December 2021
The International Federation on Ageing recently hosted its 15th Global Conference on Ageing entitled "Rights Matter".

From 10th November to 12th November of the present year, the International Federation on Ageing hosted its 15th Global Conference on Ageing "Rights Matter". The conference was the first of its kind and had a hybrid structure which allowed the delegates from all over the world to attend either virtually or in-person.

As part of the in-person and virtual event, the IFA hosted two interactive Master Classes, two high-level Summits and one convention where delegates were able to learn, share insights and actively engage with chosen experts.

Delegates from all over the world had the opportunity to connect with experts in the field of ageing, vaccination, government, civil organizations and more. The interactive virtual platform provided the opportunity to meet with other attendees, chat in real-time, exchange business cards and join virtual round tables where discussions around policy and advocacy were held.

The best thing about the virtual 15th Global Conference on Ageing "Rights Matter"?
Delegates can still network with speakers, attendees and exhibitors and the content is available on-demand!

To know more about the Conference program, sessions held and exhibitors click here.

* Delegates only:
The Conference program book is a clickable PDF. Click on the session you are interested in and it will re-direct you to the virtual platform. To log in and re-watch the content, simply use the email used to register for the conference and the default code given to you during the conference.


The IFA would like to thank you for attending the 15th Global Conference on Ageing “Rights Matter” and hopes to see you in the next conference in 2023.
For more information regarding the virtual platform please email Ashney Patrick at [email protected]
Thank you to the IFA team!

The 15th Global Conference was a success. Planning and executing a hybrid conference that brought together people from all over the world was difficult and complicated.

However, the IFA team was determined to make it a success - and they did. From putting together presentations to tearing down cardboard packages, they did it all.

The IFA is extremely grateful for each and every one of our staff members, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the conference was a success.
Hearing in Later Life Convention:

This multi-stakeholder convention was convened in anticipation of the Lancet Commission Report on Reducing the Global Burden of Hearing Loss. The conclusion of the Convention focused on the themes discussed by the Working Group towards a 5-year action plan. The ultimate goal of the 5-year action plan is to empower countries to integrate people-centered ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage.
nAMD and Mental Health Symposium:

The nAMD and Mental Health Symposium was convened to draw attention to the association between neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and a variety of mental health issues. A key message was that mental health screening at the time of the diagnosis, regular screening and appropriate referrals for psychological symptoms, and therapeutic interventions need to be incorporated into primary care.
A special thank you to all of the 15th Global Conference on Ageing Sponsors for their support and contribution.
The IFA is grateful for all of your generous support. Without your contribution, this event would not have been a success. A big thank you from everyone at the International Federation on Ageing.

Thank you for helping drive the change.
#Agequality
As a consequence of this unprecedented pandemic, ageism in various forms has become a matter of life and death.

Through the following collection of images and stories, we hope to break down stereotypes of older people by showcasing their resilience, strength, and tenacity during COVID-19 and beyond.

Have a story to share?
Use #Agequality and tag @IntFedAgeing
UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
What do we need to know to improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities? The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing knowledge exchange Platform is available in English, French, and Spanish to help you share your knowledge about healthy ageing with the global community and learn from others to create a world where all people can live long, healthy lives. 

The Decade Platform is free for anyone to use, and submissions are open to the public. Everyone’s knowledge about healthy ageing is valuable–and someone, somewhere in the world could benefit from your experiences. Join the global community on the Decade Platform and share your knowledge today!
Action to Protect Older Women’s Rights Has Stalled in the UN General Assembly
In the decade since the United Nations adopted its Principles for Older Persons in 1991, it has become apparent that governments are obligated first of all to combat abuse of the elderly, most of whom are women.

The International Federation on Ageing's Frances Zainoeddin expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress being made by the United Nation General Assembly on ensuring older people's human rights, particularly for women.

Recognizing World Pneumonia Day 2021

According to the 2017 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, across two decades, deaths from pneumonia among adults over 70 have increased by 60.4%. Pneumonia can lead to devastating health consequences for older adults, including loss of functional ability, hospitalization, and death. Pneumonia is an under prioritized public health issue, which lacks champions and is often neglected in global agendas. Vaccination is available to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, yet many older and high-risk adults are unaware. According to the PneuVUE study, which surveyed older adults across nine European countries, only 29% of adults surveyed know that pneumonia is vaccine preventable. Despite the increasing incidence, mortality and significant morbidity related to adult pneumococcal pneumonia, public health policy and messages are sparse.

Last month, on November 12, IFA recognized World Pneumonia Day during its 15th Global Conference on Ageing. Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the IFA, called for pneumonia to “no longer be called the old man’s friend” and to protect progress in immunization and reduce inequities. 

In recognition of World Pneumonia Day, IFA calls on professional, patient and advocacy organizations, together with all levels of government to increase their investment in improving vaccination uptake against pneumococcal pneumonia for adults and those with chronic diseases.
2021 Virtual Annual Members Meeting
The Board of Directors of the International Federation on Ageing cordially invites full members to the Annual Members Meeting scheduled for December 15th, 2021, beginning at 7:00am EST

We invite you to join us in driving the agenda of ageing in the world, ensuring that elders' rights are both protected and respected.
Global Leaders demand an International
Pandemic Treaty
To strengthen national, regional, and global capacities and resilience to future pandemics, a new international treaty for pandemic preparedness and response would promote a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. As a global community, we have the chance to come together for peaceful cooperation that goes beyond this current crisis.
Building an Age Friendly Sheffield - the Age Better in Sheffield legacy
Sheffield became members of the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly City network in 2019 and since then the Age Better in Sheffield team have been working to make the city a great place for everyone to grow up and grow older.  

Age Better in Sheffield have now officially launched their new website reflecting the programme’s legacy focus - growing an Age-friendly Sheffield.