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United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP
Save the Date: October 1st, 2021
The United Nations International Day of Older Persons is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize the contributions of older persons and to examine issues that affect their lives, such as aging and elder abuse. UNIDOP was established by a vote of the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990 and celebrated for the first time in 1991. The world marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons as we recognize the disproportionate and severe impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought on older persons around the world – not only on their health, but also on their rights and their well-being. This year’s UNIDOP theme is “Digital Equity for all Ages” which acknowledges the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by older persons. RTAM is a proud member of the Manitoba Seniors Coalition. Together we are strong advocates for the issues affecting older persons. The Manitoba Seniors Coalition is a coalition of eight organizations whose focus is older adults in Manitoba. Organizations joining RTAM include MASC (Manitoba Association of Senior Centres), AAIM (Active Aging in MB), TONS (Transportation Options for Seniors), LTCAM (Long Term and Continuing Care – MB), Centre on Aging (University of Manitoba), A&O: (Support Services for Older Adults), and the Federal Retirees – MB Chapter. The coalition came together prior to the 2016 provincial election and meets several times each year, as needed. RTAM takes our responsibility on this issue very seriously. In 2020 the RTAM Board donated an extra $5,000 to support our national retired teachers’ organization (ACER-CART) to develop a brochure for the federal election which focuses on Seniors’ issues.
The brochure is reprinted inside this edition of KIT and focuses on the following critical election issues: Connie Newman, Acting Chair MSC and Bill Cann, RTAM President
1. Making retirement income more secure. 2. Implementing a universal, public, comprehensive, accessible and portable national Pharmacare program. 3. Opposing the privatization of medical services. 4. Implementing a National Seniors’ Strategy that optimizes health, financial security, affordable housing, and social inclusion so all Canadians can age with dignity. This strategy includes endorsing the establishment of a Canadian Federal Seniors’ Ministry.
In recognition of UNIDOP 2021, the City of Winnipeg has agreed to light up their WINNIPEG sign in our RTAM colors. This sign has an imposing presence. It is located near the Canadian Museum for Human Rights at the Forks. It is approximately 40’ long and 12’ high and is certainly eye-catching. Thanks are due to Guy Hansen, RTAM Public Relations Chair, for making these arrangements How can you celebrate UNIDOP 2021? Send a letter to your local School Board, city or municipal council requesting a proclamation to recognize the International Day of Older Persons. Read a short story to a children’s group, take a photo, submit an article to your community newspaper. Register to attend the UN forum at BIT.LY/UNIDOP2021. n
