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International Day of Older Persons
on October 1
Today, the October 1, 2009 is the International Day of Older Persons. UN
Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon said, "We must put an end to age discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence
against older persons. I urge States to put the necessary legal protections in place, and I urge all partners to help countries develop the capacity and institutions to achieve this objective.
"On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the vital work of upholding the United Nations Principles for Older Persons and achieving a society for all ages." .
The United Nations has declared
October 1 the International Day of Older Persons. This year marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating the valuable contributions by
older adults worldwide to the betterment of their communities. 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.
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2009. The theme this year is: "Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons:
Towards a Society for All Ages".
History
of the special Day |
Famous Indian
actress
Wahida Rehman today.
Yesterday... |
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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 observed for the first time throughout the world on 1st October 1991. Later, 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 honour, respect and care for the elderly people of the world.
It is important for the Older Persons that they should be able to enjoy 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
approved 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 over the world
It is estimated that presently there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over all over the world. This figure may double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050. Out of these, a vast majority of the older persons will be in the developing world. According to an estimate of the United Nations Organization
(UNO), presently one out of every 10 persons is 60 years or older. By the year 2050, this ratio will be one out of five and by 2150, it will be one out of three persons. |
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Old persons
in India
India’s elderly population increased from 12 million in 1901 to 19 million in 1951 and 77 million in 2001. According to an estimate by 2021, India’s elderly population will cross 137 million. Presently India has
the second largest aged population in the world.
India faces serious socio-economic challenges due to the successively increasing aged population. In India, life for many older people is less than happy. When young people after competing their education leave their villages for the towns and cities, the old are left to fend for themselves.
In Western and industrially advanced countries, pension schemes and social security system of the governments cover the economic 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 security offered by pension schemes is available to only 10 per cent of the working population retiring from the organised sector.
Many of the older persons who do not have any social security such as pension have to depend on the earning of their children for their sustenance and medical expenses. The condition of the illiterate and poverty stricken older persons cannot be imagined.
In India for many people old age has become a curse. 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 larger cities like
Delhi, Mumbai, elderly persons living independently have become victims of robbery and even being murdered for valuables or to grab their dwellings.
In every country older people contribute significantly to society. Many elderly people continue working in voluntary capacity 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 knowledge and experience of older people is like a vast reservoir of resources which could be used for the betterment
and welfare of the society.
International Day of Older
Persons Themes
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2009. The theme this year is: "Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of Older Persons: Towards a Society for All Ages".
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2008: Theme for 2008: "Rights of Older Persons". The International Day of Older Persons 2008 was celebrated at UN headquarters on 2 October 2008. The theme for 2008 Rights of Older Persons was chosen to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2007: Theme for 2007: Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities of Ageing".
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2006: Theme for 2006: "Improving the Quality of Life for Older Persons: Advancing UN Global Strategies".
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2005: Theme for 2005: "Ageing in the new millennium. Focus on poverty, older women and development".
International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2004: Theme for 2004: Older persons in an intergenerational society. |
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