This letter was submitted by Richard Blewitt, chief executive of HelpAge International, to the editor of the Herald Tribune.

Wednesday [October 1st] is the UN International Day of Older People–a time to celebrate and recognize the contribution of older people to global society.

In the developing world, this contribution could not be clearer. Older people are at the frontline of the battle against HIV, caring for the sick and for grandchildren orphaned by the pandemic. In disaster situations,