International Day for Older Persons 2021
International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons all over the world. International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 to create awareness and empathy regarding the well-being of the elderly. The day was first celebrated on October 1, 1991.
History Of International Day for Older Persons
The United Nations General Assembly stated that October 1 was the International Day of older persons and declared it as a holiday On December 14, 1990. The day was first celebrated on October 1, 1991. The day is recognized to raise awareness on the issues affected by elderly people such as mistreatment, elderly abuse.
How to celebrate International Day for Older Persons?
People usually celebrate the day by spending time with their grandparents, visiting old age homes and N.G.O’s and cooking or baking them. Some kids also give greeting cards to their elderly on this day. Meet the older persons and let them know they are appreciated and loved.
Things to do on International Day for Older Persons to Engage Your Family:
1. Take your loved one to their favorite place, restaurant, or to do an activity they usually love.
2. Give greeting cards to your grandparents or the older persons whom you know.
3. Conduct events in your area or virtually to expose the problems the adults are facing in society.
4. Enjoy movies, TV shows, or music with your grandparents.
5. Use #UNIDOP on social media to create awareness about International Day for Older Persons.
Older people & COVID-19
COVID-19 is changing older people’s daily routines, the care and support they receive, their ability to stay socially connected, and how they are perceived. Older people are being challenged by requirements to spend more time at home, lack of physical contact with other family members, friends, and colleagues, temporary cessation of employment and other activities; and anxiety and fear of illness and death – their own and others. It is therefore important that we create opportunities to foster healthy aging during the pandemic.
WHO, together with partners, is providing guidance and advice during the COVID-19 pandemic for older people and their households, health- and social care workers, and local authorities and community groups.
Source: WHO
International Day for Older Persons 2019 Theme
The theme for International Day for Older Persons 2019 was “The Journey to Age Equality”.
International Day for Older Persons 2020 Theme
The theme for International Day for Older Persons 2020 was “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?”.
International Day for Older Persons 2021 Theme
The theme for International Day for Older Persons 2021 is “Digital Equity for All Ages” which affirms the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older persons.
International Day for Older Persons Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Oct 1 | Thursday |
| 2021 | Oct 1 | Friday |
| 2022 | Oct 1 | Saturday |
| 2023 | Oct 1 | Sunday |
International Day for Older Persons Day Quotes
“To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent – that is to triumph over old age.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – Les Brown
“The good thing about being old is not being young.” – Stephen Richards
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” – Mark Twain
“To make an elderly person happy is the noblest act a young person can ever do!” – Mehmet Murat Ildan
“Those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success.” – African proverb
“Old age is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.” – Confucius
