Celebrating Seniors Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Older Persons Day

Older Persons Day is celebrated on October 1st to honor and appreciate the contributions of older adults in our society. This holiday was observed for the first time on October 1, 1991.

A person should be at least 60 years old to be considered a senior citizen. However, this age may vary in different countries or for specific purposes like social security benefits, retirement etc. 

According to the UN, the global population of individuals aged 65 years or older is expected to increase significantly, surging from 761 million in 2021 to a projected 1.6 billion by 2050, more than doubling during this period.

The rising proportion of older adults is a global demographic shift, driven by increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for societies, including the need for better healthcare, social support systems, and economic planning to accommodate aging populations.

The United Nations declared the year 1999 as the "International Year of Older Persons" to raise awareness and promote actions to address the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population.

The United Nations officially recognized Older Persons Day on 14 December 1990, highlighting the importance of elderly individuals in our societies.

The theme of Older Persons Day 2021 was "Digital Equity for All Ages," which emphasized the value of equipping the older generation with the benefits of advanced technology. 

Older Persons Day, also known as International Day of Older Persons, is observed on October 1st each year. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness about the unique challenges and issues that older individuals face, such as healthcare, social isolation, and age discrimination. While celebrating the achievements of older individuals is important, the main focus of this day is to promote understanding and support for the aging population.

According to the 2019 statistics of the United Nations Population Division, Japan has the highest percentage of people aged 65 and above, reflecting its aging population and higher life expectancies. It has over 28% of its population aged 65 and above. 

The United Nations led the initiative for establishing International Older Persons Day to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of global aging.