Arab Non- Violence Society Marks International Day of Older Peoples

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Foreign Affairs Advisor of the Arab Non- Violence Society Dr. Naseer Homoud’s message on International Day of Older Peoples. He maintained that ageing of society does not become a burden, but instead it adds value and opportunities for development through actively engaged older populations.

Observing International Day of Older Peoples Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum said “International Day of Older People on 1 October is a time to acknowledge the contributions older people make to communities throughout the world. “Mentoring, volunteering, looking out for the neighborhood, caring for children, sharing wisdom and experience and of course, being in paid work and leading businesses are some of the many ways people across the globe aged 65 and older contribute. International Day for Older Persons is a good time to recognize the rights of our seniors and make the dream of a society for all ages a reality”.
 
Dr. Homoud said “the Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions older peoples, all across the globe, make to their families and communities, and to encourage participation by older people in community activities. Older peoples are, and have always been, an incredible asset. They have helped shape modern world and continue to make significant contributions to society with a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience”.
 
“Regardless of their age, we need to find out what they are capable of doing and empower them to do it. They are a storehouse of wisdom, knowledge, experience and example. They have and will continue to play a critical role in the family unit, community, and even the paid labor force. Older persons are mentors, caregivers, encouragers, and want to live life to the fullest in their senior years”, said Dr. Homoud.
 
On the 1st of October every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Older Persons. On this day, humanity pays respect to, and acknowledges the merits and experience of the older generation. The recognition of these values is one of the most ancient traditions of reverence for elders in the history of civilization. The General Assembly designated 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons by resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990, following up on initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the General Assembly. In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the 2nd World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
 
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud urged “Governments and stakeholders must work towards the empowerment of elderly people for them to age gracefully, with dignity so that they continue contributing to the progress of the societies they evolve in”. He contended “the abuse and neglect of older adults is not a new problem. Although present for many years in our society, it has existed in relative silence, denial and isolation. Greater acknowledgement and interest has been generated over the past few years and now communities are faced with the task of responding to the issue". He further went on to say “most of growing number of older adults are relatively healthy and are interested in being actively engaged. Even the frail elderly can be strengthened. Together, they can continue to contribute effectively to the social and economic development of families, communities, and society”.
 
Dr. Homoud said “I believe that caring for older persons is a priority task for the state and society at large. Unimaginably hard trials and tribulations were shouldered by our elderly people. It was they who worked hard to create the economic and industrial potential on which wellbeing of the today world is based on. It should be noted that, in many respects, we owe our existence thanks to that potential. Regrettably, today many elderly people are left alone, helpless and poor. Not only do they desperately need medical help and medicines, but sometimes also elementary care and assistance in their everyday life. Helping them is our duty”.
 
Speaking further Dr. Homoud asserted that governments must commit to improvement of the living conditions of the older people and the provision of their basic needs. It is necessary to change the mindset of policy makers and service providers for them to view ageing as a normal process in the life cycle and as a lifelong and society-wide phenomenon which recognizes the centrality of the human spirit, in this case that pertaining to older people. Governments should be encouraged to mainstream ageing issues in policies and programmes by implementing existing international and continental instruments in favor of older people.
 
“On this International Day of Older Persons, I call upon governments and all concerned stakeholders to promote a society for people of all ages, to expedite implementation of the provisions of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and to work towards changing attitudes, policies and practices so that, in the twenty-first century, the enormous potential of older persons may be fulfilled”, said Dr. Homoud. He further urged stakeholders to give serious thoughts to the issue of advancing health and well-being for today’s older persons.