The International Day of Older Persons on 1 October every year is a key opportunity to celebrate the lives of our senior citizens, while highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges that ageing presents.
In African culture, the elderly have always been held in high esteem, and accorded special social status. They are a source of wisdom, influencing who we are, and who we aspire to be.
Many of us are fortunate to have older people in our lives, whether they are family, friends, or casual acquaintances. Older people have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and stories to share. They can motivate us to keep striving — or they can warn us of dangers we aren’t aware of.
Unfortunately, far too often, we forget – or worse, outright ignore – the older people in our lives. That is one of the many reasons why the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 is such a wonderful reminder.
Here are a few suggestions on how you can observe International Day of Older Persons:
Chat with an older person
If we take the time to get to know an older person, even one right in our own family, we may see them in a new light and learn something about ourselves in the process.
Volunteer your time
There’s a lot that can be done to make life easier for older people. Find out about organisations in your area that work with the elderly and see what you can do to help.
Become an advocate
The United Nations says “enhanced attention to the particular needs and challenges faced by many older people is clearly required.” It’s important to recognise, as the U.N. also says, “the essential contribution the majority of older men and women can continue to make to the functioning of society.”
