Welcoming the International IFA Community to Cape Town, South Africa!
This September, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is honoured to welcome delegates from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa for the 17th Global Conference on Ageing. Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, the conference will bring together leaders, experts, and advocates to exchange knowledge, spark innovation, and strengthen the movement for ageing populations everywhere.
The IFA extends its heartfelt appreciation to members, delegates, sponsors and partners whose commitment makes this gathering possible. Their support, expertise, and collaboration are what bring the conference to life, shaping an inspiring and impactful week ahead.
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Discover the Conference Program
Explore the exciting lineup at the IFA 17th Global Conference on Ageing in Cape Town! From inspiring keynotes to engaging sessions and Discovery Day experiences, there’s something for everyone interested in the future of ageing.
Take a look at the program and see what’s happening during this landmark week.
*The full program is available to download and print
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Explore the Abstract Portal
Curious about the ideas and research shaping the future of ageing? The IFA Abstract Portal gives you a sneak peek into the sessions and presentations being shared at the 17th Global Conference on Ageing in Cape Town.
Browse abstracts, learn more about the speakers and presenters, and discover the insights that will spark discussion and inspire action throughout the week.
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Symposium Spotlight:
Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ Older People and Elders
Come join us on Thursday, September 11th at 11:00 am for the Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ Older People and Elders symposium. This panel discussion brings together LGBTIQ+ aging advocates from Australia, Costa Rica, Nepal, and the United States working at the intersection of LGBTIQ+ human rights, aging and aged care. Panelists will discuss LGBTIQ+ aging experiences specific to their country contexts, highlight learnings from the field, and share concrete ways that policymakers and advocates can understand, address, and advance the health and human rights of LGBTIQ+ older adults.
Panelists include:
Samantha Edmonds - Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy of OPAN (Australia), Daniela Bolaños Torres - Political Advocacy Coordinator of CIPAC (Costa Rica),
Sarita KC – Executive Director of Mitini Nepal (Nepal), and
Michael Adams - CEO of SAGE (USA).
Alexandre Kalache – President of the International Longevity Centre Brazil (Brazil) moderates this lively discussion of what's possible when we center LGBTIQ+ older people in our work and policy.
Following the symposium, please join the panelists and moderator for a lunch and learn to continue this discussion of LGBTIQ aging experiences from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.
Discover more about this must-attend symposium by clicking the button below!
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Meet the IFA Featured Speakers
The IFA highlights the thought leaders shaping the future of ageing at the #IFACONF2025.
Featured speakers bring expertise, innovation, and inspiring perspectives across a range of topics, from healthy ageing and age-friendly environments to human rights and global ageing policy.
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The IFA wishes all delegates an amazing experience at #IFACONF2025 in Cape Town, South Africa!
Stay connected throughout the week!
News, photos, and updates will be shared on the conference website and across social media. Don't forget to join the conversation and share your experiences using the hashtag #IFACONF2025.
| | IFA Projects and Initiatives | | | | |
Are you working to advance healthy ageing? We want to hear from you!
As a global voice for healthy ageing, the IFA is calling on leaders to share their insights. This survey seeks to identify the pressing gaps and opportunities shaping ageing worldwide.
Whether your work is rooted in ageing or intersects through allied fields, your expertise is vital.
IFA invites you to share this survey with others in your network.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact: communications@ifa.ngo.
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Centring the Voices of Carers for Canadians Living with Dementia – Landing page structure
Care partners and older people living with dementia have unique and varied life experiences that must be recognized in policy, social and public health interventions, and community resources. With the growing number of older people worldwide and the evolving nature of family and community care, understanding the experiences of caregivers is more important than ever to improve the lives of current and future generations.
To amplify these voices, the IFA conducted interviews with Canadian caregivers for people living with dementia, highlighting their lived experiences, the support they need, and the impact they bring to their communities. The series explores how culture, race, gender, class, age, and sexual orientation shape caregiving, and underscores the importance of including caregivers in the development of supportive resources.
Follow the three-part series, releasing one episode each week, to hear the compelling stories of Canadian caregivers.
| | Explore the Global Atlas on Adult Vaccination! | The GAAV evaluates seven key indicators, including funding, equity, long-term care inclusion, and civil society engagement. It aims to support policymakers, researchers, and advocates in identifying strengths, addressing gaps, and advancing vaccine equity worldwide. | | | |
New in PIE Magazine:
Solving the Retinal Treatment Burden — Featuring IFA Global Advisor Dr. Jane Barratt
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The latest feature in PIE Magazine (https://piemagazine.org/) explores key findings from the Barometer Global Survey, focusing on how treatment burden and adherence challenges continue to affect outcomes in retinal care.
IFA Global Advisor, Dr. Jane Barratt, offers critical insight on the need to reframe vision care as essential public health infrastructure. She advocates for integrating eye health into primary and community care, including practical supports like screening, transportation, and home visits—all aimed at making care more accessible and person-centered.
Read how this global initiative is helping shape more equitable and effective approaches to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).
| | 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.
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