|
A Month of Global Engagement and Forward Momentum in Healthy Ageing!
November was a dynamic month for the International Federation on Ageing, marked by global advocacy, regional leadership, and bold conversations about reimagining systems of care. From Doha to Hong Kong, the IFA continued to champion an inclusive, age-friendly future rooted in dignity, equity, and innovation.
| | IFA News, Projects and Initiatives | | | | A Year of Leadership and Global Engagement | |
This November marks Gregor Sneddon’s first year as Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing. Over the past twelve months, he has guided the organization in advancing global collaboration on healthy ageing and longevity, connecting with partners, and promoting inclusive, person-centred approaches that ensure older adults can age with dignity, purpose, and connection.
Mr. Sneddon also acknowledges the enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Barratt, whose 22 years of visionary leadership continue to inspire IFA’s work worldwide.
Building on this foundation, Gregor is committed to strengthening partnerships, fostering innovation, and advancing the global agenda for healthy ageing.
| | |
This month, IFA Secretary General, Mr. Gregor Sneddon, joined world leaders, policymakers, and global advocates at the Second World Summit on Social Development in Doha.
As part of the Summit, the IFA convened a high-level Solution Session on “Building Age-Friendly Cities and Communities for Inclusive Social Development.”
The message was clear: An age-friendly world is a world ready for the future.
Key insights highlighted at the Summit were:
- Age-friendly environments are foundational to social development
- Inclusion and accessibility must be embedded in city planning
- Cross-sector partnerships accelerate impact
- Communities must be designed for all people, across the life course
| | Strengthening Regional Leadership at ADI’s Asia Pacific Regional Symposium | Hong Kong, China | | | | |
During his time in Hong Kong, the Secretary General attended the Alzheimer’s Disease International’s Asia Pacific Regional Symposium: A New Era of Dementia Care. The symposium brought together experts, leaders, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in dementia care.
With dementia affecting someone in the world every three seconds, the event underscored the ongoing importance of building systems that support prevention, early detection, quality care, and community inclusion.
| | Advancing Innovation and the Silver Economy at GIES | Hong Kong, China | | |
The Secretary General also attended the Gerontech and Innovation Expo Summit (GIES) in Hong Kong, a leading regional platform bringing together innovators, practitioners, and organizations shaping the future of gerontechnology and the silver economy.
GIES highlighted how technology and AI are rapidly transforming person-centred care and enabling systems that support older adults to live healthier, safer, and more connected lives. With a growing older population across the region, conversations at GIES underscored the importance of innovation that is inclusive, dignified, and responsive to real-world needs.
The momentum at GIES reflects a broader shift: the future of healthy ageing will be shaped by strong policy, people-centred design, and technologies that strengthen resilience for individuals, communities, and economies.
| | Showcasing Innovation in Ageing at Home | SilverEco International Festival, Cannes, France | | | | |
As part of recent IFA engagements, Jessilyn Forigo, Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Development, participated in the SilverEco International Festival in Cannes as a panelist in “Telecare Without Borders: AI, Sensors and Human-Centered Innovation for Ageing at Home.”
The discussion brought together leaders in ageing, technology, and care solutions
| | |
to examine how demographic shifts, workforce shortages, and evolving family structures are shaping the future of ageing at home.
Panelists explored the growing role of AI, sensor-based monitoring, and co-designed approaches that prioritize dignity, independence, and person-centred support.
Jessilyn’s engagement reflected the IFA’s commitment to advancing innovative, human-centered strategies that empower older adults and strengthen systems of care worldwide.
| | | |  | |
Call to Action: Ensuring Effective Immunisation Programmes for an Ageing Europe
The IFA is proud to endorse the Call to Action: Ensuring Effective Immunisation Programmes for an Ageing Europe.
This important initiative highlights the critical role of immunisation and urges policymakers to strengthen national immunisation programmes—aligning recommendations with the latest scientific evidence and global best practices to meet the needs of ageing populations.
To learn more about the call the action visit: https://ow.ly/vp6x50XnLJ0
| | | | | | |
Closing the Gap: Strengthening Access to Primary Care in Canada
The IFA, in collaboration with Simon Fraser University, is proud to share a new report on Access to Primary Care among Older Adults in Canada.
The findings show a growing gap in access: one in five Canadians now lacks a regular family physician or nurse practitioner, a number that increased significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Primary care is foundational to good health—supporting prevention, early intervention, reduced hospital use, and better overall outcomes.
| | | |
This report highlights the evidence, personal impact, and urgent need for reforms to strengthen equitable access across the country.
Learn more about the report and its findings here: https://ow.ly/azeX50XyTPM
| | | | |
Demystifying Vaccine Information: Understanding the Language of Influenza
Canada’s ageing population is at increased risk from seasonal influenza — a preventable threat that causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year.
To help close knowledge gaps and empower informed decision-making, the IFA has launched a free online e-module: “Improving Awareness: Demystifying Influenza Vaccine Information.”
This interactive, evidence-based resource helps older adults and high-risk populations better understand available vaccines and make confident health decisions.
| | |
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 Policy and Project Coordinator Salsabila Ahmed (sahmed@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.
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.
| | Stay up-to-date: Follow the IFA on Twitter today! | | | | |
