The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on 1 October. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1990 and first marked in 1991. It is a day to thank grandparents, parents, retired workers and older neighbours for their experience, care and support. Below are warm wishes for the Day of Older Persons for family and friends, words of gratitude, poems and gift ideas.

For your dearest: birthday wishes for grandma, birthday wishes for grandpa, retirement wishes.

A day of gratitude to the older generation

Short Older Persons Day wishes

Happy Day of Older Persons! Health, vitality and the warmth of loving hearts.
Thank you for your wisdom and care. May every day bring you joy!
May the years add only experience while your heart stays young.
Happy holiday! Peace, calm and attention from your loved ones.

For grandma and grandpa

Grandma, you taught us to love, forgive and believe. Thank you for every story and every pie!
Grandpa, your advice is the most valuable. Stay healthy and cheerful for many more years.
Our dearest, you are the roots of our family. We love you and are proud of you!

For parents

Mum and Dad, thank you for everything you have done for us. Now it is our turn to look after you.
Dear parents, may every morning start with good health and a call from your children.
We wish you calm days, warm evenings and grandchildren who visit often.

Formal wishes

Dear retired workers! We sincerely congratulate you on the International Day of Older Persons. Your experience, hard work and wisdom are the foundation of our communities.
We wish you good health, prosperity, family attention and peace.

Words of gratitude

Thank you for living through the hardest times and keeping your kindness. Your example inspires us to hold on.
You are the living memory of our family and country. Tell us your stories again — we are listening.

Older Persons Day poems

Golden autumn, quiet and bright,
A day of wisdom has come our way,
May every evening be warm and light
And kindness stay with you every day.

We thank you for your working hands,
For hearts so full of love and care,
May peace be yours across the lands
And joy be with you everywhere.

What to give older people

The best gift for older people is attention: a visit, a call or tea together. For flowers, choose orchids or potted plants — they last a long time and have no strong scent. A warm blanket, a family photo album or a basket of healthy treats are also welcome.

Tenderness of Orchids arrangement — Orchids bloom for months and have no strong scent

See flowers for grandma and orchids.

Yellow-pink orchid — A bright orchid for a grandmother or mother

FAQ

When is the International Day of Older Persons?

Every year on 1 October.

Who established this day?

The UN General Assembly in 1990; it was first observed in 1991.

How can I greet older people?

Visit or call, thank them for their care, and give a potted plant or a warm practical gift.

View full-size photo

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Older Persons Day Wishes