Who We Are
The world is ageing. Rapidly, unevenly, and with far-reaching implications for every sector of society. Longer lives are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. The question is whether our systems, institutions and communities are ready.
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) exists to help societies adapt to this transformation, so that longer lives become a foundation for resilience, equity and sustainable development.
Founded in 1973 through a global collaboration of organisations led by AARP, the IFA was established at a time when population ageing was only beginning to be recognised as a major social and economic issue. For over five decades, IFA has played a catalytic role in shaping global frameworks, convening governments and stakeholders worldwide to drive policy and action on ageing.
What Drives Us
Our mission defines what we do today, our vision reflects the future we are working to create for older people around the world, and our values guide the principles that shape our work.
Our Mission
To drive global intersectoral collaboration on healthy ageing and longevity.
Our Vision
A future where ageing is embraced as a strength and societies are equipped to enable everyone to age with choice, connection and dignity.
Our Values
We lead with integrity, advance equity, foster collaboration, embrace innovation, act with courage, and uphold accountability in pursuit of meaningful and lasting change.
An Invitation to Act
Population ageing is not a future issue, it is a present reality. The choices made today will determine whether longer lives lead to greater equity and resilience, or deeper inequality. The IFA is committed to working with partners across sectors and regions to shape that future.
Join us as a member, partner, funder or collaborator, and be part of building longevity-ready societies.
A Trusted Global Voice on Ageing
IFA is one of the few international organisations with formal standing at the United Nations and official relations with the World Health Organization, positioning it at the centre of global efforts to advance healthy ageing and longevity.
At the
United Nations
Since its founding, IFA has helped shape the global agenda on ageing. It was among the first organisations to call for a World Assembly on Ageing, and following the first Assembly in Vienna in 1982, emerged as a strong and consistent voice for older persons within the United Nations system.
IFA has contributed to major international frameworks, including the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002), and has long advocated for the protection and recognition of the rights of older persons, helping shape instruments such as the UN Principles for Older Persons and advancing the inclusion of ageing within the Sustainable Development Goals.
With General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1995, IFA actively engages across UN processes, including submitting formal statements, working with Member States, and contributing to global dialogue on ageing, health and human rights.
A defining strength of IFA’s engagement is its global network of Representatives to the United Nations, based in New York, Geneva and Vienna. These representatives bring the perspectives of IFA’s global network into key UN platforms, ensuring ageing remains central to global policy discussions.
Today, IFA continues to support global efforts toward a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, working with governments and civil society to address persistent gaps in the protection of human rights in older age.
WHO
Partnership
As a non-State actor in official relations with the World Health Organization, IFA collaborates to advance global priorities on healthy ageing and longevity.
IFA promotes and contributes to the implementation of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030), aligning its work with the Decade’s transformational pathways to drive systems change, strengthen integrated care across the life course, advance long-term and home and community-based care, combatting ageism and enable age-friendly environments worldwide.
IFA also provides ongoing administrative and programmatic support to the WHO as an Affiliate and network secretariat for the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
How We Drive Action
The IFA is a global convener, connector, knowledge broker and advocate to shape the enabling conditions required for societies to adapt to longevity. We focus on what no single organisation can do alone – aligning actors, insights, policy and action across regions, sectors, and systems.
1
We Strengthen Partnerships
Supporting collaboration, capacity and shared agendas across regions and sectors.
2
We Convene Across Boundaries
Bringing together governments, civil society, academia, philanthropy, private sector and multilateral institutions.
3
We Mobilise Knowledge
Curating and translating evidence, innovation and emerging trends into actionable insight.
4
We Influence Policy
Advancing healthy ageing and longevity within global, regional and national frameworks
How We Are Structured
Learn how the IFA is governed, represented globally, and connected to its members
Leadership & Governance
IFA Representatives to the UN
