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Don’t miss out on WHO’s newly released guide focused on connecting generations! Ageism exists when “age” is used to categorize individuals and create social divisions, with ensuing injustice and harm and lack of solidarity across generations. Ageism is highly detrimental the health and well-being of older adults and societies around the world.
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Building on evidence from the Global report on ageism that calls for increased investment and implementation of interventions for intergenerational contact (which is one of three strategies that have been proven to work in addressing ageism, together with policy and law and educational interventions) the WHO has developed new guidance to support and build the capacity of individuals and communities to actively engage in this work.
The guide provides step-by-step guidance for anyone who is using or wishes to use intergenerational practice to combat ageism and to promote understanding and mutual respect among generations.
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The WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance:
Importance of Health Policy and Systems Research for Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems
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As a member of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Rehabilitation Alliance, the International Federation on Ageing supports the release of the editorial Importance of Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) for Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems: A Call to Action to Accelerate Progress by members of the Alliance’s health policy and systems research workstream.
Co-authors of the call to action, in their capacity as representatives of leading academic journals, commit to promoting health policy and systems research for rehabilitation within their respective journals. Rehabilitation focuses beyond preventative and curative care to promote the independence of people with a health condition so that they can do and be what they have reason to value. Health policy and systems research for rehabilitation allows policy makers to make evidence-based decisions to enhance health system capacity to meet the needs of those who would benefit from access to rehabilitation services.
The need for rehabilitation services is both increasing and largely unmet. Researchers estimate that almost 2.5 billion individuals could benefit from rehabilitation, with an increase in need being attributed to an ageing population and increases in non-communicable diseases. To improve the planning for and integration of rehabilitation into health systems, the IFA joins fellow members of the health policy and systems workstream of the World Rehabilitation Alliance to advocate for:
- the demand and utilization of HPSR evidence for rehabilitation,
- the widespread generation of high-quality HPSR evidence for rehabilitation,
- the publication, dissemination, and implementation of HPSR evidence for rehabilitation.
Read the editorial here and learn more about other advocacy activities of the World Rehabilitation Alliance by visiting the WHO-hosted website.
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Latest IFA report aims to strengthen the
National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups
Comprehensive national immunization plans across the life course are informed by evidence-based recommendations from National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) made up of national experts in their fields.
To better understand the degree to which the ‘life course approach’ is actualized in the IA2030 agenda and translated into the Decade, the International Federation on Ageing conducted a systemic review of NITAGs in thirty-four countries across WHO regions.
Using the WHO process indicators and the TAPIC Framework, the study Evidence to Action: A Review of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups aims to inform and strengthen the NITAG structure and function in support of a life course approach to immunization and healthy ageing.
This groundbreaking study highlighted the urgent need for stronger governance, and greater transparency in the nature of operational mechanisms, and recommendations.
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International Federation on Ageing
Hearing in Later Life
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The Decade of Ageing highlights the importance of collaborative actions to improve the lives of older people for healthy ageing. By virtue of hearing health being positioned as an outcome of healthy ageing, the provision of integrated care, aligning with WHO’s guidance on Integrated Care for Older People, becomes central to the narrative of desired outcomes of healthy ageing.
IFA continues to be a leader in the field by making and strengthening connections across disciplines and sectors toward a common policy agenda and toward the development of new narratives about the impact of intrinsic and external factors on the functional ability of older people, including hearing health in later life.
As such, the IFA took part in the WHO Strategic Planning Meeting of the WHO Network of Collaborating Centers (CCs) and Organizations in Official Relations for Ear and Hearing Care, held in Los Angeles, United States October 17-18. The IFA is committed to advancing the integration of hearing within healthy ageing. As part of this, the IFA is interested in learning about older adults’ experiences with hearing loss through a 5-minute survey.
Learn more about the world report on hearing here.
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DR Barometer Recognizes World Diabetes Day |  | |
As populations age globally and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases increases, diabetes rates are rising, along with diabetes-related complications. This month, IFA recognizes World Diabetes Day on 14 November, which highlights the importance of access to diabetes care required for disease management and the prevention of complications.
The DR Barometer Program is a global action network of individuals and organizations working to improve the vision health outcomes of adults with diabetes through collaboration, action, and knowledge exchange. Aligned with World Diabetes Day, the Program aims to improve patient-focused care for people with diabetes to prevent avoidable vision loss and ensure access to eye care.
It is well known that patients with diabetes-related eye conditions (and their support persons) struggle to attend frequent eye appointments due to time required off work. Accordingly, the Barometer Program has developed an employer information pack to help employers understand treatment requirements and support their employees living with diabetes-related eye diseases. The materials consist of a doctor's note and an accompanying pamphlet explaining the condition and the need for frequent eye appointments.
Download the material to support those living with diabetes-related eye diseases:
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Join the IFA and distinguished presenters for the Adult Vaccination Healthcare Provider ECHO!
Despite the profound and far-reaching impact of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) on individuals, societies, and nations, it remains a stark reality that the importance of adult immunization in the context of healthy aging is not as widely prioritized as it should be. The lessons we've learned from the recent global pandemic underscore the critical need for a comprehensive approach that connects interdisciplinary stakeholders, establishes a robust platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and empowers healthcare providers (HCPs) to assume vital roles as educators and advocates for adult vaccination within their respective communities.
In response to this, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) takes great pride in the ongoing Adult Vaccination Healthcare Providers Education ECHO program. This innovative initiative seeks to improve the skills and competencies of healthcare providers, enabling them to effectively promote and advocate for adult immunization.
At its core, this program addresses a critical gap in our approach to healthcare. It serves as a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between the fields of aging and immunization. As our population ages, the linkages between healthy aging and the prevention of VPDs become increasingly evident. Older adults are at heightened risk of VPDs, and the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. By prioritizing adult immunization and equipping HCPs with the tools and knowledge they need, we are not only safeguarding the well-being of older individuals but also fortifying the resilience of our healthcare systems and societies.
By fostering greater awareness, understanding, and collaboration among healthcare providers, we can collectively make strides toward a healthier and more robust future.
The IFA invites healthcare providers, professionals from various backgrounds, and individuals with all skill levels to join us in building capacity and holding meaningful conversation around adult vaccination.
Upcoming modules are being held on 15 November, 29 November, and 13 December at 9.00-10.00am EST.
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Tackling RSV: Raising Awareness, Driving Prevention
How familiar are you with RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus, often misunderstood to be only a childhood illness. However, older adults and those with chronic conditions constitute a large at-risk population for serious complications from RSV, including lower respiratory illness, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and cardiac complications, including heart failure.
Every year, RSV results in many older adults experiencing life-altering consequences, with estimates of 470,000 hospitalizations and 33,000 deaths in those aged 60 years and over in high-income countries, in 2019. Despite such staggering numbers and the growing evidence indicating that RSV may compare to influenza disease, there is a significant underestimation of the disease burden in older adults.
With this in mind, the IFA has launched the RSV: When it’s more than the Flu campaign to raise awareness of this vaccine-preventable disease. As we enter RSV Season in Canada from October-April, it is important to remain vigilant against combatting RSV. Prevention methods include covering coughs, frequent handwashing and staying home while sick. However, vaccination remains the best preventative measure against RSV.
The IFA’s RSV campaign consists of a series of activities focused on three key areas, prevention, access, and equity, to ensure older Canadians are aware of the risk of RSV infection and are appropriately informed on how to prevent severe illness. The campaign features targeted educational tools such as a message bank and fact sheet, which offer a collection of RSV-related content with an emphasis on the RSV vaccination for older adults. A two-part podcast series features insight from an expert clinician, Dr. Christine Palmay, and a patient testimony from Ms. Sheila Arkin to relay their insights on the impact of RSV on individuals with comorbid conditions. Additionally, IFA’s weekly Global Café on 10 November 2023 will feature Dr. Alan Kaplan, Chairperson of the Respiratory Section of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, to discuss the burden of RSV in older adults and what can be done to protect this group.
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Improving Canadian Adult Influenza Immunization Rates Through Knowledge and Action Survey | |
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Calling All Canadians! We want to hear from you!
Help inform the IFA Improving Canadian Adult Influenza Immunization Rates Through Knowledge and Action Project!
Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that represents one of the top ten causes of death in Canada, accounting for over 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year across the nation. While the typical recovery period lasts on average 3-7 days, severe complications and illnesses can develop resulting in hospitalization and/or death. People aged 65 years and older and individuals with chronic health conditions are among those who are at high-risk for developing influenza-related complications or hospitalizations and this risk continues to increase with age.
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Recognizing the elevated risk influenza poses to older adults and the protection vaccination affords, the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends vaccination against influenza for any adults aged 65 years and older. Despite NACI recommendations, it is unclear however if Canadians are aware of specific recommendations or the fact that there are differences and/or options with respect to the influenza vaccines available to them. The differences in vaccine recommendations for older adults underscores the urgent need to ensure Canadians are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make appropriate and informed decisions regarding their choice to be vaccinated and in protecting their health and wellbeing.
Foundational to this is the need for better understanding of the perceptions, awareness and knowledge of influenza as a vaccine-preventable disease, the importance of vaccination and the options available among older adults. With this in mind the IFA is pleased to welcome your participation in an on-line survey which will gather views on influenza vaccination practices and the vaccines available to older people. This information will then be used to help improve awareness, inform decisions and support the development of educational resources that can be used by all older Canadians.
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Engaging Canadian Civil Society Organizations in Vaccine Advocacy - The IFA Adult Vaccination Advocacy Strategies Series | |
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With the fall season underway and the emerging threat of the ‘tripledemic’, used to describe the combined risk associated with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, there is an urgent need to ensure civil society organizations (CSOs) have the technical information required to be able to inform their constituents of the significant risk these vaccine preventable diseases pose to older adults as well as the associated burden on the Canadian healthcare system. CSOs are powerful advocates for and on behalf of their constituents and represent reliable sources of health-related information. With this in mind, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is hosting a two-part vaccination advocacy series with the goal of assisting CSOs in advancing their vaccine advocacy efforts.
The first virtual townhall meeting on 14 November will provide attendees with technical information on the impact of COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and pneumococcal pneumonia on the health of older adults specifically and Canadians more generally. A featured speaker will outline recommendations provided by the National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) and provide perspectives on the ‘tripledemic”, including the ways in which COVID-19, influenza, and RSV can interact with one another and the associated impact within at-risk populations such as older adults.
Townhall 1: Tackling the ‘Tripledemic’ and promoting vaccination among at-risk populations
Date: November 14, 2023
Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm EST
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The second townhall will be open only to CSOs and will feature a dynamic discussion which aims to bring forward examples of best practice in vaccination campaigns and topics such as the importance of measuring impact, strategies for reaching at risk populations, and opportunities to maximize and amplify dissemination. Interested CSOs are encouraged to contact Cera Cruise (ccruise@ifa.ngo) to register to participate in the second townhall. | |
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World Pneumonia Day is annually observed on 12 November to help raise global awareness of the detrimental impacts of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a vaccine-preventable disease that is prevalent amongst older adults. To reduce the burden of this disease in this vulnerable population, there needs to be global action on expanding vaccination campaigns to include vaccination against pneumonia, increasing access to education and treatment on pneumonia, adopting pneumonia mortality reduction targets for adults, and developing age-disaggregated data on the burden of pneumonia. As the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is a member of the Every Breath Counts Coalition, it is aligned with the mission to reduce the burden of pneumonia. As such, the IFA stresses the inclusion of a life course approach when raising awareness of this disease and hopes that along with other professional, patient, and advocacy organizations, and governments across the world, that pneumonia disease prevention and reduction is prioritized.
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