On Monday 25 September Kiama Community Gardens came alive with intergenerational celebrations, hosted by Blue Haven and Kiama Family Out of School Hours (OOSH), in anticipation of International Day of Older Persons on Sunday, October 1. The Bugle was privileged to witness this event that reminds us of the invaluable presence of older individuals in our lives.

We are indeed fortunate to have older people in our midst, whether they are cherished family members, dear friends, or wise acquaintances. They are reservoirs of wisdom, bearers of rich life experiences, and master storytellers. Their stories inspire us to persevere or caution us about unforeseen pitfalls. Yet, all too often, we tend to overlook or neglect the older generation. This oversight underscores the significance of celebrating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1.

“The OOSH children absolutely love meeting up with their friends from Blue Haven”, said Sabrina Kelly, Kiama Family OOSH Director.

The seniors and children enjoyed a lunch together as well as fun activities such as a quiz to get to know each other better. They also assembled special toiletry boxes full of donations from the Kiama community, to be sent to Indigenous communities in need, as part of the Happy Box Project. Each ‘Happy Box’ contains essential toiletry items, including shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste, as well as luxury self-care items such as makeup, body scrub, face masks, journals, and candles. “It was lovely to see our seniors partner up with local children to assist those in need,” said Marianna Parish, Manager of Community Programs.

The theme for 2023, "Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations," commemorates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. This historic document laid the foundation for human rights principles that continue to shape our world today.

Intergenerational solidarity, guided by principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, equality, empowerment, and legality, has proven time and again to rekindle the legacy and relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By empowering both the youth and older generations, it shifts the political will towards fulfilling the Declaration's promises for all, transcending generational divides.

The global population of older people, defined as those aged 65 and above, has tripled from approximately 260 million in 1980 to a staggering 761 million in 2021. Projections suggest that between 2021 and 2050, the proportion of older individuals worldwide will rise from less than 10 percent to around 17 percent. This demographic shift underscores the pressing need to focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic healthcare throughout one's lifespan.

In societies with aging populations, adaptation to the increasing number of elderly citizens with diverse functional capacities becomes imperative. The ability to carry out essential functions and engage in daily activities depends not only on an individual's inherent capabilities but also on the social and physical environments they inhabit. Creating supportive environments plays a pivotal role in empowering older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they age.

The International Day of Older Persons serves as an annual reminder to recognise the remarkable contributions of older individuals and to address the challenges they face. It offers a precious opportunity to acknowledge their wisdom, dignity, and specific needs while reaffirming our commitment to their well-being.

Here’s how to celebrate: 

1. Engage in meaningful conversations with older individuals, perhaps even within your own family. By taking the time to connect, we can discover new facets of their lives and gain valuable insights about ourselves.
2. Spend quality time with grandparents, elderly neighbours, or visit local retirement homes. Small gestures like giving greeting cards can brighten their day.
3. Volunteer your time with organisations in your community that support the elderly. Your assistance can make a significant difference in their lives.
4. Advocate for the unique needs and challenges faced by older people. Recognise their essential role in society and work to ensure their continued contribution to its functioning, as endorsed by the United Nations.