UN International Day of Older Persons

That the Parliament acknowledges that 1 October 2020 marked the UN International Day of Older Persons; notes that the theme was to raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health; acknowledges the view that there is a need to increase awareness and appreciation of the role of the health care workforce in maintaining and improving the health of older persons, with special attention to the nursing profession; notes the view that governments must present proposals for reducing the health disparities between older persons in developed and developing countries, so as to leave no one behind; further notes the view that there is a need to increase the understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older persons and its impact on health care policy, planning and attitudes; understands that lockdown has had a pronounced impact on older people, especially with health conditions left undetected and cancelled operations, and notes calls for everyone to better support older people through any future lockdowns to help reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.