Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Don’t we think we need to recognize and empower our elderly and to highlight the vital contributions older people make to society and to raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
Many older persons remain unaware of these rights and how to enforce them due to illiteracy, isolation, or lack of access to information. That is why observing this day is crucial — it serves as a global advocacy effort to push for stronger international thinking and action on elderly rights.
Life expectancy has risen sharply thanks to advances in medical science, nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, education, and economic well-being. Yet ageism remains widespread — a deeply harmful and insidious practice that impacts the physical and mental health of older adults. Ageing is a biological reality that affects every human being, but ageism wrongly assumes that discrimination against older persons is normal and acceptable. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” We must uphold this by ensuring our elders live with dignity, receive the best medical care, and enjoy economic security and emotional stability.
Older persons make wide-ranging contributions to economic, social, and cultural development. They serve as custodians of tradition, mentors to youth, caregivers for grandchildren, and volunteers in communities. We must encourage them to move beyond a “retirement mentality” and view old age as a second innings — an opportunity to complete unfinished tasks, pursue passions, share wisdom, and work for the larger community. According to WHO, there are around 600 million persons worldwide aged 60 and over. This number will double by 2025 and is estimated to reach nearly two billion by 2050, with the vast majority in the developing world. This demographic shift demands urgent policy attention.
Several key challenges require immediate action. Healthcare access must be prioritized through age-friendly primary healthcare, geriatric care, mental health support, and affordable medicines. Financial security is essential for dignified ageing, which means expanding pension coverage, social security, and protection from financial abuse. Bridging the digital divide will help older adults access services, stay connected, and avoid isolation. Elder abuse prevention demands strong legal frameworks and community vigilance to stop neglect, abandonment, and mistreatment. We also need intergenerational bonding, with schools and workplaces promoting programs that connect youth with seniors to reduce stereotypes and build empathy. Finally, lifelong learning should be encouraged through skill development and second-career options so seniors remain active contributors to the economy. We must create a more enabling and inclusive environment that supports people of all ages, because the failure to tackle ageism undermines older persons’ rights and hinders their contributions to social, economic, cultural, and political life.
The problem of old age must be seen as a societal issue, not an individual’s burden. The younger generation should understand how society treats its elderly, because a day will come when we too will be old and face the same realities our elders face today. Is it not our collective responsibility to provide long-term care, respect, and opportunities to them, and thus contribute to healthy and dignified ageing? When we honour our elders, we honour our own future. A society that cares for its seniors is a society that cares for its soul.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
