Oct. 1 is the United Nations designated International Day of Older Persons. This years theme is “The Journey to Age Equality” to focus on the need to eliminate age discrimination and to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

The theme is intended to explore how to address demographic and other societal changes and to change the narrative of “old age.” In less than two decades, older adults are projected to outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history. Starting in 2030, when all Baby Boomers will be older than 65, older Americans will make up 21% of the population, up from 15% today.

This is higher in rural counties like Chautauqua were older adults already make up 26% of the population. This demographic shift has great implications for policies related to healthcare, caregiving, social structures, pensions and social security.

The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the countless contributions and enormous potential of older people throughout the globe. We should rededicate ourselves and continue to promote the health, well-being, community involvement, and independence of older Americans.

Also, we should all work to promote equality in access and opportunity — including access to healthcare, caregiving, the ability to work and remain employed, access to lifelong learning, or in the range of social protections that lead to productive living throughout the life course.

Many do not realize the challenges that face older people and these disadvantages are exacerbated by factors such as: where you live, gender, socio-economic status, health and income. I think everyone is aware of how changes in technology have left many in the older generation behind and while that is a factor in society this is not just about technology.

It is about how our society thinks about older adults and ensuring that we remove barriers that prevent older adults from living productive, connected lives through the end of life. We need to closely examine our societal systems and make policy changes that ensure adaptive labor practices that remove bias from employing older adults, provide social protection to vulnerable older adult, and universal access for those with health challenges.

It all comes back to building an “Age-Friendly” community and adopting practices and policies that are good for people of all ages. We all have a role to play and you can help by recognizing the wide range of capacities and resources among older people. Respond flexibly to ageing-related needs and preferences. Respect older people’s decisions and lifestyle choices even if you don’t agree with them. Protect those who are most vulnerable and promote older people’s inclusion in and contribute to all areas of community life. So celebrate getting older.

For all your answers on aging successfully and programs and services that can help, contact our NY Connects Helpline at 753-4582, 363-4582 or 661-7582. We are here to help you. Stay well.