The recent ‘Ageing in Common’ conference staged in partnership between the National Care Forum (NCF) and CommonAge, supported by Quality Compliance Systems, was a great success and set a new standard for international dialogue on ageing, retirement and social care service development.
This first conference of its kind for the Commonwealth attracted some 200 delegates and between them they represented 23 of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth. Taking place during the week of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in London, the conference attracted the attention of governments and has assisted CommonAge in its mission to raise awareness and promote the development of an ‘All Age Friendly Commonwealth’.
Held from the 16th to the 18th April 2018 delegates heard about innovation, research, new models, technological changes, political reform, Human Rights, best practice, community action, inter-generational working, home care, nursing provision, workforce, leadership, global responses to dementia, learning disability and older people, LGBT rights and so much more.
Vic Rayner, Executive Director, NCF says:
“We are delighted that we have been able to bring together such a diverse range of delegates and speakers to highlight the key agenda of ageing. It is clear that there is huge interest in understanding how the changing demography across the globe will impact all communities, and this conference provided a time critical opportunity to learn from each other and share experiences and understanding to enhance care for all parts of society.”
‘Let us take this movement forward together and let us get our voices heard…’ said Hon Anthony Agius Decelis MP, the Junior Minister for Persons with Disability & Active Ageing, Parliament of Malta, opening the conference with inspiring words to get us all thinking about how we take forward an understanding of ageing.
The figures speak for themselves, ageing is one of the most significant challenges that the globe is facing – older persons will outnumber children by 2030, and youths will be outnumbered by 2050. There are such significant economic and societal changes that need to happen including reform of health and welfare, and reform across all of society.
Andrew Larpent OBE, Chairman of CommonAge said: “We would encourage all member organisations to stay connected with CommonAge and NCF, and consider joining our growing Commonwealth movement. Plans are now being made for the next Heads of Government Summit and the 2nd Commonwealth Elders’ Forum in Rwanda in 2020.”
For more information about the National Care Forum visit www.nationalcareforum.org.uk or get in touch at [email protected].
