The reason behind celebrating the day is to create awareness about issues affecting the older people such as elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. The observance is a focus of ageing organizations and the United Nations Programme on Ageing.
Theme of the year
The 2021 celebration of the 31st anniversary of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) will focus not only on the impact of the new urban environment on older persons, but also the impact of older persons on the new urban environment.
History Behind International Day of Older Persons
In 1948 U.N. sought to promote the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.”
In 1982 as per the United Nations, “the international community started to highlight the situation of older persons” by adopting the “World Assembly on Aging.”
In 1990 U.N. adopted October 1 to be celebrated as International Day of Older Persons.
Importance of International Day of Older Persons
To pay attention and respect older people
The day is important as it reminds us to pay attention to the older people around us. To take out time to spend beautiful events with them and be kind towards them.
To teach young people
The holiday is a kind of opportunity to teach youngsters about many issues affected by the older persons, such as abuse and senescence — the deterioration of mental and physical processes.
We don’t know everything
If we’re lucky, age confers upon us a measure of self-awareness and wisdom. Focusing on the challenges faced by the elderly reminds us that there is still much to learn about ourselves and the world.
