Thought For The Day – Wednesday 1^st October 2025

Today, October 1^st,  is the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons.

The United Nations’ theme for this day in 2025 is: “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action”.

The theme recognises that older persons drive progress. They contribute their knowledge and experience to society.

Today is a very good opportunity to reflect all that older people bring to society, and what we can learn, have learnt, and still learn, from different generations. Their care, and great wisdom, are very much born of deep experience. The lessons they teach are timeless; history is always the great teacher.  Further, older persons have a vital voice in leading and shaping the present and future, both their present and future and our present and future.  “Past, present and future” always work together.  We movingly reflect on those older persons always with us, in our heart and in our soul, and who will always guide and inspire us.  We pay forward their legacy.

Today is also a very good opportunity to reflect on what we give back to older persons, both in our families, communities, and lives.   All ageism is wrong. We reflect that, at times, it is not easy to be an older person, just as it is not easy to be a younger person. Compassion and empathy are required as we put ourselves in the shoes of others. Vulnerabilities are valued. Vulnerabilities are strengths.  In our families, communities, and lives, we thoughtfully remember and respect, in our thoughts and actions.   Just as they inspire, and have inspired, us, so we inspire them. Just as older persons give, and gave, to us, so we give back to them.   Just as they care, and cared, for us, so we care for them.