INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELDERLY: Old is always gold, value it!
Elderly population is the treasured strength and valued asset of any society. Nevertheless, getting old is unquestionably a natural phenomenon that fetches both openings and contests. Our world is ageing which, of course, is an important module of the success story of worldwide development. Indeed, advancement in health and poverty reduction has extended lives on international level, and there is a great deal to rejoice! In fact, population ageing is a major global trend reformatting societies worldwide. Today, life expectancy at birth exceeds 75 years in half of the world’s countries or areas, 25 years longer than those born in 1950. Individuals reaching the age of 65 are now expected to live an additional 16.8 years on average.
As per “Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections--2006”, constituted by the National Commission on Population, published by the Office of the Registrar General of India, it is found that the share of senior citizens in the total population is expected to rise from 8.57% in 2011 to 12.40% by 2026. By 2030, older persons are anticipated to be more than youth globally, with this increase most fast in developing countries. This demographic change has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings.
In the Indian context, in particular, combination of enhanced lifespan, breakdown or weakening of age old joint family structure, and societal collapses has led to elderly persons being subjected to or facing isolation and carelessness. Certainly, elderly people having inadequate resources, primarily those living in rural areas are relatively vulnerable, with many of them facing poverty, bias, and health complications. They sometimes withstand maltreatment as well, which is detrimental to them. Among this demographic, women outnumber men. As populations age, the demands for comprehensive healthcare and social support services have grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. In many cultures, older persons play critical societal roles, serving as community leaders and caregivers as well as by sharing their wisdom and inherited knowledge with younger generations.
Someone has rightly said; “Older adults are an asset to communities through contributing to the local economy, taking community leadership roles, contributing skills, experience and expertise in a variety of ways, volunteering, offering care of grandchildren, taking part in democratic processes, being active community members, caring for others, making and creating, being active consumers and having full, active lives.” However, subjective outlook often paint older persons and their care as bothersome. This perspective must change for societies to tie together the positive change that harmonise with getting old. Perhaps, with that in mind, the United Nations set aside 2024 theme for the International Day for the Elderly as: “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.” Likewise, the theme for 2025 is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being Our Rights”. This theme emphasises the importance of older persons’ contributions to society, as well as the active role older people play in driving positive change at both local and global levels. It also highlights their aspirations, well-being, and the need to uphold their rights. Besides it will serve as a platform for older persons to share their aspirations, advocate for their well-being, and call for the full enjoyment of the elderly.
Consequent upon adoption of Resolution 45/105 on 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the ‘International Day for the Elderly’, which in common parlance is also known as ‘International Day of Older Persons’ The Resolution unequivocally recognises that the elderly are an asset to society who can contribute significantly to the development process. In view of that, 35th International Day of Older Persons is being observed today the world over. The International Day for the Elderly is a significant global event focused on raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing, recognising the valuable contributions of older people to society and to address the issues they face. The day also aims to promote the well-being of older individuals.
The day highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating the wisdom and experience of older individuals, while also addressing issues like health care, social inclusion, and economic security. This day serves to honour the contributions of older persons made to society and highlights the importance of creating a world where they can live with dignity and liberty. The principal purpose of the day is to attract attention of the masses as to how the world might improve the living of older people. Various international and national organizations conduct events, campaigns, and workshops on this day to promote awareness and appreciation for older people. Even the United Nations is commemorating the day as an important event at its Headquarters in New York every year on October 1st.
The International Day for the Elderly aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conspicuous among which are: Good Health and Well-Being – Promoting health and longevity through access to healthcare for older persons; Reduced Inequality – Reducing age-based discrimination and ensuring older persons can contribute fully to their communities; Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encouraging age-friendly environments that support the independence and well-being of older persons. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons were adopted by the United Nation General Assembly (Resolution 46/91) on 16 December 1991. Governments were encouraged to incorporate them into their National programs whenever possible. There are 18 principles, which are further grouped under five themes: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity. These principles customarily include;
Older persons should have access to adequate food, water, shelter, clothing and health care through the provision of income, family and community support and self-help.
Older persons should have the opportunity to work or to have access to other income-generating opportunities.
Older persons should remain integrated in society, participate actively in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly affect their well-being and share their knowledge and skills with younger generations.
Older persons should be able to seek and develop opportunities for service to the community and to serve as volunteers in positions appropriate to their interests and capabilities.
Older persons should be able to form movements or associations of older persons.
Older persons should benefit from family and community care and protection in accordance with each society’s system of cultural values.
Older persons should have access to health care to help them to maintain or regain the optimum level of physical, mental and emotional well- being and to prevent or delay the onset of illness.
Older persons should have access to social and legal services to enhance their autonomy, protection and care.
Older persons should be able to utilize appropriate levels of institutional care providing protection, rehabilitation and social and mental stimulation in a humane and secure environment.
Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms when residing in any shelter, care or treatment facility, including full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy and for the right to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives.
Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse.
Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status, and be valued independently of their economic contribution.
Peculiarly, the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) -- a global collaboration, aligned with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals, is poised to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live. The World Health Organization was asked to lead the implementation of the decade in collaboration with the other UN organizations and serves as the Decade Secretariat. Governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, academia and the media are encouraged to actively contribute to achieving the Decade’s goals through direct action, partnering with others, and by participating in the Healthy Ageing Collaborative. Taking a cue from the initiative and mandate of the UNO on the topic of welfare of older persons, India has also formulated a National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) (1999) and is a signatory to the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002).
In concluding, a key strategy to facilitate comfortable living of older persons is to make our world more age friendly. An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and leads to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their age. That would certainly make it easy for older people to stay connected to people as are important to them. It also helps people to stay healthy and active even in the advanced years and provides appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves. With the number of senior citizens in India (aged 60+) projected to rise from 153 million to 347 million by 2050, there is need to initiate concerted efforts, rather a well thought campaign, to highlight importance of fostering compassion, promoting good nutrition, adopting healthy lifestyles, and addressing emotional and mental health challenges of the elderly segment of our society.
In this perspective, it is suggested that Government may take appropriate initiative towards opening up of more and more ‘Pay and Stay Homes’, ‘Day Care Centers’ and ‘Senior Citizens Clubs’, to cater the need of urban population in particular. Additionally, it is essential to reconnect them with nature and protect against environmental and pollution-related health issues. Nonetheless, on the part of aged individuals, it is prudent that they remain active in social events, particularly those organised by groups comprising elderly, keep up a healthy lifestyle by taking part in physical activities, eating a wholesome food, and side-stepping tobacco or other harmful stuffs. An optimistic outlook and mental well-being are fundamental for improving the quality of life.
Virender Kumar Gupta, JKAS (Retd.), President, Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu
