Today October 1 is ‘World Elders’ Day’. This is a significant global event dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities of aging. This day also serves to honour the contributions older persons make to society. Rapid growth in the number of people reaching older ages underscores the significance of promoting health and preventing and treating illnesses. Elderly people face numerous challenges, primarily physical, health issues like chronic diseases and mobility problems, mental health concerns including depression and cognitive decline, social and psychological difficulties such as loneliness and isolation and financial struggles due to economic insecurity and rising healthcare costs. Many senior citizens fear losing their independence and becoming dependent on others for care and support. Elderly individuals could face financial insecurity due to low retirement income, dwindling savings, and rising healthcare costs. They also encounter problems with access to resources, including appropriate housing and transportation. Older adults are vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. They can become targets for scams and exploitation. The government needs to create policies that ensure older people’s participation in society and protect their rights.
