Mahatma Gandhi

International Day for the Elderly

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	International Day for the Elderly is celebrated on October 1 every year. The day is celebrated to spread awareness about the importance of senior citizens in our society and to appreciate their contributions. Senior citizens carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders as leaders of the society. They also carry the traditions, culture of the society and pass on the knowledge to the younger generation.</div>
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	However, older people are also highly vulnerable, with many falling into poverty, facing health issues or discrimination. They also sometimes face abuse, which has a detrimental impact on them.</div>
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	The day is also marked to put focus on the world&#39;s responsibilities towards older people to make their lives happier.</div>
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	<strong>Demographic revolution</strong></div>
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	According to the United Nations, the population of persons aged 60 years and above will grow from 962 million to 1.4 billion, a growth of 46% globally, between 2017 and 2030. Currently, their population is 600 million, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is poised to double by 2025 and touch 2 billion by 2050.</div>
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	Their population will outnumber the youth as well as children under the age of 10. The growth in the population of the elderly will be most rapid in the developing economies. Population ageing will be the most significant social transformation of the 21st century, according to the UN.</div>
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	Advancement in medicines and other technologies, the life expectancy of has risen sharply over the last few years. Improvement in education, economics, sanitation, medical science, and health care has also contributed immensely to the increase in life expectancy.</div>
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	<strong>Elderly in India</strong></div>
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	According to the United Nations Population Fund&rsquo;s 2019 report, India&rsquo;s population was 1.36 billion and 6% out of the population was 65 and above. India&rsquo;s life expectancy has also grown from 47 years in 1969 to 69 years in 2019.</div>
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	The Government of India runs various schemes and provides preventive, rehabilitative services to the people who are above the age of 60. The government also runs the National Program of Health Care for the Elderly which provides specialised treatment to the senior citizens.</div>
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Learn when is International Day for the Elderly, why it is celebrated, its importance, history and International Day for the Elderly meaning here at Business Standard.

International Day for the Elderly

When is International Day for the Elderly

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