International Day of Older Persons
The
United Nations' (UN) International Day of Older Persons is celebrated
annually on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons
and to examine issues that affect their lives.
What Do People Do?
International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons
or senior citizens all over the world. In many countries, politicians
make speeches, particularly those responsible for government departments
that focus on senior citizens, at this time of the year. Some radios,
televisions or newspapers publish interviews with senior citizens on
various issues such as achievements they made to create a better
society.
Other activities surrounding this day include: displays of
promotional material on the International Day of Older Persons in
schools, tertiary institutions, office buildings and public notice
boards; media announcements on the day and activities that promote
older persons; and inter-generational cooperation on voluntary
activities focused on the environment, health, education or community
services.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which is the UN’s directing and
coordinating authority for health related issues, and other groups have
been actively involved in promoting public awareness and attention on
the International Day of Older Persons. Discussions are centered on
topics such as: ageing populations and the provision of adequate
healthcare for aged persons; volunteer work; social care; and ways to be
more inclusive of older persons in the workforce.
Background
On December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly made October 1 as the
International Day of Older Persons, following up on initiatives such as
the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by
the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the
assembly. The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the
first time throughout the world on October 1, 1991.
In 1991 the UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles
for Older Persons. In 2002 the second World Assembly on Ageing adopted
the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the
opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century
and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
Symbols
The WHO logo is often seen on promotional material for the
International Day of Older Persons. The logo is often featured in the
color white on a mid-blue background. It shows a stereographic
projection of the Earth centered on the North Pole under a serpent
coiled around a staff. Two ears of wheat “cradle” the image. The
projection symbolizes the global nature of the organization, while the
serpent and staff are known to symbolize medical help and knowledge.
Images of older people from different cultures and backgrounds around
the world have been also used in UN promotional tools for the
International Day of Older Persons.
