The Future of Ageing - an ILC GA Conference


The International Longevity Centre (ILC) Singapore and Tsao-NUS Ageing Research Initiative presented the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance Symposium in 21 June 2013 to bring together some of the most progressive and distinguished thinkers and subject experts of the day to share their insights into “The Future of Ageing”.

The ILC Global Alliance (http://www.ilc-alliance.org/) is a multinational consortium directed at helping societies address longevity and population ageing in positive and productive ways. Its partners carry out the mission through developing ideas, undertaking research and creating fora for debate and action, in which older people are key stakeholders.

The 2013 Symposium focused on four critical areas in the global phenomenon of population ageing: income security; health and healthcare; empowerment and social participation; and lifelong learning. Illustrating the range and potency of the ILC's collaborative efforts, the presentations, drawn from different economic and cultural settings, offer a vibrant and important learning ground.

ILC Robert Butler Memorial Lecture
Professor Mukul Asher, Professorial Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, presented on the future of income security and social welfare discussing global trends in developed and developing countries using the 2012 Revision of the UNDESA’s World Population Prospects.

The future of health and healthcare in Brazil and the Dominican Republic
Dr Louise Plouffe, Senior Researcher of ILC Brazil, presented a broad comparison on the state of health and healthcare of older persons in Brazil and the Dominican Republic and highlighted some future policy directions for both countries.

Discussion of lessons and challenges reflections on aging in developed and developing countries
Dr Kavita Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Director of Global Ageing Alliance, presented the complex issues of aging in the United States of America with some reflections on policy recommendations in the areas of Income Security, Health and Healthcare, Social Participation and Lifelong Learning.

The future of long term care financing in Japan and the Netherlands
Ms Marieke van der Waal, Director of ILC Netherlands, presented the policy transitions in Japan and Netherlands’ long term care financing highlighting the extensive social support provided by both countries’ governments and its sustainability issues owing to the growing need for long term care in the future .

Empowerment and social participation of older people in India and the UK
Baroness Sally Greengross, President of ILC UK, presented the current situation of the ageing population in India and the UK, how social participation and engagement of older people facilitated positive wellbeing, and reflected on a future where these interventions can become a norm for both countries.

Empowerment and social participation of older people in Argentina and South Africa
Dr Monica Ferreira, President of ILC South Africa, and Dr Lia Daichman, President of ILC Argentina, presented the current needs of older people in Argentina and South Africa, various interventions that have been implemented, future priorities that will help alleviate poverty among older people, empower them to exercise their rights, and engender a positive view on ageing in the society as a whole.

Lifelong learning in France in the future
Dr Francoise Forette, CEO of ILC France, presented the policies and programs that France and other European countries have developed to help older people achieve their right to lifelong learning and reflected on the mutual reinforcements between health, wealth and education.

Factors for successful ageing in Israel
Dr Sara Carmel, President of ILC Israel, presented the preliminary results of a longitudinal study that aims to evaluate the relative effects of personal resources and coping patterns on the subjective wellbeing of older persons in Israel in the presence of a decline in health and functions.