The new Journal 2012 Vol. 8 No. 1 -"Rights for older persons: the time has come" is now available for all the members. 

"Ageing Connects"

Prague is Europe's seventh most visited city, famous for its Charles Bridge, Bohemian charm and home of legendary writer Franz Kafka. It will also be where the IFA's next global conference will be hosted in 28 May – 1 June 2012.

In partnership with Zivot 90, we are pleased to announce our 11th Global Conference on Ageing, titled Ageing Connects. The Czech capital traditionally attracts a large number of conference attendees and we believe this conference will be an exceptional experience for all the participants, exhibitors and guests.

"Getting old is normal but ageing well is a great art, which deserves our admiration," Jan Lorman, President of Zivot 90, said. "One of the most important human needs is the need of a relationship -- we want to belong somewhere."

That will be highlighted in the themes for the conference, reflecting the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). The theme include. You can go direct to the Conference Website for further details.

International Workshop: Human Rights of Older Persons in Asia-Pacific Region

Thiruvananthapuram, India, June 4-6, 2012

India accounts for the 2^nd largest population of older persons in the region and in the world and has the 2^nd largest democracy in the world. It has well-established human rights system and a sound elder empowerment program through its National Policy on Older Persons.

The Centre for Gerontological Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, India in partnership with the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is proud to announce an international workshop which aims to explore the status of the rights of older persons in the context of existing regional and international instruments with specific focus on health and wellbeing.

For more information, read the flyer of the event.  

The 1^st China International Senior Services Expo

May 17-19, 2012 – Shanghai

The first China International Senior Services Expo is organized to serve the implementation of the Plan for the development of Social Senior Service System (2011-2015) and the year for the Development of Social Senior Service System. The show will focus on the needs of elderly people as well as the development as the senior service sector. Specifically it will cover the areas of eco-friendly residential environment, rehabilitation, healthcare, spiritual/cultural needs, organization management, IT services and products, human resources training, and brands promotion. 

The show will provide a platform for exchange of information and ideas as well as for trade and business and will aim to become an international brand exhibition to serve senior service industry, aiming to improve senior citizens’ life and promote a harmonious society.

Visit the official website of the Conference to get all the details!

Senior Officials Meeting: "Long Term Care and Technology"

Invitations have now been sent to over 500 government officials across the globe. The Senior Government Officials meeting will provide the opportunity for government officials to showcase programs, policy, leading practice and to hear first-hand from sector leaders, how older people can retain functioning and independence through the use of enabling technology.

Attendees to the SOM you will hear from technology leaders such as Intel Corporation, BrainPort 2020 and other nhjnnjoted industry presenters such as Professor Greg Tegart (Centre for Strategic Economic Studies, University of Victoria, Australia), Mr. Richard Watson (futurist, writer, speaker, strategist and co-founder of Strategy Insight). Other presenters represent, Bridging Research in Ageing and ICT Development(BRAID) group, and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) Netherlands.

The SOM will be a setting to generate a collective energy and ambition to realize change with a program designed with the input of Officials themselves. The full background paper, together with a draft program and speaker profiles, has been finalized and is now accessible through the following link.

Government officials can register interest in attending by emailing Mr. Greg Shaw at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Ms. Aude Meslin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Australia: A Fundamental shift is happening in Aged Care?

The “living longer, living better” aged care reform package announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler on Friday 20^th April creates a fundamental shift in the way aged care services will be delivered and sets the direction for the future.

It is a 10 year reform plan that at its heart focuses on supporting older people to live at home for as long as possible with consumer directed care as its cornerstone. Importantly, the package delivers on many of the issues that older people have been raising for many years.

However there are a number of additional initiatives COTA Australia believes the Government should have included in its reform package to provide greater options and support for older people using aged care services.

View the complete COTA’s policy alert.

The Braid Conference in Prague

28^th May 2012

The BRAID Conference will present results achieved by the project, encompassing the roadmap and implementation activities. The one-day meeting seeks to discuss socio-economic aspects in ICT and ageing that influence and shape recreational activities across different life settings and mechanisms that empower older people to live independently and fulfilled. The Conference will provide space for stakeholders to exchange and discuss the results from practical experiences including best practices projects and failed approaches in the field of ICT and ageing.

For more information about the BRAID Conference, visit their official website.

Worldwide Face of Ageism - Survey. 

Answer the survey and help us support older people’s rights!

The International Federation on Ageing decided to launch a worldwide survey to understand the reality and the effectiveness of older people’s rights. Although the world is ageing, age discrimination is rife. Our goal is to understand to what extend older adults are facing age discrimination in the world. 

If you are part of an organization that deals with the elderly or if you are an older person, we would appreciate your response to our short survey. All your perspectives will help us to develop a Final Report.

• Follow this link to fill out the short survey online
• Or if you prefer, download a word version of the  survey for organization or/and  for older people. Send them back completed to Ms. Aude Meslin by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by fax +1 416 392 4157.

 Don’t hesitate to forward the survey to everyone who can be interested..

If you require further information or assistance, contact Ms. Aude Meslin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .