On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons (resolution 45/106). This was preceded by initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which was adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the UN General Assembly.

In 1991, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (resolution 46/91). In 2002, the Second World Assembly on Ageing adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

The purpose of the International Day of Older Persons is to:

• Highlight this age group and its healthcare needs.
• Raise awareness of the rights of older persons and the importance of healthcare.
• Clarify the roles of the relevant organizations serving all groups of older persons.
• Promote a culture of healthy aging among society and older persons themselves.
• Support integrated care and collaboration among all organizations concerned with older persons.
• Raise awareness of the importance of digital inclusion for older persons, while taking into account social and cultural standards and the right to autonomy.

The 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons, under the theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," calls on Governments, civil society, the private sector, researchers and older persons themselves to examine how societies can ensure that the additional years gained translate into healthy, productive, dignified and equitable lives for all.