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World Experts Convening for the IFA Global Think Tank on Ageing
 On 11-13 October 2015, global experts will come together for the inaugural IFA Global Think Tank on Ageing. This meeting is entirely unique for two reasons.
First, gathering experts in such distinct fields as dementia, diabetes, frailty and technology will ensue a series of transformative evidence-based conversations. This provides the platform to view an individual’s functional ability from a variety of conditions that can be markedly improved by reablement.
Second, the opportunity for researchers and practitioners to collaborate on topics such as reablement and older people that are valued in both sectors is rare. This will help us identify the discrepancies between interventions recommended by research and what can actually be accomplished in practice.
Keep an eye out for the discussion papers that will be used to structure the annual international platform known as the IFA Copenhagen Summit on 17-19 April 2016. If you are interested in receiving an invitation or would like to receive updates on the Summit, please contact Ms Dana Bandola ( dbandola@ifa-fiv.org). For more information visit: www.ifa-copenhagen-summit.com. |
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The Healing Effects of PARO — Available For Trial
«I wanted to give you some immediate feedback on PARO at Origin’s Memory Care Neighbourhood in Calgary….OMG!!! My team are over the moon with excitement because of its effect on some of our residents that were previously so ‘closed!'» — Neil Prashad, CAMH
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has been using IFA’s PARO, the companion robot seal, on people in the geriatric mental health program. Employees of CAMH instantly observed the positive impact of PARO, which staff thought was as effective as pet therapy.
IFA’s PARO is available on loan (no cost other than shipping) for 6 week trials. If your organization (Canada) is interested in seeing the positive impact that PARO may have in your care setting, contact Mr. Greg Shaw at gshaw@ifa-fiv.org or by phone at 416 342-1655.
Watch IFA’s PARO at CAMH:
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| PARO, The Campanion Robot Seal |
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Register Now for the IFA 13th Global Conference on Ageing — Best Exchange Rates in 5 years
 If you are planning to register for the IFA 13th Global Conference on Ageing that will take place in Brisbane, Australia in June 2016 why not take advantage of the best exchange rate for the Australian dollar against other major currencies for nearly 5 years.
As an IFA member, your registration at A$900.00 equals to USD$626, EUR557 or GBP412, which is great value. This also provides you with a fantastic opportunity to take some extra days to visit Far North Queensland (FNQ), a trip to the site of the oldest living rainforest on earth, the Daintree Rainforest. It is the only place in the world where two World Heritage-listed sites meet, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Take advantage today and join others from across the globe at the IFA’s 13th Global Conference on Ageing — neither the Conference nor Queensland will disappoint you!
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International Age-Friendly Networking in Brisbane
 The IFA and COTA Queensland in collaboration with WHO will be building on the success of the 2nd International Conference on Age-Friendly Cities in Quebec (September 2013) through a specific Conference track on Age Friendly Cities and Communities within the IFA 13th Global Conference on Ageing.This will be the primary global opportunity in 2015 / 2016 to share AFC policy, programs and practices with colleagues from across the globe and to help build a sustainable AFC knowledge mobilization network.
Abstract submissions are scheduled to close on 5 November 2015. Don’t miss your chance! Click here to submit. |
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Adult Immunization Advocacy NGO Summit
 Increasing the uptake of older adult vaccination is needed now but is an imperative in the future with 2 billion people aged 60 years and older by 2050 and 80% of older adults aged 80 years and older living in developing countries where there is a higher risk of infectious diseases.
On 4-6 November 2015, the IFA is convening an invited only Summit of civil society on the topic of «improving the uptake of adult vaccinations within the healthy ageing policy agenda in Europe.»
The primary goal of the Summit is to better understand the value of a civil society coalition that works in tandem with scientists to promote a life course approach to vaccinations as a means to inform healthy ageing policy at a national and regional level.
If you are an NGO in Europe and interested in more information about the Adult Immunization Advocacy NGO Summit, please contact Ms. Izabella Kaczmarek at ikaczmarek@ifa-fiv.org. |
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Calling All Age-friendly Experts!
 Thanks to the Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group the IFA is now able to have dedicated resources directed to the development of an age-friendly environment and more particularly Age-friendly Cities and Communities. Using a design thinking process, the IFA is looking to establish anAFC Advice Hub to help us create, test and refine new ideas toward prototyping and implementing AFCC initiatives supporting sustainable environments that help build the capability and capacity of older people. This is a very exciting way of organically growing sustainable AFC globally.
There is no extensive time commitment as members are invited to input ideas, gather intelligence from other members of the advice hub and perhaps even test some of the products. If interested, please contact Ms Dana Bandola ( dbandola@ifa-fiv.org) for more information. |
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What are Your Best Reads in the Field of Ageing?
 Have you recently read a book that discusses thought provoking topics in the field of ageing that you would recommend others to read as well?
If so, email Ms. Izabella Kaczmarek ( ikaczmarek@ifa-fiv.org) about these books and why you are recommending them.
The IFA believes in a knowledge sharing culture where routinely making knowledge visible means minds are aligned allowing all of us passionate in the field of ageing to work as a team to ensure healthy ageing for all.
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INTRODUCING IFA’s NEW DIRECTOR
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Mr. Njuakom Nchii Francis, Founder and Chief Executive, Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance (CDVTA)
I read about the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) and its highly valued work for older people for the first time in 1999, the United Nations proclaimed International Year of Older Persons.
This was one year after I founded in 1998 with a group of older adults in Cameroon, Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance (CDVTA), and Cameroon’s second organization at the time to champion the cause of care and support for older people at the grass-roots level.
Since then, I have been deeply motivated and encouraged by the untiring and unreserved contributions of the IFA towards the promotion of positive messages on ageing across the globe, having had more information on the work of IFA from Friends of IFA (FOIFA) Japan.
In 2013 I was part of the local team that organized the IFA/FOIFA International Workshop on Ageing and Healthy Environments held in Yaoundé. Taking part in the IFA conference further encouraged me to be part of IFA and support its global age care development agenda in the promotion of care and support for older people.
In my view, it is clear that 42 years of robust and visible work by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) as a global point of connection and networks of experts with expertise to influence and shape age-related policy with age care support development actors and governments all over the world, have given the IFA, the confidence to consolidate the gains made and explore new and strategic ways of moving forward in the next coming years.
I am hugely grateful for the confidence that IFA and its members have entrusted on me to serve on its Board as Director. My strengths lie in a strong social mobilization of older people and other age care development actors, into taking action and engaging initiatives that support and promote healthy ageing and improvement in the lives of older people.
Read Mr. Francis full statement as a new IFA Director here. |
Please contact Ms Dana Bandola ( dbandola@ifa-fiv.org) for all potential contributions to the IFA blog. |
Dear Readers,
If you wish to make comments or recommendations on how we might improve this publication or would like to get involved in one of the projects please email Greg Shaw (gshaw@ifa-fiv.org) or Izabella Kaczmarek (ikaczmarek@ifa-fiv.org). You can contact us by telephone at +1 416 342 1655.
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