Celebrating International Day of the Older Persons

October 1, 2017 by Melinda @ Giles Wilson Solicitors

The 1st of October was Older People’s day and this has come from the UN’s own International Day of the Older Persons. So it is a real thing – and since 2008, in the UK, the first Sunday in October is Grandparents’ Day.

However it was in 1990 that the United Nations General Assembly first designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons with the intention of raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. And I would say that in Leigh on sea, the appreciation of this contribution is quite evident. You only have to stand outside the school gates in Leigh or Chalkwell to see the children who run, with big grins, up to the arms of their grandparents.

2017 is the year particularly designated as one where we are to celebrate the value of older people in our society and to support them to continue to contribute to our society. Laws have changed significantly over the past two decades and 2016, the theme was Taking a Stand Against Ageism. (Ageism is discriminating against someone on the basis of their age). So an employer should not deny or limit an opportunity to someone on the basis of their age, and similarly a provider of a service should not disqualify a person from participating on the basis of age. If you feel that you have been the victim of ageism then you should seek advice; even if this is just to explore the situation, and educate the person who may have discriminated against you.

Most of us instinctively wish to take care of the older members of our family, and worry when we see them become more frail and still insist on doing things that are risky. However, if someone has their mental capacity and understands the risk, then this is their choice; our role is to support and encourage them; and this is the theme of this 2017 International Day of the Older Persons. The full title is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”; that’s quite some title and one that I am sure that the people of Leigh will enjoy making a reality.

This article is by Melinda Giles at Giles Wilson Solicitors.
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