International Day of Older People – 1 October 2025
Join the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities in marking the International Day of Older People, this October. This year’s UK theme is: Building Belonging: Celebrating the power of our social connections.
Background
Each year on 1st October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.
Introduction to the UK theme for 2025
On this International Day of Older People, we celebrate the vital role that social connections can play in our lives; from a quick hello on the street to deep and supportive relationships that are built over time. The communities we live in shape our ability to connect – and in turn, the connections that we make help shape our local environment.
We know that older people play an integral part in strengthening the social fabric of our communities; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and connectors. Their contributions are vital in fostering a strong sense of belonging across generations. The mix of people, experiences, and everyday interactions that keep us happy and involved in our communities is essential to our wellbeing at every age.
As we get older, staying connected remains just as important. Ageing doesn’t stop us from forming or keeping relationships, but certain aspects of later life, like retirement or changing health, can bring both new possibilities and new challenges.
