Overview:
Older persons have always played an important role in society as leaders, caregivers, and custodians of tradition. However, they also require extensive health care. They are more susceptible to chronic diseases, their complications, functional impairment, disability, and discrimination against the elderly and its negative consequences for them. As healthcare improves, the number of older people increases, and so do their needs, as well as their contributions to the world. International Day for Older Persons, celebrated on the first of October annually, is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions provided by the elderly in society, and to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of aging in today's world.
Facts:
- Globally, the number of people aged 60 or older is expected to increase by 46% (from 962 million to 1.4 billion) outnumbering youth, as well as children under 10 years of age.
- The elderly Saudis aged 60 years and over constitute (6.5%) of the total population of the Kingdom.
- Chronic diseases are the most prevalent among the elderly.
- Good health in old age is the result of adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood.
Objectives:
- Highlight this age group and their health needs.
- Raising awareness of the rights of the elderly and the importance of healthcare.
- Clarify the concerned authorities for all categories of the elderly.
- Spreading the culture of healthy aging among community members and the elderly themselves.
- Support joint care among all parties concerned with the elderly.
- Awareness of the importance of digital integration for the elderly, considering social and cultural standards and the right to autonomy.
Official date:
Globally: October 1st, 2022
Locally: Rabi’ al-Awal 5th, 1444
Slogan:
Digital justice for all ages
References:
- UNO
- MOH, World Health Days 2020