Archive International Day of Older Persons 2026
Today, 1 October, CareChoice is proud to mark International Day of Older Persons. It is a day to recognise and celebrate older people, their experiences and their contributions to our communities.
This year’s theme is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” It encourages us to reflect on how we can support people to live longer lives with dignity, choice, independence and purpose.
At CareChoice, the day is particularly special. We celebrate residents across our homes and recognise the stories, experiences and individuality that make each person who they are.
To mark the occasion, Kevin Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, and Anne Marie Woods, Regional Director of Clinical Operations, share what the day means to them.
Kevin Kelly
Chief Operating Officer
“Every resident brings their own story, experiences, relationships, interests and personality, and that individuality is something we should always value.”
For CareChoice, International Day of Older Persons is about taking the time to celebrate the people at the centre of what we do.
As people live longer, it is more important than ever that they continue to feel respected and listened to. They should also remain involved in the things that matter to them.
That can be as simple as maintaining familiar routines, staying close to family and friends, and making their own choices. It also means continuing to enjoy the people, places and activities that are important in their lives.
The day is also a chance to recognise families and our teams. Together, they help create a sense of home, belonging and community every day.
“Most of all, it is simply a day to celebrate our residents and everything they continue to bring to CareChoice.”
— Kevin Kelly
Anne Marie Woods
Regional Director of Clinical Operations
“Every older person has a story, a voice and a right to be heard.”
International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution, experience and individuality of older people. It also gives us time to reflect on how we can support longer lives with dignity, choice and purpose.
Through my experience in older person care over the last 20 plus years, I believe that ageing should never mean losing the things that make us who we are.
Every person has their own history, relationships, interests, preferences and values. These should remain at the heart of the care and support they receive.
Choice and independence are particularly important. This does not always mean being able to do everything independently.
Instead, it means having support to make decisions about your own life and retain control where possible. It also means having people listen to and respect you.
My message to our residents, families and CareChoice teams is simple: every older person has a story, a voice and a right to be heard.
Let us continue to create environments where people feel respected and valued. Above all, we should support people to live their lives in ways that are meaningful to them.
“Longevity is something to celebrate. Our responsibility is to ensure that longer lives are also lived with health, security, dignity, choice and purpose.”
— Anne Marie Woods
Celebrating Our Residents
On International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate residents across CareChoice. We also recognise the families and teams who help create our communities every day.
Together, we can create environments where older people feel respected, valued and supported to live life in ways that are meaningful to them.