Young or old?
We're all part of
the same mould
International Day
of Older Persons
every 1 October
Why do we need an International Day of Older Persons? By 2020, half of our UK population will be aged 50 or over. People have a better quality of living, which means longer lives!
Well, as the population changes, the country will too. We need to improve attitudes towards older people and appreciate the roles they play in society more. They can be forgotten about and sometimes treated like lesser members of society. That’s definitely not how I want to be treated when I’m older, so let’s take care of the elderly in the present and carry it on to the future!
So, would you like to help? You could plan an event around this year’s theme which is ‘Stepping into the Future: tapping the talents, contributions and participation of older persons in society’. Arrange fun days, tea dances, fitness activites, or my personal favourite, events that focus on bringing generations together.
I found one story particularly heart-warming. Sixth formers from a community technology college each brought a modern item of technology and spent time showing the elderly people how to use them. To return the favour, the senior citizens brought along gramophones, old typewriters and other interesting items the kids would never have had the chance to use.
Whatever you do make the event as fun-filled as possible to bring together all generations. Young and old we’ve all got experiences to share. Children from a nursery in my neighbourhood regularly visit patients in our local hospital to draw and paint together. They also sing along to songs old and new!
It is incredible to see the smiles on the faces of all of those involved. In some cases patients who have not been engaging with their families or clinical staff suddenly find common ground with the children. There are benefits for all concerned and it can be a well needed boost to help the patients on their road to recovery!
Plan your event and then keep checking back on the official website to find about other events happening near you!
For more information visit the International Day of Older Persons website.