As a human family, we are growing older. Globally, approximately 700 million people – 10 per cent of the world’s population – are over the age of 60, and by 2030, there will be more elderly persons than children for the first time in history.
人类大家庭的年龄正在增加。占世界人口10%的近7亿人在60岁以上，到2030年，老年人数将有史以来第一次超过儿童。
This year’s commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction is an opportunity to recognize the role of older men and women in fostering resilience.
今年纪念国际减灾日的活动，是一次认识老年男女在增强抗灾能力方面的作用的机会。
When a natural disaster hits, older persons suffer disproportionately high levels of death and injuries. This tragic trend must be reversed through plans, services and support that ensure we address the vulnerabilities facing older persons while optimizing their contributions to our collective safety and wellbeing.
当自然灾害袭来时，日老年人的伤亡程度超出比例。必须通过计划、服务和支助来扭转这一不幸的趋势，确保我们在应对老年人所面临的脆弱性的同时，使其对我们的共同安全和福祉作出最大贡献。
Disaster planning must take account of the reduced mobility experienced by many older persons. We have to enable them to prepare for a potential disaster, reach safety and protect themselves. The needs of older persons should also be taken into account in early warning systems, social protection mechanisms, evacuation and emergency response plans, and public awareness campaigns.
救灾计划的工作必须考虑到许多老年人所经历的移动能力减弱的情况。我们需要使他们能够为可能发生的灾害做好准备，能够抵达安全之地并保护自己。在预警系统、社会保护机制、撤离和应急计划以及提高公众意识活动中，也应当考虑到老年人的需求。
At the same time, it is important to recognize that older persons have strengths that can serve the community at large. Their years of experience can help in reducing risks posed by disasters. We should involve them in disaster risk management as well as related planning and decision-making processes. Older persons can also meaningfully enrich our critical global discussions on addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development.
同时，必须认识到老年人具有使整个社区受益的能力。他们多年的经验能够帮助降低灾害构成的风险。我们应当让其参与灾害风险管理以及相关的规划和决策过程。老年人还能够大幅度丰富我们关于应对气候变化和实现可持续发展的重要的全球讨论。
On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, let us remind ourselves that building resilience to disasters has no time limit in one’s life; it starts in youth and grows more important as we age.
值此国际减灾日，我们应当告诫自己：抗灾能力建设是没有年龄限制的；它始于青年，随着年龄的增长而更加重要。