The International Day of Older Persons is a special day for the elderly all over the world.

On December 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the day of global respect for the elderly.

In many countries around the world, politicians give speeches, especially those in charge of government departments that focus on the elderly.

Radios, televisions or newspapers publish interviews with the elderly on issues such as the achievements they have made to create a better society. This day is usually filled with many other activities, promotional materials for the International Day of the Elderly are shown in various schools and institutions.

Activities focused on the environment, health, education or community services are also organized in respect of the third age.

The World Health Organization, which is the UN's leading and coordinating authority on health-related matters, has been actively involved in promoting public awareness of the day.

Discussions focused on topics such as: population aging and the provision of health care for people of this age, voluntary work, social care and ways to be more inclusive of older people in the workforce.

In 2002 the second World Assembly on Aging in Madrid adopted the International Plan of Action on Aging to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

Images of older people from different cultures and backgrounds from around the world have been used in UN promotional materials for the International Day of Older Persons since October 1, 1991. /KosovaPress/