International Day of Older Persons
International Day of Older Persons
The United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106) onn 14 December 1990, . This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly. In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
FORUM: International Day of Older Persons 2020 '' Older Persons and COVID-19." Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?
The year 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 30th Anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons. This year has also seen an emergence of COVID-19, that has caused an upheaval across the world. Considering the higher risks confronted by older persons during the outbreak of pandemics such as COVID-19, policy and programmatic interventions must be targeted towards raising awareness of their special needs. Recognizing older persons contributions to their own health and the multiple roles they play in the preparedness and response phases of current and future pandemics is also important. This year has also been recognised as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife”. International Day of Older Persons 2020 will highlight the role of the health care workforce in contributing to the health of older persons, with special recognition of the nursing profession, and a primary focus on the role of women - who are relatively undervalued and in most cases inadequately compensated.
The 2020 observance will also promote the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) and help bring together UN experts, civil society, government and the health professions to discuss the five strategic objectives of the Global Strategy and Action plan on Ageing and Health while noting the progress and challenges in their realization. The global strategy is well integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs), while ageing issues cut across the 17 goals, especially Goal 3 which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being of all at all ages”. As stated by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General, WHO) “acting on the strategy, is a means for countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensure that every human being regardless of age will have an opportunity to fulfill their potential in dignity and equality”.
What are the implications for the Decade of Healthy Ageing? - NGO Committee on Ageing.
The world marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons as we reckon with the disproportionate and severe impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought on older persons around the world – not only on their health, but on their rights and well-being.
Older people must be a priority in our efforts to overcome COVID-19. In keeping with the theme of this year’s commemoration, we must also examine how the pandemic might change how we address age and ageing in our societies. Expanding opportunities for older persons and increasing their access to health, pensions and social protection will be crucial.
This year’s observance falls as the world is also marking the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, which highlights the vital role of health and social workers, such as nurses and midwives, in responding to the pandemic. The majority of them are women, including many older persons. These are the people who devote their lives to our care, and to the care of older persons, mothers and children, and deserve far greater support.
As we seek to recover better together, we must make concerted efforts across the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030 to improve the lives of older persons, their families and communities. The potential of older persons is a powerful basis for sustainable development. More than ever, we must listen to their voices, suggestions and ideas to build more inclusive and age-friendly societies.
Inform participants about the strategic objectives for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live.
Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession
Present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries, so as to “Leave no one behind”.
Increase understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.
The 2020 commemorative event will be held virtually on, 1 October 2020 from 9am to 12 pm (New York time). Organized by the NGO Committee on Ageing (New York), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs,the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Older Persons, the event will bring diverse participants from NGOs, Member States, academia and civil society.
Parallel event organized by the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Conversation between the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the CEO of AARP, Jo Ann Jenkins on the impact of COVID-19 on older persons.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF OLDER PERSONS MUST BE FULLY PROTECTED IN THE COVID-19 RESPONSE .