It has been a tough year for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on everyday life in addition to the heartbreak of illness and deaths. Older adults across the world, however, have been particularly impacted by this public health crisis. It has been clear from the start that seniors are more susceptible to the tragic consequences of contracting the coronavirus and so they have had to bear the weight of this knowledge these past few months. Furthermore, social distancing restrictions have been, with good reasons, strictly enforced in long term care and nursing home facilities. This has left countless seniors feeling more isolated than ever, without the ability to welcome family or friends as visitors.
As this trying year continues, let us all take a moment to celebrate this first of October as International Day of Older Persons.
The First of October Is International Day of Older Persons
The United Nations General Assembly designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. This designation was first established on December 14, 1990, as a means of following up on a number of initiatives, including the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing. This initiative was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed by the UN General Assembly later that year.
The United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons is an annual recognition of the many contributions older people have made to communities across the globe. It is also a time to examine issues that have specific impacts on the elderly community. Many countries celebrate the day with prominent politicians making speeches. It is particularly common for government departments focusing on senior citizen issues to make a public statement around this time of year.
You may also see interviews with senior citizens on a range of issues, including their contributions to developing a better society, on a variety of platforms, including radio, television, and newspaper. Additionally, some schools and institutes of higher education will display promotional materials to raise awareness of the International Day of Older Persons as well as the intention behind celebrating the day.
The United Nation’s directing and coordinating authority on all things health-related, the World Health Organization (WHO), in conjunction with other groups, also makes a concerted effort to promote public awareness of the International Day of Older Persons. WHO promotes discussions of topics impacting seniors around the world. This can include things like the provision of adequate healthcare coverage for aging populations and ways to promote inclusivity of older persons in the workforce.
Elder Law Attorney
On this International Day of Older Persons in the time of COVID, it seems particularly important to note the contributions of older persons to society. Remember to reach out to your older family members, friends, loved ones, and neighbors. It has indeed been a difficult year for all of us. Check in to offer support. At E.A. Goodman Law LLC, our team of elder law attorneys is proud to serve older Americans and their loved ones. Contact us today.
Posted in: Elder Law