They're our national treasures and more expansively our global treasures - our older persons throughout Australia and throughout the world who epitomise wisdom, courage, fortitude, strength and knowledge; and they have suffered more than anyone during this past year.
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Today, October 1, 2020 is the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' International Day of the Older Person; and while perhaps we shouldn't need a special day as an excuse or reason to celebrate our older citizens, it is an opportunity in our busy lives to recognise the great contributions to society older people have made and continue to make every day.
"It's time to value the experience of older people, to address the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population and develop policy and programs to enable all Queenslanders to age well," said Cota Queensland's chief executive Mark Tucker-Evans.
This year's celebration seeks to:
- Inform participants about the strategic objectives for the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
- Raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live.
- Increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession
- Present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in the developed and developing countries, so as to "Leave no one behind".
- Increase understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.
Advocacy organisation National Seniors Australia has launched a campaign where older Australians can publicly say "Thank you!" for the care and respect shown to seniors by the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Seniors is urging its members and seniors in general to publicly show their thanks, to anyone in the community who has looked out for them this year.
Participants will be able to access a "Thank You Balloon" from a letter sent to members or the website at https://nationalseniors.com.au/get-involved/thank-you-campaign and use that balloon to take a selfie with the person they want to say "Thank you!" to.
National Seniors Chief Advocate Ian Henschke says 2020 has been a tough year and it's time to recognise those who have helped some of our most vulnerable in the community to get through the year.
"With older persons confronted by higher risks, National Seniors Australia is launching our 'Thank You' campaign to thank those who have supported others this year and we want you to get involved," Mr Henschke said.
"Say thank you to the people in your life who have supported you during the pandemic by taking a photo together with our 'Thank you' poster.
"Tell us who you're thanking and why on Facebook by tagging your picture with #NSAthankyou and we'll thank them too."
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
