International Day of Older Persons
Published on 30 September 2025 10:32 AM
Celebrating International Day of Older Persons - why Norfolk wouldn't thrive without its older community
October 1st marks International Day of Older Persons – a chance to celebrate the enormous contributions that people in later life make to our communities, workplaces, and families. For Ann Donkin, Chief Executive of Age UK Norfolk, it’s also a reminder of the challenges many older people face.
“Getting older has been frustrating,” Ann admits. “I’m still the same person I was before I had grey hair and wrinkles – full of wisdom, fun, and life experience. Yet too often I feel invisible, stereotyped, or patronised. My plea is simple: see the person, not the age.”
Far from slowing down, older people remain at the heart of Norfolk life. Many volunteer, care for loved ones, share skills at work, and offer vital support as neighbours and friends. Ann points out that Norfolk would look very different without them: “Some of our rural and coastal communities may soon have more pensioners than working-age people. Their contribution is what keeps our county thriving.”
Ann knows first-hand the value of lived experience. Born in a deprived Durham mining town and losing a parent at a young age, she ran away to London as a teenager. “Those experiences shaped the values I live by today,” she says.
But stereotypes persist. “People often assume I can’t handle technology,” she laughs. “I’ve lived through the whole tech revolution – of course I can use ChatGPT or an Excel spreadsheet!”
At Age UK Norfolk, older people are not just celebrated – they’re supported. Every day, the charity helps those facing loneliness, isolation, and financial struggles. Its volunteers and staff provide advice, benefit checks, befriending, and community activities, ensuring older people can live well and continue contributing to society.
Ann’s message for this International Day of Older Persons is clear: “Respect and value everyone, whatever their age.”
And if you want to help make Norfolk a great place to grow older? The answer is simple: volunteer with Age UK Norfolk.
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Learn more about volunteering opportunities with Age UK Norfolk