International Day of Older Persons: A Global Commitment to Honoring Contributions, Addressing Challenges, and Building Inclusive Societies
The International Day of Older Persons, observed globally on October 1st each year, is a United Nations-designated day to honor the contributions of older individuals, raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of aging, and promote policies that ensure their dignity, rights, and well-being. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable role older persons play in our societies and the urgent need to build a world that is inclusive and supportive of people of all ages.
Historical Background and Establishment
The establishment of the International Day of Older Persons is rooted in a growing global recognition of the profound implications of population aging. The journey began with the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and subsequently endorsed by the UN General Assembly . This plan marked one of the first major international attempts to address the issues related to aging populations.
Building on this initiative, on December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons through Resolution 45/106 . This decision reflected a concerted effort by the international community to bring attention to a demographic trend that would only intensify in the coming decades. The first official observance of the day took place on October 1, 1991
The foundational work continued in 1991 when the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91), which outlined independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity as key rights for older individuals . A significant milestone was reached in 2002 with the Second World Assembly on Ageing, which adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). This plan was designed to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century and to promote the development of "a society for all ages" . These documents remain the cornerstones of global aging policy, emphasizing development, health, and supportive environments for older persons.
The 2025 Theme: "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action"
The theme for the 2025 International Day of Older Persons, "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights," highlights the transformative and proactive role older persons play in shaping resilient and equitable societies . This theme positions older individuals not as passive recipients of care, but as powerful agents of change who contribute their vast knowledge, expertise, and experience across various fields.
The 2025 theme is deeply grounded in the principles of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and reflects a significant recent development in international law. In April 2025, the Human Rights Council advanced this agenda by adopting resolution 58/13, which was supported by 81 Member States . This resolution establishes an open-ended working group tasked with a crucial mission: drafting a legally binding instrument to promote and protect the human rights of older persons. This landmark step underscores the growing global recognition of older persons as rights-holders and active change-makers in their communities and on the world stage.
The Imperative of Demographic Change
The urgency behind the International Day of Older Persons and its associated advocacy is driven by profound and rapid demographic shifts that are reshaping the global population. The statistics are telling and form a compelling case for immediate action. The number of people aged 60 years or over has more than doubled, from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach a staggering 2.1 billion by 2050 . By 2080, in a demographic milestone, persons aged 65 or older will outnumber children under the age of 18.
Global life expectancy has also seen a remarkable increase, reaching 73.5 years in 2025, which is an increase of 8.6 years since 1995 . The segment of the oldest-old is growing even faster; the number of persons aged 80 years or over is projected to surpass the number of infants by the mid-2030s and reach 265 million. Another perspective notes that 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, and between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.
This aging trend is a global phenomenon, but its pace and impact vary across regions. For instance, over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050 . The fastest increases are projected for Northern Africa and Western Asia (an increase of 226 per cent) and sub-Saharan Africa (218 per cent) . This demographic transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It necessitates adjustments in nearly all sectors of society, including labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and services like housing and transportation, and family structures . However, it also opens up the potential for older persons to contribute more extensively to their families and communities, provided their health and supportive environments enable them to do so.
Key Issues and Challenges in an Aging World
The rapid aging of the global population brings to the forefront several critical issues that demand policy attention and societal action. Understanding these challenges is essential for crafting effective responses that ensure the dignity and well-being of older persons.
Health and Well-being
A longer life brings with it opportunities for older people and their families, but the extent of these opportunities depends heavily on one factor: health . With advancing age, the risks to physical health, sensory and cognitive abilities increase, leading to a greater demand for mental health needs, long-term care, support, and rehabilitation . Conditions like dementia are a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults, requiring specialized care to meet growing needs . Ensuring access to quality healthcare, including preventive services, management of chronic conditions, and palliative care, is paramount. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes accelerating progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of population aging to improve the accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of health services, including long-term care for older people.
Ageism and Discrimination
Ageism, the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age, remains a pervasive and insidious barrier. It can manifest in employment, healthcare settings, and media representations, and it undermines the autonomy and contributions of older persons. Combating ageist perceptions and stereotypes is a fundamental step toward building a society for all ages . As one initiative notes, "Words have power. Words shape reality. It’s up to all of us how old age is perceived" . The theme for the 2016 observance, "Take a Stand Against Ageism," directly confronted this issue.
Financial Security and Poverty
Economic well-being in old age is a significant concern, particularly for women and those in low- and middle-income countries. Many older persons face the risk of poverty due to a lack of adequate pensions, limited opportunities for income generation, and high healthcare costs. Women, who often have interrupted career paths due to caregiving responsibilities and are overrepresented in informal and low-paid work, are especially vulnerable to poverty in old age . Ensuring financial protection through social security systems and promoting the economic inclusion of older persons are critical for their independence and dignity.
Inadequate Care and Support Systems
As the number of very old people increases, so does the need for robust and dignified care and support systems. This includes both formal care services and support for informal caregivers. The 2024 theme, "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide," highlights this very challenge, encouraging governments and policymakers to take concerted action to address the physical, social, psychological, and health needs of older persons . It is worth noting that women comprise the majority of both care recipients and caregivers, contributing roughly 70% of global informal care hours.
Human Rights and Legal Protection
Despite their contributions and needs, older persons often face gaps in legal protection. Existing international human rights law does not fully address the specific manifestations of rights violations in old age. This has led to calls for a more robust framework, including a dedicated UN convention on the rights of older persons. The 2025 Human Rights Council resolution to draft a legally binding instrument is a direct response to this gap and represents a historic step forward.
Global and Local Commemorations
The International Day of Older Persons is marked by a diverse range of activities around the world, from high-level UN events to community-led celebrations, all aimed at educating the public, mobilizing political will, and honoring older persons.
Official UN Events for 2025
The United Nations typically hosts flagship events to commemorate the day. In 2025, two key events are scheduled:
Commemoration Event in New York: On 1 October 2025, from 10:00-13:00 EDT in the ECOSOC Chamber at UN Headquarters, a event sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Argentina and organized by the NGO Committee on Ageing and UN DESA will be held. The event will highlight the leadership of older persons in advancing community and global initiatives and will feature a keynote address and a moderated, interactive panel discussion.
Event in Vienna: On 26th September 2025, from 13:30-16:30 CEST at the Vienna International Centre, an event will focus on "Highlighting the Role of the Brain for Healthy Ageing". This event, held halfway through the "Decade of Healthy Ageing," will gather global experts to address the central role of the brain in maintaining one's health and quality of life.
Community-Led Initiatives
Beyond the UN headquarters, the day is celebrated in countless communities, reflecting local cultures and priorities. For example, in Napier, New Zealand, the city's Positive Ageing Strategy Advisory Group collaborated with organizations like Age Concern Napier and Grey Power Napier to host a celebration for older residents . The event featured a mystery bus tour exploring the city's history, followed by an afternoon tea with refreshments, entertainment, and spot prizes, fostering community spirit and social connection.
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
The day also serves as a crucial platform for advocacy. Organizations like AGE Platform Europe use the occasion to "rewrite the story on ageing" and challenge stereotypes . Their campaigns often involve calls for specific policy actions, such as the adoption of an EU Age Equality Strategy and the establishment of a dedicated European Parliament Intergroup to address issues related to aging and intergenerational solidarity. These efforts highlight the role of civil society in pushing for systemic change and promoting a positive narrative on aging.
The Path Forward: Policies and Actions for a Society for All Ages
Creating a world that is truly inclusive of older persons requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the UN Principles for Older Persons provide a robust framework for action. Key areas for policy and societal intervention include:
Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Health systems must be reoriented to meet the needs of older populations. This includes integrating care for chronic conditions, ensuring access to essential medicines, and making primary health care services more age-friendly. The WHO's initiative on Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) is an example of an approach that can help guide the development of comprehensive and person-centered health services.
Ensuring Financial Protection: Governments and social partners must work to extend social protection coverage to all older persons. This includes establishing and strengthening pension systems that provide adequate income security throughout old age, thereby reducing poverty and vulnerability.
Building Age-Friendly Environments: Creating supportive physical and social environments is pivotal for maintaining the activity levels and independence of older persons. This involves adapting urban planning, transportation, and housing to be accessible and safe. The WHO's Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities is a key initiative promoting such environments.
Promoting Intergenerational Solidarity: Fostering mutual understanding and support between generations is essential for social cohesion. Programs that encourage interaction and shared activities between young and old can help break down stereotypes and build more resilient communities. The 2004 theme of the day, "Older Persons in an Intergenerational Society," explicitly highlighted this importance.
Combating Ageism: Laws and policies must explicitly prohibit age-based discrimination. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are needed to challenge negative stereotypes and portrayals of older persons and to celebrate their diverse contributions
Advancing the Human Rights Agenda: The ongoing process at the Human Rights Council to draft a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons is a historic opportunity to strengthen the international protection framework . Supporting this process is critical for ensuring that the human rights of older persons are universally recognized, respected, and fulfilled.
Conclusion
The International Day of Older Persons is far more than a symbolic observance; it is an annual call to action, a moment for global reflection, and a celebration of the resilience, wisdom, and contributions of older generations. As the world undergoes an unprecedented demographic transformation, the principles enshrined in this day—dignity, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and independence—become ever more critical. The 2025 theme, "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action," powerfully captures the essence of what is needed: a shift in perception that views older persons not as a burden, but as active architects of their own well-being and essential contributors to a sustainable future. By listening to their voices, protecting their rights, and building inclusive societies for all ages, we honor not only their past contributions but also invest in a future that benefits everyone.
Photo from: Freepik
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