What is International Day of Older Persons?

International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1. This day came into effect after the voting was carried out in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 14th of December in 1990. This day is observed to raise awareness on issues related to elderly people across the globe. It is also a day to applaud the contributions of elderly people to society. The 1st International Day of Older Persons was observed on 1st of October in 1991. 

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Which are the Similar Holidays Observed in Different Countries to Appreciate the Contributions of Elderly People?

The following holidays are celebrated to appreciate the contributions of elderly people.

1. National Grandparents Day – This day is observed across 20 countries on different dates. The United States (U.S), United Kingdom (U.K), France, Germany, Australia are some of the few countries where this day is celebrated, but on different dates.
2. Double Ninth Festival – It is observed on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month in Chinese calendar.
3. Respect for the Aged Day – It is observed in Japan. It is a public holiday and it started as a national holiday in 1966. On this day people return home to visit and pay respects to the elders.

What is Vayoshreshtha Samman?

It is the awards given by the President of India to the elderly persons in recognition of their services. The function is organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to mark the International Day of Older Persons. Vayoshreshtha Samman awards are given annually in the 12 different categories, which are broadly divided into 2 main categories – individual categories and institutional categories.

Who is a Senior Citizen in India and what is the Status of Senior Citizens in India?

Any person who has attained the age of 60 years is called a senior citizen. As per Population Census of 2011, there are approximately 104 million senior citizens in India out of 53 million were female senior citizens and 51 million were male senior citizens. As per study conducted by United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) the number of senior citizens is expected to grow to 173 million by 2026. As per 2011 census, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu are the states with highest percentage of elderly population. Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya are the states with least percentage of elderly people.

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