Tuesday, 15 September 2020

October is International Older Person’s Month

They don’t call them your ‘golden years’ for nothing! October is all about celebrating being an older adult and making the most of this time in your life – which can be as special as you make it. Along with celebrating, October is also a month for generating awareness around specific topics and afflictions often associated with getting older, such as arthritis and mental health. Here’s what you need to know.

Older Person’s Week

The first week of October is officially Older Person’s Week, and October 1st is the International Day of Older Persons. 2020 also marks the 30th Anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons.

According to the United Nations, this year’s theme is “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing?”. The goal is to take a close look at how and why older individuals can be worse affected by the COVID-19 virus, as well as potentially experience severe complications thereafter.

National Grandparent’s Day

In the UK, we celebrate Grandparent’s Day on the first Sunday of October. This year, it falls on the 4th of October, and presents the perfect opportunity for families to give pay back for all the hugs, love and extra helpings of pudding from their favourite people, the wonderful grandparents that they have in their lives.

International Arthritis Day

The 12th of October is International Arthritis Day where the focus is on providing seniors with more information around the condition, its symptoms, and how to effectively manage it following diagnosis.

It is estimated that around 10 million UK citizens suffer from some form of joint condition, including arthritis. It is also estimated that almost half of all seniors in the UK will have been diagnosed with arthritis by the time they turn 65. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to maintain their mobility, resulting in a need for in-home elderly care.

Mental Health Awareness Month

October is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and while mental illness affects millions of people across the globe regardless of age, gender, or background, it is important to be aware of the fact that it affects a significant portion of older adults for many reasons.

Depression is the most common mental problem impacting seniors in the UK. It is vital for everyone to realise that treating mental illness is just as imperative as treating any physical illness – and spreading this level of awareness is the primary objective throughout the month of October.

Our elders have a lifetime of experience to share with us, and we need to appreciate their contributions to society . This October, we should pay special attention to the challenges faced by elderly people, and make the world a more inclusive place so that they can participate more freely in it and be an active part of our communities.

Happy Older Person's Month!

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