Mark Your Calendars
International Forum on Ageing-in-Place in Akita Japan, October 2009 |
In October 2009, the IFA is convening an International Forum on Ageing-in-Place in Akita Japan, hosted by Friends of IFA Japan (FOIFA) in partnership with the Hong Kong Council of Social Services (HKCSS). This meeting follows the 2008 Senior Officials Meeting in Montreal, where government officials examined current trends in policy and practice as they relate to Ageing-in-Place in the face of rapid global population ageing.
The two-day Akita forum builds upon the outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting and will provide an international platform for information exchange and knowledge transfer based on three major themes: Models of Ageing in Place, Age Friendly Cities, and Technology. We are inviting stakeholders from government, from academia, from the private sector and civil society to join us in Akita to discuss the efficacy and sustainability of models of Ageing-in-Place and the degree to which the environment can support the social change needed to respond to the demographic changes.
At this time we are asking that all interested persons mark their calendars and begin thinking about joining us in Japan in October. FOIFA and IFA are working diligently behind the scenes to put together a strong, content-rich programme, and also develop a conference environment that will stimulate discussion and information exchange.
If you would like to attend this international forum or wish to get more information, please make direct contact with myself at jbarratt@ifa-fiv.org or Mr Greg Shaw at gshaw@ifa-fiv.org at the IFA headquarters. We would be happy to share more information with you.
We look forward to seeing you in Akita in the fall
Warm regards,
Dr Jane Barratt
Secretary General |
 Ageing in Place:
A Perspective from Trinidad and Tobago
In this edition of IFA eNews we profile the Summary Report presented by Trinidad and Tobago. Like many other countries, Trinidad and Tobago will see a significant change in demographics over the next 20 years, specifically a major increase in the number older people living on the twin island. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is therefore greatly interested in how it will prepare for a society of all ages.
The government has recently begun creating policy pieces that address ageing issues in the country. The first major policy was the National Policy on Ageing, which was approved by Cabinet in September 2006 and launched in July 2007. This document identifies twelve priority areas for action, including Social Security, Social Inclusion, Research and Education: you can access the full policy here. Additionally, the Draft National Gender Policy is currently being finalized, and will address the role of women as de facto caregivers of older persons, as well as the health and economic issues affecting older women.
Another key issue in Trinidad and Tobago will be the integration of older people who wish to remain in the workforce. The Senior Citizens Bureau, which was established in 1996, serves as a skills bank and placement agency for retirees to secure jobs in the community. In addition, the Retirees Adolescent Association Partnership Programme (RAPP) is being developed to recruit highly-functioning and skilled retirees to mentor youth in the community.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has furthermore established partnerships with international organizations such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Institute of Public Administration of Canada to build local capacity through technical support to develop the infrastructure for community care services for older persons, which is part of Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to its senior citizens.
The full Trinidad and Tobago report and other country reports are available on the IFA website. | |
| IFA Member Profile
The City of Mississauga, Canada
 The City of Mississauga, Ontario--the 6th largest city in Canada--is proactively addressing population ageing through innovative policy approaches. Currently, 1 in 5 residents of Mississauga are 55 years old and over, and by 2031, 1 in 3 residents will be over 55 years of age. With this in mind, the Community Services Department of the City of Mississauga finalized the city's Older Adults Plan in 2008, to establish a guiding framework for the City's Older Adult Project, a future-oriented, innovative plan for the city over the next 10 years. The Older Adult Plan consists of a 10 principles and supporting goals, with 66 recommended actions that cover a range of community issues, from volunteering to public spaces to lifelong learning to commuting and travel. The vision that emerges through the Older Adults Project is for Mississauga to become an "Age-Friendly City", whereby services, facilities, and programs will be made 'more accessible and responsive to the specific needs of older persons' through the collaboration of all levels of government, community organizations, citizens, funders, and businesses. 'As an age friendly city, older adults in Mississauga will lead purposeful and active lives, will live in their community with dignity, integrity and independence, and will experience a diverse range of lifestyle opportunities to pursue their personal interests.' The scope of this Project is focused on Community Services for Older Adults, but extends across all Departments, including Corporate Services, Planning and Building, and Transportation and Works. For more information about Mississauga's responses to population ageing, please visit their website here, or read the Older Adult Plan in full text here. 
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| Strengthening Rights of Older People
Side Event at the 47th Session of the Commission for Social Development
The 47th Session of the Economic and Social Council's (ECOSOC) Commission for Social Development will be held February 4th to 13th 2009 a the United Nations (UN) in New York. The draft Agenda for this year's meeting is available online here. The IFA will have representation in New York, with President Irene Hoskins, Secretary General Jane Barratt, and IFA's UN representatives Helen R Hamlin, Natalie Gordon, Valerie Levy, and Mary Mayer all in attendance.
During the 47th session of the UN Commission for Social Development, the IFA together with HelpAge International, the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics as well as major national NGOs will convene a side meeting to better understand the process toward a UN Convention on the rights of older people. This side event is being developed in close consultation with the Mission of Brazil to the United Nations, given the substantial background work and commitment that Brazil demonstrated.
Event Schedule
Monday 9 February
Time 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Location Conference Room 5
The promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons is a principal goal of many NGOs and government departments dealing with ageing issues, as well as individuals in the field of ageing. In view of the rapidly ageing population in most developed and developing countries, many of us believe that the time has come to advocate more vigorously and systematically for a new human rights instrument to protect all older persons.
Dialogue around a UN Convention on the Rights of Older People has been ongoing with various Member States for some time. With the strong collaboration and guidance from Alex Kalache (Special Policy Advisor, International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics and HelpAge International Global Ambassador on Ageing) we will have a number of key stakeholder groups sharing the same platform and reinforcing the central message.
The focus of the side meeting is to be informed about the process toward a convention, to learn from delegates from other sectors, and examine other human rights examples. Speakers include representatives from academia, NGOs, UN DESA, the disability and legal sectors. |
Abletech'08
Accessible and Assistive Technologies Conference, Bilboa Spain
'Population ageing is one of the biggest challenges faced by all [...] countries, highlighting that a greater use of new technologies could make it easier to control health costs and improve the well-being and active participation of elderly people, simultaneously increasing competition, in support of the reviewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and employment' The European Commission
 On December 10 and 11, Secretary General Jane Barratt represented IFA at AbleTech'08, an international conference on accessible and assistive technologies for dependent people held in Bilboa, Spain. Although 2008 was the first time this Conference was held, the event organizers from Tecnalia (with the cooperation of the Regional Government of Biscay) anticipate that this will be an annual event, as a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience between stakeholders in the accessible technology and support sector. The inaugural effort certainly proved to be very promising.
Speakers represented a diversity of fields and specialities from across Europe and Canada, and indeed international and interdisciplinary dialogue will be crucial to advancing accessible and assistive design for the global ageing population. Dr. Barratt gave a very well received presentation as part of the opening keynote panel, entitled 'Active Ageing - The Global Opportunities'. 'AbleTech'08 was an excellent opportunity for IFA to engage with a very insightful and innovative group of professionals who have much knowledge and expertise to contribute. IFA looks forward to future opportunities for dialogue and exchange with leaders in the assistive technologies field'
More information can be found on the Conference website here. Tecnalia, the host organization, is a private, independent technological corporation taking the lead in international innovation and research in assistive technologies. You can find out more about Tecnalia online by visiting their website here. |
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| International Healthy Cities Conference
Zagreb, Croatia - October 2008
 On October 18th 2008, mayors and other city leaders from across Europe adopted the Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities at the conclusion of the 2008 International Healthy Cities Conference in Zagreb Croatia. This Conference was held on the eve of the launch of the 5th Phase (from 2009 to 2015) of the European Healthy Cities Project, which includes the core themes of the creation of caring and supportive environments, healthy living and healthy urban environment and design.
The Zagreb Declaration is intended to inspire and guide the work of all people involved in the European Healthy Cities movement over the next phase of the project. It highlights continuing action and overarching priorities, as well as new challenges, evidence and approaches.
The priorities for the next phase will be geared towards making health, health equity, social justice and sustainable development key values in the vision of the Healthy Cities. These priorities address health issues in urban environments beyond primary health care, health promotion, disease prevention and systematic action on inequality. This will be achieved by promoting ethical governance through value-based policies and strategies; using civic leadership to bring together and improve communication between strategic partners and stakeholders and combined organizational resources to improve living; social and environmental circumstances resulting in risk conditions as well as promoting integrated and systematic approaches with specific objectives and measurable outcomes.
For more detailed information about the Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities, please visit this website for a full report.
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IFA's 9th Global Conference on Ageing - Post-Conference Knowledge Sharing
Delegate Papers and Presentations Now Online
Nearly 300 papers were presented at IFA's 9th Global Conference on Ageing, and a number of delegates from around the world have made their conference papers and power point presentations freely available as part of post-conference knowledge sharing through the IFA. We have posted PDF copies on our website, as well as other conference material on the IFA website here. Presentation themes of the available material cover such areas as adult education, to pension reform, dementia, housing, and many more. We would like to thank all those that took the time to share their material with us. If you presented at the 9th Global Conference on Ageing and would like to have your presentation material included on the IFA website, please contact Policy Officer Mr. Stephen Charters at scharters@ifa-fiv.org for more information. |
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IFA Member Organization Recognized for Contributions and Service
Nightingales Medical Trust - Bangalore, India
The IFA is pleased to acknowledge that one of our members and partners Nightingales Medical Trust of Bangalore, India has been selected to receive this year's National Vayoshreshtha Samman Award by the Indian Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The Vayoshreshtha Samman Award is given every year in recognition of exemplary contributions to the field of ageing. This award honours the compassion, determination, creativity and devotion to the cause of older people, as well as acknowledging the relentless and remarkable service to the society and nation on the part of the winner.
 Nightingales' Managing Trustee Dr. Radha S. Murthy states that this award will 'be an impetus to rededicate ourselves to work more for the wellbeing of the elderly'
Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT) is a non-profit registered charity based in Bangalore that is dedicated to eldercare. Formed in 1996 to provide the Nightingales Home Health Service, an innovative service designed to ease the lives of older people by providing a range of in-home medical care, NMT continues to work with government and the community to create and strengthen family-based support systems for elders of different socio economic groups. NMT firmly believe that elders should remain an integral part of their family, and should have access to services that will bring, dignity, hope and health to their lives. Please find out more about this important organization at their website here.
The IFA extends our congratulations to the Nightingales team for this well-deserved award. This award ceremony will take place in Delhi on January 12, 2009. The Honourable Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Smt. Meira Kumar will make the presentation. |
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Introducing the Silver Workers Institute
Geneva, Switzerland
Through our newsletter, we intend to periodically introduce organizations and individuals from around the world that are active in the field of ageing, whether through research, through advocacy or through on-the-ground service. This month, we would like to introduce the Silver Workers Institute (SWI), based in Geneva Switzerland. Silver Workers Institute is an internationally oriented, independent, and apolitical research and advisory centre was established in 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. This organization was created to investigate and understand labour and employment issues for older people who are engaged in all forms of productive activity, and to propose policy action for both government and the private sector. SWI's mission is to raise awareness on how the active ageing of older people can be positive for businesses and communities in both economical and in social terms. SWI advocates that within a changing demographic context of population ageing, 'Active Ageing' and 'Silver Work' constitute key solutions to improved social cohesion and economic growth for future decades. This scenario means more older people in the workplace, working for longer, with companies adopting progressive workplace policies to maximize the potential of the older workforce. "Better integration of Silver Workers in working life is much more than a question of old-age provision. It involves substantial issues concerning companies' competitiveness, stability of national budgets and societal exposure to a dramatically changing age structure of the population. Ultimately, our research addresses the long-term basics of growth and welfare in the future world economy" Patrick M. Liedtke, Chairman of the Silver Workers Institute and Secretary General of The Geneva Association If you would like to find out more about the Silver Workers Institute, thier research and their events, please visit their website here. |
Healthy Cities
Guidance for producing Local Health Profiles of Older People
In late 2008, the WHO Healthy Cities Sub-network released a guide on Healthy Ageing which establishes a dynamic and positive model for profiling older people at the local level. The Healthy Cities Network developed this healthy ageing profile model to be an instrument not simply to promote positive features of city life but also to highlight gaps in services and difficult socio-economic circumstances, with the intention of being an effective tool for guiding programme and policy development. Population Profiles are important tools for health development, planning and for monitoring progress in and accountability for the health of the community.
Each Profile in this model is comprised of three parts: population information; health and social care systems; and a social portrait. The first two parts build on traditional ways of profiling older people, namely: Basic demography, morbidity, mortality and access to service and support. The third dynamic element, the social portrait, relates to the determinants of health (such as income and socioeconomic status, housing and the environment) and the life-course approach. Special Attention has also been given to positive features of ageing such as older persons as a resource to their families, communities and economies in supportive and enabling environments.
This updated guide is both a scientific and pragmatic response to feedback on the guidance presented and discussed at the first full meeting of the WHO European Healthy Cities Subnetwork on Healthy Ageing in June 2005. The full text of the guide can be read here. |
| AARP International
New Edition of the Awarding-Winning 'The Journal' Released
 AARP International releases a bi-annual publication entitled The Journal, AARP's premier publication covering a range of issues on international policy concerning the health and financial security of older people around the world. In 2008, this journal received two prestigious awards: the Creativity 38 Platinum Award, the top honor in an international competition for excellence in magazines and journals, and the MarCom Platinum Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals, for The Journal's concept, writing and design.
AARP has recently released the Winter 2009 edition of The Journal. Below, we present a sample of some of the articles from The Journal. To read these and other fascinating articles in full text, please find the complete edition online in pdf format.
Preparing for an aging population: The Singapore Experience
By Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore
In Singapore and indeed many Asian societies, older persons are traditionally cared for by their families. However, demographics and family dynamics are changing, challenging traditional arrangements. Singapore is responding through new policies, improving infrastructure and implementing programs to ensure older people have the opportunity to life long, healthy lives. Policies and programs already in place include a mandatory savings program called the Central Provident Fund, facilitating homeownership, and supporting lifelong employability. With an attitude to redefine aging as an opportunity, Singapore is well on its way to welcoming golden age living. Read more...
Global Ageing: The importance of Food and Nutrition Companies
By Derek Yach, Mark Pirner, and Dondeena Bradley
As the world's population ages, it is generally doing so in better health, albeit unevenly across nations and social classes. This triumph in health and development is unprecedented, and begs the question - how will we close the gap between social classes, and what role does the food industry have? With a proliferation of new products on the market aimed at older people, it is difficult to know who to believe and trust. The WHO remains the world leader on health guidelines and publications on older people's nutritional needs and will play an important role as a reference point for food companies as they develop programs to improve products for the older population. Read more...
Advancing Global Action on Aging
By Dr. Alexandre Sidorenko, Head, United Nations Programme on Ageing
During the first five years of the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), the focus of policy responses to the challenges and opportunities of aging have been different in different parts of the world. It is nevertheless possible to identify several universal trends of policy intervention. The future implementation framework is being developed in consultation with experts from governments, non-governmental organizations, and academia, and should be ready for consideration by the Commission for Social Development at its next session in February 2009. While it is obviously a work in progress, some of the features of the framework are already tentatively defined. Read more... |
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Best Product Award at IFA's 9th Global Conference on Ageing:
AquaSense® Multi-Adjust Bath Safety Rail
 The AquaSense® Multi-Adjust Bath Safety Rail was voted "Best Product" at the International Federation on Ageing's 9th Global Conference on Ageing held on September 4th-7th, 2008, in Montreal. The Bath Safety Rail was displayed in the Exposition "Univers du Design - Place des Designers Québécois" area, which featured Quebec and Canadian designed products targeting older adults.
 The Bath Safety Rail's design allows for both parallel and perpendicular orientation to the bathtub wall, and features four (4) different height settings. It provides a feeling of security, stability and comfort when entering or exiting the bathtub, making it easier for people to tend to their personal hygiene while maintaining their dignity and independence.
The Multi-Adjust Bath Safety Rail was selected for this award because of its aesthetics, practicality and affordability. Judges specifically mentioned its affordability as a point of interest to the judges at the awards ceremony: expensive products are easier to develop than affordable products.
For more information, please visit the AquaSense website here. |
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Elder Law in Canada
Recent Publication from Attorney Allan Gold
 Elder Law in Canada, a recent publication by Mr. Allan Gold, attorney and retirement consultant, is the first legal text of its kind extensively covering the issues of Canadian law and older people in that country. The publication is intended as a comprehensive resource for professionals in various fields and disciplines dealing with and working with people as they age. Elder Law in Canada is divided into several modules covering specific themes: for example, the Medical module covers a variety of issues relating to health and mental illness among older people, while the Work module covers issues such as dismissal, age discrimination in the workplace and forced retirement. The final module is devoted to pensions, retirement (and estate) planning and pre-death documents such as wills.
 While Elder Law in Canada is now completed, Mr. Gold's efforts are not, and he is anticipating the launch his new handbook entitled Estate Document Professor in Spring 2009. This release will be the first instalment of the 45+ Life Handbook Series. This handbook includes information for older people on the legal issues of retirement preparedness, and will cover such topics as a will, power of attorney, living will, trust, organ donation consent and estate inventory.
To find out more about this and other Allan Gold publications, and to order a copy, please visit his website here. |
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Please do not hesitate to contact the IFA directly if there is something you would like to see in IFA-eNews. We welcome your input and your suggestions. | |
IFA - eNews
