1 October
The 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons, observed under the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights”, highlights the transformative role older persons play in building resilient and equitable societies. Far from being passive beneficiaries, older persons are drivers of progress, contributing their knowledge and experience in areas such as health equity, financial well-being, community resilience, and human rights advocacy.
The Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), adopted in 2002, remain cornerstones of global ageing policy, promoting a society for all ages through action on development, health, and supportive environments. The 2025 theme directly reflects these principles by recognizing older persons as drivers of progress at both local and global levels.
Momentum has also been reinforced by recent international developments. In April 2025, the Human Rights Council advanced this agenda by adopting resolution 58/13, supported by 81 Member States, to establish an open-ended working group tasked with drafting a legally binding instrument to promote and protect the human rights of older persons. This landmark step reflects the growing recognition of older persons as rights-holders and change-makers.
Demographic shifts make action more urgent than ever. Older persons are a rapidly growing segment of society, especially in developing countries. Policies that empower older persons, ensure equitable access to healthcare and social protection, and eliminate discrimination are essential for sustainable development in an ageing world. By amplifying the voices of older persons and recognizing their contributions, the 2025 International Day serves as a platform for older persons to voice their aspirations, advocate for their rights, and call for policies that ensure their dignity and well-being.
Background
On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.
Rapid growth in the number of people reaching older ages underscores the significance of promoting health, preventing, and treating illnesses throughout the entire course of life.
In societies with aging populations, it becomes imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities. The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual’s inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside. Supportive environments play a pivotal role in assisting older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.
Did you know?
- The number of people aged 60 years or over has more than doubled, from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. By 2080, persons aged 65 or older will outnumber children under 18.
- Global life expectancy has reached 73.5 years in 2025, an increase of 8.6 years since 1995. The number of persons aged 80 years or over is growing even faster and is projected to surpass the number of infants by the mid-2030s and reach 265 million.
- As populations age, the demand for healthcare and social support has surged, especially for those with conditions like dementia, a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now essential to meet these growing needs.
- Women, who comprise most care recipients and caregivers, contribute roughly 70% of global informal care hours. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries with limited care services, making women more vulnerable to poverty in old age.
First published in: https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day