11th Global Conference on Ageing
"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). These are the themes thus far:
1) Older Persons and Development:
a) Work and the ageing labour force issues;
b) Access to knowledge, education and training;
c) Income security, social protection/social security.
2) Advancing Health and Well-being into Old Age:
a) Health promotion and well-being throughout life;
b) Universal and equal access to health-care service;
c) Mental health needs of older persons.
3) Ensuring Enabling and Supportive Environments:
a) Housing and the living environment;
b) Care and support for caregivers;
c) Neglect, abuse and violence.
4) Connected Technologies:
a) Tweets, blogs and social networks;
b) Enabling 'products' toward healthy, active ageing;
c) Fostering innovation in accessibility.
Members of both organizations recognize the importance civil society places on the voices of older people in informing development of policy. We are also conscious of the continuing work on the formal protection of the rights of older people and the images of older people globally, which are underpinned by the UN Principles for Older People: independence, care, participation, self fulfillment and dignity.
Hope to see you in Prague. Visit the conference website at www.ifa2012.org
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Establishing a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is the central recommendation contained in a new resource developed for 'conversations and advocacy efforts toward instruments to protect the rights of older people.' This document is the result of a collaborative project between the IFA, INPEA, ILC-US, IAGG, IAHSA, GAA, AGE UK, and AARP.
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights states in Article 1 that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'. Currently, the rights of older people are not embedded within any specific international conventions on economic, social, civil, cultural and political rights. It is important to recognize that all people share basic human rights, and that their are specific cases that are most relevant to older people, such as the right to social security (through pensions).
Protecting the rights of older people will help them live their lives with dignity, in security and as equal members in their communities. Enabling older people contribute in their communities benefits everyone. And, it is always important to keep in mind that today's younger generations will be tomorrow's older ones. Protecting the rights of older people will have a positive impact for everyone.
The IFA is proud and honoured to have played a role in the creation of this resource and in helping disseminate it around the world. You can access the full document from the IFA website here.
**This publication was produced to strengthen understanding and awareness of the need for a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. It aims to provide the arguments and tools for engaging stakeholders across the globe in debate about older people's rights and the role of a convention. We actively encourage others to translate this publication into as many languages as possible. A design template is available to help facilitate this. Please contact any of the participating organizations that have made this publication possible for further information. You can contact the IFA directly here.
Strengthening Older People's Rights
Towards a UN Convention
"A UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is necessary to ensure that older women and men can realize their rights."
Establishing a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is the central recommendation contained in a new resource developed for 'conversations and advocacy efforts toward instruments to protect the rights of older people.' This document is the result of a collaborative project between the IFA, INPEA, ILC-US, IAGG, IAHSA, GAA, AGE UK, and AARP.
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights states in Article 1 that 'all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'. Currently, the rights of older people are not embedded within any specific international conventions on economic, social, civil, cultural and political rights. It is important to recognize that all people share basic human rights, and that their are specific cases that are most relevant to older people, such as the right to social security (through pensions).
Protecting the rights of older people will help them live their lives with dignity, in security and as equal members in their communities. Enabling older people contribute in their communities benefits everyone. And, it is always important to keep in mind that today's younger generations will be tomorrow's older ones. Protecting the rights of older people will have a positive impact for everyone.
The IFA is proud and honoured to have played a role in the creation of this resource and in helping disseminate it around the world. You can access the full document from the IFA website here.
**This publication was produced to strengthen understanding and awareness of the need for a Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. It aims to provide the arguments and tools for engaging stakeholders across the globe in debate about older people's rights and the role of a convention. We actively encourage others to translate this publication into as many languages as possible. A design template is available to help facilitate this. Please contact any of the participating organizations that have made this publication possible for further information. You can contact the IFA directly here.
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Ruth Marks, Older People's Commissioner for Wales, is undertaking her first official review, with an end to improving services and influencing policy for older people in Wales. The focus of this first review is older people in health and social care settings, with the objective ensuring that older people are treated fairly and with dignity in these situations. The decision to focus on health and social care settings was taken much as a result of input from older people in Wales, who have voluntarily provided evidenceon the status of the system and their experiences.
Commissioner Marks is inviting older people in Wales to continue to be engaged throughout the review process, as your input will inform the process and the scope of the review, and ensure the focus is placed on the important areas. The Commission has prepared a video address with more details about this review, and how you can get involved. Please view the video online here. To contact the Older People's Commission for Wales and participate in this review process, please visit their website online today.
An Invitation to Engage in Wales!
Developing the Use of Our Legal Powers in Wales
 Ruth Marks, Older People's Commissioner for Wales, is undertaking her first official review, with an end to improving services and influencing policy for older people in Wales. The focus of this first review is older people in health and social care settings, with the objective ensuring that older people are treated fairly and with dignity in these situations. The decision to focus on health and social care settings was taken much as a result of input from older people in Wales, who have voluntarily provided evidence on the status of the system and their experiences.
Commissioner Marks is inviting older people in Wales to continue to be engaged throughout the review process, as your input will inform the process and the scope of the review, and ensure the focus is placed on the important areas. The Commission has prepared a video address with more details about this review, and how you can get involved. Please view the video online here. To contact the Older People's Commission for Wales and participate in this review process, please visit their website online today.
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The shifting demography of all nations has led to a marked increase in the older population globally both in relative and absolute terms. The US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a prominent study of ageing and well-being in the US, with other notable surveys such as the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (ELSA) and Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), providing the necessary evidence base to address the needs and contributions of older persons in higher income countries. Yet, the majority of older persons now and into the future will reside in lower income countries where the evidence base is very limited.
The extent to which lower income countries have begun to generate and use critical evidence for an effective health response has been slow and suboptimal in many countries. This lack of evidence is particularly prominent in low and middle income countries, partly because the demographic transitions have been relatively recent. Multi-country longitudinal studies are a powerful way to generate data, raise global and country awareness of the health issues of older people and inform policy. The World Health Organization's Multi-Country Studies unit has been working with the US National Institute on Aging's Behavioural and Social Research Program to address ageing and well-being through implementing multi-country ageing and adult health studies to fill data gaps and pursuing cross-national comparisons with available data.
The WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) has now released preliminary datasets for six counties (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russian Federation and South Africa) and provides data and a data collection platform in lower income countries, such as the new China Health and Retirement Longevity Study (CHARLS) and Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) - as well as linkages to ongoing data collection in higher income countries, including the US HRS, UK's ELSA and Australia's ALSWH, for cross-national comparisons. Cross-sectional ageing and health data for a further 64 countries is available from WHO. The SAGE studies cover a broad range of topics, with a focus on health, disability, happiness, well-being and health systems responsiveness. SAGE results will be the focus of a high level technical meeting at WHO Headquarters from 02 to 04 June 2010 entitled, "Aging and health: from evidence to policy." WHO, with the support of the US NIA, will continue to engage in efforts to strengthen the evidence base for policy making and supporting ageing populations.
SAGE is coordinated by Drs Somnath Chatterji and Paul Kowal under the directorship of Dr Ties Boerma. Meta- and micro-data are available online here at no cost.
Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE): Evidence for an Ageing World — New Study from the WHO
 The shifting demography of all nations has led to a marked increase in the older population globally both in relative and absolute terms. The US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a prominent study of ageing and well-being in the US, with other notable surveys such as the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (ELSA) and Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), providing the necessary evidence base to address the needs and contributions of older persons in higher income countries. Yet, the majority of older persons now and into the future will reside in lower income countries where the evidence base is very limited.
The extent to which lower income countries have begun to generate and use critical evidence for an effective health response has been slow and suboptimal in many countries. This lack of evidence is particularly prominent in low and middle income countries, partly because the demographic transitions have been relatively recent. Multi-country longitudinal studies are a powerful way to generate data, raise global and country awareness of the health issues of older people and inform policy. The World Health Organization's Multi-Country Studies unit has been working with the US National Institute on Aging's Behavioural and Social Research Program to address ageing and well-being through implementing multi-country ageing and adult health studies to fill data gaps and pursuing cross-national comparisons with available data.
The WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) has now released preliminary datasets for six counties (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russian Federation and South Africa) and provides data and a data collection platform in lower income countries, such as the new China Health and Retirement Longevity Study (CHARLS) and Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) - as well as linkages to ongoing data collection in higher income countries, including the US HRS, UK's ELSA and Australia's ALSWH, for cross-national comparisons. Cross-sectional ageing and health data for a further 64 countries is available from WHO. The SAGE studies cover a broad range of topics, with a focus on health, disability, happiness, well-being and health systems responsiveness. SAGE results will be the focus of a high level technical meeting at WHO Headquarters from 02 to 04 June 2010 entitled, "Aging and health: from evidence to policy." WHO, with the support of the US NIA, will continue to engage in efforts to strengthen the evidence base for policy making and supporting ageing populations.
SAGE is coordinated by Drs Somnath Chatterji and Paul Kowal under the directorship of Dr Ties Boerma. Meta- and micro-data are available online here at no cost.
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Launched on 28 January 2010, A Stronger, Fairer Australia sets out the Australian Government's vision and strategy for social inclusion, now and into the future.
Despite the high levels of economic growth recorded in Australia over the last decade, too many Australians are still excluded from the opportunities they need to create the life they want. They can be trapped in a spiral of disadvantage caused by family circumstances, low expectations, community poverty, lack of suitable and affordable housing, illness or discrimination - often leading to early school leaving, long-term unemployment and chronic ill-health.
Some people are at greater risk of multiple disadvantages, such as jobless families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and mental illness, vulnerable new migrants and refugees, those with low incomes and people experiencing homelessness. The costs of this social disadvantage are high - to individuals, communities and the nation.
This problem can be overcome. But we need a new approach. The old solutions of simply throwing more money at the problem won't work, so this strategy sets out a new approach. We call it social inclusion. The Australian Government's social inclusion policies recognise that while every person is ultimately responsible for making a go of their lives, not everyone begins at the same starting point and some people strike setbacks or crises during their lives. This strategy aims to give every Australian the help they need to access the opportunities society has to offer.
The emphasis is on supporting individuals and communities to work their way to a better life. Policies and programs are needed that work together to deal with the different problems people face, rather than working on single issues in isolation. Interested in knowing more?
A Stronger, Fairer Australia
A New Social Inclusion Strategy
 Launched on 28 January 2010, A Stronger, Fairer Australia sets out the Australian Government's vision and strategy for social inclusion, now and into the future.
Despite the high levels of economic growth recorded in Australia over the last decade, too many Australians are still excluded from the opportunities they need to create the life they want. They can be trapped in a spiral of disadvantage caused by family circumstances, low expectations, community poverty, lack of suitable and affordable housing, illness or discrimination - often leading to early school leaving, long-term unemployment and chronic ill-health.
Some people are at greater risk of multiple disadvantages, such as jobless families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and mental illness, vulnerable new migrants and refugees, those with low incomes and people experiencing homelessness. The costs of this social disadvantage are high - to individuals, communities and the nation.
This problem can be overcome. But we need a new approach. The old solutions of simply throwing more money at the problem won't work, so this strategy sets out a new approach. We call it social inclusion. The Australian Government's social inclusion policies recognise that while every person is ultimately responsible for making a go of their lives, not everyone begins at the same starting point and some people strike setbacks or crises during their lives. This strategy aims to give every Australian the help they need to access the opportunities society has to offer.
The emphasis is on supporting individuals and communities to work their way to a better life. Policies and programs are needed that work together to deal with the different problems people face, rather than working on single issues in isolation. Interested in knowing more?
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Best Practices for Emergency Response for Older People in Emergencies
The stated aim of most humanitarian organisations is to provide emergency relief to whole communities in a crisis, if possible targeting the most vulnerable. Research carried out by HelpAge International shows clearly that older people tend not to be considered among the most vulnerable. However, as an international community committed to humanitarian advancement we need to adopt attitudes, policies and programmes that protect and support older people's rights and contributions at all times. Reducing the vulnerability of older people is not primarily about creating special services for them. It is about ensuring that they have equal access to vital services.
Read the full report on Older People in Emergency Situations here.
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Providing On-the-Ground Aid for Older People in Haiti
News from HelpAge International
 Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with approximately 800,000 people over the age of 60, many of whom live in extreme poverty. In a tragedy this massive, the needs of older people too often go unmet. But there is action on the ground that is making a positive impact. HelpAge International is the only relief and development organisation focused on the needs of older people in developing countries. Although their offices in Port-au-Prince were badly damaged, local staff from HelpAge International immediately started assessing the needs of survivors on the ground. HelpAge's UK emergency team arrived in Haiti on January 18. Working with local humanitarian partners, including Handicap International, Christian Blinden Mission, Centre for Special Education, Haitian Society for the Blind, Ministry of Social Affairs, Healing Hands for Haiti, CADOR and other local organizations, HelpAge is working on setting up Vulnerability Focal Points (VFPs) in nine areas in Haiti.
Each point will take enquiries and provide information, and a mobile team that will go out into affected communities to provide immediate relief and services to vulnerable people. Other, locally-based organizations like CARPA and ALA from the Dominican Republic have been helping with emergency healthcare, emotional support, relief supplies and temporary shelter for older people as well. IFA commends the efforts of all those who are contributing to the aid effort in Haiti.
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Old Age Isolation in India
New Study from Agewell Research & Advocacy Centre
The experience of isolation or loneliness occurs in all human beings but it becomes a complex problem for older people. Isolation is associated with a number of physical, social and psychological conditions. Generally it is believed that older persons living alone feel most isolated. But even older persons living with their families or spouses can also feel loneliness or isolation, particularly due to lack of social integration, less or no interaction amongst family members, and other reasons.
With quickly changing socio-economic scenarios in India, living conditions across the country are changing dramatically. Many older persons are finding it very hard to cope with new socio-economic settings, and feelings of isolation with a sense of social marginalization is becoming a major issue.
The Research & Advocacy Centre at the Agewell Foundation (a consortium of over 1500 NGOs and 6500 volunteers spread across 540 districts of India, committed to initiate better interaction between generations and extend a helping hand) has recently carried out a nationwide survey to study and identify and understand this emerging trend of isolation in their country. A full report of their findings is now available, and you can access it here.
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UK Telehealth Home Monitoring aids Ageing in Place
Blackpool (United Kingdom) Council's Vitaline and NHS Blackpool have reported on the success of the use of telehealth home monitoring to support people with long-term conditions to enable them to live independently at home. The pilot demonstrated successes in managing long-term conditions, delivering cost savings, and improved patient quality of life. Telehealth led to a 75% reduction in hospital admissions for the COPD & Heart Disease patients on the 12-month pilot, as well as an 85% reduction in GP visits and a 43% reduction in home visits by community matrons during the pilot, alleviating pressure on care providers and ensuring resources can be deployed effectively where needed most. Read the full article here.
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HelpAge Calls for Age-Friendly Climate Change
Climate change and ageing are two of the biggest issues facing humanity this century, yet explicit links between the two are rarely made. HelpAge International (HAI) has been working with older people in Africa, Asia and Latin America to understand the impacts that climate change is having on their communities. As 99-year-old Ethiopian Abdullah explains, "The weather has changed completely. There used to be a lot more rain, but now it is dry. The weather started changing about 30 years ago."
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Honouring Dr. Robert Butler
By Daniela Germano
IFA Media and Communications Manager
The man who coined the term ageism passed away unexpectedly earlier this month of leukemia in New York City at the age of 83.
Robert Butler, the prominent gerontologist, psychiatrist and founder of the U.S. International Longevity Centre (ILC) was no where ready to leave us, wanting to accomplish so much more. His latest book, The Longevity Prescription, was published only last month and was looking forward to working for his cause indefinitely. Butler was the first director of the National Institute on Aging, establishing Alzheimer's disease as a national research priority and founded the United State's first department of geriatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. His books included the Pulitzer Prize-winning Why Survive? Being Old in America and The New Love and Sex After 60, which he wrote with his wife Myrna Lewis.
Throughout his career, he developed a keen wit to contest misconceptions and ignorance fuelling age prejudice. Leading by example, he demonstrated that older adults could be just as productive, engaged and open-minded as any other generation. Eating well, exercising and staying connected was his motto for staying youthful, arguing we could extend our already increased longevity -- the average life expectancy is 30 years more than it was in the beginning of the 20th century. In that respect, he proved a role model right until the end of his life.
He will be greatly missed by all of those in the field of ageing, including us at the IFA. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
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The 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development
Recap and Key Statements
 From February 3rd to 12th, delegates from around the world gathered at the United Nations in New York for the 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development. This event is held every year in February, hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
The priority theme this year's policy cycle was social integration, with particular importance on its impact on the eradication of poverty, inclusive societies and decent employment for all. This year was the 15th anniversary of the 1995 World Summit on Social Development held in Copenhagen, where world leaders agreed to fight poverty, promote productive employment, and strengthen social fabrics. And while some progress has been made, much more needs to be done. The 48th Session was an opportunity to once again place these issues near the forefront of the international agenda. The theme of Social Integration was explored in greater detail during a high level panel discussion, and a summary of this panel is available here.
A final resolution called on governments and civil society to reaffirm their commitment to social development and undertake measures to advance social integration in their countries. The full resolution can be read here. As an international non-government organization with official consultative status at the United Nations, the IFA was one of several NGOs to present a statement to the Commission. Via this statement, IFA acknowledged that recognizing older people and their role in society is essential to achieving social integration and indeed social development, and called on governments to take necessary steps to protect the rights of older people. The full text is available here. More information, including all key statements, are available online here.
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According to a new policy brief by Asghar Zaidi, Research Director at the the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy, many fiscal policy decisions are being made in many European countries without full understanding of their consequences on the future for pension systems and the incomes of future retirees. The next few years will be a crucial time as EU national governments look for a 'magic formula' to strengthen their economies without causing national insolvency or damaging future generations by disrupting pension sustainability. Achieving the delicate balance between short-term gain and long-term sustainability will require not only informed political will, but also the ability to persuade the public that its own interest requires certain sacrifices to ensure sustainability of pension systems.
This Brief examines the financial sustainability of public finances in EU states, and takes a forward glimpse at the likely evolution of pension incomes in EU countries, using projections made available by the European Commission during 2009. It also examines how the pension reform responses at national level to the challenges of financial sustainability have influenced the reshaping of pension systems in EU countries, producing a variety of pension systems that are less redistributive in some cases and more socially protective in others. Zaidi concludes with a call for greater research and debate into this issue, in hopes that more dialogue about pension sustainability will support better policy decisions. You can read the full document here.
Fiscal and Pension Sustainability
Present and Future Issues in EU Countries
 According to a new policy brief by Asghar Zaidi, Research Director at the the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy, many fiscal policy decisions are being made in many European countries without full understanding of their consequences on the future for pension systems and the incomes of future retirees. The next few years will be a crucial time as EU national governments look for a 'magic formula' to strengthen their economies without causing national insolvency or damaging future generations by disrupting pension sustainability. Achieving the delicate balance between short-term gain and long-term sustainability will require not only informed political will, but also the ability to persuade the public that its own interest requires certain sacrifices to ensure sustainability of pension systems.
This Brief examines the financial sustainability of public finances in EU states, and takes a forward glimpse at the likely evolution of pension incomes in EU countries, using projections made available by the European Commission during 2009. It also examines how the pension reform responses at national level to the challenges of financial sustainability have influenced the reshaping of pension systems in EU countries, producing a variety of pension systems that are less redistributive in some cases and more socially protective in others. Zaidi concludes with a call for greater research and debate into this issue, in hopes that more dialogue about pension sustainability will support better policy decisions. You can read the full document here.
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This volume of Sharing Innovative Experiences examines how to use small financial contributions to achieve maximum, sustainable impact at the grass-roots level on communities recovering from a natural disaster. Special focus is placed on small-scale community infrastructure and livelihood development, with a particular emphasis on women.
We are proud to present 25 case studies of community recovery initiatives selected from the 224 grants targeting 134 communities that were provided by the South-South Grants Facility (SSGF) after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. These case studies highlight the innovative schemes used by the recipients of the small grants, which directly or indirectly affected over 60,000 beneficiaries who had had their homes and livelihoods destroyed. These success stories are a testament to the notion that the smart investment of small amounts of financial resources can have an impact that is longer and that affects more beneficiaries than some conventional assistance of greater financial value.
One of the core philosophies behind the SSGF is that the impact does not end when the recovery effort does. Long-term sustainability and self-reliance are fundamental to rebuilding a community and essential for building the capacity and resilience necessary to deal with future challenges. Working from the bottom up, the key principle of the SSGF is the community empowerment process whereby a community takes the lead in its own development while external agencies play a facilitation role. Such a process enables the community to realize its own potential, increase self-confidence and draw upon internal expertise and resources to implement self-sustained development activities. This bottom-up approach becomes particularly relevant as a complementary strategy to broader national efforts to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters.
As the world climate continues to change at an increasing rate, mankind seems to be poised to face more inevitable natural disasters. Because the model of the small-grant project is adaptable, the global South can apply it to other crises. But we do not need to wait for another catastrophe in order to learn; we can learn now and be better equipped to deal with the next misfortune when the situation arises. Read the full document here.
UNDP - Sharing Innovative Experiences
Examples of Community-based Approaches to Recovery from Natural Disasters
 This volume of Sharing Innovative Experiences examines how to use small financial contributions to achieve maximum, sustainable impact at the grass-roots level on communities recovering from a natural disaster. Special focus is placed on small-scale community infrastructure and livelihood development, with a particular emphasis on women.
We are proud to present 25 case studies of community recovery initiatives selected from the 224 grants targeting 134 communities that were provided by the South-South Grants Facility (SSGF) after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. These case studies highlight the innovative schemes used by the recipients of the small grants, which directly or indirectly affected over 60,000 beneficiaries who had had their homes and livelihoods destroyed.
These success stories are a testament to the notion that the smart investment of small amounts of financial resources can have an impact that is longer and that affects more beneficiaries than some conventional assistance of greater financial value. One of the core philosophies behind the SSGF is that the impact does not end when the recovery effort does. Long-term sustainability and self-reliance are fundamental to rebuilding a community and essential for building the capacity and resilience necessary to deal with future challenges. Working from the bottom up, the key principle of the SSGF is the community empowerment process whereby a community takes the lead in its own development while external agencies play a facilitation role.
Such a process enables the community to realize its own potential, increase self-confidence and draw upon internal expertise and resources to implement self-sustained development activities. This bottom-up approach becomes particularly relevant as a complementary strategy to broader national efforts to deal with the aftermath of natural disasters. As the world climate continues to change at an increasing rate, mankind seems to be poised to face more inevitable natural disasters.
Because the model of the small-grant project is adaptable, the global South can apply it to other crises. But we do not need to wait for another catastrophe in order to learn; we can learn now and be better equipped to deal with the next misfortune when the situation arises. Read the full document here.
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Outing Age 2010 New Report Shines Spotlight on the Challenges Facing Millions of Older Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered People as they Age
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) recently released Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Elders, an update to the groundbreaking Outing Age report issued in 2000. Like its predecessor, Outing Age 2010 presents an in-depth look at public policy issues and challenges facing millions of aging LGBT people in the United States.
The LGBT elder population is growing, with a large wave of openly LGBT aging baby boomers poised to seek aging-related services over the next 25 years. Yet, as Outing Age 2010 shows, there is virtually no government-sponsored research on aging includes sexual orientation or gender identity variables. This lack of data results in policy and practices that ignore the unique realities and needs of older LGBT people.
According to the report's authors, "LGBT elders remain a highly vulnerable and largely invisible aging population. We know that invisibility leads to greater social isolation, which can lead to increased vulnerability in many areas. We also know that discrimination across the lifespan leaves LGBT people economically and socially vulnerable as they age. Outing Age 2010 shines a laser beam on these needs and offers concrete recommendations on how aging advocates, policy makers and social service agencies can meet them." More information is available here.
Outing Age 2010
New Report Shines Spotlight on the Challenges Facing Millions of Older Gay and Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered People as they Age
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) recently released Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Elders, an update to the groundbreaking Outing Age report issued in 2000. Like its predecessor, Outing Age 2010 presents an in-depth look at public policy issues and challenges facing millions of aging LGBT people in the United States.
The LGBT elder population is growing, with a large wave of openly LGBT aging baby boomers poised to seek aging-related services over the next 25 years. Yet, as Outing Age 2010 shows, there is virtually no government-sponsored research on aging includes sexual orientation or gender identity variables. This lack of data results in policy and practices that ignore the unique realities and needs of older LGBT people.
According to the report's authors, "LGBT elders remain a highly vulnerable and largely invisible aging population. We know that invisibility leads to greater social isolation, which can lead to increased vulnerability in many areas. We also know that discrimination across the lifespan leaves LGBT people economically and socially vulnerable as they age. Outing Age 2010 shines a laser beam on these needs and offers concrete recommendations on how aging advocates, policy makers and social service agencies can meet them." More information is available here.
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Invictus
Thoughts from the IFA Secretary General
 IFA Secretary General Dr Jane Barratt contributed the following to the most recent edition of Harmony magazine. 'Invictus' is a popular poem from the late nineteenth century by the English author William Ernest Henley. Invictus, is the latin for 'unconquered' and the speaker in the poem proclaims his strength in the face of adversity.....' I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."
 Older people in every country of the world experience hardship and adversity each day - whether it is some developing countries such as Somalia where approximately 43% of Somalia's population live below the poverty line, and more pronounced in the rural areas than in the urban regions; or in the United Kingdom where 9 out of every 10 mature workers have experience age discrimination in seeking employment. A report by the Age and Employment Network (TAEN), showed that 32% of respondents were degree educated and a further 23% had professional qualifications, with 67% feeling they had the right skills for today's labour market. Older people are also a source of comfort, wisdom, safety and mentorship to mention just a few to people of all ages. They are resilient, dependable, interested and insightful. So over the course of this year not only will we be highlighting some of the latest in policy, practice and business developments but also the leadership of older people around the world. Read the full article here...
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Improving social inclusion for the most disadvantaged Australians
 In fall 2009 , Commonwealth, State and Territorial Ministers gathered in Adelaide to explore new ways to work cooperatively toward improving opportunities for social inclusion among the most disadvantaged Australians. Recent challenges like the global financial collapse have made social inclusion an even greater priority. An inclusive society is one in which all Australians, young and old, rich and poor, feel valued and have the opportunity to participate fully in social and economic life.
Within their jurisdictions, the various Governments have made commitments ranging from education and employment, to local community renewal, mental health and disability reform and measures to increase social housing and reduce homelessness. As an outcome of this meeting, all Governments agree to work collaboratively and use common principles to improve social inclusion outcomes, prioritising: children at risk, disadvantaged youth, jobless families and people living in remote areas.
More information on Australian experience with social inclusion can be found online here. Although fall 2009 was the first time that a meeting of its kind on the subject, it will not be the last, as the Ministers agreed to meet again in he first half of 2010. Further, Commonwealth and State Governments will be in attendance at IFA's 2010 Senior Government Officials Meeting in May this year, and there will be opportunities for even greater exploration of the Australian perspective on social inclusion.
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FICCDAT 2011: Call for Abstracts! 
FICCDAT, which is an amalgamation of 6 conferences into 1 (and for the price of 1!), could be thought of (modestly) as the Olympics of all conferences relating to aging, disability, caregiving and technology. FICCDAT is an amazing opportunity for you to transfer knowledge from your experience and your research to an extraordinarily broad audience.
You can submit abstracts to all six major conferences, and you can attend and present at several conferences for the cost of attending a single conference. Abstracts are not due until the 1st of December 2010, but why not get started early? Visit the FICCDAT website here and follow the simple instructions. From there, it is a simple process to start your submission. Once you start, you can check back regularly over the coming months to work on your abstract before submitting it!
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SENIOR Project reports on designing a roadmap for E-inclusion 
The Senior Project - Social Ethical and Privacy Needs in ICT for Older People: a Dialogue Roadmap - is a research collaboration between several European NGOs, businesses and universities. They are seeking a systematic assessment through dialogue to evaluate the social, ethical and privacy issues involved in ICT and ageing.
SENIOR hosted a conference in Brussels in November 27th on these issues. The report has been finalized and can be accessed here. Although the report is complete, comments and input are still welcome. Please visit the SENIOR Project online here, or contact
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for more information.
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 High Tech Fall Prevention at Toronto Rehab
Balanced upon two long legs as we are, falling down from time to time is inevitable. But as we grow older, falls can become a serious health hazard, sometimes resulting in broken bones and other serious injuries. Shuffling, slower reaction times, un-balancing side-effects from medications, and general distraction are all factors that contribute to higher rates of falls among older people. Finding real solutions that mitigate the risks of falling is a big challenge and a big opportunity for businesses.
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