Updated on
Summary
The International Day of Older Persons is being observed all across the world today. The Day is observed on October 1 each year. The theme of this year is: Older persons and the achievement of the MDGs. On December 14, 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991. The holiday is celebrated by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. In his message on the International Day of Older Persons, being observed on Oct 1, President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that the government is fully cognizant of the issues of elderly people and has taken some institutional and legislative measures to address their problems in the country.Our religion and cultural values place great emphasis on us to look after the elderly and infirm. The elderly people are usually looked after by the families within their resources. However, the myriad pressures of life has posed new challenges and weakened the institution of joint family system.That is why it is important for the government to make institutional arrangements to take care of their elderly when families support to them is either non-existent or inadequate, the President said. In his message on International Day of Older Persons, being observed on Oct 1, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has reiterated Pakistans commitment to safeguarding the rights of senior citizens and adopting policies to ensure their welfare and well-being in the society. We live in a society which accords high status to the old persons and holds them in great esteem. Senior citizens in our state and society enjoy special privileges and respect. For the sake of this purpose, we stand with the international community to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. The day draws our attention to this important segment of society to re-affirm our commitment and determination for welfare of older persons, Gilani said.
