The UK Network of Age-friendly Communities will mark International Day of Older People, this October 1st. This year’s UK theme is: “The part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities
Background
Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilize the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.
Introduction to the UK theme for 2024
Older people play an integral part in strengthening our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. But these vital contributions are often overlooked, or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.
As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve our social connections, enhance our sense of purpose and self-esteem. Paid work can have a positive impact on wellbeing as well as finances. Despite this, many older people find themselves encountering barriers to getting involved in all the ways they would like to.
We all have a part to play in making our communities and neighbourhoods better places to age, and in celebrating and enabling the contributions of older people.
To read more about the day and find out what might be happening click HERE.