Introduction
The older persons have various contributions to the community, through their volunteer activities and knowledge transfer to other generation, based on their accumulated experiences in life. The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the joys and challenges of aging in today’s world. In 2012, the number of people aged 60+ exceeded 600 million. By 2062, their number is expected to be 2 billion.
Health Messages:
- Senescence is an unstoppable, undelayable and unpreventable biological process.
- Aging is not a disease. Simple care can help avoid a lot of its related challenges and incidents.
- You should practice daily physical exercises, avoid laying down most of the time, and walk.
- You should follow a balanced diet and keep ideal boy weight.
- Personal hygienic practices are very important.
- Avoid isolation, keep in touch with relatives and friends to prevent many mental disorders.
- Stop smoking in all phases of your life.
- Stand up slowly to avoid sudden dizziness.
- Take medicines only up on doctor's consultation.
- Older persons are more vulnerable to accidents that cause bone fractures.
- One third of old age-related accidents happen at home, such as falling, which may lead to arm or leg fractures; this is the most common cause disability.
- Treatment of some disabilities helps prevent many accidents and risks.
- Good light helps avoid corridor accidents.
- Do not put plastic carpets or rags in corridors to ensure safe movement of older people.
- Do not wear long clothes that may hinder safe standing up.
- Arrange home furniture properly to help older people move safely.
- Good light and ventilation in bathrooms and on staircases help prevent related accidents.
Objectives:
This year’s day is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons’ basic rights, needs and preferences.
World Day Date:
Global: October 1st, 2017
Local: Muharram 11th, 1439H.
Theme:
“Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
The Target Groups:
- Older people.
- Government organization that care for older persons.
- NGOs.
- Concerned individuals and families.
- Elderly healthcare and rehabilitation professionals.
- Health Centers' staff.
References: