INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS-OCTOBER-1

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF

OLDER PERSONS-OCTOBER-1

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives.International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons or senior citizens all over the world. In many countries, politicians make speeches, particularly those responsible for government departments that focus on senior citizens, at this time of the year. Some radios, televisions or newspapers publish interviews with senior citizens on various issues such as achievements they made to create a better society.Other activities surrounding this day include: displays of promotional material on the International Day of Older Persons in schools, tertiary institutions, office buildings and public notice boards;  media announcements on the day and activities that promote older persons; and inter-generational cooperation on voluntary activities focused on the environment, health, education or community services.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which is the UN’s directing and coordinating authority for health related issues, and other groups have been actively involved in promoting public awareness and attention on the International Day of Older Persons. Discussions are centered on topics such as: ageing populations and the provision of adequate healthcare for aged persons; volunteer work; social care; and ways to be more inclusive of older persons in the workforce.On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (by resolution 45/106) designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons.This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing - which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing - and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.In 1991, the General Assembly (by resolution 46/91) adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons.In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.The theme of the 2014 commemoration is “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All”.Living up to the Secretary-General's guiding principle of "Leaving No-One Behind" necessitates the understanding that demography matters for sustainable development and that population dynamics will shape the key developmental challenges that the world in confronting in the 21st century. If our ambition is to "Build the Future We Want", we must address the population over 60 which is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030.

Special programmes were conducted by various organisations in observance of the International Day of Older Persons here on1st October,2014, Monday.A programme that had been organised in this regard by the Federation of Senior Citizens’ Association Kerala was inaugurated by former Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas. In his inaugural address, Justice Thomas called upon the senior citizens to adapt as much as possible to the gradual changes being witnessed in society. He also said efforts must be made by the section to contribute to society in their own ways.

Delivering the keynote address, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the government was committed to providing security to the elderly in the State. The Care, Aid and Relief for Elders (CARE) scheme of the Kerala Police has been initiated as part of such efforts. The security net will soon be expanded to be able to provide enhanced protection for senior citizens.The inmates of the Santhi Bhavan, an old-age home, were felicitated at a function organised by Bipha Ayurveda in association with Kottayam (West) Janamaithri Police. All the 76 inmates of the facility were provided with kits containing traditional attires.

Prof. John Kurakar