Today is International day of Older Persons. The day is observed every year to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly and to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. <br/><br/>The theme this year is, 'Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment'. On the occasion, a walkathon was organized at the Rajpath in New Delhi this morning where Senior Citizens and School Children participated to highlight the concept of promotion of inter-generational bonding. President Pranab Mukherjee will felicitate distinguished senior citizens with Vayoshrestha Samman today.<br/><br/>According to census 2011 data, nearly 15 million elderly Indians live all alone and close to three-fourths of this elderly population are women. Assaults, stealing and killing cases of senior citizens in the cities in the recent past has been a issue of concern. <br/><br/>A report jointly brought out by United Nations Population Fund and Help Age International said, India has around 100 million elderly at present and the number is expected to increase to 323 million, constituting 20 per cent of the total population, by 2050. <br/><br/>The report also emphasized on addressing urgent concerns of elderly person worldwide like investment in pension and quality health care and warned that if these concerns are not addressed promptly then the consequences will take the unprepared countries by surprise. <br/><br/>It is imperative to provide the elderly a stress free life, a place, a living space which is designed to give them a holistic lifestyle and It is also important to take some time out and pay heed to the needs and demands of this section of the society. We should make this section of society happy and secure and thank them for all they have done for us.