The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is annually observed across the globe on 1st October to honor older persons and raise awareness about their rights and well-being.
Theme:
2025 Theme: The theme of IDOP 2025 is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, and Our Rights”
Focus: This year’s theme highlights the transformative role of older persons in fostering inclusive and resilient societies.
Alignment: The theme follows the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) 2002, guiding global policies and programs for older persons.
Exam Hints:
- Event: International Day of Older Persons 2025
- When? October 1, 2025
- 2025 Theme: Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, and Our Rights
- 1st Observance: 1991
- Observance in India: By MoSJE since 2005
Background:
Origin: IDOP can be traced to the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing, which adopted the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing.
Resolution: On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed Resolution A/RES/45/106, officially designating October 1 as the IDOP.
First Observation: The IDOP was first observed on October 1, 1991.
Principles: the UNGA adopted the UN’s Principles for Older Persons through Resolution A/RES/46/91, providing a framework to support the rights and well-being of older adults.
Key Statistics:
Population Share: The global proportion of older persons is projected to rise from less than 10% in 2021 to around 17% by 2050.
Population Size: The number of people aged 60 or over is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050.
2025 Event:
Global Event: On 1 October 2025, an event was held to celebrate
IDOP 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York(the United States of America, USA)in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber, organized by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on Ageing and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Argentina.
Observance in India:
Events: On October 1, 2025, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), celebrates the IDOP under the theme Ageing with Dignity at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.
MoUs Signed: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) was signed by,
- Ministry of Defence (MoD) (Defense Estates/Services)
- M/s Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications
- Birla Open Minds Foundation
Virtual Inauguration: Five senior citizen homes in Tamil Nadu (TN), Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Jharkhand
Official Releases:
- Two songs by Brahma Kumaris promoting inter-generational bonding and family values
- NAITIK PATAM, a game to encourage inter-generational bonding
- QR (Quick Response) Code initiative to capture Grandparents Teachers Meetings
