Tuesday, Oct. 1 marks the International Day of Older People which has been observed and supported by the United Nations for the past 26 years since 1998.
International days and weeks declared by the United Nations are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
In 2024, global life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world’s countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. This demographic shift has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings.
A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or pursuing a long neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor – our health.
The theme for this year is Ageing with Dignity and it focuses on strengthening care and support systems for older persons. As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, care, and social support services has grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia. Other challenges faced by all countries include –
- Major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift.
- In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
- The pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past.
- In 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older outnumbered children younger than 5 years.
- Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
The United Nations has determined that cultivating people-centered care systems that are sustainable and equitable that also amplify the voices of older persons making policiy is key. We try at the Brookhouse Home to follow that formulas and encourage our residents to participate by having a residents council. Further, the infratructure for formal long-term care is a global priority.
In a statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, “as populations age, care and support systems are vital for older persons to continue actively engaging and enriching their communities.Yet too often older persons do not have access to this crucial assistance, deepening inequalities and increasing their vulnerabilities. This disparity falls even heavier on women, including older women, who bear the brunt of providing unpaid care,” Guterres states.
“Recognising the rights of both those who receive care and care givers is essential for more resilient societies,” he continues. “We must work to cultivate people-centered care systems that are sustainable and equitable, and they must amplify the voices of older persons by ensuring their participation in policy making.”
On this International Day of Older Persons, let’s commit to strengthen care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers both here at the Brookhouse Home and around the world.
