According to statistics from the United Nation (UN), almost 700 million people are now over the age of 60. By 2050, 2 billion people, that is, over 20 per cent of the world’s population, will be 60 or over. The increase in the number of older people will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, with Asia as the region with the largest number of older persons, and Africa facing the largest proportionate growth. Mindful of this, more attention to the particular needs and challenges faced by many older people is required.
On 1st October each year International Day for Older Persons is celebrated. This year, we give thanks for the contribution of all the elders in our lives. We give thanks for their wisdom, experience, prayer and ministries.