The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 each year. On December 14, 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.
The holiday is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society.
This holiday is similar to National Grandparents Day in the United States and Canada as well as Respect for the Aged Day in Japan. The observance is a focus of ageing organizations and the United Nations Programme on Ageing.
The United Nations has declared October 1 the International Day of Older Persons. Promoting independence and dignity of older persons has been a prominent part of the UN agenda, and is central to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan on Ageing, which commits to eliminating all forms of discrimination, including age discrimination.
History of the special Day
The General Assembly of UNO designated 1 October every year as the International Day of Older Persons through a resolution 45/106 of 14th December 1990. The International Day of Older Persons was dissected for the first time throughout the world on 1st October 1991. Later on, this day came to be observed in many countries and organizations. By designating a special day for the senior citizens, the General Assembly of UNO recognized the importance of older adults and their contributions to the development of human society. This day is dedicated to honor, respect and care for the elderly people of the world. It is important for the Older Persons that they should be able to get pleasure from their remaining life in their own families and communities. They should have a life of fulfillment, health, security and contentment, and be appreciated as an integral part of the society. UNO has permitted Eighteen Principles for the well being of Older Persons which are organized into five clusters, namely, Independence, Participation, Care, Self-fulfillment and Dignity.
Old Persons in India
India's elderly population raised from 12 million in 1901 to 19 million in 1951 and 77 million in 2001. According to a guess by 2021, India's elderly population will cross 137 million. Currently India has the second largest aged population in the world.India visages serious socio-economic challenges due to the consecutively increasing aged population. In India, life for many older people is less than happy. When young people after completing their edification leave their rural community for the towns and cities, the old are left to fend for themselves.
In Western and scientifically advanced countries, pension schemes and social security scheme of the governments cover the profitable needs of the old. However, in India the situation is quite different. Nearly 90 per cent of the total workforce in India is employed in the informal sector. Thus, social protection presented by pension schemes is available to only 10 per cent of the working population retiring from the organized sector. Many of the older persons who do not have any public security such as pension have to depend on the earning of their children for their sustenance and medical expenses. The condition of the ignorant and paucity stricken older persons cannot be imagined.
In India for many people old age has become a pest. Older people are marginalized and in many cases have been portrayed as the burden on the society. There are instances of well off children disowning their parents or dumping them in old age homes where they are left to live a life of depression and deprivation. There are also examples of older parents being shunted from one son or daughter to the other for taking care. In bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, elderly persons living separately have become victims of robbery and even being murdered for valuables or to clutch their dwellings.
In each country older people give significantly to society. Many elderly people persist working in voluntary ability or for some amount of remuneration. In India in a joint family system they take care of grand children enabling their sons and daughters to go to work and thus play an active part in community and family life. Older people are like 'Doors to the past and windows to the future'. The information and experience of older people is like an immense reservoir of resources which could be used for the betterment and benefit of the society.
Help Age India Survey
Help Age India, an association for the elderly, conducted a survey of 830 people, who are 80 years and beyond, across eight cities to understand their needs and health issues. Octogenarians in the city feel most apprehensive about their craving on their children. This insecurity stops them from demanding attention from their children, both financial and emotional, thus neglecting their health.The survey found that more than 80 per cent of the elderly are reliant on their families, mainly their sons, and more than 50 per cent of those surveyed had poor health. "Most of the 80-plus population is fiscally dependent on their children or other relatives. They do not have insurance. This habit is a limitation in their healthcare treatment," said Prakash Borgaonkar, co-director of Help Age India, Mumbai.
The survey also suggested free treatment for the 80-plus population lower poverty line and regular financial support from the government. "They face health issues because their protection is low. They must exercise, keep a good lifestyle and diet but most neglect these vital points. The dependency factor adds to their poor health. Most of the cases of such population are of strokes, heart attacks and other related problems," said Dr Shishir Shah, a physician.
International Day for the Elderly is committed to honor, respect and care for the world's elderly. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly elected October 1st as the International Day for the Elderly, also known as the "International Day for Older Persons".