International Day of Older Persons 1st October: Building Belonging Across Communities

NPC members across the UK will mark Older People’s Day 2025 with celebrations of the power of connecting with others - and a call to action against fuel poverty.

Each year on 1st October people across the world gather to recognise the United Nations International Day of Older People—a moment to reflect on the contributions, challenges, and lived experiences of ageing populations.

Celebrating Connections and Advocating for Change

NPC groups and regions will be marking the Day in a variety of ways – we’ll be reporting back on them in the Autumn Campaign! newsletter. Meantime, here are just a selection of events on 1st October:

Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections

The Centre for Ageing Better’s Age-Friendly Communities are highlighting the UK theme: Building Belonging: Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections. The aim is to shine a light on the essential role relationships play in helping individuals feel at home within their communities, from everyday greetings to lifelong bonds.

Ageing Better, like NPC, emphasises that older people are crucial contributors to social cohesion, acting as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and connectors who bridge generations and enrich community life.

The charity believes that as we age, maintaining social ties remains essential for well-being—even as retirement or changing health brings both opportunities and challenges.

Communities both shape and are shaped by the connections we nurture. This year, everyone is invited to celebrate with Age Friendly communities across the UK and reinforce the links that help people feel welcome and included in the places they live.

Find out more here: https://ageing-better.org.uk/international-day-older-people-1-october-2025

A Day to Call for and to End to Fuel Poverty

Alongside these celebrations, 1st October also features a call for government action on an issue that is affecting millions of older people.

Fuel Poverty Action (FPA) is marking the day with a protest against fuel poverty outside the Labour Party annual conference in Liverpool.

The demo coincides with a scheduled rise in energy bills, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s closing speech. FPA supporters are urging the government to address rising energy costs, demanding urgent action through their Energy For All campaign – supported by NPC - which calls for every household to receive enough energy to meet basic needs.

An FPA spokesperson says: “It’s time to make some noise and raise our voices for Energy For All.” The group criticises government spending on “unproven technologies” and cuts to winter fuel payments and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), arguing that these policies leave millions struggling.

The demonstration on Wednesday 1st October will invite supporters to assemble from 09:30am at the Wheel of Liverpool; the main protest begins at 12:00pm ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech. More information here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/protest-the-labour-party-conference-energy-for-all-now

Something for Everyone

Together, the International Day of Older Persons brings both celebration and protest. But it chiefly highlights the voices and valuable achievements of older people, and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure everyone can experience belonging, warmth and well-being. Contact your local NPC group, age support organisation, or local council to find out what is happening on 1st October in your area.

Other Events on 1st October Across the UK:

• Salford: Age Friendly Salford is hosting a special International Day of Older Persons event from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Elm Bank Banqueting and Conference Centre, Half Edge Lane, Salford M30 9BA.

• Leeds: Leeds Older People’s Forum and Age Friendly Leeds present a creative showcase at South Stand concourse, Headingley Stadium from 11:00am to 2:00pm, celebrating the theme “the part we play.”

• Oxford: The OXFORD 50+ Network, with support from Oxford City Council, hosts UN Older People’s Day in Oxford Town Hall from 10:00am to 3:00pm, with networking and information sharing for older people and their families.

• Reading: A free community event for Older Persons' Day runs from 9:30am to 2:00pm at Broad Street Mall, with specialist advice, dance and exercise, performances, and opportunities to consult with local councillors.

• Thurrock: Arts Outburst Studios offers a day of activities at Thameside Complex, Grays (RM17 5DX) from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, including bingo, a special performance of ‘Grandma’s Shop’, and free afternoon tea.

• Newport, Wales: International Older Persons Day is being held from 10:00am to 12:00pm at The Riverfront, focusing on the theme “Building Belonging: Celebrating the power of our social connections.”

ENDS