Happy Older People’s Day!

The International Day of Older Persons was established on December 14th 1990 and is UN resolution 45.

Join Physiopedia in celebrating #Olderpeoplesday by showing the world what physiotherapy can do to help people age healthily and remain independent. This year the theme or the initiative is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”

Previous themes have been:

• 2011: The Growing Opportunities & Challenges of Global Ageing
• 2012: Longevity: Shaping the Future
• 2013: The future we want: what older persons are saying
• 2014: Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society for All
• 2015: Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment
• 2016: Take A Stand Against Ageism

In different cultures and countries around the world, our older people have different roles and places within society. It is important we recognise this and try to break the prejudice of ageism and realise that the oldest members of our communities can offer something.

During season 4 of the TV show Bear Grylls – The Island, the participants were split into two groups; under 30s and over 30s. Arguably the most practically minded member of the group was the oldest (66). It was a reminder that we all have something to offer.

Unfortunately we all can’t age as well as this so to promote the importance of physiotherapy and exercise in older age the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy(CSP)in the UK have created some excellent videos demonstrating this.

If doing exercises isn’t for you or your patients then perhaps you should try walking sports. They are a great way for older people to get the exercise they need to stay healthy, plus they are a great social activity. East Riding Council have free sport sessions next week to celebrate.

To celebrate #olderpeoplesday next week, FREE walking sports sessions are available in #Bridlington!
See here https://t.co/Q1rjIjarpV pic.twitter.com/Iyw596qjjC

— East Riding Council (@East_Riding) September 30, 2017

Aging is difficult and happens to us all. Remaining healthy and creating a society which allows us to continue to contribute to our community is not just important for our physical health, but our mental health too.

Let us know what you are doing to promote #OlderPeoplesDay via social media. Follow the hashtag to see what’s going on around the world.

I’ll leave you with this.