From Henry Dynant's first action in Solferino until today, first aid has been one of the main activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. For a better public awareness of first aid around the globe, the World First Aid Day, scheduled to take place every year, on the second Saturday of September, also serves.

The ongoing demographic change that society is facing raises many questions and seeks to provide answers regarding the active role of older people within the social system. From a social point of view, in some countries, older people are increasingly excluded because:

The elderly are more susceptible to health problems such as, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. If they are able to take preventative measures, recognize the first signs, and provide proper first aid treatment, they can reduce suffering and save lives;

Many countries are facing economic crises. Health care coverage has decreased and costs have increased. With the aging of the population, health needs increase, and the cost of spending on medical treatments;

In emergency situations, the elderly may be particularly vulnerable, when communities are displaced by natural disasters or armed conflicts because they are unable to leave or travel long distances.