October 1 International Day of Older Persons
Populations around the world are aging at a faster pace than in the past. This demographic transition will have an impact on almost all aspects of society. There are more than 1 billion people aged 60 years or older, with most living in low- and middle-income countries. To foster healthy aging and improve the lives of older people and their families and communities, fundamental shifts are needed not only in the actions we take but in how we think about age and aging.
Despite the many contributions of older people negative attitudes about older people are come across societies. Prejudice and discrimination toward people on the basis of their age has a particularly harmful effect on the health and well being of older people.
Age friendly environments are better places for older people to grow live and work as well as play. A longer life brings opportunities for societies as a whole. For the older individual there is the chance to purse a new interest or touch a long neglected passion. For this to be possible we must address that health is a factor.
Maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life particularly eating a balanced diet and regular exercise reduce the risk of heath issues. It is always good to remember that it is never to late to begin a good daily routine. Supportive physical and social environments enable people to do what is important to them. There is no typical older person. A comprehensive public health response must address the wide range of older peoples experiences and needs. An 80 year old may have the physical and mental capacity of some one much younger. Conversely a younger older person may have significant declines. Older people are often assumed to be dependent and a burden on society. These discriminations effect the way many older people age.
We can raise our awareness of not only the needs of older persons but also of their contributions. When older people feel useful and appreciated living life feels better. Let’s make this day this month of recognizing the older adult last.
The theme for International day of older persons is “ The overall umbrella theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons in 2022 is “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.” The theme for Older American May 2022 was “Age my Way”
Here is to appreciating the older person, the older people and open the door for them to age their way be resilience and contribute to the whole of society.