International Day of Older People 2026: “What’s on your doorstep?”

What’s available on our doorstep can influence how we age. The park, the GP, the social groups, the library, the community centre.

But these things aren’t easily accessible for everyone.

This International Day of Older People we are celebrating the people, places and services that help us to stay active and connected in our community - whilst shining a light on the barriers that can make them harder to access.

What's on everyone’s doorstep is different, based on who you are and where you live.

For many people their doorstep can easily lead to the relationships, opportunities and support that makes the community they live in feel like home.

But if you don’t drive, can’t walk safely down your road’s uneven pavements, or don’t know what’s going on near you, your what’s on your doorstep can feel much smaller.

For some people, accessing beyond the front door isn’t always possible. In this case, the support, services and connections on our doorstep must come to the door itself – whether that’s the mobile library, the handypersons service or the zoom call that connects you to friends and family. 

As we age, what’s on our doorstep become even more important. Being able to get to a medical appointment, visit neighbours or pop to shops are the sorts of things that help us to stay healthy and connected.

Older people make huge contributions to our communities as workers, volunteers and carers.  But when what’s on our doorstep is limited, these contributions can be harder to make.  

This IDOP we want to celebrate those contributions while helping to highlight, and ultimately tackle, any barriers that stops older people exploring what's on their doorstep.

Across the UK, Age-friendly Communities are working to make it easier for everyone to access what their neighbourhood has to offer.