How ageing better can be found right on our doorsteps
We are celebrating International Day of Older People (IDOP) on 1 October 2026. Established by the United Nations, the day recognises both the opportunities and challenges of ageing populations, while promoting the development of a society that works for people of all ages.
Reflecting on this year’s UK theme ‘What’s On Your Doorstep’, Natalie Turner, Deputy Director for Homes and Communities, considers the role of community in the lives of older people, as well as the role older people play in their communities, here in the UK.
What helps us get the most out of life as we age – to stay healthy, active and connected - whatever our circumstances?
Working with the UK Network of over 110 Age-friendly Communities, we hear the same things come up again and again as priorities. Things like getting around, staying connected, getting the help and information we need. Many of which can be solved by the right local services and features.
That’s why we chose ‘what’s on your doorstep’ as the theme for this year’s IDOP in the UK.
Your horizons can feel much wider if you’re able to walk safely on your local pavements, visit friendly local facilities like libraries, enjoy a local park or green spaces, find a loo or a place to sit. Getting the information you need is just as important as these physical features, including knowing what’s going on in your community so that you might join in – if you want to!
Even a simple conversation with neighbours can help us to feel like we belong and that we’d be able to rely on someone if we needed them. For many of us these are the small interactions that sustain us, whatever our age.
Small design choices in our neighbourhoods can make a big difference. One older supporter, Elaine, told us:
Small things can make a big difference. It’s good to get out and walk if you can but bus routes need to support people getting about too. Providing stopping places so that older people can stop and rest and then continue their journey is also essential.
Otherwise, if people can’t get out easily then it can lead to isolation and loneliness, which has such a terrible impact on mental health.
For some people, getting beyond the front door isn’t easy. That’s when local services need to come to you or help connect you to the outside world; from a handypersons service to an online exercise class, or support to make a zoom call to friends and family.
This isn’t just a nice to do. Older people have an enormous impact on our communities as workers, volunteers, carers, neighbours and community leaders. Indeed, people aged 65 and over are the most likely to volunteer, and this is the only age group in which there has been an increase in levels of civic participation between 2021/22 and 2023/24.
That’s why IDOP matters. It plays an important annual moment to raise awareness, celebrate the contributions of older people, and promote age-friendly communities where everyone can live well.
To mark IDOP this year there are many fantastic and valuable initiatives bringing people together in Age-friendly Communities across the country. To give just a flavour:
- In Leeds, a "Fest for Life" festival will be taking place featuring performances, arts, workshops, local information stalls, talks, markets and microgrants for community organisations
- In Sunderland, a celebration event will recognise the contribution of the city’s Ageing Well Ambassadors. Ambassadors will receive certificates from the Mayor as well as participating in creative activities to explore what their own doorstep means to them
- In South Lanarkshire, an Age-friendly Toilet Map of Lanark town centre is being launched supported by a week-long communications campaign highlighting local community groups.
As more of us live longer lives, the places around us matter more than ever. Through IDOP the UN recognises that societies globally are facing a significant demographic transformation. This brings lots of opportunities but also demands a rethink on issues like transport, housing, the labour market and health and care systems.
But it is also work that starts right here, on our doorsteps.
