International Day of Older Persons 2024

International Day of Older Persons 2024:

As the world's population ages, the number of people aged 65 and older is projected to rise significantly, with estimates suggesting it could reach 761 million by 2021 and potentially double by 2050. This demographic shift brings challenges related to healthcare, support services, and the roles of caregivers, particularly in developing countries.

The 2024 commemoration will emphasize the roles of national policies, family support, and community engagement in ensuring that older persons can maintain their dignity and autonomy. It also aims to address the shortage of caregivers and the need for comprehensive, person-centered care strategies that respect the preferences and rights of older individuals.

Theme:

This year, the International Day of Older Persons theme is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”. This is a call to action to address the pressing need for increased training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology. We must also address the global shortage of care workers and recognize the invaluable contributions of caregivers. This commemoration will shed light on the far-reaching consequences of this shortage and emphasize the importance of safeguarding the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients. We must promote person-centered approaches to care that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy of older individuals. Furthermore, we must advocate for the right of individuals to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives.

• 2023: Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations
• 2022: Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World
• 2021: Digital Equity for All Ages
• 2020: Pandemics: do they change how we address age and ageing?
• 2019: The Journey to Age Equality

History of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP):

On December 14th, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). This was preceded by the initiation of the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing (VIPAA), adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing (WAA) in 1982 and approved by the UN General Assembly later in the same year.

Objectives of United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) 2024:

• Strengthening human rights protection: Raise global awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, mobilizing commitments to protect older individuals' rights for current and future generations.
• Promoting intergenerational models: Promote knowledge exchange among different age groups and explore intergenerational models for human rights protection.
• Integrating a life course approach: Encourage governments and UN entities to adopt a life course approach to human rights, involving active participation from civil society and older persons.

Healthy Tips for Elderly Persons:

As people age, it's essential to adjust their lifestyle for healthy aging. Key tips include:

• Consuming high-fiber foods
• Avoiding fried foods
• Drinking vitamin D-fortified drinks
• Staying hydrated throughout the day
• Consulting a doctor about bladder control and safe physical activity
• Choosing enjoyable activities
• Staying connected with family, friends, and community