October 1st marks the WHOs International Day for the Elderly
As outlined by the WHO, this rapidly growing demographic will play in increasingly critical role in development "through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force" and as such their contributions can "only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, for which appropriate policies need to be in place." These appropriate policies have been described in the "Active Ageing" document produced by the WHO. The document was created with the aim to provide a policy framework that defines the entitlements of the elderly.
With this in mind, October 1st has been designated as the International Day for the Elderly in order to honor, respect, care and bring awareness about issues that affect them. Among these issues are; health and nutrition; protection of elderly consumers; housing and environment; family; social welfare; income security and employment; education; and data collection & analysis.