International Day of Older Persons (1 October 2007)

The theme for 2007 is "Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities of Ageing". The 2007 theme coincides with the theme of the first cycle of the review and appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, as was endorsed by the Commission for Social Development at its 44th session in 2006. In support of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in line with the recommendations of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing the theme draws attention to policies and programmes to enhance the quality of life, participation and engagement of older persons in the social, economic and political spheres of their societies.

Today, one in every ten is 60 years and older. By 2050, one out of every five will be an older person, and by 2150, one third of the people in the world are expected to be 60 years of age or older. In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force. Older persons make major contributions to society. For instance, throughout Africa and elsewhere - millions of adult AIDS patients are cared for at home by their parents. On their death, orphaned children left behind (currently, 14 million under the age of 15 in African countries alone) are mainly looked after by their grandparents. It is not only in developing countries that older persons' role in development is critical. In Spain for example, caring for dependent and sick individuals is mostly done by older people (particularly older women).

Selected learning materials

At Every Age, Rights and Liberties: An online training module about human rights as applied to the case of elderly people
This extensive online training module offers general information about human rights as well as the rights of the elderly.

Study Guide: The rights of the aged
An introduction to issues relating to older persons and the rights of elderly, and ways to protect and protect them.

Useful links

International Day of Older Persons 2003: "Older people - new power for development" (WHO)

United Nations Programme on Ageing

Help Age International

Other International Days