International Day Of Older Persons

International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 every year to raise awareness on issues affecting the elderly people. It is also a day to appreciate their great contributions to the society. In the year 1990, on December 14 the United Nations General Assembly voted to celebrate October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. This day has been observed since October 1, 1991.

International Day Of Older Persons 2023

Sun , 1st Oct 2023

In some countries, a similar holiday is celebrated on different days to celebrate older people. In United States of America and Canada, it is National Grandparents Day; Double Ninth Festival in China and Respect for the Aged Day in Japan. This day is observed with the same focus of United Nations Program on Ageing. Every year, United Nations announces a theme based on the prevailing issues for the elderly. This year, in 2021 the theme is “Digital Equity for All Ages” aimed at affirming the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older persons.

This theme springs as the result of fourth industrial revolution characterized by rapid digital innovation. It is identified that older persons tend to undergo cybercrimes and misinformation that threaten their human rights, privacy, and security. At the same time, it is important to enable them on technological advancements. This theme also contributes towards the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Objective in 2021

In line with the Theme for 2021, the following objectives have been proposed by the UN,

To bring more awareness of the importance of digital inclusion of older persons, while tackling stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination associated with digitalization, considering sociocultural norms and the right to autonomy.
To highlight policies to leverage digital technologies for full achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
To address public and private interests, in the areas of availability, connectivity, design, affordability, capacity building, infrastructure, and innovation.
To explore the role of policies and legal frameworks to ensure privacy and safety of older persons in the digital world.
To highlight the need for a legally binding instrument on the rights of older persons and an intersectional person-centered human rights approach for a society for all ages.