International Day of Older Persons 2016 observed across the world

1 October: International Day of Older Persons

The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) was on 1 October 2016 observed across the world with the theme Take A Stand Against Ageism.

The theme for the 2016 IDOP draws attention to and challenges negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older persons and ageing.

Ageism is a widely prevalent and prejudicial attitude that stems from the assumption that age discrimination, and sometimes neglect and abuse of older persons is a social norm and therefore, acceptable.

How the day was observed in India?

• The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated in New Delhi by honouring noteworthy senior citizens and organisations doing outstanding work for the welfare of older people.

• The President of India Pranab Mukharjee presented the National Awards for Senior Citizens Vayoshreshtha Samman-2016 to eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of elderly persons especially indigent senior citizens at a function organised by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Background

• On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly declared 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons, following up on initiatives such as Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by UNGA.

• The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the first time throughout the world on 1 October 1991.

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