The United Nations General Assembly recognizes October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons. Approximately 700 million people in the world are 60 and older, and this number will only increase in the coming years. It is reported that over 20 percent of the world’s populations with be above 60 by 2050. The exponential increase in the number of older people will be the largest recorded increase in the developing world. This growth has inspired the United Nations to pay even closer attention to the needs and challenges of this community. The United Nations recognizes that it is of great importance that older people are not stripped away of their platforms and spaces in society, as their well being is an essential human right.

The International Day of Older Persons was built on the principle of “Leaving No-One Behind,” and advocates that all communities need efficient care in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The 2018 International Day of Older Persons seeks to promote the rights of the older community, raise awareness for challenges they may face, and collaborate globally to ensure human rights for all people no matter the stage of life.