World Day of the Infirm

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly set October 1 as the day of global respect for the elderly.

In many parts of the world, politicians give speeches, especially those responsible for government departments that focus on the elderly. Radios, televisions, or newspapers publish interviews with seniors on such issues as achievements they have made to create a better society.

This day is usually filled with many other activities, various schools and institutions show promotional material for the International Day of the Non-Afflicted.

Also organised are environmentally focused activities, health, education, or community services in respect of the third age. The World Health Organisation, which is the UN's leading and co-ordinating authority on health-related issues, has been actively involved in promoting public awareness for this day.

Discussions are focused on such topics as population aging and providing health care for people of this age, volunteering, social care, and ways to be more involved with elderly people in the workforce.

In 2002 The second World Assembly on the Aging in Madra approved the International Action Plan for Aging to respond to the possibilities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

Images of elderly people from different cultures and backgrounds from around the world have been used in UN promotional tools for the International Non-Afflicted Day of October 1st 1991.