“The future of ageing is not something to passively observe, it’s something we must plan and act on, together.”
Last week, our COO Dr.Raza M. Mirza, Ph.D. joined global leaders at the International Federation on Ageing 2025 Conference alongside powerhouse partners like the National Institute on Ageing, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, International Longevity Centre Canada, CanAge, and HelpAge International.
One message was clear:
“Older people’s voices must be our compass.” – Alana Officer, WHO
At the midpoint of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, we need to confront some hard truths—and even harder questions. Over 142 million older people globally can’t meet their basic needs. Health and social systems weren’t designed with them in mind—especially not older women, who face the greatest gaps.
Key highlights from the conference:
➡️ In his session on Intergenerational Approaches to Aging and Care, Raza emphasized that aging is never a solo journey. It’s shaped by family, community, and shared responsibility.
➡️ Intergenerational solidarity builds empathy, reduces isolation, and strengthens the social fabric.
➡️ We must reframe the aging agenda: build on lived experience, celebrate resilience, and centre dignity.
➡️ Care must be rights-driven and community-based—not an afterthought, but a foundational value.
At the President’s Symposium on Ageism, a bold global call to action was made:
💬 “Ageism remains one of the last socially accepted forms of discrimination,” said Dr. Mahler Claudia. She challenged us to recognize it as a root cause of many human rights violations against older persons.
💬 WHO’s Alana Officer reminded us: Ageism is a root cause of injustice—and must be linked with other social justice movements.
✨ Bottom line:
It’s time to reimagine ageing:
Ground priorities in voices and lived experiences
Recognize older people as drivers of change, not dependents.
We need investment in community-driven approaches.
We need to act—because living longer must mean living well.
Whether you’re working locally or globally, these conversations push us forward.
Together, let’s continue to build a Canada—and a world—where every older adult has purpose, choice and belonging.
