International Day of Older Persons: Leave no-one behind

  • 01 Oct 2020

The 30th anniversary of the UN's day to champion the over-60s coincides with a pandemic that has led to even further isolation, loneliness, poverty and poor health for many.

2020 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the UN's International Day of Older Persons.

It has also seen an emergence of the coronavirus pandemic that has not only caused upheaval across the world, but that has had a particularly devastating impact on older and vulnerable people in our communities.

Jenny Sims, co-chair of the NUJ's 60+ Council said:

"Covid-19 has increased older people's isolation, loneliness, poverty and poor health. The message from the NUJ's 60+ Council is that its remit to campaign for the rights of all older members, fighting against ageism and inequalities, is more important than ever. Our pledge is to fulfil the NUJ's motion adopted by the National Pensioners Convention to launch a national campaign in 2021 for digital inclusion of older people. Leave no-one behind!"
"In an age where most communication happens online the 60+ Council has campaigned to help older people to get digital and signpost the support available as well as challenging government policies where they fall short. For those who are digitally excluded, who will never be on-line for whatever reason, we work to ensure governments, local authorities, public services make allowances for them.
"We encourage members to get behind the campaign launching in 2021 and continue to support older members."

More information on the UN website: International Day of Older Persons

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