September 7, 2023, Washington, DC — The Global Ageing Network today established September 7 as the International Day of Care and Support for Older People, an annual opportunity for individuals, organizations, and countries to honor caregivers—especially the caregiving professionals serving older people in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and across the long-term care sector. The announcement was made during the 2023 Global Aging Conference, a gathering of more than 400 professionals from more than 40 countries in Glasgow, Scotland. The first celebration will occur in 2024.

Current Global Ageing Network Board Chair Jiří Horecký, PhD, MBA, of the Czech Republic, shared the news during the opening session of the conference. “We all benefit when trained caregivers are available, supported, and respected,” said Dr. Horecký. “The International Day of Care and Support for Older People provides the ideal occasion to show the vital impact of these individuals on nearly every family on the planet.”

More than 100 million people 60+ worldwide rely on professional and informal caregivers to enhance their health and quality of life. The International Day of Care and Support for Older People will raise awareness of the important role that caregivers play in all societies, recognize their dedication, and unite international partners to advocate for policies and resources that support them.

“The need for care and support for older adults knows no boundaries,” said Katie Smith Sloan, executive director of the Global Ageing Network and president and CEO of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services. “In every country and in every corner of the world, caregivers make a difference in the lives of others. The experts within the Global Ageing Network prioritize a focus on the profession and the current professionals in the field so others can experience the career’s fulfillment and rewards.”

Each year, the International Day of Care and Support for Older People will include:

• Recognition and appreciation to boost morale and job satisfaction among current caregivers, which can make the role and profession more attractive to others.

• Advocacy for better working conditions, wages, and benefits for caregivers. By promoting policies that support fair pay, safe working environments, and opportunities for professional development and advancement, the long-term care sector can become more attractive as an employer.

• Public awareness will help grow respect and admiration for care professionals. This will expand the number of people who will consider caregiving as a career.
• Partnership and collaboration between employers in the long-term care sector and organizations, such as schools, training programs, and community groups, will promote caregiving as a viable and rewarding career path.