International Day of Older Persons

Today is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons! Join us in celebrating the rich experiences and expansive wisdom which our wonderful elderly community contributes to society, every day.

The 2021 theme for #UNIDOP is Digital Equity for All Ages. We’re reminded of the importance of access to and meaningful participation in the digital world, especially given technological and digital growth has completely transformed the nature of social interactions over the past 20 years. Older persons are often excluded from conversations surrounding digital technology, and are left vulnerable by lack of digital education and inadequate policies. This positions older people as the targets of misinformation and cybercrimes, which threaten their privacy, security, and human rights.

Along with women, older persons experience digital discrimination more than any other group on a global scale. Not only are these groups obstructed from accessing new technologies, but they are often unable to fully benefit from the opportunities afforded by digital progress. Closing the digital divide is an ongoing challenge, and one which we must collectively face in order to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Since the mid-20th century, we have seen the composition of the world’s population change dramatically. Between 1950 and 2010, life expectancy increased by 21 years, and the 703 million persons aged over 65 (in 2019) is expected to double over the next three decades. Despite comprising such a significant and crucial part of society, older people too often feel invisible and marginalised. This feeling of invisibility is common amongst older Australians, who report feeling dismissed and not truly valued as part of their broader communities.

In fact, our 2020-21 Inclusive Australia Social Inclusion Index shows that discrimination against elderly people has increased since 2017, and that 7% of all Australians are highly prejudiced against older people in everyday life. These statistics are bleak, and ageism remains a pertinent national issue. It’s fitting, then, that this year’s International Day for Older Persons coincides with Australia’s inaugural Ageism Awareness Day. This day encourages us to “know” and “name” ageism, because until it becomes a well-understood form of prejudice in our society, it will continue to be accepted and ignored despite its detrimental impacts. Today and every day, let’s strive to embrace and celebrate the older people in our lives and communities for everything they contribute to our world.