A Decade of Healthy Living – Moving Forward Together! 

Today marks the 30th Anniversary of International Day of Older Persons. A campaign set up by the UN which aims to highlight the importance of the contribution that older people make to society. It is trying to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of aging in today’s world.

In 2018, for the first time in history, those aged 65+ outnumbered children under 5 years old globally. Population aging is set to become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century. Leading to consequences on nearly all sectors (housing, labor, transportation etc.).

In the years to come, many countries will face economic and political pressures with relation to public systems of healthcare, pensions, and social protections for the growing elderly. Unless we all come together to and take action before this where to happen.

 

International Older Persons Day

Each year there is a theme surrounding the campaign. In 2019 the theme was ‘’The journey to Age Equality’’. This year it is the ‘’Year of the Nurse and Midwife’’.
International Day of Older Persons will highlight the role of the healthcare workforce in contributing to the health of elderly. Not forgetting, special recognition of the nursing profession.

 

Year of the Nurse & Midwife

This years theme is focused on health and well being and how we will kick off the decade of healthy aging. Here are the main focus points of this years theme:

• Inform those involved about the strategic objectives for the Decade of healthy aging.
• Raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons. Their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live.
• Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of healthcare workers in maintaining and improving the health of the elderly.
• Present proposals for reducing the health gaps between the elderly in the developed and developing countries.
• Increase the understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the elderly and its impact on the health care policy, planning and attitudes.

 

The Decade of Healthy Aging

Here is an opportunity for governments, civil society, the media, professionals, international agencies, and many more to get together to collaborate and improve the lives of the elderly, their families, and the communities they live in.

What is Healthy Aging?

Healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well being in the elderly.

 

Populations around the world are aging faster than ever and this change will impact on nearly all aspects of society.
This is why the UN has kicked off a decade of healthy aging (2020-2030) in order to ensure that no one is left behind, and everyone can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality in a healthy environment.