The world is ageing rapidly. People aged 60 and older make up over 11 per cent of the global population, and by 2050, that number will rise to about 22 per cent.

Ageing is a triumph of development: People are living longer because of better nutrition, sanitation, health care, education and economic well-being. Although an ageing world poses social and economic challenges, the right set of policies can equip individuals, families and societies to address these challenges and to reap its benefits.

1 October the International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.