Welcome and thank you for joining us today to celebrate International Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme is The Journey to Age Equality.
The United Nations declared October 1: International Day of Older Persons in 1990 and the Province of Alberta formally recognized this day in 2017.
Two years later, it is inspiring to see so many municipalities in Alberta recognizing this important day. It is exciting to say that we are celebrating alongside: Bruderheim, Bonnyville, Drayton Valley, Grande Prairie, Lac la Biche, Legal, Medicine Hat, Ponoka, Red Deer, Sexsmith and St. Paul.
This day gives us the opportunity to: acknowledge older Albertans, raise awareness, and address misconceptions about aging.
We invite you to use International Day of Older Persons (and the other 364 days of the year) to:
- Shift perceptions of what it means to age and put a positive spin on the natural full life experience
- Eliminate ageism through supporting policy and campaigns that increase awareness around aging stereotypes, discrimination, and myths that negatively impact the lives of older people
- Ensure the provision of adequate resources for dignified living as people grow older; including resources for housing, health care, transportation, social and recreational opportunities; and
- Ensure policy and legislation clearly protects older persons from the violations of human rights.
Alberta Council on Aging has been working to maintain and improve the quality of life for older persons for over fifty-two years through Senior Friendly™ programs and publications, and now through the Let’s Stop Ageism campaign. Our goal is to eliminate ageism and promote inclusiveness of older persons in all Albertan communities.
Join the Let’s Stop Ageism campaign. Carry the message and address ageism head on in your community. Let’s Stop Ageism together. Now.
Thank you for marking this day.
Sincerely,
Ron Rose, President
