International Day of Older Persons 2021, Theme, History & Significance

Today is a special day for all elderly people as we celebrate International Day of older persons today on October 1, 2021. Why is this day celebrated? What is the significance of International Day for older persons? What is the history behind this special day? On this special occasion of International Day of Older Persons we will be answering all these questions in detail, so keep reading.

International Day of Older Persons 2021

The International Day of older persons is annually celebrated on 1st October to highlight the challenges being faced by the elderly people and to seek solutions for them. According to the reports of the United Nations (UN), the world’s population that is aged 60 years will reach over  1.5 billion in the year 2050 from 900 million in 2015. On this day we spread awareness about the need for health and social care for the elderly.

International Day of Older Persons 2021: Theme

Every year there is a different theme that is decided by the UN and this year the theme for International Day for older persons is “Digital Equity for All Ages”. As the title of the theme indicates, this year the theme is based on the active participation of the elderly people in the digital world and making this more accessible for them. 

This year the message that will be spread is to include the elderly in the new era of the digital world. The aim this year will be to demolish all the discrimination which is associated with digitization. The UN this year will also remark some policies that will ensure the privacy of elderly people in the digital world.

International Day of Older Persons 2021: History

On 14 December 1990, 1st October was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Day of older persons under the resolution 45/106 in the 68th plenary meeting. This initiative aimed to recognize a day when awareness will be spread about the challenges that are being faced by the elderly.

International Day of Older Persons 2021: Significance

International Day for Older persons not only remarks on the challenges faced by the elderly but also acknowledges the contributions made by them to society. This is also highlighted by the world health organization (WHO) through organizing various discussions on how proper healthcare and social care can be provided to elderly people. This day remarks of great significance in today’s world where it is required that we pay attention to the elderly and their needs. So spend this day with your grandparents or your known elderly people and make them feel special.