The world is fortunate to have older people around us. Whether they are our friends, family, coworkers, or general acquaintances, older people are sources of wisdom, experience, and storytelling. Their lives and advice can inspire us and help us live our lives the fullest. To recognize the value older people offer all of us, International Day of Older Persons celebrates the older people in our lives. It takes place on October 1st of each year.
The History of International Day of Older Persons
The history of the Day starts back in 1948. At this time, the human rights of the elderly were first being recognized. Accordingly, the United Nations stated a goal to promote “the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.”
Later on in 1983, the United Nations held an Assembly on Aging. The U.N. recognized “the international community started to highlight the situation of older persons” by adopting the World Assembly on Aging.
Soon after in 1990, the United Nations issued a proclamation on the subject. It adopted October 1 as International Day of Older Persons, the first of which was observed on October 1, 1991. Since then, it has been an important day to recognize the human rights of and contributions older people make the world around us.
International Day of Older Persons 2021: Older People in the Digital Space
This year, the International Day of Older Persons is being presented by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the NGO Committees on Ageing in New York, Geneva and Vienna. The theme for 2021 is “Digital Equity for All Ages,” which recognizes the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older persons.
The presenters will provide a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and serve as a call to action for digital equity across age groups. It will also adopt a person centered, human rights approach to ensure digital equity including adequate policies, access, digital literacy and safety for individuals of all ages.
Freedom Home Care Celebrates International Day of Older Persons
At Freedom Home Care, we join the world in celebrating International Day of Older Persons in recognition of the importance older people have in all of our lives.
Founded in 1996, Freedom Home Care is one of the leading and most respected home care agencies in the North Shore and throughout the Chicago area. With over 20 years of service, and a team of over 1,000 professional and compassionate certified caregivers, Freedom Home Care provides in-home care options and personalized elder care, including Alzheimer’s care, to fit the needs of any client. From full-time in-home care to flexible hourly assistance, Freedom offers services to allow clients the freedom of being at home.
