14th Global Conference on Ageing Drives Action to Address Inequalities

International NGO hosts speakers and delegates in Toronto from 75 countries to share research and insights on critical issues facing older populations

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2018 /CNW/ – The International Federation on Ageing (IFA), is honoured to host delegates from 75 countries at the 14th Global Conference on Ageing, in Toronto. The conference will focus on critical issues facing older people today and likely for generations to come. Insights, new evidence, research, and real-world examples will frame debates and discussions on what makes good sense and policies to ensure that older people not only remain healthy but are able to contribute socially and economically to society.

“Growing older is not for the faint hearted,” says Dr. Jane Barratt. “This knowledge forum is about sharing ideas and provoking conversations that have the opportunity to make positive impacts,” says Dr. Jane Barratt. “The IFA sees the big picture when it comes to addressing inequalities and this conference will act as a catalyst for every country, including Canada to drive crucial policy change.”

Towards a Decade of Healthy Ageing – From Evidence to Action,” is in response to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Report on Ageing and Health, and the subsequent goals of the WHO Global Strategy and Action Plan. The Global Strategy focuses on five strategic objectives: commitment to action on healthy ageing in every country; developing age-friendly environments; aligning health systems to the needs of older populations; developing sustainable and equitable systems for providing long-term care (home, communities, institutions); and improving measurement, monitoring and research on healthy ageing.

“There are many facets to the healthy ageing discussion, some that are incredibly complex and some that are common-sense. But one thing is essential if we are to achieve the goals that governments around the world have agreed to – a mechanism for including the collective voice of stakeholders,” says Dr. John Beard, Director of the Department of Ageing and Life Course at the World Health Organization. “The IFA conference is a critical opportunity to bring together the global community to ensure our vision for the next decade is realized.”

The Global Strategy and Action Plan is a significant and much needed step forward in establishing a framework for member states. The IFA, in its formal relations with the WHO, is strongly committed, through the platform of this Global Conference and attending delegates, to contributing to the evidence and partnerships necessary to support a Decade of Healthy Ageing.

About the IFA

The International Federation of Ageing (IFA) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) with a membership base comprising government, NGOs, industry, academia, and individuals in 77 countries. IFA is a voice alongside and on behalf of older adults globally and has General Consultative Status at the United Nations and its agencies including the World Health Organization. For further information visit: https://www.ifa-fiv.org/

SOURCE International Federation on Ageing

For further information: Ethan Pigott, 416-558-2783, ethan@pigott.ca

Source: www.newswire.ca