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​International Day of Older Persons

Honor the wisdom and experience of older generations this International Day of Older Persons - show your support with kind words and thoughtful gestures!
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When it is?
October 1
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Introduction

Celebrate International Day of Older Persons on Oct. 1 and show your appreciation for the elderly! This important day was introduced by the United Nations in 1990 to recognize the contributions that older people have made and continue to make to society. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and valuing our elders, while addressing issues such as ageism and elder abuse. On this day, we can all take some time out of our busy lives to thank our seniors for their wisdom, guidance, and loving support. Let's make sure that every older person feels appreciated and respected!

History of ​International Day of Older Persons

​International Day of Older Persons Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including for older persons.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1982</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First World Assembly on Ageing</div><div class='timeline-text'>International community acknowledges the rights and needs of older persons during the First World Assembly on Ageing, leading to the adoption of an International Plan of Action on Ageing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of International Day of Older Persons</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations introduces International Day of Older Persons to acknowledge contributions of elders and address issues they face.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid</div><div class='timeline-text'>The global action plan "Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing" is adopted, focusing on development challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on Ageing Economies</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UN highlights the global trend of increasingly ageing populations, examining the intersection of ageing with economies and innovations.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​International Day of Older Persons

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your older relatives and neighbors to join you for a potluck. Ask them to bring a dish that is special to them, and share stories and memories over the meal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a senior center</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Senior centers are constantly in need of volunteers to help with activities, special events, and more. Offer your time to help out and show your appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an elderly relative</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to visit an elderly relative or friend and spend some quality time together. Listen to their stories, play board games or cards, or just chat.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather up some of your friends and family for a movie night dedicated to older persons. Choose a movie that features older characters and enjoy it together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look around your community for events dedicated to International Day of Older Persons. From lectures to special workshops, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.</p></div></div>

Why ​International Day of Older Persons is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Respect and recognition for senior citizens</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day of Older Persons is important because it emphasizes the need to respect and recognize the contributions made by older people throughout their lives. This day serves as a reminder that senior citizens are still valuable members of society, despite their age.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Highlighting social issues of elderly population</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International Day of Older Persons also serves to raise awareness about the social issues surrounding the elderly population, such as poverty, abuse, neglect and other health concerns. By highlighting these issues on a global stage, it helps to encourage governments and organizations to do more to address them in a meaningful way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Appreciating wisdom & experience</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Older persons possess much wisdom and life experience that can be beneficial to younger generations if we take the time to appreciate it. Learning from those who have gone before us can provide valuable insight into our own lives and decisions - so recognizing older persons on International Day of Older Persons is an important reminder that we should always look for ways to honor and respect our elders year round!</p></div></div>

5 Unveiled Facts for International Day of Older Persons

​International Day of Older Persons FAQs

When is ​International Day of Older Persons?

International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, the date falls on a Tuesday.

​International Day of Older Persons Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 1

Sunday

2024

Oct 1

Tuesday

2025

Oct 1

Wednesday

2026

Oct 1

Thursday

2027

Oct 1

Friday

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