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Friday | October 02, 2026 | Dhaka

International Day of Older Persons: Protecting Seniors is a State Duty

 New Nation
 Published: 12:56 AM, 02 October 2026  Updated: 10:46 PM, 01 October 2026

GLOBAL life expectancy is rising. Between 1995 and 2025, average life expectancy increased by more than 8 percent.

It currently stands above 73 years. As a result, the elderly population has already surpassed the youth population in many countries.

This trend is also evident in Bangladesh’s demographic structure. Data from “Frontiers in Public Health” indicates that by 2050, one in every five people in Bangladesh will be aged 60.

Currently, approximately one in ten people in the country fall into this age group.

The question arises: how prepared is the nation to ensure the health and socio-economic security of this vast segment of the population?

In 1990, the United Nations declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons with the aim of ensuring the rights, dignity, security, and well-being of the elderly population, as well as recognizing their contributions to society and the state.

Since 1991, the day has been observed globally each year around a specific theme.

However, given the growing presence of the elderly within Bangladesh’s demographic structure, there is no scope to limit the observance of this day merely to ceremonial events.

Discussions held on this day must be profound and effective. If the health and socio-economic security of the elderly are not ensured, there is a risk that this demographic could become a burden on the country’s economy.

Increased life expectancy and healthy aging is not the same thing. This very concept is reflected in this year’s theme for the Day of Older Persons: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” Therefore, priority must be given to ensuring healthy aging for the elderly.

Our healthcare system still faces several limitations in ensuring good health for the elderly.

Advancing age increases the risk of various chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, vision and hearing impairments, and Alzheimer’s. Managing these diseases requires regular health check-ups, medication, and long-term care.

However, the country’s healthcare system remains primarily focused on treating illnesses.

Facilities for specialized medical care, rehabilitation, mental health services, and long-term care for the elderly are limited.

A case in point is the ‘Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institute of Geriatric Medicine (BAIGM)’, the only medical facility dedicated to the elderly, which remains virtually non-functional for months on end due to the non-release of funds.

It is anticipated that formulating long-term action plans at both national and local levels, allocating adequate budgets, and strengthening coordination among relevant ministries and institutions will facilitate ensuring the health and socio-economic security of the elderly.