March 2023
The IFA looks forward to welcoming delegates from all over the world to the 16th Global Conference on Ageing happening on in-person on 27th – 30th June 2023, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in Thailand.

We are thrilled to announce that the 16th Global Conference on Ageing is quickly approaching, and we invite you to join us for this important event. Against the backdrop of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, this conference promises to be a dynamic and inspiring forum for exploring the most pressing issues facing our ageing population.

With a focus on the five action areas of maintaining and improving function, immunization for all ages, age friendly environments, digital technologies and practices, and older women the conference will feature interactive workshops, thought-provoking symposiums, and sessions.

This is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts, advocates, and policymakers from around the world, and to make a real impact in advancing the cause of healthy and fulfilling ageing for all. Participate in this significant event and contribute to shaping the future of ageing.

Global Café
IFA invites you to attend the Global Café, which will be held on March 3rd, at 7:00 am EDT.

In Conversation with, Prof. Vivian Lou, Director of Sau Po Centre of Ageing.

This Global Café featured expert will lead a discussion around Leadership in the Field of Caregiver Health and Well Being.
IFA at the UN ECOSOC Partnership
Exchange Meeting
The IFA recently attended the UN ECOSOC Partnership Exchange Meeting on 31 January 2023. This meeting was convened in advance of the upcoming Higher Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which will be held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. This partnership exchange meeting presented expertise and valuable ideas being utilized by Member States and key stakeholders to build partnerships, in contribution towards the attainment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key takeaways from this meeting was the concept of developing a common language and knowledge community between organisations, stakeholders, and funders.

This concept provides accessibility of knowledge on partnership development to all involved parties and will allow for these relationships to become easier to initiate and sustain. Additionally, “social impact investing” was introduced, as the concept where investments are created with the intention of addressing and generating measurable social and environmental impact with a financial return. In order to build partnerships for conducting important social impact work, funders need to be involved with these organisations so that their initiatives have the financial resources necessary to move forward. When funders are approached to invest in organisations for social change, there is often difficulty in them seeing a profitable opportunity.

This is where social impact organisations need to identify points of interest to cater to the financial return that these funders seek. Leveraging the aforementioned knowledge communities to share best practices on engaging funders in this field of social impact work can be extremely beneficial, as it solidifies more experienced ways in which funding can be attained to support partnerships for achieving more of the SDGs.
Discover the Global Factors Shaping Vaccination Policies for Older Adults: A Review Article
Co-Authored by Dr. Jane Barrett
Are you interested in learning about the factors that influence vaccination policies and programs for older adults around the world?

Look no further than the latest issue of Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, which features a comprehensive review article on this very topic. Co-authored by the esteemed Dr. Jane Barrett, this article delves into the challenges and successes of vaccination initiatives for older adults across different countries and cultures.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, policy maker, or simply curious about this important issue, this article is a must-read. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and information presented in this thought-provoking piece.
IFA attends the 61st Session of the Commission
for Social Development

IFA recently attended the 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development at UN Headquarters in New York and delivered an in-person side event aligned with the priority theme, entitled “Prioritizing the rights of older persons for decent work, productive employment, and full participation in society”. 
 
With the support of partners and representatives from the UN Regional Commissions, the dialogue highlighted the need for reduction of ageism in the workplace, increased access to labour markets for older persons, and protection of the rights of older persons as well as social protection to support older persons who do not wish to work. 
Evidence to Action:
A review of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs)
Look out for the upcoming release of the IFA's technical report on "Evidence to Action: A review of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs)."

This comprehensive study was conducted to better understand the process rigour, transparency, accountability, and composition of experts in line with the life-course approach to immunization among national vaccine committees.

Stay tuned to the V4L webpage for more information on this exciting upcoming release.
Invitation: Dementia Reparations Principles and Project report

Australian focused launch
13 March 2023 (EST timezone)

Researchers Linda Steele (University of Technology Sydney) and Kate Swaffer (Dementia Alliance International) in conversation with: Yumi Lee (Older Women's Network of NSW), Bill Mitchell OAM LLD (Townsville Community Law), Theresa Flavin (dementia human rights activist and advocate)
International human rights focused launch
23 March 2023 (EST and CET timezones)

Researchers Linda Steele (University of Technology Sydney) and Kate Swaffer (Dementia Alliance International) in conversation with: Professor Claudia Mahler (United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of all Human Rights by Older Person), Professor Israel Issi Doron (University of Haifa), Bethany Brown (International Disability Alliance)
Not just a rash:
Shingle Awareness Week is here!
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA), in collaboration with GSK, is hosting Shingles Awareness Week this week (February 27 – March 05).

We aim to educate people on the debilitating impact of shingles, an illness that 1 in 3 people will develop in their lifetime.

IFA’s Secretary General Jane M Barratt, Ph.D. catches up with UK celebrity and TV presenter Eamonn Holmes OBE, who shares his own experience of shingles – misconceptions, symptoms, and the life moments he missed due to the debilitating pain of the disease.

Go behind the science with GSK and Jane Barratt, as she provides expert commentary on the key symptoms, risk factors and impact of shingles, as well as a deeper dive into how the age-related decline in immunity can make diseases like shingles more prevalent and serious in older populations.

Follow the IFA social media channels for great Shingles Awareness Week content this week, and help us raise awareness by liking, commenting and sharing with your followers, encouraging all those concerned of their shingles risk to speak with a registered healthcare practitioner
IFA Conference
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CONFERENCE NEWS
Denise Eldemire-Shearer, a distinguished professor in ageing and public health at the University of the West Indies Ageing and Wellness Centre Jamaica, will be the keynote speaker at the IFA Global Conference on Ageing.
We're excited to invite abstract submissions for our upcoming conference! If you're a researcher, practitioner, or student with expertise in ageing, we encourage you to share your work with our community. This is your opportunity to showcase your research, innovations, and insights on a global platform. Join us in advancing knowledge and solutions for ageing populations.