Janina Gomes –
Every year on October 1, the world observes the International Day of Older Persons—often called World Elderly Day—to honour the contributions of older people and draw attention to the opportunities and challenges associated with ageing. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 1990, and it was first observed in 1991.
The occasion is more than a date on the calendar. It is an invitation to build societies where older people are respected, heard and included—not merely cared for, but valued for their wisdom, experience and continuing contribution.
Beyond the culture of youth
We live in an age that often treats youth as an ideal and ageing as a problem to be corrected. Filtered photographs, carefully edited online identities and relentless advertising create pressure to appear perpetually young. The beauty industry frequently presents wrinkles, grey hair and other natural signs of ageing as defects requiring creams, supplements, procedures or surgery.
At the same time, older people remain underrepresented in films, advertising, television and digital media. When they are absent from public storytelling, they can begin to feel invisible. Their lives, achievements and aspirations may be overlooked, as though society has decided that relevance belongs only to the young.
But growing older is not a failure. It is a natural stage of life, one that deserves dignity, affection and recognition. The answer to ageism is not to deny age, but to understand it more generously.
A season of spiritual maturity
For many people, ageing can become a period of spiritual deepening. It may bring greater emotional balance, patience and clarity—a mellow tone that comes from having lived through both joy and sorrow.
This does not mean that old age is free from loneliness, illness, financial anxiety or grief. Rather, spirituality can offer strength while people navigate these realities. It can help shift attention away from an exhausting battle against physical change and towards peace, contentment, purpose and gratitude.
For people of faith, the later years can carry a profound sense of calling. Life is not an accident, and continued presence in the world may suggest that there is still meaningful work to be done. Age is a qualification, not a disqualification. History and scripture remind believers that important assignments are often entrusted to people in their later years.
Seven truths about ageing
The experiences of older people are a living testimony. The trials they have survived, the valleys they have crossed and the endurance they have shown can teach younger generations lessons that cannot be learned from books alone.
Their prayers, too, can become a powerful source of support for families and communities. Years of surrender, faithfulness and reflection often deepen a person’s capacity to intercede for others.
Their presence continues to speak. The way older people face uncertainty, mortality and eternity can model courage and peace. Their lives remind us that strength is not always loud or visible; sometimes it is found in patience, forgiveness and quiet trust.
Faith also assures many older people that they remain deeply loved and cared for by God. Protection and peace are not limited to one season of life. Even in weakness, a person can continue to bear spiritual fruit, share wisdom and encourage others.
The final chapters of life therefore matter greatly. Finishing well means remaining open to love, generosity, reconciliation and purpose until the very end.
Wisdom from ancient traditions
The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu viewed old age not as a battle, but as a harmonious return to the natural flow of life. His philosophy encourages people to release excessive striving, the obsession with control and the burden of constantly proving themselves. Age can loosen the grip of ego, allowing people to set aside social masks and recover clarity.
Confucius, too, regarded ageing as the summit of a lifelong moral journey rather than a decline. This understanding remains present in many religious and philosophical traditions: a person’s value does not diminish with age; it can deepen through compassion, wisdom and character.
Building a society for all ages
International Day of Older Persons challenges families, communities, governments and the media to create a society where every generation belongs. The UN’s framework for older persons highlights principles including independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity.
For older people, ageing can be a time to step back from worldly competition and ego, while moving closer to generosity, peace and acceptance. It can be a season for philanthropy, mentoring, reconciliation and sharing joy.
For the rest of society, the responsibility is equally clear: listen to older people, include them in decisions, represent them honestly and protect their rights.
To grow older is to remain human. It is to carry memories, lessons and love into the future. When we honour older people, we honour the journey that every one of us hopes to complete—with dignity, purpose and peace.