I. Overview
The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is UN‑designated observance celebrated each year on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons, highlight their challenges, and promote their rights and well‑being. Established by the United Nations in 1990 via Resolution 45/106, the day supports efforts toward creating inclusive societies that value ageing and dignity. This observance focuses on the global attention to ageing, ageism, and the need for robust support systems.
II. Significance of the Theme
The present theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well‑Being, Our Rights”, emphasizes that older individuals are not just recipients of care but active agents in their communities. It calls for policies and environments that empower older persons to assert their rights, shape local initiatives, and influence global agendas.
III. Who is considered as Elderly?
There is no formal WHO document that states a strict chronological age at which someone becomes “elderly” (because WHO focuses more on functional ability than on a rigid age cutoff). However, WHO’s Ageing & Health fact sheet uses the threshold 60 years and older when referring to “older persons”.
IV. Quick Facts about IDOP
- 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over by 2030.
- Globally, there are over 1.2 billion people aged 60 or older in 2025.
- 80% of older people will be living in LMICs by 2050.
- People aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years in 2020.
- Asian and European continent are home to some of the oldest populations globally.
- Japan has over 100,000 elders with 100 years of age.
V. A Brief History of IDOP
1990: UN General Assembly adopts Resolution 45/106, designating October 1 for older persons.
1991: First time this day was held globally.
2002: “Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing” launched to guide global action on ageing.
2020: “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?” theme underscores how older persons are among the most vulnerable to severe outcomes, while also being vital contributors as caregivers, volunteers, and community leaders.
2024: Theme was “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.”
2025: The 35th UN observance will emphasize older persons as changemakers under the theme above.
VI. How to Observe International Day of Older Persons:
- Organize or support forums, webinars, or intergenerational dialogues on ageing and dignity.
- Promote policies for age‑friendly communities, accessible healthcare, and social protection.
- Celebrate the contributions of older persons through stories, awards, or public events.
- Use media and social media to raise awareness, using hashtags like #OlderPersonsDay, #AgeWithDignity, #AgeFriendlyWorld.
- Advocate for systems of long‑term care, anti‑ageism laws, and inclusive urban planning.
References:
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day
- https://sdg.iisd.org/events/international-day-of-older-persons-2025/
- https://ageing-better.org.uk/
