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'Enquiring About Family Caregiving and their Cultural Differences'
The Cyril & Dorothy, Joel & Jill Reitman Centre for Alzheimer's Support and Training at Mount Sinai Hospital and the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) organized a unique forum entitled 'Enquiring About Family Caregiving and their Cultural Differences', which took place May 22nd, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario.
This full-day meeting gathered key community leaders from diverse ethnic communities, service providers, and academia to discuss and learn how cultural differences can impact the family caregiving role. Speakers discussed cultures in the context of practice, developing policies and programs through targeted research, and beliefs around Alzheimer's disease. The interactive nature of the program brought a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors known as 'culture' toward improved ways to provide service and care in the community and within the family.
This thought-provoking day highlighted the need for more collaboration between and across sectors to address the needs of family caregivers, particularly working caregivers. Most importantly, this forum was an opportunity to build and foster collaborative relationships amongst organizations that, until now, have rarely partnered on this level.
This meeting is organized in the second year of a five year national project sub-titled 'The Reitman Centre CARERS Program for the Workforce' developed for the Canadian workforce and funded by the Ministry of Human Resources Skills Development Canada now encompassed in the newly named Ministry of Employment and Social Development.
The Reitman Centre and the IFA are committed to building a body of knowledge in this emerging field that will help to influence and shape effective policy and practice. A report of the meeting will be developed and shared.
Read about the event organized last year as part of the CARERS Program, titled 'Working Caregivers and Labour Market Changes' here.
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Independent Expert on the Rights of Older People Appointed
On 8 May, 2014, the UN Human Rights Council appointed Ms Rosa Kornfeld-Matte from Chile to the distinguished position of Independent Expert on the full enjoyment of the human rights of all older persons.
As part of her mandate, the Independent Expert can undertake fact-finding missions in countries and issue reports and recommendations; prepare thematic studies that serve as a guide on norms and standards; and raise public awareness through the media. She will work in close coordination with the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWG) and will consult with civil society.
Learn more here.
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Call for NGOs to Apply for Consultative Status
1st June 2014 is the last day for non-governmental organizations to apply for Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Consultative Status for the opportunity to take part in UN deliberations.
The ECOSOC Consultative Status is governed by ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which outlines the eligibility requirements for consultative status, rights and obligations of NGOs in consultative status, procedures for the withdrawal or suspension of consultative status, the role and functions of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, and the responsibilities of the UN secretariat in supporting the consultative leadership. Consultative Status is granted by ECOSOC upon recommendation of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, which is comprised of 19 Member States.
Learn more about who is eligible to apply, the benefits of consultative status, and more here.
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Announcing New Leadership of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing - Geneva
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Dr. Fitzgerald, IFA UN Representative and Vice-Chair of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing - Geneva
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On April 29th, 2014, at an assembly of the United Nations (UN) NGO Committee on Ageing - Geneva, a new Executive Committee was elected. The IFA congratulates the new officers, Ms. Silvia Perel-Levin, representative of the International Longevity Centre (ILC) Global Alliance as Chair, Ms. Ursula Barter-Hemmerich, representative of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) as Secretary and Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, who is a representative of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) as Vice-Chair.
Under the new leadership, the Committee will develop a work plan for the next year to address current activities and development at the UN, specialized agencies and other organizations with representation in the Geneva area.
Its overall goals and objectives include furthering the UN mission of building a society for all ages, to raise awareness about ageing and intergenerational issues, and to influence global policy. In this context, the Committee will strengthen its relations with NGOs, and bring diverse voices from local and national levels to an international scale.
Read more here.
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50+ Festival - 'Aging is Changing'
Presented by the Chang School's Programs for 50+, the annual 50+ Festival presents three days of energizing sessions on topics that redefine ageing. From 1-3 June 2014, the festival will engage older adults interested in personal growth and continued learning.
Register now to attend the conference, taking place at Ryerson University campus, Toronto, to see a dynamic lineup that reveals how Aging is Changing. Check out the Festival Program for details here.
Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the IFA, will make a presentation entitled, 'Separate Facts from Fiction - Are Older People an Asset or a Burden?' on June 2nd from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Read the abstract for the presentation here, and register to attend the free presentation here
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Ageing Alone Report - Loneliness and the 'Oldest Old'
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The 'Ageing Alone' report discusses the effects of loneliness on older people in the United Kingdom. According to the report, nearly half of people over the age of 85 years experience loneliness some or most of the time. Understanding loneliness in this cohort is becoming increasingly important, as what was once a small group of exceptional individuals will rapidly grow into a whole new generation.
This report explores practical steps that can be taken to reduce levels of loneliness among the oldest old. Case studies in this report demonstrates the continued willingness of individuals of all ages to become involved in their communities and outline how modern society can help address loneliness.
Read the full report here.
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Call for Submissions before July 31st, 2014 - Working Group on Discrimination against Women in Law and Practice
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In accordance with the established practice of mandate-holders, the Working Group welcomes all relevant submissions that NGOs and other stakeholders may wish to present for its consideration.
The focus is on family and cultural life, and The Working Group will pay particular attention to equality and non-discrimination in marriage, rights and responsibilities in the family and participation in all aspects of cultural life including arts, sports and cultural activities. Any information on good practices, lessons learned and promising experiences in the elimination of discrimination against women in family and cultural life would be greatly appreciated.
The research will culminate in a report that will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2015.
Read more here.
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Seniors' Falls in Canada: Second Report
Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors, and between 20% and 30% of seniors fall each year. Falls and associated outcomes not only harm the injured individuals but also affect family, friends, care providers, and the health care system. However, we do know that these personal and economic costs can be avoided through injury prevention activities.
This report provides policy makers, researchers, community programmers and practitioners with current national information to prevent falls among seniors. It offers an update of the current knowledge of falls, injuries, and hospitalizations among Canadian adults aged 65 years and over, and provides a picture of changes over time. This report also presents risk factors for falls among seniors, which are numerous, complex, and interactive.
Read the full report here.
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IFA 12th Global Conference on Ageing
Health, Security and Community
"Health, Security and Community"
Health, Security and Community
10-13 June 2014 Hyderabad, India
Even though the conference secretariat is no longer accepting abstract submissions, interested parties can still participate in the conference by registering to attend. By registering for the conference, you will have the unique opportunity to attend the high-level plenary sessions, hear captivating keynote speeches, attend interactive concurrent sessions, expand your networks, and more. Special registration rates are now available. Click here to learn more and register today!
The conference secretariat has now received the appropriate letters of permission from the Indian Government, which delegates will need to print and present to their respective consulates in order to complete their Conference VISA applications.
The letters from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs can both be downloaded here: http://ifa2014.in/visa_guidelines.php. If you require any other documentation to complete your VISA application, please contact Mr. Hershal Pandya at hpandya@ifa-fiv.org.
- Senior Government Officials Meeting
T he Senior Government Officials Meeting (SOM) will take place on June 10th, 2014, and will focus on connecting formal and informal care. If you are a Senior Government Official and would like to attend the meeting please register today by contacting Ms. Kailyn Burke at kburke@ifa-fiv.org.
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June 15th, 2014 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
This year, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is inviting religious congregations to raise awareness about elder abuse, through a guide available here, and encourages everyone to use the colour purple on social media as of 1st of June, as it symbolizes the fight against elder abuse. Learn more about the NCEA's actions here.
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Latest Global Estimates: Number of People Blind or Visually Impaired by Diabetic Retinopathy Worldwide, 1990 - 2010
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Results from an evaluation of the Global Burden of Disease Study conducted in 2010, as well as research led in January 2012, indicate that the number of people who are blind or visually impaired due to diabetic retinopathy (DR) increased by 27% and 64%, from 1990 to 2010.
According to Dr. Janet L. Leasher, who is in charge of this study, prevalence hasn't changed much in countries, but the numbers of people affected have increased due to an increasing ageing population. According to the study, one out of every 39 blind people and one out of every 52 people with visual impairment has diabetic retinopathy.
Read the abstract of the study here.
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CoNGO Newsletter - April 2014
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 The April 2014 CoNGO newsletter highlights two important articles on ageing: (1) UNECE Policy Brief on Ageing No. 14: Abuse of Older Persons; and (2) Council of Europe Recognizes Older People's Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
The UNECE Policy Brief on ageing focuses on the importance of the abuse of older people as a policy issue and draws on successful approaches to prevent and respond to abuse.
The second article on ageing provides an overview of the recommendations adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to government to ensure older persons fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights. This recommendation sets out a number of principles to be followed and gives examples of good practices in order for governments to adopt appropriate measures.
Read the full newsletter here.
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Ms. Izabella Kaczmarek - New IFA Project Officer
 My name is Izabella Kaczmarek and I am thrilled to intern at the IFA as a Project Officer for four months as part of completing the Not-For-Profit Management Program at Western University. I will be assuming responsibility for the eNews when Ms. Davodeau returns to France in June.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Western University in London, Ontario in Honours Specialization in Anthropology in 2012, with a keen interest in Medical Anthropology. Following my last year in the undergraduate program, I had the opportunity to conduct research in Northern Madagascar on the conservation of traditional medical plants for a research methods course in Environmental Anthropology. Throughout my research I observed a variety of projects that were implemented in Madagascar by Non-Profits and International NGOs to provide a positive change in various communities. After this experience I enrolled in the Not-For-Profit Management Program in 2013 to enable me to be part of a sector that creates positive change in the world and improves the lives of individuals.
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Read the rest of Ms. Kaczmarek's bio here.
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Now Accepting Expressions of Interest for the IFA Board of Directors
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 The IFA Nominating Committee is now welcoming expressions of interest from expert individuals, academia, business and non-governmental organizations for consideration to the IFA Board of Directors.
Each statement of candidacy will be considered on its own merit with close attention to their involvement in the IFA and other relevant organizations and their commitment to the field of ageing and older people.
If there are any questions, please direct them to the Secretary General, Dr. Jane Barratt (jbarratt@ifa-fiv.org)
Learn more about the nomination process and access the necessary statement of candidacy form here.
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Closing Note
Dear Readers,
If you are interested in submitting an article for a future edition of the IFA eNews or wish to make comments or recommendations on how we might improve this publication please email Greg Shaw (gshaw@ifa-fiv.org) or Izabella Kaczmarek (ikaczmarek@ifa-fiv.org) You can contact us by telephone +1 416 342-1655.
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