The International Day of Older Persons, is commemorated on 1 October each year, to raise public awareness about the opportunities and challenges with ageing populations and to mobilize the families, community groups and stakeholders to address the difficulties faced by older people.

This year’s theme,  ‘Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide’ encourages the governments, policy makers and social services across the world for a concerted and sustained action to address the physical, social, psychological and health needs of older persons. 

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older People as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.