Saturday 1 October will be International Day of Older Persons.
The day, declared by the United Nations in 1990, and first observed 10 months later in 1991, is to honour and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our residents while highlighting the importance of their rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, guarantees equal rights and dignity to everyone, regardless of age. But, sometimes, those promises get lost in the shuffle of our busy lives. The 1st October as a reminder to recommit to those promises and ensure that the rights of older persons are upheld.
It’s also an opportunity to address issues like ageism and social isolation, which can affect the well-being of our residents. By fostering inclusivity, promoting active aging, and providing support where needed, we can create a world where older persons are valued and empowered.
This year’s theme is all about “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons.”
A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for us a managers and operators of retirement and seniors living communities. Additional years provide the chance to encourage the pursuit of new activities, further education, or pursuing a long neglected passion.
There are all things we can facilitate, enable and encourage every day. Together, we can forge communities where the golden years radiate with promise, respect, and the fulfillment of life we’d want for ourselves – so why not want it for others?