New Delhi, Oct 1 : Over hundred of elderly men and women marched down the streets of New Delhi on Thursday on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.

The walkathon was organised by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry.

Donning caps and jogging gear, hundreds of elders turned up to walk from the sprawling lawns of the India Gate.

"Our goal is basically to keep ourselves healthy and mentally fit," said B. R. Behal, a participant.

The United Nations defines an older person as being aged 60 or over.

Globally, the number of older people is growing faster than any other age group. As a proportion of populations in developing countries, older people will leap to 20 per cent by 2050 from 8 per cent in 2005.

Over the same period, the proportion of children will drop to 21 from 31 per cent. So by the middle of the century, humanitarian organisations will likely be helping as many older people as children. (ANI)