December 2024

About the IFA
Become a Member
News

Conference Highlights

Meet the visionaries driving change in ageing policy and practice


The IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing is proud to welcome an outstanding lineup of Featured Speakers — thought leaders, researchers, and advocates from across the globe who are shaping the future of ageing. From human rights and health systems to digital innovation and economic policy, these experts bring powerful insights and real-world experience to the forefront of evidence, policy, and practice.


Explore the full list of speakers and get inspired

Learn more

Call for Masterclass Submissions!


We are excited to announce the opening of the Call for Masterclass Submissions for the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing.


This year, we are seeking dynamic and engaging masterclasses that will inspire innovation and foster deep learning on critical issues related to ageing. If you have expertise in areas such as long-term care, digital technologies, age-friendly environments, or any of the other conference themes, we invite you to submit your proposal.


Don’t miss out on this chance to contribute to the conference program and make your mark on the global ageing agenda.


Submit your proposal here!

Pre-conference Events happening!


Start your IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing experience early with two exciting pre-conference events on 9 September: a series of expert-led Masterclasses and the dynamic Age-Friendly Environments Summit.


These sessions offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into key topics and connect with leaders in the field.


More information here and registration details coming soon— stay tuned!

Book Your Accommodation!


As the official conference partner, Turners Conferences is managing all accommodation bookings, invitation letters, and tour arrangements for the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing. A variety of hotel options—conveniently located near the venue—are available at special rates for delegates.


We encourage you to book early to secure your preferred choice and take advantage of the full range of services offered.


Submit your proposal here!

Early-bird fee Extended!


Good news! You now have more time to take advantage of the early-bird registration rate for the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing.


Don’t miss this opportunity to save and secure your spot at the leading global event on ageing.


Register by May 1st to enjoy the discounted rate!


Register here!

IFA Highlights

New Podcast Series: Podcast Series: hMPV – A Common Yet Unknown Respiratory Threat

Join IFA in raising awareness of the respiratory virus that doctors are describing as one of the most important viruses you have never heard of: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)!


All three episodes are now available at the following link. The podcast series can also be listened in the following languages:  French, GermanItalianJapanese, and Spanish. More information on the podcast series can be found on our social media, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.


Tune in now to learn why hMPV deserves your attention.


Stream the episodes today!

We're thrilled to introduce two new team members who bring fresh energy and expertise to the IFA.

We're excited to welcome two outstanding professionals to the IFA:

Meet Sonia Hsiung, Chief Strategy Officer, brings a wealth of experience leading multi-sectoral initiatives in health care, social prescribing, poverty reduction, housing, and newcomer settlement. Most recently, she served as Director of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing at the Canadian Red Cross.


Sonia is passionate about building equitable, resilient, and connected communities through cross-sector collaboration.

Meet Ms. Jacinthe Roy, Executive Director of Réseau FADOQ, a seasoned leader with extensive governance experience.


Her work on provincial and national committees, along with her dedication to advancing policies for older adults, will play a key role in supporting IFA’s mission.

We look forward to their contributions as we continue advancing the rights and well-being of older people across all sectors.

Meet the IFA Team

Driving Pneumococcal Vaccination Policy to Protect Older Canadians

As Canada's population ages, protecting older adults from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) like pneumococcal disease becomes increasingly urgent. Pneumococcal disease, including invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), disproportionately affects older Canadians and contributes to high mortality rates, especially among those over 80. Despite the growing need, vaccination rates remain low, with only 54.7% of adults 65 and older vaccinated. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all adults over 65 receive the pneumococcal vaccine, but tailored strategies are needed to improve uptake.


Addressing this gap will not only protect public health but also reduce healthcare costs, with vaccines expected to bring $2.5 billion in savings. Immediate action, increased funding, and better accessibility are essential to protect our ageing population.


Visit the IFA webpage to learn more about pneumococcal vaccination policies and how you can support older Canadians!

Find out more here

We want to hear from you!

Are you a caregiver for someone living with dementia in Canada?


The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) wants to hear from you! Our 2024 national survey reveals that while community resources are beneficial, many caregivers struggle to access them and feel isolated. Join us in our new project by sharing your insights in a semi-structured interview.


Together, we can call to improve support systems and create a more supportive community.


For more information or to participate, please contact Elizabeth Lewis at elewis@ifa.ngo.


Together, we can make a difference!

IFA and EuGMS Statement of Action on Adult Vaccination



As our global population ages, it is crucial to prioritize the health of older adults. Vaccination is a key public health intervention, especially for older adults who experience greater risk of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). However, vaccine uptake among older adults remains low due to various challenges.


Arising from a joint meeting, held at the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Congress key recommendations and actions were developed to improve vaccination policy and practice for older adults, ultimately supporting healthy ageing and maintenance of function into later life.

Key actions call for strengthening National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) operations and expertise, investing in robust data collection on vaccination uptake and VPDs, supporting access and education on vaccination to enhance uptake in older adults and ensuring stakeholder engagement and accountability.

Download the Statement of Action here

IFA Global Café

IFA Global Café


The IFA invites you to register to next week session of the Global Café in Conversation with Prof. Andrew Budson.



📅 When: April 11th 2025

⏰ Time: 7:00 AM Eastern Standard Time



The International Federation on Ageing invites you to join us for our upcoming Global Cafe sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and share insights on a range of topics related to ageing. As an organization, we are committed to viewing all workstreams through the lens of the four action areas of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, and in doing so, we strive to develop a common agenda that influences and shapes age-related policies.

 

We would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming Global Cafe event, which offers an opportunity to engage in significant discourse. Our upcoming session will center on the subject of "Conversations Around Brain Health: Reframing Expectations for Patients and Caregivers" featuring esteemed guest Prof. Andrew Budson.


Register here!

Sign up here to receive weekly invitations to join the IFA’s Global Café, hosted every Friday at 7:00 a.m. EST. Have topics or speakers you would like to see on the IFA Global Café? Feel welcome to contact Senior Policy and Project Coordinator Mitali Mistry (mmistry@ifa.ngo) with your recommendations!

IFA Global Café Archive


If you were unable to attend any of the IFA Global Café sessions, we have great news for you! All past sessions, along with valuable resources and materials, are now accessible on our website. Whether you're interested in exploring specific topics or simply want to catch up on the insightful discussions, you can conveniently view the recorded sessions at your leisure.


We invite you to visit our website to experience the wealth of knowledge and expertise shared by our distinguished speakers and panelists. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the thought-provoking content from the IFA Global Café series.

View Past Sessions

Stay up-to-date: Follow the IFA on Twitter today!

Click here to follow IFA on Twitter