Oct. 1 of each year is National Seniors Day, which coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons  (UNIDOP) and is an occasion for Canadians to celebrate the profound contributions of seniors in our homes, communities and workplaces.

The 2010 Speech from the Throne (SFT) announced that the Government would support legislation to create a National Seniors Day. The Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act received Royal Assent on Nov. 18, 2010. Canada’s very first National Seniors Day was celebrated on Oct. 1, 2011.

The United Nations is also recognizing an important milestone during 2023. Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the first document articulating the fundamental human rights that are meant to be universally protected.

Following from this important anniversary, the UNIDOP theme for 2023 is focused on building a future where all persons, including all older persons, fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms: “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations”.

Join the conversation

Social media is a great way to join the conversation about National Seniors Day and the contributions of older adults in our lives. We’ve crafted social media resources you can share among your networks to get the word out.

Sample posts

  • October 1 is National Seniors Day! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of older Canadians.
  • On National Seniors Day and every day, dignity in aging matters.
  • In honour of National Seniors Day, let’s speak up to improve older adult care in Canada.

Use the hashtags #SeniorsDay, #NationalSeniorsDay or #UNIDOP to join the conversation.

Additional resources

Visit the Government of Canada seniors’ hub at canada.ca/seniors for a wealth of resources, programs and information for seniors including the popular Benefits Finder tool.

The United Nations website offers background information and resources regarding the International Day of Older Persons and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

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The article first appeared at: https://www.federalretirees.ca/