Documents generated through IFA's policy work are intended to form the foundation for further inquiry and knowledge generation around these important issues.  In this vein, two symposia on Age Discrimination, and one symposium on Engaging Seniors are being developed for the IFA's 9th Global Conference on Ageing in September 2008.  Key experts from around the world have agreed to participate in these important sessions.  More information on these symposiums and the session presenters will be made available on the conference website.

For more information on the policy reports and the symposia, or any other questions relating to IFA's policy work, please contact Stephen Charters at scharters@ifa-fiv.org

The ageing of our populations presents many challenges for the future but equally, at the same time, opportunities will be evident for those sectors of society that plan ahead for the inevitable changes that will come with population ageing.

For the corporate sector as we look forward the issue will be around labour market shortages and the need to redesign work practices to ensure older workers are retained in the workforce through more flexible working conditions. For governments it will be the increasing costs of health care and the recognition that greater emphasis is required in health promotion and health prevention. At the same time it will mean a policy shift on the notion of a mandatory retirement age and even extending the age where one is eligible for retirement beyond the limits set when life expectancy post retirement was only 5 to 10 years.

For the generation of baby boomers the issue will be having sufficient funds for them to have choice as they transition into a different stage of their life. What we do know is that for many, they will spend as much time in retirement as that spent in the paid workforce. So the decisions they make today around financial security are paramount if they are to have choice and a quality of life in retirement.

Within the global financial planning sector, companies such as Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, AXA and HSBC do understand the challenges and opportunities that the future holds with the ageing of our population and all have published reports that are designed to inform and educate the baby boomer generation. In this edition of IFA eNews we would like to congratulate and recognize Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu for their work.

As part of our educative role, the IFA will provide links to recent articles and publications as an ongoing feature in editions of "IFA eNews". Today, take a look at "Taking Candy From a Baby (Boomer) - Protecting Retirement Savings of an Aging Population", recently released by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu through their Global Public Sector division.

An Appeal for Help

By Greg Shaw, Director International & Corporate Relations

 

The Liberian Association of Retired Persons (LARP) through its advocacy work has been appealing to the President of Liberia, Mrs ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs to make provisions in the countries budget for the priority needs of its older citizens.

 

"Even though LARP have not yet recieved a positive response from the Chief Executive, we have strong hope that there will be some positive actions from a planned visit of the Presidents, Deputy Chief of Office to the LARP offices. We do as much as we can to care and support our seniors, but we can do so much more with a little support and recognition', said the Executive Director Mr J. Togar Seekpee.

 

LARP who has been a member of the IFA for many years, is working under difficult circumstances and it is hard for them to meet basic expenses such as office rent or salaries when they give priority to the services they deliver to seniors through their programmes.

 

You can help by donating to the LARP Appeal. Did you know that a donation as small as $30 ($USD) can meet the salary of a staff member for a month?  Download the donation form a make a difference today by touching the life of an older person. Donate Now