Thought For The Day – Tuesday 1^st October 2024

An important sign of a good society is whether, and how, it cares for the most vulnerable members.

An important sign of a good society is whether, and how, it cares its young and old.

Ageism is also a form of negative prejudice and negative discrimination and is against equality, diversity and inclusion.

Today is the International Day of Older Persons.

In some parts of the world, and we are very mindful of any discrepancy and human rights generally, the United Nations reports, there is an ageing population. Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world’s countries, 25 years longer than in 1950. By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally. The number of older people (defined as those aged 65 years or older) tripled from around 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021. By 2050, the global share of the older population is projected to increase from around 10% to around 17%.

We celebrate the massive contribution to our society older people have made, and continue to make.

We take time today to reflect on: their leadership and love;  their positive impact and legacy;  and any challenges they face and have faced, always humbly, gracefully, resiliently and thoughtfully responded to by older persons.

We very deeply reflect on those loved ones no longer with us, whatever their age.

We build, create and nurture a society, and world, where all may have the positive opportunities of a long and longer life, and keep in our hearts always the brilliant inspiration, and wonderful legacy, of those who did not have this opportunity.

The United Nations theme for today is:

“Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

On our journeys, in our community, and beyond, we know manners, politeness and respect, and those seemingly small acts of kindness, as well as helping those in need and the vulnerable,  go a very, very long way. 

Empathy is important in society. 

Not least because we know we appreciate, and need, such understanding in our lives also.  

We give back,  as we have been given to.

We treat others as we wish to be treated.  

In older people’s, and an older person’s,  present and future.  

And in all our, hopefully, much older future.