International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on October 1st to recognize and appreciate the contributions of older individuals to society. It highlights the issues, challenges, and rights of the elderly, promoting awareness about healthy, dignified, and inclusive aging.
This observance calls for intergenerational solidarity, urging societies to support older adults through inclusive social, health, and economic policies.
Purpose and Objectives
- To recognize the contributions of older persons in social, economic, and cultural development.
- To raise awareness about challenges faced by the elderly — such as age discrimination, lack of healthcare, and social isolation.
- To promote healthy aging, dignity, and autonomy in old age.
- To encourage governments and communities to integrate the rights and needs of older persons in development agendas.
- To promote the concept of “active aging” — enabling participation, independence, and self-fulfillment in later years.
Theme Insight 2025
“Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights.”
- Focuses on recognizing older persons as active participants in community and global initiatives rather than as dependents.
- Emphasizes empowerment, human rights, and participation of the elderly in sustainable development.
- Aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), which promotes integrated care, combating ageism, and ensuring long-term well-being.
- Encourages the inclusion of older persons in climate action, policy advocacy, and social resilience frameworks.
Historical Background
- Established by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
- Resolution: 45/106
- Date of Establishment: December 14, 1990
- First Observed: October 1, 1991
The UN designated this day to raise global awareness about ageing populations and the need for supportive systems that allow older persons to live dignified, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The observance is organized under the United Nations Programme on Ageing, coordinated by the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
Global Context
- The world’s population aged 60 years and above is growing faster than all younger age groups.
- According to the UN World Population Prospects 2024, by 2050, there will be over 2.1 billion people aged 60 years or older globally.
- The increase in life expectancy brings opportunities and challenges — requiring social protection systems, age-inclusive healthcare, and pension reforms.
- The observance aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Other Related Global Initiative
International Longevity Day
- Observed on: October 1 (coincides with the International Day of Older Persons)
- Initiated in: 2013
- Organized by: International Longevity Alliance (ILA)
- Objective:
- To promote biomedical aging research, longevity science, and global public awareness about healthy life extension.
- Highlights aging as a medical challenge that requires scientific and biomedical solutions.
- The campaign expands into “Longevity Month” (October) with events worldwide focused on research, advocacy, and education for healthy aging.
United Nations and Aging-Related Initiatives
UN Programme on Ageing (UNPoA):
- A United Nations initiative that coordinates global actions and policies on aging.
Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA):
- Adopted in 2002 (Madrid, Spain) at the Second World Assembly on Ageing.
- Provides a policy framework for promoting health, participation, and security for older persons.
Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing:
- Adopted in 1982 during the First World Assembly on Ageing (Vienna).
- The first global agreement recognizing the rights and needs of older persons.
United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)
- Launched by: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Objective: To improve the lives of older people, their families, and communities.
- Key Action Areas:
- Combating ageism.
- Fostering integrated care.
- Supporting long-term care.
- Creating age-friendly environments.
Key International Observances Related to Aging & Health
| Event | Date | Purpose / Focus |
| World Health Day | April 7 | Promotes global health awareness. |
| International Day of Families | May 15 | Recognizes the role of families, including elderly members, in social development. |
| International Day of Persons with Disabilities | December 3 | Promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, including older persons. |
| World Elder Abuse Awareness Day | June 15 | Highlights abuse and neglect faced by older individuals globally. |
Aging and India
Ministry dealing with Elderly Welfare: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India.
Key Indian Programmes/Schemes:
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Provides shelters, food, and medical care to older persons.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Distributes assistive devices to senior citizens from BPL families.
- National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) – 1999: Framework for ensuring social and economic security of senior citizens.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: Mandates care and financial support for elderly by children/relatives.
- Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund: Utilizes unclaimed financial deposits for welfare of the elderly.
- Vayoshreshtha Samman: National awards recognizing contributions of individuals and institutions in elderly welfare.
Significance of Day
- Highlights the human rights of older persons globally.
- Reinforces intergenerational solidarity and societal respect toward the elderly.
- Encourages countries to develop inclusive urban environments, healthcare access, and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Supports the concept of “Ageing with Dignity, Inclusion, and Empowerment.”