1 October: UNIDOP – From Global Attention to Local Initiatives

Since 1990, the United Nations has designated October 1st as the ‘International Day of Older Persons’ (UNIDOP), a day to bring global attention to the rights, contributions, and needs of older individuals. Every year, the European Seniors’ Union proudly joins this global movement, encouraging its Member Associations to promote age-friendly societies in this era of longevity.

Across Europe, various Member Associations of ESU have marked this day with inspiring initiatives:

• In Austria, our Vice-President Heinz Becker emphasized the importance of supportive environments for older people.
• In Spain, Vice-President Carmen Quintanilla led awareness-raising campaigns to highlight the value of older persons in society. You can find an opinion article by Carmen Quintanilla here and also a video on our Facebook.
• In Germany, Claus Bernhold distributed our official letter in German to draw attention to the significance of UNIDOP and the need to honor the contributions of older persons.

We hope that in the coming years, more of our member associations will join in these efforts, underscoring the importance of creating inclusive communities for seniors across Europe.

One remarkable initiative that may serve as inspiration is the March of Love in Foini, Cyprus. This annual event was launched in 2021 to support the Regional House of Older Persons in Foini, a scenic village in the Troodos Mountains. This year, the March was held for the fourth consecutive time on September 29th, and it has evolved into an international event. We thank Antonios Demetriades for the warm welcome and his contribution to this initiative.

The Senior Citizens of Cyprus OPREPO, a member of ESU, together with the Community Welfare Council of Foini, organized the event. Their vision is to mobilize more communities and volunteers to support the welfare of older persons. This year, they gained support from the Cyprus Third Age Observatory, the University of Nicosia, the Cyprus Voluntary Council, and the Cyprus Police. The Deputy Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Cyprus, Marilena Evangelou, joined the march alongside the ESU Secretary-General, Patrick Penninckx, and other prominent figures. The march was a true celebration of solidarity, drawing participants of all ages.

Starting from the Regional House of Older Persons, the march concluded at a 16th-century monastery where a prayer for the health and dignity of older individuals was held. The event also featured speeches, a musical program, and a community breakfast where traditional Cypriot sweets were served.

The organizers hope to make the March of Love a lasting tradition, raising awareness about the needs of older persons, honoring their contributions, and encouraging action to address the challenges they face.

Through such initiatives, ESU and its member organizations strive to build a Europe where every senior citizen is valued, supported, and empowered to lead a fulfilling life.