International Day of Older Persons

Annual celebration of the International Day of Older Persons. 

New co-chairs are appointed each year to organize the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, in partnership with the Focal Point on Ageing in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

October 1st is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). The purpose of the IDOP is to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities of ageing populations around the world. The event gathers practitioners and international experts that present the latest research on subjects that address the status of older persons in regards to health, financial security, poverty and other pertinent topics. In addition, Ambassadors from the United Nations, representatives from nongovernmental organizations, community leaders, researchers and policymakers attend the IDOP to make their voices heard and learn of best practices and policies that improve the lives and dignity of older persons. 

The General Assembly designated October 1 as United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).  The purpose is to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities of ageing populations around the world.  The event, organized by the NGO Committee on Ageing in partnership with the United Nations Programme on Ageing Unit,  gathers practitioners and international experts who present the latest research on subjects that address the status and concerns of older persons in regards to their human rights, age discrimination, health, social security, lifelong learning, elder abuse, age-friendly environments, autonomy, independence, etc.  Participants at the annual event include representatives of Member States, representatives of organizations of the United Nations system, representatives of NGOs, community leaders, researchers and policy-makers.

Annual events, with their programs, videos and other information are listed below.  Additional information can also be found on the United Nations website:  https://www.un.org/development/desa/ageing/international-day-of-older-persons-homepage.html  



NGO Committee on Ageing • PO Box 1854 • New York, NY • 10163-1854