UN International Day of Older Persons
UN International Day of Older Persons 2025
Theme: Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, and Our Rights
To mark the United Nations International Day of Older Persons 2025, the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF), alongside its members and affiliates, held its annual demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on 1st October 2025. This year’s theme highlighted the vital role older people play in shaping fairer, more resilient communities.
The event served as a platform for older persons to advocate for their rights and share their lived experiences.
The SPF called on Ministers and MSPs to urgently address the impact of the cost of living crisis on older people and to oppose the UK Government’s latest review of the state pension, launched just three years after the previous one.
The Forum warned that this move risks deepening financial hardship and stress for older people across Scotland and the UK.
Grounded in the principles of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), the demonstration reaffirmed SPF’s commitment to promoting health equality, financial security, and human rights for older people.
Contributions came from Carol Mochan MSP. Katy Clark MSP, Tommy Campbell of Aberdeen and District TUC, Ian Wallace, Irvine Seniors Forum, Rose Jackson, SPF Vice Chair and representatives of the WASPI campaign.
After the demonstration, protestors headed to the Scottish Poetry Library where they spoke with Jeremy Balfour MSP. Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing on the many issues affecting older people.
UN International Day of Older Persons 2024
Theme: “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”
To mark the UN International Day of Older Persons 2024, the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF) held its annual demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th September 2024 bringing together campaigners, trade unionists, and community activists to highlight the urgent need for robust care and support systems for older people.
Over 50 participants joined the demonstration, including representatives from:
- Unite the Union
- WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality)
- Fuel Poverty Action
The demonstration centred on the removal of the universal Winter Fuel Allowance, disproportionately impacting older people on low incomes and already living in fuel poverty.
Campaigners made their voices heard through heartfelt speeches and media engagement, calling for the reinstatement of universal support for older people during winter.
Following the demonstration, the SPF hosted a reception inside the Scottish Parliament, gratefully sponsored by Richard Leonard MSP.
The reception provided a space to debrief and discuss the next steps in the campaign with contributions from attendees across Scotland, highlighting the very real issue of fuel poverty in their respective areas
The event was widely covered by both STV and BBC News, helping to amplify the message to a national audience.
In a show of intergenerational solidarity, media students from Edinburgh Napier University attended the event and covered our demonstration and campaign as part of their dissertation projects.
Their involvement highlighted the importance of youth engagement on age-related issues and offered hope for a future where older people’s rights are upheld and respected.
Events on the day sent a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resilience and the SPF thanks all of its supporters, across all generations and sectors, for their continued belief in their work in helping to secure welfare rights for older people.
Parliamentary reception at the Scottish Parliament, Wednesday 29th September 2023
Theme: “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons Across Generations”
To mark the UN International Day of Older Persons 2023 on 29th September 2023, the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF) chose to celebrate in a new way by hosting a parliamentary reception inside the Scottish Parliament.
This change of venue reflected the growing recognition of older people’s contributions and the importance of placing their voices at the heart of policymaking.
The reception was gratefully sponsored by Carol Mochan MSP, whose continued support for the SPF, and older people in general, was deeply appreciated.
Over 60 invited guests attended, representing a wide range of organisations, campaign groups, and communities from across Scotland.
The event featured insightful contributions from:
- The Scottish Government’s Human Rights Bill team, who shared updates on legislative efforts to embed human rights protections for older people into law.
- Beth Friel from Carers Trust Scotland, who spoke about the intersection of ageing and unpaid care.
- Claire Peden from Unite for a Worker’s Economy, who highlighted the economic challenges facing older workers and retirees.
Proceedings were ably chaired by SPF Chairperson Rose Jackson.
The SPF extended its heartfelt thanks to all attendees and guests who had braved thew stormy weather to attend the event and to Carol Mochan MSP and Katy Clark MSP who continue to advocate for older people in the Scottish Parliament.
Demo at Scottish Parliament, Thursday 29th September 2022
Theme: “The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women”
To mark the UN International Day of Older Persons 2022, the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF) held its annual demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament on 29th September 2022.
This year’s theme focused on celebrating the resilience and contributions of older women, recognising their vital role in families, communities, and society.
SPF members gathered to raise awareness of the challenges faced by older women, particularly in relation to pensions, health, and social care. The demonstration was well attended and supported by partner organisations.
As in previous years, the SPF was joined by colleagues from the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign.
The SPF continues to work closely with WASPI through their Cross-Party Group as well as on the Cross Party Group Older People, Age and Ageing, advocating for justice and fair treatment for all women affected by pension changes.
For the first time, the SPF hosted a special event at the Scottish Poetry Library following the demonstration.
The gathering provided a space for reflection, celebration, and community engagement.
It was warmly received by attendees and marked a new tradition in the SPF’s annual observance to mark UN Day.
On our behalf, Carol Mochan MSP tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament recognising the importance of the day and the contributions of older people in Scotland.
Katy Clark MSP raised a question at First Minister’s Questions on behalf of the SPF, helping to bring national attention to the issues affecting older women.
Demo at Scottish Parliament, 30th September 2021
The theme: “Digital Equity for All Ages”
On 30th September 2021, the SPF held their yearly demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament to mark UN International Day of Older Persons and although the clouds decided to open as we arrived it certainly didn’t dampen our spirits.
This year’s theme, Digital Equity for All Ages, was particularly pertinent considering the drive towards online services which has left older people digitally excluded and isolated at a very vulnerable time in their lives.
SPF Chair, Rose Jackson thanked everyone for their continued support for the organisation with welcome contributions coming from Monica Lennon MSP, Carol Mochan MSP and Mercedes Villalba MSP and our affiliates at Unite Glasgow Retired Members, Dundee Pensioners’ Forum and UNISON Scotland.
RSS