Global Day, Local Action: Seniors Month Begins with a Celebration of Elder Leadership

Today is a dual celebration! We not only mark the United Nations International Day of Older Persons but also the exciting start of Seniors Month in Queensland.

For those of us at BallyCara, the alignment is perfect. The International Day of Older Persons theme for 2025, "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, and Our Rights," provides a profound global framework, while Seniors Month gives us a dedicated, local period to put that theme into vibrant action.

This October, the world is asking us to see our elders not as a demographic to be cared for, but as powerful, rights-bearing, and essential architects of our shared future.

From Global Call to Local Celebration

The UN theme perfectly captures the essence of the Positive Living philosophy at BallyCara. Our residents, clients, and community members are the very definition of older persons driving action. They are the volunteers, the family historians, the mentors, and the community champions whose wisdom, resilience, and lived experience are the greatest resource our society possesses. During Seniors Month, there are numerous events that celebrate this leadership - from local community initiatives to government-backed programs aimed at increasing connection and participation.

Seniors Month is a 31-day commitment to reinforcing that the rights of older persons - to live free from ageism, to maintain financial security, and to access quality healthcare - are paramount. Activities that support continued learning, nuture social connections to combat isolation, and affirm the dignity and choice of every older Australian are powerful platforms for intergenerational solidarity. It's a chance for all ages to connect, celebrate, and learn from one another.

At BallyCara, we encourage everyone to get involved:

1. Celebrate the Leadership: Attend a Seniors Month event in your area and actively listen to the voices and aspirations of older community leaders. 

2. Challenge Ageism: Use this month to consciously reflect on and challenge any ageist stereotypes you encounter. Recognise that later life is a dynamic period of growth, not decline.

3. Strengthen Connections: Reach out to an older person in your life—a family member, a neighbour, or a friend—and simply connect. The core of well-being lies in genuine human interaction.

This October, as we kick off Seniors Month, let's move beyond simple acknowledgement. Let's actively empower and celebrate the older persons who are driving local innovation and global change. Their continued contribution is vital to building a truly age-friendly Australia and a more just world for all.