International Day of Older Persons – 1 October

World Senior Citizens Day, also known as the International Day of Older Persons, is celebrated annually on October 1.

This day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of senior citizens to society and raising awareness about the challenges they face.

Senior Citizen Statistics in Malaysia

Malaysia is expected to achieve “aging nation” status by 2030, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

The report indicates that the percentage of the population classified as elderly (aged 65 and above) increased to 7.3% in 2022, compared to 7.0% in 2021, from the total population.

According to the United Nations (UN) definition, Malaysia is now considered an aging nation. The median age of the population also rose from 30.1 years in 2021 to 30.4 years in 2022.

Projections by DOSM suggest that by 2030, approximately 15.3% of Malaysia’s population will be over 60 years old.

In 2022, about 11.1%, or 3.6 million people, in Malaysia were already over 60, the official retirement age set by the government in 2019.

The Purposes of Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons

This celebration was introduced by the United Nations in 1990, aiming to acknowledge the important roles senior citizens play in economic, social, and cultural development while focusing on their rights and well-being.

The International Day of Older Persons aims to:

1. Raise awareness about the issues faced by the elderly, including health concerns, human rights, and discrimination.

2. Promote respect for older persons and recognize their vast contributions, including their wisdom and experience, to families, communities, and the nation.

3. Encourage actions to ensure the physical, mental, and social well-being of senior citizens is preserved.

4. Support active aging and advocate for a balance between basic rights and the well-being of senior citizens.

Key Issues Discussed

The day often serves as a platform to address critical issues affecting older persons, such as:

1. Healthy and active aging: Ensuring that seniors have access to quality healthcare and opportunities to remain socially engaged.

2. Rising elderly population: Globally, the elderly population is increasing, creating social and economic challenges, including healthcare provision and financial support.

3. Ageism: Efforts to reduce stigma and negative stereotypes against older people.

4. Welfare and human rights: Ensuring that older persons are not neglected, particularly regarding social welfare, legal protection, and social security.

Celebratory Activities

In conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons, many countries and international organizations organize various activities such as:

1. Seminars and forums: Discussions on policies related to the elderly and aging.

2. Health screenings: Special health programs for older persons, including heart, diabetes, and mental health checks.

3. Social activities: Recreational and leisure activities for senior citizens, such as cultural programs, arts, and sports.

4. Awareness campaigns: Aimed at educating the public about the rights of the elderly and the importance of respecting them.

Annual Themes

Each year, the International Day of Older Persons features a specific theme focusing on issues related to older people.

For example, past themes have addressed aging in the digital era, human rights of older persons, and addressing the impact of aging on health.

This celebration serves as a reminder to society of the importance of safeguarding the well-being and dignity of older persons while ensuring they continue to receive respect and fair treatment.