October 1 is International Day of Older Persons and National Seniors Day

This Sunday marks two important days: October 1 is the International Day of Older Persons, and in Canada, it is also National Seniors Day.

International Day of Older Persons

In 1990, the United National General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day for the Elderly, and it was later renamed the International Day of Older Persons. It was celebrated for the first time in 1991.

This year’s theme is "Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society."

As the UN explains, "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."

The objectives of the 2017 International Day of Older Persons are to draw attention to:

• enabling conditions and measures that influence the readiness of older persons to participate, including securing healthcare, regular income, legal protection, and access to financial services; and
• pathways and means to facilitate contributions and participation in old age, including technology, education and lifelong learning, access to information, as well as overcoming barriers that exclude or discriminate against older persons.

National Seniors Day

In Canada, October 1 is also National Seniors Day. It was established by federal legislation in 2010, and first celebrated in 2011. The day aims to recognize and raise awareness of the importance of contributions older persons make to Canadian society.

More information about National Seniors Day is available on the Government of Canada website. To learn more about the International Day of Older Persons, please visit the UN website.

About Dementia Justice
Dementia Justice is a federally incorporated non-profit society dedicated to advancing the rights, needs and dignity of people with dementia who are, or are at risk of becoming, involved with the criminal justice system. We aim to achieve our objectives through public advocacy, awareness-raising, education, and interdisciplinary legal and policy research.

Contact
Heather Campbell
Director
​dementiajustice@outlook.com