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IFA at the International Day of Older Persons 2026

IFA Marks the International Day of Older Persons 2026: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives 

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) marked the 2026 International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) through a series of global and international engagements focused on the opportunities and challenges of population ageing. Under the theme Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives, IFA brought attention to the need for coordinated, multisectoral action to ensure that health, care, social protection and policy systems keep pace with longer lives. 

Alongside partners in Geneva, Vienna and New York, IDOP provided an important opportunity to reflect on progress, identify persistent gaps and consider the changes needed to support healthy ageing, uphold the rights of older people and build societies that are ready for longevity. 

 

IFA Global Virtual Dialogue: Mobilizing Multisectoral Action for Longevity to 2030 and Beyond

On 1 October, IFA convened its Global Virtual Dialogue, International Day of Older Persons: Mobilizing Multisectoral Action for Longevity to 2030 and Beyond. The discussion brought together perspectives on progress during the first half of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing and the need to strengthen systems and policies in preparation for longer lives.

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Featuring global leaders Dr. Ritu Sadana, Amal Abou Rafeh, Manuel Veguin Garcia and Carolyn Desvaux de Marigny, the dialogue examined where existing approaches are falling short, why ageing must be addressed across sectors, and how governments, civil society, health systems and other stakeholders can work together to advance healthy longevity.

A central message was the importance of moving beyond fragmented, age-specific responses towards integrated, life-course approaches that recognise older people as rights-holders and contributors to families, communities and economies. As the discussion underscored, while the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing is time-bound to 2030, healthy ageing itself is not. The systems, partnerships and investments established today must continue to support longer lives for decades to come.

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Geneva

 

Older Persons at the Centre: Towards a Legally Binding Instrument

On 1 October, the International Day of Older Persons 2026 was commemorated at the Palais des Nations in Geneva with Older Persons at the Centre: Towards a Legally Binding Instrument.

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The event brought together Member States, OHCHR, civil society, experts and older persons to advance discussions on a legally binding international instrument to strengthen the human rights of older persons.

Speakers highlighted the progress underway, the need to address intersecting inequalities—including those experienced by older women and older persons deprived of liberty—and the importance of centring older persons’ voices and lived experiences.

One message resonated throughout the event: human rights do not expire at any age.

The discussion comes at a pivotal moment, with the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Human Rights of Older Persons reconvening in Geneva from 26–30 October 2026. The priority now is to translate momentum into concrete commitments and an effective legally binding instrument that protects the rights, dignity and participation of older persons.

Vienna

 

Connecting Generations: Rediscovering the Value of Our Elders in an Ageing Society

On 5 October in Vienna, the NGO Committee on Ageing, Vienna, in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Civil Society Unit, hosted Connecting Generations: Rediscovering the Value of Our Elders in an Ageing Society.

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The event explored how intergenerational learning, community connections and institutional support can strengthen relationships between older and younger people.

Discussions highlighted the value of lifelong learning, intergenerational education and initiatives that bring generations together through shared housing, mentoring, volunteering and community activities. Speakers also explored how intergenerational collaboration can help address challenges such as social isolation, digital exclusion and online scams targeting older persons.

A central message was that intergenerational relationships benefit people of all ages. Older persons contribute knowledge, experience and wisdom, while meaningful connections create opportunities for mutual learning, social participation and stronger communities.

The event reinforced the importance of creating accessible spaces and sustained opportunities for generations to connect, recognising older persons as valued contributors to families, communities and society.

New York

 

The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives at the United Nations

On 8 October, IFA Secretary General Gregor Sneddon participated in the United Nations commemoration of IDOP at UN Headquarters in New York, under the theme The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.

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The event considered how longer lives are reshaping health, social and economic realities, alongside the opportunities that healthy longevity can generate for individuals, communities and economies.

IFA's participation reinforced the importance of treating population ageing as a cross-cutting policy priority and an opportunity to rethink how societies organise health and care, support participation, strengthen social protection and enable people to age with dignity. Realising the potential of longevity requires collaboration across government, international organisations, civil society, academia and the private sector.

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Looking Ahead: From Commitments to Action

IDOP 2026 reinforced a clear priority: systems must evolve to reflect the realities and opportunities of longer lives. 

Progress requires more than recognising demographic change. It calls for coordinated policy action, investment in age-inclusive environments and health and care systems, stronger protection of the rights of older people, and meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to participate in shaping their futures. 

Thank you to IFA’s representatives to the UN and to our members, organising committees, speakers and partners. As IFA continues its work to advance longevity-readiness and strengthen global collaboration, these discussions provide an important foundation for accelerating progress towards 2030 and beyond.