Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer. Combined, conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels – such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure – kill more than 20.5 million every year. The majority of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries.

On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.

The 2025 theme is Taking Steps on your Wellbeing Journey.