International Day of Older Persons

International Day of Older Persons is observed every October 1st. It’s a global day designated to honor older people, to raise awareness about their contributions to society, and to draw attention to the challenges they face.

History of International Day of Older Persons

The United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons in 1990. The first observance of this day was in 1991. The decision was part of broader international efforts, including earlier plans and assemblies that addressed ageing and the needs of older populations. Over time, this observance has become a moment each year to reflect on how societies support older persons and how to ensure dignity, respect, and inclusion for ageing populations.

Why is International Day of Older Persons important?

This day matters because globally, people are living longer, and populations are aging. That brings opportunity but also responsibility: ensuring that older persons have access to healthcare, social protection, meaningful participation, and that their human rights are respected. Recognizing their contribution is not just an act of kindness—it’s essential for a just, sustainable society.

It also helps challenge stereotypes and ageism. Older people are sometimes made invisible in public life, or their roles and capabilities underestimated. This day helps bring those stories into light—the wisdom, experience, care, mentorship, love, and service older persons provide, often shaping family, culture, community.

Some things many people find meaningful:

• recognizing the life-experience, wisdom, and guidance older people offer
• calling for better health care, social services, accessibility, and social protection for seniors
• promoting intergenerational connection and understanding
• valuing older people’s participation in civic, social, cultural, economic life
• supporting older persons to age with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging

How to Celebrate International Day of Older Persons

There are many simple and meaningful ways to observe this day. One is by personally reaching out to older persons in your life—spending time, listening, learning from them. Another is by supporting or volunteering with organizations that work on aging, elder care, or social inclusion. Communities can hold events, tell stories, share photos, and highlight older persons’ contributions. Advocate for policies that protect older persons and ensure they have what they need to live well.

Here are simple ideas:

• visit an older relative or neighbor and spend time talking or listening
• help organize or attend community events honoring older residents
• volunteer your time in a home for elders or in social support programs
• write or share stories of older persons you know—what you’ve learned from them
• encourage local or national authorities to improve services and protections for older persons

International Day of Older Persons Dates Table

Alex’s Take on International Day of Older Persons

There’s no such thing as “old people”! We tend to look at others as if they’ve always been the way they are now. But in reality, there aren’t “moms with kids”—there are young women who haven’t even had time to fully grasp their new role as mothers. And there aren’t “elderly people”—there are once-young people who somehow skipped past middle age too quickly and suddenly became “old.” We treat them as if that’s what they’ve always been, but in truth, it’s just a fleeting moment in their lives—in our lives.

When I was younger, I felt awkward talking with people much older than me—the age gap, the different perspectives. They seemed wiser, more experienced, like they were on another level. But now I understand it’s absolutely normal to have a grandmother or grandfather as a friend. You can have a real conversation, and the age difference doesn’t matter much. They themselves often haven’t even realized they’ve grown old, but we expect them to “step aside” and not get in the way of the young. In reality, we all have an equal place in life. Sometimes they need the help of the younger generation, and often the young need their wisdom and experience. They’re not a different kind of human. This day is a great reminder of that—and a good time to pause and reflect.

A wonderful movie Nonnas has recently come out — I highly recommend watching it especially on this day. It’s a warm and pleasant film.