September 30, 2026
On the International Day of Older Persons, we call for the rights, dignity and full inclusion of older people to be recognised and protected. Older people are valued members of our communities, and their voices, experience and rights must be part of the decisions that shape our societies.
The world’s population is ageing. Virtually every country is experiencing growth in both the number and proportion of older people in its population. This is one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century. Climate justice in an ageing world
Longer lives bring enormous opportunities, but they also require us to rethink how health systems, social protection, housing, employment, education and other public services support people throughout their lives. Yet older people can remain largely invisible in development work.
The 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons, under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need for policies and systems that enable people to live longer lives in good health, with financial security, dignity and meaningful participation. This includes age-inclusive employment, social protection, integrated care, prevention and lifelong wellbeing.
Putting older people at the heart of development
For our partner Bishop Magambo Counsellor Training Institute (BMCTI) in Uganda, supporting older people is an important part of building inclusive communities.
To mark International Day of Older Persons, VC held virtual discussions with partners on 28 September, exploring how older people can be better included across our funded projects.
Speaking on behalf of BMCTI, Sr Florence highlighted some of the challenges faced by older people, including discrimination, abuse and poverty. She also shared how BMCTI is responding through psychosocial and nutritional support, day-care gatherings, advocacy, caregiver training and kitchen gardens.
These activities do more than provide practical support. They create opportunities for older people to come together, strengthen social connections, share their experiences and have their voices heard.
BMCTI currently supports more than 350 people aged 65 and over. The organisation has advocated for older people to access Uganda’s Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) and Special Enterprise Grant for Older Persons (SEGOP), as well as funding through the Government’s Parish Development Model (PDM). To date, 78 older people have benefited from these schemes.
More than 200 older people regularly participate in BMCTI’s day-care gatherings, which have become an important source of psychosocial support and community connection. The project also brings older people together for an annual celebration — joyful occasions that recognise their contribution and strengthen a sense of belonging.
As development organisations, we have a responsibility to ensure that older people are not overlooked. Age-inclusive development means listening to older people, recognising their rights and ensuring they can participate fully in the communities they have helped to build.
On this International Day of Older Persons, we reaffirm our commitment to making older people visible — and ensuring that their voices are part of building societies that are inclusive of people of all ages.
Find out more about BMCTI’s work with older people: BMCTI