International Day of Older Persons calls systems to adapt to longer lives

October 1, 2026 marks the 36th UN International Day of Older Persons under the theme The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives. At the midpoint of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, WHO is convening a dialogue on how health systems can meet older people's needs and rights while policy addresses wider social determinants. The central question is whether added years also deliver health, dignity and continued contribution. The agenda extends beyond medicine to long-term care, accessible environments, housing, income security, work and learning opportunities, digital participation and protection from ageism. The event sets an agenda rather than proving national reforms are complete; outcomes still require measures of healthy life, access, affordability and participation.