According to the WHO, International Day of Older Persons (October 1) is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world since populations around the world are rapidly ageing and this demographic transition has an impact on almost all aspects of society.
It is held by the WHO that the right to health applies to all, regardless of age, ability, gender, geographical location, socio-economic status without discrimination of any kind. But many health systems around the world struggle to respond to the complex and diverse health needs of older people.
The WHO has proposed the Universal health coverage (UHC) to respond to the needs of older people and produced a package of evidence-based tools which supports the implementation of the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) approach.
According to the UN, over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to more than double, reaching more than 1.5 billion persons in 2050.
"Older people must be a priority in our efforts to overcome COVID-19. In keeping with the theme of this year’s commemoration, we must also examine how the pandemic might change how we address age and ageing in our societies. Expanding opportunities for older persons and increasing their access to health, pensions and social protection will be crucial...More than ever, we must listen to their voices, suggestions and ideas to build more inclusive and age-friendly societies," urged the UN Chief António Guterres on the occasion of the observance
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