The date has been celebrated annually since its proclamation through the Resolution 45/106 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1990, which was followed by the adoption of United Nations Principles for Older Persons in 1991, marking the beginning of a concerted worldwide effort to give greater visibility to the problems and challenges faced by older people.

The central objective has always been to promote the human rights and well-being of older people, ensuring the full realization of their fundamental freedoms and highlighting the importance of their inclusion and active participation in society.

The designation of 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons and the subsequent adoption of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) in 2002 at the second World Assembly on Ageing further cemented this agenda.

MIPAA, in particular, was designed to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century, promoting the development of a society for all ages, through actions focused on development, health and the creation of favorable environments.

These historic milestones represent the foundation on which global aging policy is based, serving as pillars that guide ongoing efforts to build a world where age is seen as a source of wealth rather than vulnerability.

The evolution of annual themes since 1996, from "Challenges for Older People" to "Digital Equity for All Ages" in 2021 and "The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women" in 2022, demonstrates a growing sophistication and breadth in addressing issues related to aging.

These themes have reflected a growing understanding of the multiple dimensions that affect the lives of older people and the need for policy responses adapted to modern society.

Older adults, far from being mere passive beneficiaries of social programs, are emerging as powerful agents of change, whose voices must be heard and valued in the formulation of public policies and in the fight against age discrimination.

The experience accumulated over decades translates into wisdom and counseling skills, indispensable factors in societies marked by rapid change. Many remain active in their professions, volunteering, and civic movements, helping to spearhead local and global causes.

From promoting health equity and financial well-being to building community resilience and staunchly defending human rights, older adults play a crucial role in society. At the same time, intergenerational coexistence enriches the transmission of cultural and historical values, preserving collective identities.

The 2025 theme, by highlighting their role as drivers of local and global action, directly aligns with the principles of MIPAA, which recognizes older people as drivers of progress.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized this truth, emphasizing the need to build inclusive societies that recognize and celebrate the contributions of older adults. Their life experience, accumulated knowledge, and wisdom are invaluable resources that can be channeled toward progress on various fronts.

This recognition is not merely symbolic; it is a call to action for societies to create the necessary conditions for older adults to continue to actively participate, share their perspectives, and influence decisions that affect not only their lives, but those of the entire community.

The evolution of the debate on aging has brought to light the need to strengthen human rights, which until relatively recently were neglected, in relation to older people.

In April 2025, a major milestone was reached with the adoption of Resolution 58/13 by the Human Rights Council, supported by eighty-one Member States, to establish an open-ended working group tasked with developing a legally binding instrument to promote and protect the human rights of older persons.

This is a historic step, as old age is now recognized as a stage with its own rights, not just a time for care. This international recognition helps combat ageism and emphasizes that aging cannot mean exclusion, but rather full inclusion.

This remarkable progress reflects a growing recognition that older adults are not just a demographic group, but rather holders of inalienable rights and active agents of change, deserving of a robust legal framework that safeguards their dignity and autonomy.

The creation of a legally binding instrument represents a crucial milestone in the global aging agenda, as it will provide a solid basis for developing national policies and holding states accountable for protecting their older citizens.

This is crucial because eliminating age discrimination is an essential condition for sustainable development in an aging world, allowing older people to fully contribute to their potential.

This initiative is a testament to the growing awareness of the need to combat ageism, discrimination, and exclusion that often affect older people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their aspirations are taken into account in building a more just and equitable future for all generations.

The elderly constitute a rapidly growing segment of society, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in developing countries. Ongoing demographic changes make it more urgent than ever to rethink old age. Longevity, if accompanied by appropriate policies and an inclusive social attitude, can be a driver of development and innovation.

The exponential growth of the elderly population represents a complex challenge, but also an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine aging and its relationship with sustainable development. It is essential that public policies be redesigned to ensure equitable access to health care, social protection, and opportunities for economic and social participation.

By amplifying the voices of older persons and recognizing their multifaceted contributions, International Day 2025 serves as a vital platform for older persons to express their aspirations, advocate for their rights, and demand policies that ensure their dignity, well-being, and full integration into community life.

The importance of promoting innovative, evidence-based biotechnologies to prevent the degenerative processes of aging, thus prolonging active and healthy lives, is a clear example of how science and policy can converge to improve the quality of life of older adults, allowing them to enjoy a long life with quality and purpose.

The annual October 1st celebration, with its conferences, debates, educational programs, and awareness campaigns on the rights of older adults, plays a crucial role in promoting a society for all ages.

It is a time to reaffirm the global commitment to the dignity and well-being of older adults and to emphasize their importance as drivers of progress. Aging should not be seen as a burden, but as a phase of life rich in potential, experience, and wisdom.

The path to age equality, the resilience of older women, digital equity for all ages, and fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for older persons are themes that continue to guide international efforts.

The future we want is one where age is celebrated, where each older adult is valued for their contributions, and where their aspirations and rights are fully respected. Building resilient and equitable societies inevitably involves recognizing and valuing the transformative role that older adults play.

The 2025 International Day of Older Persons is more than just an anniversary; it is a pressing reminder that population aging is a phenomenon that affects us all, requiring a collective and multifaceted response.

The wisdom of older people, their experience, and their ability to contribute to social, economic, and cultural development are invaluable assets that societies must value and protect.

The path to a truly age-appropriate society involves eliminating age discrimination, ensuring equitable access to essential services, and creating environments that allow older adults to live with dignity, autonomy, and purpose.

By highlighting the role of older adults as drivers of local and global action, we are charting a future where longevity is synonymous with opportunity and where the accumulated experience of older generations serves as a beacon guiding our collective progress.

The responsibility for ensuring that the aspirations, well-being and rights of older people are fully realized falls on each of us, and this day serves as a powerful call to action to continue building a more inclusive and just world for all, regardless of age.

• The number of people aged 60 and over has more than doubled, from about 541 million in 1995 to 1,2 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach 2,1 billion by 2050. By 2080, the number of people aged 65 and over will outnumber those under 18.
• Global life expectancy reached 73,5 years in 2025, an increase of 8,6 years since 1995. The number of people aged 80 and over is growing even faster and is projected to surpass the number of children by the mid-2030s, reaching 265 million.
• As the population ages, the demand for medical care and social support has increased, especially for people with conditions like dementia, a leading cause of dependency and disability in older adults. Specialized care is now essential to meet these growing needs.
• Women constitute the majority of care recipients and caregivers, contributing about 70% of informal care hours worldwide. This is especially true in underdeveloped countries with limited care services, making women more vulnerable to poverty in old age.
• A longer life brings opportunities, not only for seniors and their families, but also for society as a whole. These extra years provide the opportunity to pursue new pursuits, such as continuing education, a new career, or a long-neglected passion.
• Older adults contribute in many ways to their families and the communities they live in. However, the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

International Day of Older Persons in 2025 is much more than a mere commemorative date. It is a call to humanity to build a society that values ​​all ages. By placing older adults at the center of the global agenda, the UN reinforces the message that old age is not a burden, but a stage of life full of contributions and meaning.

The dignity, participation, and social protection of older adults are pillars of a world that aims to be more just and inclusive. Ignoring this reality would compromise the very future of future generations. And we must not forget that all of us, if life provides for us, will get there...