International Day of Older Persons being observed today
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—International Day of Older Persons will be observed throughout the Globe including Pakistan Tomorrow.
The theme for 2007 is "Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities of Ageing".
The 2007 theme coincides with the theme of the first cycle of the review and appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, as was endorsed by the Commission for Social Development at its 44th session in 2006.
In support of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in line with the recommendations of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing the theme draws attention to policies and programmes to enhance the quality of life, participation and engagement of older persons in the social, economic and political spheres of their societies.
The General Assembly designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons by resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990.
In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the 2nd World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.
By designating a "Special Day" for seniors, the Assembly was giving recognition to the contributions of seniors to development and also drawing attention to a demographic phenomenon: the greying of the population, the "age of aging".
International Day Of Older Persons is dedicated to honor, respect and care for the world's elderly.
Older people - a new power for development."Ageing is a development issue. Healthy older persons are a resource for their families, their communities and the economy."
A demographic revolution is underway throughout the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 - the vast majority of them in the developing world.
In 2000, there were 600 million people aged 60 and over; there will be 1.2 billion by 2025 and 2 billion by 2050.
Today, about two thirds of all older people are living in the developing world; by 2025, it will be 75%. In the developed world, the very old (age 80+) is the fastest growing population group. Women outlive men in virtually all societies.
Today, one in every ten is 60 years and older. By 2050, one out of every five will be an older person, and by 2150, one third of the people in the world are expected to be 60 years of age or older.
In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force.