International Day of Older Persons

Dear Editor,

It is the best of times; it is the worst of time. Aging is morphed into a mixed bag of emotions. Without support this phase of one’s life can be quite lonely and challenging. Unfortunately, many of us are unprepared for the changes that come with growing older. Humanity is living longer than ever.  The United Nations (UN) states that global life expectancy has risen increasingly for over seven decades, yet the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy reached 9.6 years in 2019, reflecting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. Longer lives are drawing greater attention to how health, social and economic conditions, and human rights are experienced. Longevity intersects with health systems, labour markets, social protection, education, housing and fiscal sustainability in ways that cannot be addressed in isolation. Where years are lived in good health and supported by inclusive labour markets and effective social protection, longer lives can generate a longevity dividend. Equally, without improvements in healthy life expectancy, older persons may spend more years in poorer health, limiting their functional ability, well-being, autonomy and participation.  It is for this very reason that October 1 annually is observed as the International Day of Older Persons.  On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.  This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing. The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. Between 2021 and 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from less than 10% to around 17%.  Rapid growth in the number of people reaching older ages underscores the significance of promoting health, preventing, and treating illnesses throughout the entire course of life.   The International Day of Older Persons provides an excellent platform to bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live.  

The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives

This year’s theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” calls on Governments, civil society, the private sector, researchers and older persons themselves to examine how societies can ensure that the additional years gained translate into healthy, productive, dignified and equitable lives for all.  Too often older persons are excluded from the conversation regarding their welfare and this is problematic.  This year’s theme concerning rethinking systems for longer lives is most timely. Additionally, all stakeholders must ensure that practical solutions are implemented in a culture of inclusivity.  The Age of Longevity is not simply an era in which people live longer. It is a profound transformation in how societies must think about work, health, education, retirement, housing, technology, and intergenerational relationships.  The central question is not simply how long people live, but how well they live for longer. Older persons are frequently viewed and treated as a burden. The wisdom of years of the older person is many times discounted. Too often the older person slips into a life of poverty and neglect. Access to government services is always an issue given that mobility challenges can accompany older persons. Many older persons are abandoned in State operated facilities where they suffer abuse and discrimination. Who speaks for the older persons?

The inequality question

Perhaps the most important consideration is that longevity is not experienced equally. Differences in income, education, occupation, geography, healthcare access, and living conditions can produce substantial differences in both lifespan and years lived in good health. Consequently, extending average life expectancy without addressing these disparities could increase the amount of time that some people benefit from while leaving others behind.

Longevity and Gender Dynamics

The quality of life is important in any discussion concerning older persons. Many older persons have very little or no family support. Sadly, this lack of familial support erodes the quality of their lives.  Older men can experience loss of status associated with no longer being economically productive, while older women can experience devaluation associated with becoming older and less conventionally attractive.  So the social meaning of ageing can differ. A man’s age may sometimes be interpreted as experience, authority, wisdom, or seniority. A woman’s age may more often be interpreted through appearance, care giving, domestic roles, or assumptions about declining relevance.  The gender dynamics associated with longevity also extends to caregivers. Most of those who care for older persons are women. Yet, the society must recognize and appreciate the growing trend of masculine care giving that is making a great difference to the lives of older persons.   In societies with aging populations, it becomes necessary to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities. The capability to carry out essential functions and partake in everyday activities is influenced not solely by an individual’s inherent capacity but also by the social and physical environments in which they reside. Supportive environments play a pivotal role in assisting older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.  The Age of Longevity presents a significant challenge, but also a remarkable opportunity.  As populations age, the demand for healthcare and social support has surged, especially for those with conditions like dementia, a major cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now essential to meet these growing needs.

 In rethinking systems we must be prepared to have that robust, uncomfortable and honest discourse surrounding older persons. 

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. 

Yours truly

waykam@yahoo.com

@WayneCamo