AROUND the world, people of all ages—children, youth, middle-aged individuals, senior citizens, and older adults— play essential roles in society. A significant global trend, population ageing, is reshaping demographics across nations. Currently, life expectancy at birth exceeds 75 years in half of the world’s countries, reflecting a remarkable increase of 25 years since 1950. By 2030, older adults are expected to outnumber youth globally, with the most rapid growth occurring in developing nations.
This year’s theme for the United Nations International Day of Older Persons is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.” This theme honours the elders, celebrating their long lives while emphasizing the respect, care, and support that all communities must extend to them.
In Myanmar, society places a strong emphasis on respecting and learning from older individuals. Parents traditionally teach their children to honour their elders and seek their advice and wisdom. In return, older individuals generously share their valuable experiences, providing guidance to the younger generation and helping them navigate life’s challenges. In Myanmar, older persons are prioritized and treated with complete respect in all matters, a practice deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings that reflect the nation’s cultural values.
Globally, societies must strive for balanced development by leveraging the invaluable experiences of elders alongside the energy and innovation of younger generations. Older individuals possess a wealth of knowledge and insights, while younger people have the capacity to absorb these skills and apply them effectively. This collaboration allows older persons to share their wisdom with new generations, benefiting society as a whole. Additionally, younger individuals gain valuable insights from their elders, enabling them to achieve success in their practical fields more rapidly. This intergenerational exchange can help reduce the time spent searching for experiences, allowing more time to implement new ideas and innovations.
It is essential for younger generations to care for older persons, recognizing the significance of their experiences. This care not only provides satisfaction to older individuals but also reinforces the values of respect and dignity. Ultimately, everyone must strive to enhance their capabilities while living in this world. Older persons bear the responsibility of passing down their experiences, while younger generations must carry that knowledge forward to future generations, fostering a society that values and respects the contributions of all age groups without infringing upon each other’s dignity. This mutual respect ensures a harmonious and progressive future for everyone.
