“Every older person deserves to age with dignity, security, and access to enriching opportunities,” stated Arjanita Elezaj, a key organizer of the International Day of Older Persons.
“These are fundamental human rights, not privileges,” she mentioned at a UN Headquarters meeting honoring the day, where discussions focused on enhancing opportunities for older individuals in civic and cultural life, healthcare, and housing.
This year’s theme emphasized empowering older persons to actively participate in local and global actions, enhancing their voice in policy-making, and striving for more inclusive societies.
“Older individuals possess a wealth of experience, resilience, and service,” said Ms. Elezaj. “They are the creators of communities, movements, and institutions that inspire us today. Yet, their voices often remain unheard.”
The world is growing older
The population aged 60 or over has more than doubled to 1.2 billion in three decades, projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, according to a mission statement by event organizers in New York.
With rising global life expectancy, those aged 80 and over are set to exceed the number of infants by the mid-2030s.
“We must act with foresight. Ensuring the full respect of older persons’ rights, upholding their dignity, and recognizing their contributions is vital,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the occasion.
‘Urgency’ for an age-inclusive movement
Professor and Dean Emerita of Columbia University School of Social Work, Jeanette Takamura, humorously reminded attendees that aging is universal.
“When I last addressed this podium my hair was dark brown and I was an inch taller,” she reflected.
Now, 26 years later, “I am shorter with silver hair,” she added.
In her address, she highlighted the “urgency of increased multigenerational outreach and inclusion” to foster an age-inclusive, global movement.
She emphasized the significant impact of social movements embracing a wide range and encouraged younger and older generations to learn from each other.
“The foundation for a social movement has been laid by previous international years,” she praised.
“Let us use wisdom, be agents of change, and expand our reach to include the many younger generations as partners and co-creators.”
Leave a Reply