The World Senior Citizen's Day (21 August; since 1991) is being observed to ‘ acknowledge the contributions of senior citizens and to raise awareness about the issues they face globally’ and organize the support required through aging process..
According to the WHO some the Key facts regarding aging population are as follows:
Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older had outnumbered children younger than 5 years. And. by 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
The pace of population ageing is much faster than in the past.
Consequently, all countries in the world are facing 'major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift,' reports the WHO. "A significant proportion of the diversity in older age is due to the cumulative impact of these health inequities across the life course. Public health policy must be crafted to reduce, rather than reinforce, these inequities," it adds on its website.
WHO has suggested a five-pronged global strategy to deal with aging population consisting of commitment to healthy ageing; aligning health systems with the needs of older populations; developing systems for providing long-term care; creating age-friendly environments along with improving measurement and monitoring and understanding about aging.
According to GOI, the significance of this observance in India is underscored by demographic shifts that are reshaping the nation's social landscape. Since India's elderly population is expected to reach 193.4 million by 2031, there is the urgency of addressing issues related to healthcare, economic security, and social integration for older adults.
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