Older Persons’ Voices Central to Advancing Social Development

Each year on 1 October, the world marks the International Day of Older Persons, a time to recognize the contributions, rights, and needs of older adults, and to reflect on how societies can become more age-inclusive. In 2025, the United Nations observes the 35th anniversary of this day under the theme: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights”

“Every older person has the right to age with dignity, security and access to opportunities that enrich their lives,” said Arjanita Elezaj, one of the key organizers of the International Day of Older Persons, marked on 1 October at United Nations Headquarters.

“These are not privileges, they are human rights,” she emphasized, as Member States, experts and civil society representatives gathered to commemorate the Day. Discussions focused on how to ensure older persons can participate fully in civic and cultural life, alongside access to healthcare, housing and other essential services.

From Recognition to Empowerment

This year’s theme highlighted the need to ensure that older persons have agency and an active role in shaping local and global action. The aim is to amplify their voices in policymaking and strengthen inclusive societies that recognize their rights and contributions.

“Older persons carry with them a lifetime of lived experiences, resilience and service,” said Ms. Elezaj. “They are the architects of communities, movements and institutions that continue to guide us today. Yet too often, their voices go unheard.” 

A Growing Global Trend

According to event organizers, the number of people aged 60 or over has more than doubled over the past three decades, reaching 1.2 billion today, and is projected to grow to 2.1 billion by 2050. By the mid-2030s, the number of people aged 80 and above is expected to surpass the number of infants worldwide.

“We must respond with foresight and action,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the Day. “That means ensuring that the rights of older persons are fully respected, their dignity upheld, and their contributions recognized.”

Building a Movement

Jeanette Takamura, Professor and Dean Emerita of the Columbia University School of Social Work, reminded participants that ageing is a universal experience. “When I last spoke at this podium my hair was dark brown and I was an inch taller,” she remarked. “Now, 26 years later, I am obviously an inch shorter with silver hair.”

She underscored the “urgency of heightened multigenerational outreach and inclusion” to propel forward an age-inclusive, global social movement. Social movements, she noted, are most effective when they embrace a broad spectrum and bring together younger and older generations to learn from and support one another.

“The groundwork for a social movement has been laid by all the international years past,” she added. “Let us exercise wisdom, be agents of social change and expand our tent to welcome the multiple generations of younger persons we need as partners and co-creators.”

From Ageing to Social Progress

The International Day of Older Persons served as a reminder that advancing social progress depends on valuing all ages. Older persons are not passive recipients of support but active contributors, mentors and leaders. Ensuring their full inclusion is not only a matter of human rights, but also central to building more just, resilient and sustainable societies.

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