Shaping Tomorrow Today is this year's theme for the IFA's 9th Global Conference, which will be held in Montreal, Canada, from September 4 to 7. Organised by Ageing Design Montreal (ADM), this conference will coincide with an exhibition on ageing and design. Both events will serve as the centrepiece of the IFA's efforts to raise awareness on the impact that design, in all its disciplines, has on the lives of older people and in the future.

Key dates

July 31
End of registration cancellation period with refund

September 1-3
Pre-Conference Excursion: Toronto and Niagara Falls

September 4-7
IFA’s 9th Global Conference on Ageing and Expo Ageing and Design Montréal

September 4
Professional Site Visits

September 6
Gala Evening

September 7-9
Post-Conference Excursion: Québec and Tadoussac

Background

Studies have shown that the global population is ageing at a faster rate than in any other time in history. Now more than ever, life expectancy is increasing and people are striving to maintain a much more active lifestyle: living longer and living better. Whether in the private sector, in government or in many other facets of day to day life, decision-makers must now reassess their policies, redesign their products and amend their practices to meet the changing needs and evolving demographics.

Shaping Tomorrow Today will focus on four themes: Health & the impact of design on health, Participation & the impact of design on participation, Security & the impact of design on secutiry, and finally, Madrid +5 (reporting on progress since the signing of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing).

Themes

Three themes will be explored during the four-day Conference in Montréal: Health, Participation and Security. The important inclusion for this conference is that of Design, with the programme examining the impact and relationship of design against these three themes. Design is a major component that must be given greater relevance towards improving the quality of life of our older citizens. We must think about designing and creating environments that will positively affect an aging population.

Finally, the fourth component of the conference programme will be focused on the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, providing participants the venue to examine achievements since the 2nd World Assembly on Ageing, held in Madrid in 2002, and to look at future opportunities to maintain focus on the needs of older people

Program

Download Conference Programme (PDF 188KB)

Keynote speakers

• Ms Enid Borden
• Dr. Robert Butler
• Mr. Mathew Cherian
• Ms. Valerie Fletcher
• Mrs. Irene Hoskins
• Mr. Yoshinobu Ishikawa
• Mr. Gordon Lishman
• Mr. Robert Mcnulty
• Ms. Ann Soden
• Dr. Peter Walker

For a complete list of speakers, view the Preliminary Conference Programme.

Registration

IFA Member: $450
Non Member: Registration $525
Early registration until April 30 2008: $480
Student: $160

Registration is currently open at www.ageingdesignmontreal.ca.

Please visit the official event website for more details.

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For more information, please contact:

Ageing Design Montréal
4398, Boul. St-Laurent, Suite 302
Montréal, Québec, H2W 1Z5
Canada
t: +1 514 387 8859
f: +1 514 396 3378
e:
w: www.ageingdesignmontreal.ca