Every 1 October, the whole world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. This special day is an opportunity to recognise and honour our elders for their invaluable contribution to society. Over the years, this celebration has gained prominence and has become a reminder of the importance of respecting and valuing our elders.

The reasons behind the commemoration of this day are varied, but all aim to highlight the importance of older people in our lives. Firstly, it is an occasion to recognise the wisdom and experience accumulated over decades. Older people have gone through many stages of life and have overcome many challenges, which gives them a unique perspective that can be valuable for younger generations.

In addition, the International Day of Older Persons seeks to raise awareness of the issues facing our elders today. This includes loneliness, social isolation, discrimination and lack of access to quality health care services. By putting these issues in the spotlight, we can work together to find solutions and improve the quality of life of older people.

Another key aspect of this celebration is to promote respect and dignity for older people. Often, age-related stereotypes and prejudices can lead to the marginalisation and mistreatment of older people. It is essential to remember that we all grow older and that we should treat our elders with the same consideration and respect that we wish to receive when we reach that stage of life.

The International Day of Older Persons provides us with an opportunity to reflect on how we can create a more inclusive and age-friendly society. This means ensuring that they have access to adequate health services, opportunities for social participation and an environment that promotes their well-being.

In short, the International Day of Older Persons is an important occasion to celebrate the wisdom and experience of our elders, as well as to raise awareness of the challenges they face. By showing respect and appreciation for older people, we can build a more compassionate and caring society. As we celebrate this day, let us remember that ageing is a gift and that we will all, at some point, be part of the older generation.