The General Assembly of the United Nations designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons.
By designating a special day in recognition of seniors, the UN is drawing attention to the important contribution of seniors and to changing demographics: the greying of the population, or the "age of aging."
The theme of the International Day of Older Persons 2017 is, “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
This year’s theme greatly aligns with the role that retirees and older persons play within Unifor, our Union formally recognizes the role and understands the essential contributions retirees and older persons make to our communities and to our Union.
This theme reminds all of us of the role and the importance of including older persons but also to learn from their experience and knowledge.
Between 2015 and 2030, the number of older persons worldwide is set to increase by 56%, by 2030, the number of people aged 60 and older will exceed that of young people aged 15 -24.
Ensuring that no one is left behind, encouraging involvement, contribution and appreciation is essential to an older person’s well-being.
“Older persons are a valuable aspect of our society and their contributions are needed to strengthen communities and society in all aspects of life,” says Les MacDonald Chair Unifor Retired Workers Council and Unifor National Executive Board member. “It’s only fair that after a lifetime of work and giving to their communities, that seniors continue to know that their contributions are valued”.
Seniors and retired workers hold events across the country in recognition of International Day of Older Persons, if you are not hosting an event look for one in a community near you, come out and help recognize the contributions of Older Persons.
The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the first time throughout the world on October 1, 1991.
For further information please contact Barb Dolan, Director Retired Workers Department at 416.998.3954 or barb.dolan@unifor.org.