Celebrating the International Day of Older People!

The United Nations' International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on 1st October each year. This day reminds us of the power of older people. Their knowledge, experience, and voices can change communities and educate others. 

In 2025, the UN's theme for the observed holiday was 'Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights'. This covered older people's roles in transforming their local communities by lending their expertise on topics such as financial well-being, human rights advocacy, health and community resilience. 

The history of the holiday began in 1990 when the UN's General Assembly designated the 1st October to be the International Day of Older Persons. This was quickly followed by new resolutions on principles for older people. 

With the global life expectancy now reaching over 70 years, and medical advancements being made every day, older people are able to live happier and healthier than ever. The number of older people in the world has tripled in the last forty years, and is projected to increase even further in the coming decades. Because of this, it is more important than ever that we understand how best to support older people and how to meet their needs to ensure they are fulfilled in later life. 

At Abbeyfield, our member societies go above and beyond to ensure that older people are living well. Whether it's independent living, assisted living, or nursing care, the Abbeyfield staff ensure that residents are living the best life they can in their Abbeyfield house. With a rotation of exciting activities and clubs, regular delicious and nutritious meals in most houses, and support staff never far away, Abbeyfield residents are able to live as independently as possible while knowing that support is always nearby.

At Abbeyfield England, we'd like to take this day to give a message to all of our older residents, staff, and trustees. We appreciate you. Older people make up the fabric of society and, without you, there would be no Abbeyfield. With the original Abbeyfield house founded to combat loneliness in older people, it's the residents' willingness to be open to new experiences and friends that makes the model of Abbeyfield housing special. We hope our residents know how appreciated they are everyday, but especially today.