Building on the resilience and power of older persons.

In my younger years, I used to hum this beautiful song of a young singer who lyrically penned an ode to her grandmother. 'Silver gray hair neatly combed in place. There were four generations of love on her face. She was so wise; no surprise passed her eyes. She'd seen it all....'

Today as we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, we need to look at the world through their eyes - filled with wisdom and clarity on how the world can be a better place for the next generations.

For us, those with knees that carry more lift in our steps, do we really see them? As their gait slow down in this fast-turning world, do we stop for a second and ponder how life is for them? Their houses filled with dim memories, often empty, children long gone, their mental and health needs ignored.

Ageing gracefully

Ageing is one of the most significant demographic trends in this century. By 2030, 1.4 billion people will be at least 60 years old.

In East and Southern Africa, the older population group is growing at a rapid rate and by 2050, the region will be home to 95 million people over 60 years old. Like most other regions, women in the region live longer than men - they can expect to live to age 68, while men live on average to age 63.

In a changing world and with the COVID-19 pandemic, an ominous climate crisis, non-stop conflicts and disasters, the older population is at the epicenter of layered threats.

But despite the challenges, older people have inspired us with their remarkable resilience and their tenacity in ensuring a right world for the next generations of young women and girls.

For example, Traditional Authority Mwanza, one of Malawi's female chiefs, was married at the tender age of 14. Today, she is a staunch promoter of girls' education and a champion in eliminating harmful cultural practices, including child marriage, in a country which has the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

On the other hand, in Kenya, women in their 70s, Chepchongil Cheleston, Kokarupe Lorwu and Methani Chepurai Lokuda, are female genital mutilation survivors and former cutters. They have since turned their backs on the blade, fighting against the harmful practice and encouraging a younger generation to do the same.

UNFPA reveals that the needs of the growing population of older people, especially women, are not adequately considered in development...