International Day of Older Persons - 1st October☺️💫

is a day dedicated to recognising the contributions, wisdom and rights of older people across the globe and is celebrated annually on October 1st.

Older people are a diverse group and many navigate the world with a unique, powerful and intersectional experience that comes from living life with a disability and aging.

For many older disabled people, the journey to this day has not been easy. From a time when accessibility and inclusion were afterthoughts (if considered at all!) to today’s (albeit still ongoing) efforts for full equality. They have stories of resilience, advocacy and quiet revolution.

Whether fighting for the right to work, access public transport or live independently, many of today’s older disabled people have helped lay the foundations for the disability rights movement we know now.

Despite these huge contributions, older disabled people often face significant as ageing with a disability brings its own set of challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream conversations.

Many older disabled people face…

• Limited access to appropriate healthcare and support
• A lack of accessible housing
• Isolation and loneliness
• Ageism and ableism…sometimes at the same time!

It’s important that the challenges that disabled older people are acknowledged and amplified because younger generations can learn so much from older peoples lived experiences. Older people can also benefit from inclusive and connected communities that offer support without pity, assistance without assumption and companionship without condescension.

It is intergenerational solidarity!

You can see this type of solidarity every day here on the online community, where older members share wisdom, support and strength. Whether it is offering guidance and advice on benefits, managing long term conditions or disabilities or simply being a steady and supportive voice in tough times😊