Celebrating Older Persons’ Day

Ask Miriam Hughes what she would say to her younger self and she has no hesitation: “Be yourself.”

Miriam is among several Liscombe House residents who were asked for their views on the International Day of Older Persons.

Bruce Smith took a similar view: “Don't follow some of the paths I took,” but he was hesitant to share why.

John McCrohan suggested it was important to ‘do something a lot sooner, don’t wait.”

Don Simpson took a philosophical perspective: “Take things as they come.”

While Avis Wadmore said it was crucial to “Understand others.”

The International Day of Older Persons – I October - aims to raise awareness of the impact of an ageing population and the need to ensure that people can grow old with dignity and continue to participate in society as citizens with full rights.

This year’s theme is Digital Equity for All, a theme close to many residents’ hearts as they have had to ‘make friends’ with technology over the past 20 months to keep connected with family and friends during the innumerable lockdowns.

For Avis, the theme is important not just to keep connected. “Technology helps us gain knowledge, we are advancing all the time with technology in our knowledge about life here and around the world.”

Bruce says that technology is important for everyone because it is quick to find things out, and on the other hand he says that it has made life too complicated.

Miriam enjoys technology because it gives her access to information she wants.

For each of them, having an Older Persons’ Day is cause for celebration with a tinge of sadness.

Miriam suggests that every day should be older persons’ day, while John says it is a day for young people to appreciate the elders in their life and community. That is echoed by Don who says it shines a light on older people and highlights their contribution to the community and their ongoing relevance.

• More than 15 per cent of the state’s population are older Victorians
• The number of Victorians aged 65 and above is set to triple by 2058
• Nearly 40 per cent of Victorians aged 65 to 85 are volunteers
• There are more than one mission active Seniors Card holders.