UN officials, Member States, and civil society organizations came together in New York to mark the International Day of Older Persons with a powerful message: older persons must no longer remain on the margins of society.
“Every older person has the right to age with dignity, security, and access to opportunities that enrich their lives,” said Arjanita Elezaj, one of the day’s key organisers. “These are not privileges, they are human rights.”
The high-level event at UN Headquarters examined key issues including healthcare, affordable housing, and civic participation. At its core, the meeting stressed a central truth: societies cannot afford to leave older persons behind in policymaking.
This Year’s Theme: Amplifying the Voices of Older Generations
The 2025 observance highlighted the urgent need for older persons to be seen as active agents of change rather than passive recipients of care.
“Older persons carry with them a lifetime of lived experiences, resilience, and service,” Ms. Elezaj reminded the audience. “They are architects of communities, movements, and institutions that still guide us today. Yet too often, their voices go unheard.”
The theme sought to shift perceptions of ageing by empowering older persons to play an active role in shaping solutions for more inclusive, resilient societies.
Demographic Realities: A World Growing Older
The demographic transformation facing the world is unprecedented. According to UN data, the number of people aged 60 and above has doubled in the past 30 years, reaching 1.2 billion today. By 2050, that figure is projected to rise to 2.1 billion.
Even more striking, by the mid-2030s, the number of people aged 80 and above is expected to surpass the number of infants globally. This shift underscores both the achievements of longer life expectancy and the challenges of ageing populations.
In his official message for the day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the urgency of action: “We must respond with foresight and determination. That means ensuring older persons’ rights are respected, their dignity upheld, and their contributions recognised.”
Health, Housing, and Social Protection: Critical Priorities
The discussions at UN Headquarters highlighted several pressing issues:
- Healthcare access: Many older persons face barriers to medical services, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare systems are underfunded.
- Affordable housing: Safe and accessible housing remains essential for older populations, particularly as mobility decreases with age.
- Social protection: Pension systems in many countries are struggling to keep pace with longer life expectancies, leaving millions vulnerable to poverty.
Without targeted policies, experts warn that ageing populations could deepen inequalities, increase economic strain, and leave many without essential support.
A Universal Experience: Ageing and Human Connection
The meeting also included personal reflections on the universality of ageing. Professor Jeanette Takamura, Dean Emerita of Columbia University’s School of Social Work, struck a chord with her light-hearted reflection:
“When I last spoke at this podium my hair was dark brown and I was an inch taller. Now, 26 years later, I am an inch shorter with silver hair.”
Her remarks, though humorous, carried a serious point: ageing is a shared human experience that unites generations. She stressed the “urgency of heightened multigenerational outreach and inclusion” to create a truly age-inclusive global movement.
The Case for Intergenerational Solidarity
Professor Takamura underlined that social movements are most impactful when they embrace diversity across generations. She urged younger and older people to learn from one another as partners and co-creators of social change.
“The groundwork for a social movement has been laid by all the international years past,” she said. “Let us exercise wisdom, be agents of social change, and expand our tent to welcome the multiple generations of younger persons we need as partners.”
Her call reflects a growing consensus: solutions to ageing societies cannot focus solely on older persons in isolation. They must instead foster cooperation across generations to ensure social cohesion.
Country-Level Approaches: Global Lessons on Ageing
Different regions are responding to the challenges of ageing in diverse ways:
- Japan, with one of the world’s oldest populations, has pioneered policies such as community-based elder care, robotics in caregiving, and employment incentives for older workers.
- European Union countries are reforming pension systems while investing in age-friendly urban planning to support independent living.
- Sub-Saharan Africa, though currently young demographically, is preparing for rapid ageing by promoting universal health coverage and stronger social protection systems.
- Latin America is grappling with fragile pension funds, sparking debates on how to balance fiscal sustainability with dignity for older citizens.
These examples show there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but all regions share a common need for stronger protections and inclusion.
Technology: An Enabler or a Barrier?
Technology also featured in discussions as both a solution and a challenge. Digital tools like telemedicine, health monitoring devices, and online social platforms can help older persons remain engaged and healthy.
However, the digital divide continues to exclude many seniors from accessing these resources. Without adequate training and support, older persons risk being further marginalized in increasingly digital societies.
Experts urged governments to invest in digital literacy programs for seniors, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.
The Economic Dimension of Ageing Populations
Beyond healthcare and social rights, ageing also carries significant economic implications.
A larger share of older citizens places pressure on pension systems, labor markets, and healthcare costs. At the same time, older populations also represent valuable human capital, with decades of knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute.
Economists argue that extending opportunities for older persons to remain active in the workforce, whether through part-time roles, mentorship, or entrepreneurship, can help offset economic challenges while valuing their contributions.
A Call to Action: Building Inclusive Futures
The 2025 International Day of Older Persons sent a clear message: ageing must be reframed not as a burden but as an opportunity. By embracing inclusive policies, societies can harness the potential of older generations while ensuring dignity, rights, and wellbeing for all.
Mr. Guterres emphasized: “Our responsibility is not only to care for older persons but to create environments where they can continue to thrive, contribute, and lead.”
As longevity becomes the global norm, the challenge for governments, civil society, and communities is to ensure that every person can age with security, respect, and opportunity.
Towards a Multigenerational Social Movement
Ageing is not confined to statistics. It is the lived reality of billions, shaping families, communities, and societies worldwide. The International Day of Older Persons served as both a reminder and a call to action: to recognize the rights of older persons, amplify their voices, and work toward societies where every generation is included and valued.
Professor Takamura perhaps said it best: “Ageing is universal, and so must be our commitment to inclusion. Let us expand our tent, strengthen solidarity, and ensure that the wisdom of older persons guides us into the future.”