World Senior Citizens Day is celebrated every year on 21 August across the world. The day is dedicated to senior citizens to raise awareness about the issues like age deterioration and elder abuse that affect older adults. Also, on this day the senior citizens are acknowledged and appreciated for their dedication, accomplishments, and the services they have given to society throughout their lives.
As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about World Senior Citizens Day to get the basic information. It can be asked in UPSC Prelims from the section of current affairs, if at all asked.
Facts about World Senior Citizens Day for UPSC Exam
Read the below-mentioned facts about World Senior Citizens Day; and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams’ preparation.
| Observed on | 21 August |
| Theme of 2021 | “Pandemic: Do they change how we address age and ageing?” |
| Important Facts |
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Quality of Life for Elderly Index says-
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| Other similar days | World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated on 15 June. |
The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
To read more about the other Important International and National days click on the link. Such days and events become very important for UPSC Prelims.
About World Senior Citizens Day, 2021
- An adult who is above the age of 60 is considered a senior citizen. World Senior Citizen Day 2021 marks the 32nd World Senior Citizen Day.
- The theme for the year 2021 is “Pandemic: Do they change how we address age and ageing?”
- The theme is based on the way the last two years have turned out. Since the beginning of the pandemic most people have spent their respective times at home. Normal life has come to a halt, although it doesn’t matter much to youngsters, but it matters to our senior citizens.
- The old people count their time, and counting it locked down at home is possibly the worst thing they have ever experienced.
- Like many other people during the covid times, even older people have struggled to make their ends meet.
History of World Senior Citizens Day
- Franklin Roosevelt, US President, signed the Social Security Act on 14 August 1935, hence some people used to celebrate Senior Citizens day on this day.
- The day was officially recognised by former president of US Ronald Reagan on 19 August, 1988 after signing a Proclamation that declared 21 August as National Senior Citizens Day, in the US.
- The day was meant to honour the senior citizens in the US who made valuable and positive contributions in their communities.
- Later other countries also adopted this day to pay respect to their elderly community.
- On the 14th of December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly finally proclaimed the day to be observed as 21 August as World Senior Citizens Day.
Significance of World Senior Citizens Day
Older people are like pillars of home and also of our societies, hence the day holds significance for the reason it is celebrated all across the world.
- The day is important as it is used to send reminders to people and the government of nations for their commitment to work for the welfare and support of the senior citizens i.e. to help the elderly people of all ages and end hunger, poverty, etc.
- The day is observed to underline the social, health, and economic issues that affect senior citizens.
- Several programs are held to raise awareness across the world about taking care of elder people and studying about their lives.
- Several people share their experiences and propose solutions to the issues that affect elderly citizens.
- This day is celebrated as elder people give wise and useful advice as per their experiences.
Government Schemes and Initiatives for Betterment of the Senior Citizens
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)- The scheme provides an old-age pension for persons above the age of 60 years and belongs to the BPL category.
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)- The scheme provides Physical Aids and Assisted-living Devices for Senior citizens belonging to the BPL category.
- Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana -aims to provide social security to senior citizens and for the protection of the elderly against a fall in the interest income due to unfavourable market conditions in the future
- Senior care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Initiative and SAGE portal
Also, read about the International Day of Older Persons in the linked article.
Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.
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