IEP New Delhi, September 30, 2022
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India joins the nation as well as the global community to observe International Older Persons Day on the 1st October, 2022.
This day is commemorated each year on 1st October, to highlight the issue of older persons to promote a better understanding of the challenges faced by older persons. One of the biggest societal changes of the twenty-first century is expected to be the ageing of the population. There are currently more than 1 billion individuals who are 60 years of age or older, the majority of whom reside in low and middle-income nations. In spite of beneficial schemes, many of them lack the resources required for a meaningful and respectable existence and face several obstacles that hinder them from fully participating in society.
This year’s theme for International Older Persons Day is ‘Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’. The theme serves as a symbol and a reminder of the important role elders play in overcoming obstacles and making a positive contribution to their solutions.
We have seen how the COVID-19 epidemic affected all facets of society, but mainly the weaker facets, such as the elderly. To address the concerns of the elderly, the NHRC has issued an advisory to the administrations of the Center, States, and UT.
On behalf of the Commission, I urge all stakeholders involved to strive toward developing inclusive policies, strategies, and taking all necessary steps to advance and defend the rights of all older people, which will undoubtedly improve their quality of life and social wellbeing.
