United Nations International Day of Older Persons

United Nations International Day of Older Persons

Source : Dæhæna – October 2026

Every year on 1 October, the world celebrates the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. It is a day to recognise the invaluable contribution of older people and to reflect on how we can create communities where everyone can age with dignity, respect, security and a sense of purpose.

Image Source :Pinakpani Bhattacharjee’s FB post

The United Nations established this international day in 1990, recognising the important role older people play in families and communities. With people living longer and healthier lives, older generations are increasingly becoming an important source of knowledge, experience and wisdom. They are not simply recipients of care and support; they are active contributors to society.

This is particularly true of older migrants. Many Sri Lankan Australians, for example, arrived in Australia with hopes and aspirations for themselves and their families. Through hard work, perseverance and determination, they contributed to Australia’s economic, social and cultural development while establishing new lives in a different country.

At the same time, they worked to preserve their heritage. They established community organisations, religious and cultural associations, language schools, sporting groups, media organisations and social networks. They introduced younger generations to their languages, traditions, music, dance, food and cultural values. In doing so, they created a valuable bridge between their heritage and their adopted homeland.

Older people continue to contribute in many ways. They volunteer in community organisations, assist charities, care for grandchildren, support family members and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations. Their contribution may not always appear in economic statistics, but its value to families and communities is immeasurable.

However, growing older can also bring challenges, including loneliness, financial pressures, declining mobility, health concerns, digital exclusion and the loss of social connections. It is therefore important that governments, families and community organisations work together to ensure that older people remain connected, respected and included.

The International Day of Older Persons is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to listen to our elders, learn from their experiences and thank them for the foundations they have built for future generations.

Ageing is a journey that awaits all of us. By respecting and supporting older people today, we are helping to build a more compassionate, inclusive and caring society for tomorrow.

Courtesy: https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day and https://chatgpt.com/

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