International Day of Older Persons/By Sayed Baau

04:47 AM October, 04 2025

Sudanese Online
Sayed Tia Baau-
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Quotation:
(As this year’s theme reminds us, older persons are powerful agents of change. Their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age-discrimination, and building inclusive societies.)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
(The beauty of the aged is their grey hair.))


1 October each year is dedicated to celebrating the International Day of Older Persons to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of ageing. It is a day for honouring the contributions of older persons to society and highlighting the importance of their dignity, independence and inclusion. This year’s theme advocates for healthy and inclusive ageing.
By 2100, the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to reach 2.4 billion, and the fastest growing segment will be those aged 80 and old

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.

Older persons need physical safety and health support, which includes proper nutrition, medical care, regular exercise, and a safe living environment. They also require emotional and social well-being, including social connections, opportunities for purpose, and respectful treatment. Financial security and the ability to maintain independence and personal fulfillment are crucial, as are opportunities for lifelong learning and community integration.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is committed to protecting and supporting older persons, recognizing their unique rights and needs during forced displacement and ensuring their dignified life with security. This commitment is formalized through UNHCR's Age, Gender, and Diversity Policy and a specific Policy on Older Refugees, which mandate staff and partners to ensure older persons have equal access to services, participate in decisions affecting them, and are included in all protection activities and durable solutions. Key actions include making services accessible, adapting food and non-food item distributions, preventing abuse, and leveraging older refugees' experience and knowledge to strengthen communities.

On this International Day of Older Persons, we hope that elderly refugees will receive healthcare and treatment. Elderly refugees will receive shelter, food, and decent treatment from all organizations and governments committed to protecting elderly refugees and defending their rights.