International Day of Older Persons 2022: Age Is Just A Number

The United Nations General Assembly declared October 1 as International Day of Older Persons on December 4, 1990 in order to raise awareness about senescence and the issues faced by the elderly such as elder abuse. The day is also about encouraging the elders to break stereotypes and understand their potential. The day was first observed in 1991. This year, the day will be celebrated with the theme ‘Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’.

As you read further, you’ll come across some inspiring stories that would completely change your perspective about the elderly.

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Breaking The Stereotypes

Today, many of the elderly are breaking stereotypes. We see them teaching, practicing martial arts, and even running marathons. Here are some notable examples:

V. Nanammal

A recipient of the Padma Shri, the Yoga Ratna Award, and the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the nation knows her as the oldest yoga teacher in India. She was a yoga trainer to lakhs of Indians. Nanammal learnt art from her father who was a great martial artist and a yoga instructor himself. At the age of eight, she could do more than 50 asanas. Soon, she mastered the art and became a professional instructor. Nanammal passed away in 2019 at the age of 99 in Chennai and left behind a legacy.  

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Fauja Singh

Known by various names like Turbaned Tornado, Running Baba, and Sikh Superman, Fauja Singh is the winner of various international marathons including the London Marathon and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He finished the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon at the age of 92 in just 5 hours 40 minutes! In the same year, Fauja Singh was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition, a US group, for his ethnic pride and racial tolerance. In 2011, he was also awarded the "Pride of India" title by the UK government for his achievements.

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Meenakshi Amma

Originated in Kerala, Kalaripayattu is an Indian fighting technique known for its long-established history in the world of martial arts. Padmashri Awardee Meenakshi Amma is an 80-year-old practitioner of the martial art. She has been learning Kalaripayattu from the age of 7. Hundreds of students learn the Kalari vidya from Amma every year. Meenakshi Amma has been sharing the martial art with the world for 56 years.   

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Mann Kaur

An Indian track and field athlete, Mann Kaur, who participated in over 100 years old category events, has broken several records. She has also won a number of Golds at the World Masters Athletics Championships. At the age of 103, she was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the Government of India. Mann Kaur started her athletics career at the age of 93 and is a great example to learn from that it’s never too late to start. The legendary athlete passed away at the age of 105 in the year 2021. 

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Crowdfunding For Eldercare

Our body changes as we grow old. Some of us grow to be weak and some even develop serious health conditions. Here’s a unique way to help and encourage the elderly: You can start a crowdfunding campaign for them. Now what is crowdfunding? It is simply raising funds with the help of the crowd through the internet for a cause that one believes in. 

Here’s a guide that will help you understand the crowdfunding process in detail: Whether You Are 18 or 81, Crowdfunding Is For Everyone. 

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ImpactGuru is a place where donors have changed the lives of many. One such person is Gyan Chandra. An ex-Military man, Gyan Chandra needed an urgent lung transplant for the treatment of his lung disease. With a contribution of ₹19,73,722 from 1947 donors on ImpactGuru, Gyan Chandra could receive the transplant in time. There are many like Gyan Chandra whose lives have changed through people’s contributions. Read their inspiring stories here. 

If you also wish to change the lives of your loved ones or help someone in need, click here.  

*Disclaimer-Please note that any views expressed are those of the authors’ and do not reflect the beliefs or opinions or views of ImpactGuru.