Message of the Secretary-General on the International Day of Older Persons 2026

Humanity is living longer than ever before. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to rise from 1.2 billion to 2.1 billion – a full 20 per cent of the global population.

This is one of the great achievements of our time, a sign of improved health and stronger social protections in many parts of the world. It is also creating both risks and opportunities – transforming economies and societies.

That is why the theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” It is an urgent call to address the needs of an ageing world.

For too many people, growing older means facing insecurity and the risk of being left behind. It also means encountering discrimination which undermines rights and wellbeing. But the correct policies – from employment and pensions to housing, health care and lifelong learning – can help people continue to participate meaningfully no matter their age.

Our elders are leaders and caregivers, playing a vital role in families, communities and economies. On this International Day of Older Persons, let us commit to intergenerational solidarity. Together, we can design policies that ensure longer lives are also good ones – lived with choice, security, dignity.

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