World researchers and stakeholders to discuss ageing population and service options at upcoming Melbourne conference.

A major international conference will bring together eminent researchers, government officials and industry experts from across the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.

Titled ‘Climate for Change: Ageing into the Future’, the 10th Global International Federation of Ageing Conference will be held at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 3-6 May 2010.

Host organisation, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, said there will be over 680 presentations, plenary sessions, symposiums and workshops covering five main streams: healthy ageing, social inclusion, climate change, resourcing change and human rights.

Sue Hendy, executive director COTA Vic, said the conference is being staged at a time when the debate over Australia’s ageing population is high on the political and public agendas.

“The release of the Rudd government’s first Intergenerational Report, combined with calls for reform in our aged care and health sectors, has brought ageing to the forefront of public consciousness. The decisions we make now as a nation will have far-reaching effects for generations to come.”

The conference will be of specific interest to the aged care sector as it works with government to ensure sustainability of care to older Australians.

It will stage discussions on the economic impact of ageing communities; attracting, training, valuing and retaining the aged care workforce; the impact of chronic health conditions into older age and creating a climate for environmental change.

Global perspectives on housing and independent living for people living with dementia will provide directions for furthering practice in Australia. Age friendly design of retirement and care facilities and application of emerging technology are also subject areas of significant interest.

Hendy said that the conference is an opportunity for industry and policy leaders in Australia to hear from leading thinkers and learn from the experiences of other nations before taking the next critical steps forward in health and aged care reform.

The conference will open with a keynote address from Dr John Beard, Director of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Department of Ageing and Life Course in Geneva. Beard was manager of public health for the Sydney Olympic Games. He is a global expert on the social determinants of health in older adults.

“It is refreshing to know that globally we are facing the same challenges in providing the best possible care for seniors in our communities. Much can be learned from providers and experts with different experiences beyond our shores,” Hendy said.

The International Federation on Ageing 10th Global Conference will be held in Melbourne from the 3 – 6 of May 2010. Tickets are available at www.ifa2010.org.

Tags: Conference ageing population reform