International Day of Older Persons is a special day for senior citizens all over the world. In many countries, politicians make speeches, particularly those responsible for government departments that focus on senior citizens, at this time of the year. Wellness in older adults is a compilation of many aspects of mind and body. Staying physically fit, however, is one of the keystones of positive aging. The new generation of seniors grew up in an era where play took place outdoors. There’s a lot to be said for being part of an active group. Exercise is an antidepressant. People are happier, brighter and able to do more for themselves. In addition to physical improvement, there the psychosocial aspect of feeling better counts much. While attending classes, residents make friends and some even find exercise partners, adding peer encouragement. Classes help residents build endurance. The physical activity focuses on balance, strengthening muscles and increasing range of motion.
October 1 is always celebrated everywhere in the world as a Senior Citizens Day for their welfare, good health and prosperity. In this fast paced life, we increasingly forget the very people who enabled us to chase the dreams of our life. A senior citizen needs greater social and cultural anchor apart from a sense of respect and understanding from the society to spend his or her remaining years of life in peace and dignity. In 1950 there were 200 million people over 60 years old and by the year 2000 that number had tripled to nearly 600 million and by 2025 it is estimated that there will be over 1 billion older persons. 1999 was celebrated as the International Year for Older Persons to promote the theme of working to create “a society for all ages.
In 2002 the United Nations adopted an International Plan of Action on Aging in which all governments pledged to work for the security of older persons, as well as to empower them so that they can participate fully in the economic, political and social lives of their societies. Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to celebrate the wisdom and achievements elderly persons have made, as well as to advocate for their rights throughout the world. It is an important time to remind governments about their pledges to work towards the Millennium Development Goals of helping, among other things, to end hunger and poverty for older persons and people of all ages.
With people living and working longer, it is increasingly important that we recognize the importance of supporting senior citizens. Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the long-term contribution and dedication of older people, and to ensure that we are doing our best to give something back to them. Elderly persons make wide-ranging contributions to economic and social development. However, discrimination and social exclusion persist. We must overcome this bias in order to ensure a socially and economically active, secure and healthy ageing population. Sustainability and age inclusiveness for Senior Citizens in the urban environment is causing concern. The main purpose of life is that we should ‘live and let others also live’ and this has a great impact on seniors. For them simple living and high thinking makes them survive. Anyway, it is the survival of the fittest in this competitive world.
C.K. Subramaniam
