International Day of Older Persons - Significance and Observance | Testbook

History of International Day of Older Persons

The International Day of Older Persons, observed on October 1st each year, has a significant history rooted in the United Nations' efforts to address the challenges and opportunities posed by global population aging.

In 1982, the World Assembly on Ageing convened in Vienna and adopted the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing. This marked an early recognition of the need to address the concerns of older persons. Subsequently, in 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons through resolution 45/106. This designation was a pivotal moment, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting the rights and contributions of older individuals.

The following year, in 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons, further underscoring the commitment to promoting the well-being of older populations. In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing took place and resulted in the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. This comprehensive plan aimed to address the challenges of an aging global population in the 21st century and promote the creation of societies that are inclusive and supportive of individuals of all ages.

The world has witnessed a significant demographic shift, with the number of older people (those aged 65 years or older) tripling from approximately 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Projections indicate that between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population will rise from less than 10% to around 17%. This demographic change underscores the need to prioritize health, disease prevention, and healthcare throughout the entire lifespan.

In societies with aging populations, adapting to the growing number of elderly individuals, each with a diverse range of functional capacities, becomes imperative. An individual's ability to perform essential functions and engage in daily activities is influenced not only by their intrinsic capabilities but also by the social and physical environments in which they live. Supportive environments play a crucial role in helping older individuals maintain their activity levels and independence as they age.

The International Day of Older Persons serves as a reminder of the global commitment to promoting the well-being and dignity of older individuals and fostering societies that recognize their valuable contributions. It is a day to celebrate the wisdom, experience, and resilience of older persons and to reaffirm the principles of aging with dignity and respect for all.

Facts Related to Older Persons

• Did you know that the global population of people aged 65 years or older is expected to more than double, going from 761 million in 2021 to a staggering 1.6 billion by 2050? Moreover, the number of individuals aged 80 years or older is growing even more rapidly.
• On a global scale, babies born in 2022 are anticipated to have an average life expectancy of 71.7 years. This is a remarkable increase of 25 years compared to those born in 1950, highlighting the significant advancements in healthcare and living standards.
• Population aging is an irreversible and pervasive trend across the world. In 2021, one out of every ten individuals globally was aged 65 or older. By 2050, it is projected that this age group will account for one out of every six people worldwide.
• It's worth noting that women tend to have longer life expectancies than men. In 1950, women could expect to live nearly four years longer than men on a global scale. By 2021, this gender gap had widened to over five years.
• The demographic landscape is shifting, with the number of individuals classified as older working-age (between 55 and 64 years) projected to soar. Starting from 723 million in 2021, this category is expected to reach 1,075 million by 2050 and ultimately expand to 1,218 million by the year 2100.

What are Other International Observances Celebrating the Elderly?

Several other holidays around the world are dedicated to honoring the contributions of the elderly. Some of these include:

1. Grandparents Day – Celebrated in over 20 countries worldwide, though the dates vary. Countries like the U.S, U.K, France, Germany, and Australia all observe this day.
2. Chongyang Festival – Celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar.
3. Respect for the Aged Day – This is a public holiday in Japan. Established as a national holiday in 1966, it is a day when people return home to honor and respect their elders.

What is the Vayoshreshtha Samman?

The Vayoshreshtha Samman is a set of awards presented by the President of India in recognition of the services rendered by the elderly. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organizes the award ceremony to mark the International Day of Older Persons. The Vayoshreshtha Samman awards are given out annually in 12 different categories, which are broadly divided into individual and institutional categories.

Who Qualifies as a Senior Citizen in India and What is Their Status?

In India, a person is considered a senior citizen once they reach the age of 60. According to the 2011 Population Census, there are roughly 104 million senior citizens in India, with 53 million females and 51 million males. The United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) predicts that the number of senior citizens will increase to 173 million by 2026. As per the 2011 census, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu have the highest percentage of elderly people, while Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have the least.

The above information could be beneficial for those preparing for UPSC 2021 .

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