October 1 is observed as the International Day of Older Persons annually all across the world. The day is observed by the United Nations and several other organizations. 2020 edition of the day marks its 30thanniversary. 2020 edition seeks to promoteDecade of Healthy Ageing(2020-2030).
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Key Facts
- The day highlights the role of health care professionals with respect to health of older persons.
- 2020 edition is also being marked as Year of the Nurse and Midwife.
- On the 30th anniversary of the day, the United Nations is going to discuss five strategic objectives of Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health .
Background
The United Nations designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons in 1990. For the betterment of older persons, Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing was adopted in 1982. United Nations Principles for Older Persons was adopted in 1991. In 2002, Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing was also adopted.
Data across the world
- Life expectancy across the world have rose from 46 years to 68 years between 1950 and 2010,
- As of 2019, there were some 703 million people over the age of 65.
- South-East Asia and Eastern Asia have highest number of older people followed by North America and Europe.
- It is estimated that the number of older people will be doubled reaching to 1.5 billion in next three decade. Among all, Eastern and South Eastern Asia will account for most of the number.
Approach under “Decade of Healthy Ageing”
The United Nations has set a multi-pronged approach under the “Decade of Healthy Ageing” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It incudes:
- To raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons.
- To Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons.
- To present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries.
- To Increase understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and d on health care policy, planning, and attitudes”.