The theme of this year’s day is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”.
On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106.
The day was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.
The day is observed by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.
According to the UN, almost 700 million people are now over the age of 60. By 2050, 2 billion people, over 20 percent of the world’s population, will be 60 or older.
The increase in the number of older people will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, with Asia as the region with the largest number of older persons, and Africa facing the largest proportionate growth, it says.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion.
Describing older persons as the storehouse of knowledge, skills and experience, the President in his message urge Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine (BAAIGM) and other non-governmental organisations to play a constructive role in ensuring healthy life and welfare of older persons.
The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all to work unitedly to ensure welfare of older persons.