Looking back at the highlights of IDOP 2026
This year's International Day of Older People saw scores of events held up and down the country encouraging activity and community involvement among older people.
Programme Officer Ellen Denley looks back at how this year’s IDOP celebrations brought the theme of “what’s on your doorstep?” to life.
Every October 1st people across the world mark the United Nations International Day of Older People (IDOP) to recognise the opportunities and challenges of ageing populations.
This year, the UK's IDOP theme asked, "what's on your doorstep?". The theme encouraged communities to celebrate the people, places, and services close to home that help us stay active and connected as we age. It also invited communities to shine a light on the barriers that can sometimes make them harder to access.
Throughout October, members of the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities brought the theme to life through a variety of events. They showcased local opportunities, brought people together, amplified older people's voices and used the momentum of IDOP to inspire longer-term action.
From practical resources that make local services easier to find, to festivals, and creative activities, here are just some of the ways AfC network members showcased and celebrated what’s on their doorstep.
Making what's on your doorstep easier to find
Many communities used IDOP to highlight and signpost to local businesses, services, and opportunities that support people to live well as they age.
Greater Manchester Older People's Network (GMOPN) compiled a digital celebration booklet spotlighting more than 140 local groups and services that help older people stay active and connected in their neighbourhoods. The booklet was made up of nominations from community partners, members and residents, who were asked to vote for those people and places that make a positive difference for older people across Greater Manchester.
Similarly, Lincolnshire celebrated IDOP by asking people to share their hidden gem to add to the Connect to Support Community Directory. Bringing all this information together in one place makes it easier for older people to discover what is available in their local community and find new ways and places to stay connected, independent, and living life to the full.
South Lanarkshire developed an Age-friendly Toilet Map of Lanark Town Centre to help people feel more confident about getting out and about in their community, reassured in knowing where to find toilet facilities nearby if needed. This toilet map is a great example that providing clear information about local facilities helps residents stay active and independent.
Celebrating what's on your doorstep
Communities used IDOP as a moment to celebrate what's on their doorstep by bringing people together and creating opportunities to connect.
Leeds marked IDOP with Fest for Life, a festival attended by hundreds of people, to celebrate creatives aged 50+ through music, dance, spoken word and a marketplace of 80 stalls showcasing art, fashion, vinyl and more. From Bollywood and rock ’n’ roll to a closing trance DJ set, the event also shone a light on ageing in the LGBTQ+ community and connected people with activities, courses, sports, arts and gigs available right on their doorstep.
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), ElderFest brought communities together through a range of local events. In Christchurch alone, more than 500 people joined 55 organisations for a lively day featuring seated exercises, table cricket, health services, volunteering and practical support.
IDOP coincides with Positive Ageing Month across Northern Ireland, creating a longer moment to celebrate ageing as well as recognising the part older people place within communities. The festival showed just how much is happening on people's doorsteps, with everything from 'Bat and Chat' ping pong clubs, walking netball and Nordic walking to film festivals, dances, chess socials and singing clubs.
Sharing stories from your doorsteps
At the heart of age-friendly communities are older people themselves, and IDOP offered a chance to celebrate their voices, experiences and connections to the places where they live.
In Sunderland, a thank-you event brought Ageing Well Ambassadors together to share stories, sing, get creative and build their own ‘doorsteps’ as well as receiving certificates from the Mayor.
In Dorset, more than 60 Age Friendly Dorset ambassadors and supporters came together to celebrate a year of progress and the area’s first anniversary as a member of the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. The event gave ambassadors the opportunity to share ideas and contribute to future action.
In Greater Manchester, the awareness day created an opportunity put one particular older person’s story centre stage. Paul, a member of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Network, shared what’s on his doorstep and how the people, places and connections around him help him to live well. Watch Paul's story here.
Launching new initiatives on your doorsteps
Across the AfC network, places used IDOP as a springboard for new conversations, activities and ideas that can help make communities more age-friendly over time.
In Calderdale, microgrants of up to £400 supported community groups to run activities throughout October, encouraging people to get involved locally and helping to create opportunities for longer-term social participation. There was a whole host of fun events funded including boxing and dancing to tennis, music, games, wellbeing sessions and information fairs.
Other communities used the occasion to make sure older people have a stronger voice in what happens next. Bristol launched an Older Workers Group with Bristol City Council, creating a voice for employees aged 50+ and an opportunity to explore age-friendly employment.
In Ceredigion in Mid Wales, a photography competition challenged ageism through images, culminating in an awards ceremony on IDOP celebrating the best shots. The photographs will continue to have an impact beyond the day, with the images used in future communications to help promote more positive and representative images of ageing.
Across the UK Network, this year’s IDOP celebrations brought ‘what’s on your doorstep?’ to life, celebrating the people, places, services and opportunities that support us to live well as we age.
From uncovering hidden gems and making local opportunities easier to find, to bringing people together and amplifying older people’s voices, communities showed how what’s on our doorsteps can connect, inspire and create lasting opportunities.
