Join us in celebrating the International Day of Older Persons 2025

Every year on 1 October, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, first proclaimed by the United Nations in 1990. This day is dedicated to honouring the contributions of older individuals and addressing the challenges they face across the globe.  

In line with the 2025 theme – ‘Older persons driving local and global action: Our aspirations, our well-being, our rights’ – IF highlights the unique experiences of ageing with  Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH). We emphasise the importance of empowering older persons with SBH, raising awareness of the barriers they may encounter, and advocating for their rights, inclusion, and quality of life.  

Through their active involvement, the IF Working Group on Ageing with SBH strengthens IF’s policy and advocacy initiatives by promoting inclusive, person-centred approaches to ageing, access to multi-disciplinary healthcare, support services, and independent living for people with SBH across the lifespan.

You can read more about their work and activities on the group’s dedicated page here.

Join IF’s webinar!

Aligned with the UN theme, the IF International Working Group on Ageing with SBH is organising a webinar entitled: ‘Living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus: Our lives, our choices’, to promote the message that people with SBH should have the power and autonomy to make their own choices at any age and in various aspects of life, allowing them to shape their own futures and experience the positive impact that comes with it, such as empowerment and achieving independence.

This event will bring together both  Ageing and Youth members of the SBH community to share their perspectives on empowerment and engage in meaningful dialogue about the unique needs, rights, and aspirations of people living with SBH.  

Register for the webinar here

Spread the word on social media

To mark this day, we are pleased to launch a  campaign toolkit, a practical resource designed to amplify the message, strengthen advocacy, and support meaningful engagement on social media. 

This toolkit provides practical resources to support engagement in the International Day of Older Persons campaign. It includes:

• Key messages
• Hashtags
• Customisable picture frames
• Useful links
• A poster and banners

Use this material on your social media to share knowledge and spark action on 1 October!
Do not forget to tag @IFSHB so that we can share your messages.

Download IF’s toolkit here