Written by the MPA DEI Team

Introduction

Every year on 1 October, we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. This day provides a vital opportunity to reflect on the contributions of older adults to society while raising awareness about the issues they face.

In 2024, the theme “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide“ focuses on the urgent need for comprehensive care frameworks that respect and protect the rights, health and well-being of older adults globally.

According to the United Nations, the number of people aged 60 and above will surpass 2 billion by 2050, more than doubling the 962 million reported in 2017. This demographic shift is both a triumph of modern medicine and a challenge for policymakers and societies. With advances in healthcare, people are living longer, but often with chronic health conditions that require long-term care and support.

Countries worldwide must address how to adapt to an ageing population and make ageing a positive experience. This includes rethinking healthcare systems, long-term care, social support, and policy frameworks to ensure that older persons can age with dignity.

The theme of “Ageing with Dignity” aligns with several global initiatives, such as the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), which aims to improve the lives of older persons by addressing health, care and social inclusion. Key aspects of this initiative include fostering age-friendly environments, promoting integrated care and reducing ageism.

What can we do as a society?

Building a future where all older persons can age with dignity is a collective responsibility. Here are some actions individuals, communities and policymakers can take:

• Advocate for stronger social policies that provide financial security and accessible healthcare for older adults.
• Promote age-friendly communities, ensuring public spaces, transportation, and housing are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages.
• Support caregivers, both family and professional, by ensuring they receive adequate compensation, training, and emotional support.
• Foster intergenerational connections, creating opportunities for younger and older generations to engage in meaningful ways.
• Fight ageism by challenging stereotypes about ageing and celebrating the valuable contributions of older persons in our societies.

The UN will hold an event, which will bring together experts to discuss policies, legislation and practices that strengthen care and support systems for older persons.

It will emphasise the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognise the diverse contributions of caregivers. It will also highlight the importance of protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, promoting a person-centred approach to care that respects the dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy of older persons and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of their lives.

On this International Day of Older Persons, we are reminded that ageing is an inevitable part of life, and how we care for and support our older population reflects the values of our society.

Resources
International Day of Older Persons | United Nations
UN International Day of Older Persons 2024 – Ageing with Dignity – The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide – The Platform (decadeofhealthyageing.org)
Age UK | The UK’s leading charity helping every older person who needs us

For more information or to join our GenerationMIX, AccessAbility or Family Employee Network group please contact:

Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer
[email protected]