Protecting rights, challenging ageism, and promoting dignity at every stage of life.
Older people are frequently marginalized and overlooked by society, facing systemic disadvantage, inequality, limited social protection, and ageism. According to the World Health Organization, one in two people hold ageist attitudes, shaping how they think, feel, and act toward older adults. As the global population continues to age, there is an urgent need to protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of older people, empowering them to meaningfully contribute, and their continued participation in all aspects of society.
Human rights and the elimination of ageism are at the heart of the IFA’s work. With foundations in civil society and general consultative status with the United Nations, the IFA advances the rights of current and future generations of older people through joint advocacy, formal submissions, and high-level engagement with governments and the United Nations.
The IFA champions a robust legal framework to protect the rights of older people and works to ensure their meaningful inclusion across all human rights agendas. This includes promoting the right to decent work and social protection, strengthening the protection of older women’s rights, promoting accessible housing and inclusive communities, and advancing the delivery of person-centred, rights-based care. IFA also promotes intergenerational solidarity as a mechanism to combat ageism and build inclusive societies.
A selection of publications, initiatives, and activities related to this area of work.
Explore all IFA publications, tools, and learning resources.
For many older adults across Europe, pain is something they live with every day affecting how they move, sleep, connect with others, and enjoy life. Yet pain is too often...
On 5 January 2026, U.S. federal health officials announced major changes to the childhood immunisation schedule, moving several vaccines, including rotavirus, influenza,...
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) invites you to a virtual townhall exploring how different sectors are working together to advance healthy ageing and longevity...