Seniors' Day around the world

To increase awareness of aging problems in the international community, the United Nations established Oct 1 as the International Day of Older Persons in 1991.

Many countries also have their own special days or festivals to honor senior citizens. For example, China's Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, is an annual festival to show respect and care for the aged.

As the Chongyang Festival is Saturday, let's take a look at how some countries celebrate Seniors' Day around the world.

The 93-year-old woman Zhang Xiuzhu wears a new hat for the Chongyang Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]

China:

Since the Chongyang Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and double ninth was pronounced the same as the word to signify "forever" - both are "Jiu Jiu" - Chinese people consider it a symbol of longevity, which carries a blessing for health and longevity for the elderly. China has designated the Chongyang Festival as "a festival for the elderly" since 2012.