Virender Kumar Gupta
vkgupta51@rediffmail.com
Elderly population is the treasured strength and valued asset of any society. Nevertheless, getting old is unquestionably a natural phenomenon that fetches both openings and contests. Indeed, advancement in health and poverty reduction has extended lives on international level, and there is a great deal to rejoice! Population ageing is a major global trend reformatting societies worldwide. As per “Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections–2006”, it is found that the share of senior citizens in the total population is expected to rise from 8.57% in 2011 to 12.40% by 2026. By 2030, older persons are anticipated to be more than youth globally, with this increase most fast in developing countries. This demographic change has significantly transformed the care giving
International Day for the Elderly
landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings. Anyhow, factors like combination of enhanced lifespan, breakdown or weakening of age old joint family structure and societal collapses have led to elderly persons being subjected to or facing isolation and carelessness. At the same time, elderly people having inadequate resources are relatively vulnerable, with many of them facing poverty, bias, and health complications. They sometimes withstand maltreatment, which is detrimental to them. Among this demographic, women outnumber men. As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, and social support services have grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. In general, older persons play critical societal roles, serving as community leaders and caregivers as well as by sharing their wisdom and inherited knowledge with younger generations. It is rightly said that older adults are an asset to communities by contributing to the local economy, taking community leadership roles, contributing skills, experience and expertise in a variety of ways, volunteering, offering care of grandchildren, taking part in democratic processes, being active community members, caring for others. Yet, subjective outlook often paint older persons and their care as bothersome; this perspective must change. Perhaps, with that in mind, the United Nations set aside 2024 theme for the International Day for the Elderly as: “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide.” Likewise, the theme for 2025 is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being Our Rights”. This theme emphasises the importance of older persons’ contributions to society, as well as the active role older people play in driving positive change at both local and global levels. It also highlights their aspirations, well-being, and the need to uphold their rights. It will also serve as a platform for older persons to share their aspirations, advocate for their well-being, and call for full enjoyment of the elderly. It is an appropriate occasion to mirror on the wisdom, experience, and contributions of elders. Here it will be significant to reproduce an excerpt from the message of António Guterres, the Secretary General U. N. O. on the eve of celebrations of International Day for the Elderly 2024, as follows;
“As populations age, care and support systems are vital for older persons to continue actively engaging and enriching their communities. Yet too often older persons do not have access to this crucial assistance, deepening inequalities and increasing their vulnerabilities. Recognising the rights of both those who receive care and care givers is essential for more resilient societies. We must work to cultivate people-centered care systems that are sustainable and equitable, and they must amplify the voices of older persons by ensuring their participation in policy making. On this International Day for the Elderly, let’s commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers.”
By virtue of Resolution 45/105 (14 December 1990), the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the ‘International Day for the Elderly’, which is also known as ‘International Day of Older Persons’. In view of that, 35th ‘International Day of Older Persons’ is being observed today the world over. The day highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating the wisdom and experience of older individuals, while also addressing issues like health care, social inclusion, and economic security. The principal purpose of the day is to attract attention of the masses as to how the world might improve the living of older people. Various international and national organizations conduct events, campaigns, and workshops on this day to promote awareness and appreciation for older people. Even the United Nations is commemorating the day as an important event at its Headquarters in New York every year on October 1st. The International Day for the Elderly aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), conspicuous among which are: Good Health and Well-Being – Promoting health and longevity through access to healthcare for older persons; Reduced Inequality – Reducing age-based discrimination and ensuring older persons can contribute fully to their communities; Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encouraging age-friendly environments that support the independence and well-being of older persons. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons were adopted by the United Nation General Assembly (Resolution 46/91) on 16 December 1991. Governments were encouraged to incorporate them into their National programs whenever possible. There are 18 principles, which are further grouped under five themes: independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity. Besides, the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) — a global collaboration, aligned with the last ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals, is poised to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live. The World Health Organization was asked to lead the implementation of the Decade in collaboration with the other UN organizations and serves as the Decade Secretariat. Governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, academia and the media are encouraged to actively contribute to achieving the Decade’s goals through direct action, partnering with others, and by participating in the Healthy Ageing Collaborative.
Taking a cue from the initiative and mandate of the UNO on the topic of welfare of older persons, India has also formulated a National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) (1999) and is a signatory to the ‘Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002)’.
In concluding the topic it may be reiterated that a key strategy to facilitate comfortable living of older persons is to make our world more age friendly. An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their age. That would make it easy for older people to stay connected to people as are important to them. It helps people to stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and provides appropriate support to those who can no longer look after themselves. Thus, there is need to initiate efforts, to highlight importance of fostering compassion, promoting good nutrition, adopting healthy lifestyles, and addressing emotional and mental health challenges of the elderly segment of our society. In this outlook, it is suggested that Government may take initiative towards opening of more and more ‘Pay and Stay Homes’, ‘Day Care Centres’ and ‘Senior Citizens Clubs’, to cater the need of elderly in need. Nonetheless, on the part of aged individuals, it is prudent to actively involve themselves in social events, particularly those organised by groups comprising elderly, keep up a healthy lifestyle by taking part in physical activities, eating a wholesome food, and side-stepping harmful stuffs. An optimistic outlook and mental well-being are fundamental for improving quality of life. And lost but not least, the following famous poem by Anne Scott will surely depict the state of affairs the elderly persons are experiencing in their day today life;
MISSING
I’ve hunted near, I’ve hunted far
I even looked inside my car.
I’ve lost my glasses; I’m in need,
To have them now so I can read.
I loudly swear and I curse
Did I leave them in my purse?
Are they behind the sofa, under the bed?
Oh there they are-on my head!
(The author is former JKAS Officer is President, Association for Welfare of Senior Citizens Jammu)
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