Around the world on October 1st, International Day of Older Persons is celebrated. This is a special day designated for older persons or senior citizens to bring awareness to their contributions to society and discuss issues that may affect their lives. On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly made October 1st the International Day of Older Persons. It was then celebrated for the first time in 1991.
The 2018 theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions.” The 2018 theme aims to:
- Promote the rights enshrined in the Declaration and what it means in the daily lives of older persons;
- Raise the visibility of older people as participating members of society committed to improving the enjoyment of human rights in many areas of life and not just those that affect them immediately;
- Reflect on progress and challenges in ensuring full and equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons; and
- Engage broad audiences across the world and mobilize people for human rights at all stages of life.
For more information, you can visit the UN’s website: http://www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/