The first International Day of Older Persons was observed by the United Nations in 1990. It was observed following several initiatives like Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing in 1982 and Madrid International Plan of Action on ageing in 2002.

Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing

• It is the first international conference on ageing. It was endorsed by the United Nations in 1982. The purpose of the plan was to strengthen the capacities of the governments to deal with the dependency of older people.

Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

• It was the second international conference after the first conference in Vienna. It issued new bold agenda handling the issues of old people in 21^st century.

Theme 2019: “The Journey to Age Equality”

The theme is aligned with SDG 10 – To reduce inequalities. This includes promoting their active participation in social, economic and political lives.