“Respect for the Aged” annual public holiday in Ireland

Description

Private HomeCare is delighted to enter the “Age Friendly Community Innovation Award” with a campaign that reflects a simple but powerful belief: Ireland should introduce an annual public holiday that honours and respects older people — a day dedicated to celebrating their lives, contributions, and wisdom.

Four years ago, we launched a national campaign inspired by Japan’s “Respect for the Aged Day,” one of only two such public holidays in the world. Every September in Japan, the entire country unites in celebrating its older citizens. Communities visit older relatives, host intergenerational events, and broadcast programs that highlight seniors’ life stories and contributions. The message is clear: older people are not only to be cared for, but honoured.

This campaign is more than symbolic — it’s transformative. It promotes social participation, respect, and intergenerational inclusion. In Ireland, where the over-65 population is growing rapidly, we see a timely opportunity to learn from Japan’s success. A national day of respect would encourage schools to engage with older people, workplaces to highlight their contributions, and communities to celebrate longevity and wisdom. It would promote awareness, challenge ageist attitudes, and elevate the status of older people in everyday life.

Our proposal fits squarely within the goals of Age Friendly Ireland. It supports meaningful social inclusion and shines a national spotlight on ageing as a positive stage of life. By encouraging participation from all sectors — education, healthcare, culture, and business — the day could evolve into a cornerstone of Irish social policy.

We envision a public holiday that becomes a platform for community storytelling, shared learning, and cultural reflection. It would affirm the role of older people not just in the past, but in the present and future of our society. It would strengthen the social fabric, reminding us all that respect, empathy, and inclusion are core Irish values.

At Private HomeCare, we work daily with older people and see firsthand their vibrancy, resilience, and untapped potential. Our campaign stems from this deep respect and our commitment to helping Ireland become one of the most age-friendly nations in the world.

In championing this proposal, we believe we are innovating not just in care, but in culture. Let Ireland lead by example — and show the world that a respectful, inclusive society is one that pauses, listens, and celebrates its elders.

It’s time to give older people the national recognition they deserve.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of this initiative is to garner attention and support to request an annual Public Holiday for older people in Ireland.
The CSO press statement on 26.01.24 said “The number of people aged 65 years and over is estimated to have risen by over 40% between 2013 and 2023, from 569,000 to 806,000, and is expected to double again to 1.6 million by 2051.”
Our society as a whole would benefit from respect for this large and fastgrowing cohort in our society.

Who is it aimed at

This initiative is aimed at the entire Irish population, with a special focus on fostering intergenerational respect and inclusion. While the core of the campaign honours older people, its broader goal is to engage individuals of all ages — from children in schools to professionals in workplaces, community groups, policymakers, and families nationwide.

By encouraging national recognition of older adults through a public holiday, the initiative promotes greater social awareness, challenges ageist attitudes, and encourages younger generations to value the wisdom and contributions of their elders. It is especially targeted at community leaders, educators, media, and government bodies who can help embed this cultural shift across Irish society.

Ultimately, the initiative is for everyone who believes in a more respectful, inclusive, and age-friendly Ireland.

3 Steps critical to success

1. We need to keep promoting this initiative so it gains more support. We are a small company. Winning – or being shortlisted – for this award will really help to achieve this. 1. National Awareness and Public Engagement
   A strong grassroots foundation is essential. Building widespread public support through educational campaigns, media storytelling, and community events will raise awareness of the need for this holiday. Engaging schools, local councils, cultural institutions, and advocacy groups can foster intergenerational dialogue and demonstrate the positive societal impact of such a day. Highlighting success stories from Japan and other countries will show this is both achievable and meaningful.
2. Political Advocacy and Policy Alignment
   Securing the support of government leaders and policymakers is key. The initiative must align with national strategies such as Age Friendly Ireland, Sláintecare, and Healthy Ireland. A formal proposal should be developed, supported by data on ageing demographics and societal benefits, and championed by TDs and Senators across party lines. Partnering with influential stakeholders like the HSE, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Protection will also help push the legislative process forward.
3. Strategic Partnerships and Long-Term Vision
   To ensure sustainability and credibility, the initiative should involve strategic partnerships with NGOs, care providers, academic institutions, and media organisations. These partnerships can amplify the message and help organise national events tied to the holiday. Establishing an annual “Respect for the Aged” awareness week leading up to the holiday can embed the idea in the public calendar and culture, making it more than just a symbolic gesture — but a lasting societal value.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. 1. Gaining Political and Legislative Support
   Introducing a new public holiday requires government approval and cross-party political will, which can be difficult amid competing priorities. Convincing policymakers to back this initiative will require a strong evidence base, persistent advocacy, and alignment with existing national strategies.
2. 2. Overcoming Public Apathy or Misunderstanding
   There is a risk that the public may see this as “just another day off” unless the purpose and value are clearly communicated. To succeed, the campaign must go beyond symbolism and ensure that the meaning of the day — honouring and including older people — is widely understood and embraced across generations.
3. 3. Addressing Ageism and Changing Mindsets
   Despite progress, ageism remains a deeply rooted societal issue. Changing perceptions of ageing — from viewing older people as dependent to recognising them as vital, contributing members of society — requires long-term cultural change. This challenge must be addressed through education, media representation, and consistent messaging.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. 1. A Cultural Shift Toward Greater Respect for Older People
   We want to foster a national culture that values, respects, and includes older adults. This means changing perceptions — challenging ageism, promoting positive ageing, and recognising the lifelong contributions of older people to society, families, and the economy.
2. 2. Increased Intergenerational Connection and Social Inclusion
   We aim to create opportunities for meaningful intergenerational engagement — in schools, communities, and families. This holiday should act as a catalyst for events, conversations, and initiatives that bring people of all ages together, reducing isolation and increasing the visibility and inclusion of older people in public life.
3. 3. Formal Recognition of Older People at a National Level
   We seek the official establishment of a national public holiday that places older people at the heart of national celebration — just as Ireland recognises other key values like workers (May Day) or independence (St. Patrick’s Day). This would be a powerful, lasting statement that older people are valued citizens whose lives and experiences matter.