Islamabad (Web Desk): International Day of older persons is being observed today (Tuesday) across the globe including Pakistan.
This year the theme of the day is Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.
This day promotes awareness about the importance of ensuring that people can grow old with dignity and purpose. It encourages society to value and support older persons through inclusive policies and practices.
In his message on the International Day of Older Persons, President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need to protect the rights of the elderly people and provide them a friendly and healthy environment.
He called upon the federal and provincial governments, as well as civil society, to prioritize better healthcare and strengthen social security of the elderly people.
Reaffirming the commitment to improve care and support systems for elderly persons, President Zardari said that Pakistan has taken a number of steps for the welfare of senior citizens.
He also urged everyone to strive for making Pakistan more inclusive and age-friendly that honours and respects its senior citizens.
In his message on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that the government stands committed to creating an inclusive society that respects and protects the rights of elder persons.
He said that the government will continue to implement policies that enhance the quality of life of senior citizens, ensuring their access to healthcare, social services and their active participation in community life.
“Senior citizens are the true guides for younger generation to learn from their wisdom and invaluable experiences for creating a more resilient, tolerant and compassionate society,” the premier said, adding that his government’s vision is to empower elder members of the society so that they feel valued, their voices are heard and they continue to share their wisdom and insight.
According to the United Nations (UN) website, on December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UNGA.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
According to the UN, the number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.
