?

How Do People Celebrate International Day of Older Persons?

The celebration of International Day of Older Persons is done to create awareness and empathy regarding the well being of the elderly.

People usually celebrate the day by spending time with their grandparents, visiting old age homes and N.G.O’s and cooking or baking them. Some kids also give greeting cards to their elderly on this day.