DISHA NZ Insights: Stories and Updates Celebrating International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2025 with DISHA NZ

The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is observed on October 1 each year to honour the invaluable contributions of older adults to families, communities, and society. This year, DISHA NZ proudly hosted a vibrant and heartwarming celebration on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, dedicated to recognising the wisdom, creativity, and spirit of our seniors.
The event was a joyful showcase of talent, learning, and connection. The programme opened with a touching skit that beautifully captured the importance of parents in our lives and the love that binds generations together. Seniors then took centre stage, reciting their self-written poems, singing soulful songs, and performing graceful dances that filled the room with energy and emotion.
One of the highlights was a fascinating presentation on Reiki healing, where participants learned about energy balance and holistic wellbeing. The creativity continued with an inspiring display of artwork and crafts — from delicate crochet pieces to an innovative handmade jacket, hat, and shoes made from recycled plastic bags, promoting sustainability and reuse.
An 80-year-old artist amazed everyone with her lifelike paintings, a true example that creativity knows no age limit. To add a fun twist, DISHA organised a friendly competition celebrating art, performance, and innovation. The entries reflected immense talent, enthusiasm, and originality. Winners were announced with cheers and applause — but for the DISHA team, every participant was a winner, as each performance reflected courage, joy, and community spirit.
The earlier Y-DOP (Youth Dialogue on Older Persons) segment added a special intergenerational dimension, where young people interviewed seniors about their life experiences, creating beautiful moments of shared learning and understanding.
No celebration is complete without delicious food, and the day ended with a sumptuous lunch featuring a variety of homemade and festive dishes, enjoyed over laughter and friendly conversations.
The event was a true celebration of ageing with dignity, creativity, and joy. DISHA NZ extends heartfelt thanks to Albert-Eden Local Board for their generous support and to all seniors, volunteers, and community members who made this event memorable. Together, we continue to honour our elders — the true treasures of our community.
For more information, visit [www.dishanz.org] (http://www.dishanz.org) or follow facebook.com/dishanzorg.
-TIN Bureau