Exploring new frontiers of ageing at International Age-friendly conference in Dublin

A couple of weeks ago representatives of institutes of higher education, government, civic society and policy makers from all continents gathered in Dublin to share, debate and explore new frontiers of ageing across a broad range of themes at the International Age-friendly conference hosted by the DCU – Dublin City University. The DCU developed in 2012 Ten Principles for an Age-Friendly University and has been leading a global age-friendly university initiative ever since.

The topic of Intergenerational connection and learning could not be missing at such a conference, and we are proud to say that two of our TOY partners were present as speakers in two sessions:

Carmel Gallagher and Anne Fitzpatrick from Dublin Institute of Technology presented a paper entitled ‘Developing intergenerational learning partnerships involving older people and children’

Vicki Titterington from Linking Generations Northern Ireland presented a paper entitled ‘Age together not apart – Connecting care homes and schools in building an age –friendly, age-connected Northern Ireland’.

The conference – a 2 full days and over 50 speakers spread over parallel sessions – was a great opportunity to exchange learning and ideas on 6 key themes:

Community Engagement Initiatives and Partnerships

Education, Learner Engagement and Outreach

Research and Innovation

Technology and Health

Creative Ageing

Work and Enterprise

The keynote address was given by Professor Alexandre Kalache, a former Director of the World Health Organisation’s global Ageing and Life Course Programme who was involved in the development of the Age-Friendly Cities initiatives.