On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2024 Theme: Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide
Population ageing is a major global trend reshaping societies worldwide. Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. This demographic shift has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings. As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, care, and social support services has grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. In recognition of these challenges and opportunities, the 34th commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".
This year's event will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation, and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons. It will highlight the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognize the diverse contributions of caregivers. The commemoration will also emphasize the importance of protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, promoting person-centered approaches to care that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy of older persons, and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of their lives.
2024 Commemoration Event in New York
7 October 2024, 10am-1pm ECOSOC Chamber
The 2024 Commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons. The event will host the launch of the United Nations Postal Administration Commemorative Stamp in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. More details
Background
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). 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.
The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.
Rapid growth in the number of people reaching older ages underscores the significance of promoting health, preventing, and treating illnesses throughout the entire course of life.
In societies with aging populations, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities. The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual's inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside. Supportive environments play a pivotal role in assisting older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.
Change the Way You Think About Age!
Did you know?
- The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster.
- Today, life expectancy at birth exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries or areas, 25 years longer than those born in 1950. Individuals reaching the age of 65 are now expected to live an additional 16.8 years on average.
- In 2018, a historic milestone was reached when the number of older persons outnumbered children under five for the first time globally. By 2030, the global population of older persons is projected to exceed the number of youth and double the number of children under five.
- As populations age, the demand for healthcare and social support has surged, especially for those with conditions like dementia, a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now essential to meet these growing needs.
- Women, who comprise most care recipients and caregivers, contribute roughly 70% of global informal care hours. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries with limited care services, making women more vulnerable to poverty in old age.
Ageing and health
A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or pursuing a long neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health. Learn more.
Resources
Key documents:
- General Assembly Resolution on International Day of Older Persons (A/RES/45/106)
- General Assembly Resolution "Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing" (A/RES/65/182)
- General Assembly Reports
- Commission for Social Development: Reports on Ageing
Declarations and other instruments:
- Political Declaration and Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002)
- Berlin Ministerial Declaration (2002)
- Proclamation of Ageing (1992)
- United Nations Principles for Older Persons (1991)
- Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing (1982)
Related links
- The International Day of Older Persons (UN DESA)
- Ageing (UN DESA)
- Ageing (UN Global Issues))
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Related Observances
- Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030)
- International Year of Older Persons (1999)
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day(15 June)
- World Population Day(11 July)
- International Universal Health Coverage Day (12 December)