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Meet the IFA Expert Advisors – Shaping the Future of Ageing
The IFA Expert Advisors are at the heart of the 17th Global Conference on Ageing, driving meaningful conversations that bridge evidence, policy, and practice. These distinguished thought leaders bring invaluable insights, ensuring the conference remains at the forefront of global ageing discourse.
From healthy ageing and long-term care to age-friendly environments and economic resilience, our experts provide the knowledge and expertise that shape the conference themes and discussions.
Join us in Cape Town, South Africa, from 9–12 September 2025, and be part of a movement that transforms ageing for future generations!
Learn more about the IFA Expert Advisors and their impact by clicking on the button below.
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Accommodation options for the #IFACONF2025
Hotel accommodation in Cape Town can be reserved through Turners Conferences, who have secured preferred rates for participants.
With a variety of options available, attendees can enjoy convenient stays tailored to their needs.
To secure your accommodation, visit Accommodation Details.
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Explore Cape Town during your visit
Cape Town offers a wealth of attractions! Explore the city’s eclectic neighborhoods or enjoy outdoor adventures along the Cape Peninsula.
For more details on tours, transportation, and general information visit our Explore Cape Town page.
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Visa requirements for the #IFACONF2025
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter South Africa.
For more details and to request an invitation letter, visit our Visa requirements page.
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Strengthening Global Partnerships for Brain Health and Ageing! | |
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The IFA's Secretary General, Mr. Gregor Sneddon, had the pleasure of meeting with GBHI leadership, including Brian Lawlor, Elisabetta Favero, and Anne-Marie (Áine-Máire) G., along with the exceptional Atlantic Fellows at the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College, Dublin. This inspiring exchange reinforced the critical connection between brain health and ageing, highlighting the innovative work being done to drive change across the life course.
The future of ageing and brain health is in great hands!
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Welcoming We are thrilled to welcome two outstanding leaders to the IFA Board of Directors! | |
With their extensive expertise and dedication to improving the lives of older people worldwide, they bring valuable insights that will help shape the organization’s strategic direction. | |
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Meet Mr. Cherian Mathews, Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge International, who brings a wealth of experience in leading and engaging with a global network of over 200 organisations and advancing global advocacy for the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of older people.
He has more than 35 years of international development experience in leading and managing humanitarian, long term development and advocacy work at country, regional and global levels.
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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.
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Their leadership will strengthen the IFA’s mission to drive global action on ageing, ensuring that policy, practice, and research align to create meaningful impact. We look forward to their contributions as we continue advancing the rights and well-being of older people across all sectors. | |
Raising Awareness: Shingles Awareness Week 2025 | |
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From February 24 to March 2, Shingles Awareness Week 2025 highlights the importance of prevention, early detection, and vaccination. As part of this week, join Dr. Samir Sinha and Dr. Vivien Brown for a webinar addressing the significant impact of shingles infections on older Canadians. Additionally, the IFA is inviting Canadians aged 50+ to share their experiences with accessing the shingles vaccine in Canada. This discussion will help shed light on barriers to vaccination and ways to improve awareness and access.
Stay tuned for more details on the IFA’s involvement in Shingles Awareness Week!
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Join Dr. Samir Sinha and Dr. Vivien Brown this Shingles Awareness Week, to address the significant issue of shingles infections in older Canadians.
Over 90,000 new cases occur annually among those aged 50+, costing the health care system $67-82 million yearly. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, only 38.8% of Canadians aged 50+ are vaccinated, leaving many at risk for severe complications.
This webinar will cover the health impacts of shingles, policy recommendations to improve vaccine uptake, and practical steps to enhance awareness and access.
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We want to hear from you!
Asking Canadians to share their journey on accessing the Shingles Vaccination
Shingles is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that disproportionately affects individuals aged 50 and older, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent it.
In light of Shingles Awareness Week (24 February - 2 March), the IFA is inviting Canadians aged 50 and older to participate in a discussion about their experience with accessing the shingles vaccination in Canada.
This initiative aims to boost shingles vaccine uptake across provinces in Canada.
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The IFA will spotlight the voices of those at-risk of shingles and address barriers like complex referral pathways and limited awareness of shingles' serious health risks, working to improve access and prevention.
For more information, or if you’re interested in sharing your experiences, please contact Ms. Salsabila Ahmed at sahmed@ifa.ngo.
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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.
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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. | |
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In January, the IFA hosted a webinar on Increasing Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in Advocacy Efforts for Ear and Hearing Care Services, bringing together experts to discuss strategies for improving access to essential hearing care.
The session highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to strengthen advocacy efforts and drive policy change.
Missed the webinar? Watch the recording and explore key insights below!
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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! | |
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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.
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Stay up-to-date: Follow the IFA on Twitter today! | | | | |
