RIHR - Signal


International Day of Older Persons

October 1, 2020, marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons. In his message, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres mentions the disproportionate and severe impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has upon the old persons all over the world – not only upon their health, but also upon their rights and well-being. This year’s theme of the International Day of Older Persons, ”Pandemics: Do they change how we address age and ageing?”, was chosen considering the increased visibility of the high risks old persons face. Policies and programmatic interventions must aim at raising awareness on older persons’ special needs, being important at the same time to recognize their contribution to their own health, as well as the multiple roles they play in preparing and responding to current pandemic and to potential future pandemics.

This year is also being promoted the ”Decade of healthy ageing” (2020-2030), which brings together UN experts, civil society and government representatives, as well as health professionals, in order to discuss the 5 objectives of the Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health. On this occasion is also being analyzed the progress and challenges in their realization. The Global Strategy is integrated in the Sustainable Development Goals, ageing being addressed by all of the 17 goals, especially Goal no.3 which aims to ”ensure healthy lives and promote well-being of all at all ages”.

On the occasion of celebrating the International Day of Older Persons a series of virtual events were held, including the one organized by the Geneva NGO Committee on Ageing, WHO, UNHCR and UNFPA.


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