Apply for UN INIA SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY Training in Mumbai April 2016

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGEING
UNITED NATIONS-MALTA
AND
INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE-INDIA 
IN COLLABORATION WITH 
TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

(INTERNATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME)

SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY
11TH – 15TH APRIL 2016, MUMBAI, INDIA

BACKGROUND
The dramatic and unprecedented increase in the number of older persons in the World will lead to unique political, economic and social consequences. In developing countries, where by the year 2025 seventy-two per cent of the world’s older persons will live, this demographic development will pose a particular challenge. Although a number of developing countries have initiated various innovative and concrete measures aimed at meeting the needs of older persons, there exists an acute shortage of trained care-givers at all levels in gerontology.

OBJECTIVES
This multi-disciplinary Training Programme in Social Gerontology , designed by an International Expert Group, aims at providing a broad and up-to-date understanding of the complex and far-reaching consequences of mass longevity. Participants are helped to evolve and implement appropriate policies, which will ensure for older persons, a high quality of life in their own society.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
The programme consists of lectures and topics dealt with include Population ageing: A global perspective; Key concepts in gerontology; Social aspects of ageing; Economic aspects of ageing; Psychological aspects of ageing; Health aspects of the older persons; The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (I): Older persons and development; The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (II): Health Promotion and wellbeing; Medical Conditions experienced by the Older Persons; Policies on older persons in India; Maintenance & welfare of parents / Senior Citizens Act of India 2007; Feminisation of ageing; Intergenerational solidarity; The Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (III): Ensuring enabling and supportive environments; Active-ageing policies for low-income countries; Caregiving of older persons; Communication with older persons; Programmes and schemes for elderly in India; Social Policies and services in the community; Elder Abuse; Quality of life in old age; Dementia & its implications on the individual and the family; Ageing and Disability; Healthy Nutrition in the elderly; Older Persons in the changing role of the family; Socio-economic implications of Population Ageing in India; National Minimum standards for care homes for older persons.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE
Applications are invited from social workers, academicians, health professionals and others interested in the field of Ageing from SAARC countries.

Following are the pre-requisites for admission to the course:-

1. Adequate knowledge of English Language.
2. Graduates in any field.
3. Experience of/ zeal for working in the field of Ageing/Gerontology       (optional).
4. This course is open for SAARC nationals.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested persons may apply on-line through ILC-I’s website www.ilcindia.org. Attached with the application form, you also have to upload the following:-
1. A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the course).
2. Passport size photograph (on White Background).

PLEASE NOTE :
♦ Closing date for application is 30th March 2016.
♦ Limited seats available.
♦ Hard Copies of degree certificates (to be submitted on the 10th of        April 2016 at the venue of the training programme.
♦ All Applications received will be scrutinized only after the receipt of    full payment of fees.
♦ ILC-I reserves the right to Accept/Reject any Application.
♦ Fees once paid are non-refundable even if the Applicant fails to            attend the course due to any reason.
♦ In case if any Application is rejected, ILC-I will reimburse the full        amount of the fees paid during the period 1st April ,2016 to 10th          April 2016.

♦ Formal Inauguration of the training programme will be on the             afternoon of Sunday the 10th of April 2016. The details of the same     will be communicated later.

Course Fee:
Indian Participants : Early Bird Registration up to 29th February 2016 : Rs. 12,000/-
After 29th February 2016 : Rs. 15,000/-International Participants : Early Bird Registration up to 29th February 2016 : US$ 270 After 29th February 2016: US$ 300
1. This payment covers the course fee (which includes Tuition Fees     and Training Kit) plus Lunch and Two Teas per day for the period of the Training Program (11th to 15th April, 2016)
2. Accommodation and other arrangements to be made by the participants.

Application Form: http://ilcindia.org/application-form/

Payment Details: http://ilcindia.org/payment-details/

Contact: 

International Longevity Centre-India

CASP Bhavan, Survey No. 132/2, Plot No. 3, Pashan Baner Link Road, Pashan Pune : 411 021.

Telephone No: +91 – 20 – 25862845 / +91 – 20 – 65002595
Email : longevetic@gmail.com Website: www.ilcindia.org

Source: http://ilcindia.org/more-details/ 

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME IN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF AGEING :14 - 25 March 2011, Malta

BACKGROUND
The number of older people in most developing countries will at least double in the next two decades a time, at whom the fertility rates are falling. The economic challenge of this demographic change will effect development and the financial implications of sustaining this mass survival are formidable and complex. How can “sustainable longevity” be financed in order to ensure an acceptable quality of life for the increasing number of the young-old and the old-old?

OBJECTIVES
The programme is aimed at providing the participants with a broad and up-to-date understanding of the basic issues involved. It helps participants to evolve viable and realistic policies appropriate for their own countries and communities to meet the very real challenge of sustaining in an acceptable way the life and health of older persons. In so doing, while maintaining the economic development of the country, a high quality of life is ensured to older persons.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
The programme consists of lectures, seminars and site-visits. Topics include: Longevity and Development; Sustainable Longevity; Demographic Realities; the Cost of Care; Long-Term Care; Social Security Systems; Policies for Productive Ageing; Assessing the Needs of the older persons; Review of Current Policies in Developing Countries around the World; Alternative Sources of Income.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE
Applications are especially invited from candidates who have one of the following experiences in the field of ageing:
1. Social security administrators and policy advisors.
2. Central planning agency officials; Social Welfare Ministry Officials and Private Sector Providers.
3. Representatives of cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, community action organisations, women’s movements, peoples’ participation movements and other ageing-related and concerned organisations.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested persons and organisations may apply by sending the following to: The Director, International Institute on Ageing, 117, St. Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1216, MALTA
1. An application form, which is available through the Institute's web-site or directly from INIA.
2. Proof of proficiency in English.
3. A letter of recommendation from the Director of your organization.
4. A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the course).
5. Copies of relevant certificates.


Closing date for applications is 14 January 2011 ( PLS CONTACT US FOR QUERY)

Course Fee: US$2,680 (includes tuition, board-accommodation and meals but excludes travel).

INIA might have available a limited number of partial scholarships. However, since this is not guaranteed, it is in the interest of prospective candidates to secure alternative funding especially for air travel.


Contact:
International Institute on Ageing, United Nations - Malta,
117, St. Paul Street,
Valletta VLT 1216, MALTA.
Telephone: (+356) 21-243044/5/6
Telefax : (+356) 21-230248
E-Mail: programmes@inia.org.mt
Web-site: http://www.inia.org.mt

UN INIA International Training Programme in Social Gerontology : 14 - 25 February 2011, Malta

BACKGROUND
The dramatic and unprecedented increase in the number and proportion of older persons in the World will lead to unique political, economic and social consequences. In developing countries, where by the year 2025, seventy-two per cent of the World’s older persons will live, this demographic development will pose a particular challenge. Although a number of developing countries have initiated various innovative and concrete measures aimed at meeting the needs of older persons, there exists an acute shortage of trained care-givers at all levels in the field of Gerontology.

OBJECTIVES
This multi-disciplinary Training Programme in Social Gerontology, designed by an International Expert Group, aims at providing a broad and up-to-date understanding of the complex and far-reaching consequences of mass longevity. Participants are helped to evolve and implement appropriate policies, which will ensure for older persons, a high quality of life in their own society.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
The programme consists of lectures, site visits and workshops. Topics dealt with include: Basic Concepts in Social Gerontology; Demographic Determinants and Consequences; Socio-Cultural Changes and their Impact; Economics of Ageing; Environment and Ageing; Health Aspects of Ageing; Social Care in the Family; Community and Institutions and the Needs of Special Concern Groups. Candidates will also be given an opportunity to pursue one of the following skills: Social Policy Development; Community Development Programmes and Services and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE
Applications are invited from social workers and trainers in the field of Ageing in developing countries. Applicants should have one of the following pre-requisites:
1. Be directly engaged in social service delivery for older persons in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors in their own country.
2. Be trainers with a potential to provide leadership in securing a better social service delivery system to older persons.
3. Be active in awareness development in the field of ageing.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested persons and organisations may apply by sending the following to:
The Director, International Institute on Ageing, 117 St. Paul Street, Valletta VLT 1216, MALTA
1. An application form which is available through the Institute's web-site or directly from INIA.
2. Proof of proficiency in English.
3. A letter of recommendation from the Director of your organization.
4. A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the course).
5. Copies of relevant certificates.


Closing date for applications is 22nd January, 2011.

Course Fee: US$2, 680 (includes tuition, board-accommodation and meals but excludes travel).

INIA might have available a limited number of partial scholarships. However, since this is not guaranteed, it is in the interest of prospective candidates to secure alternative funding.


Contact:
International Institute on Ageing, United Nations - Malta, 117, St. Paul Street,
Valletta VLT 1216, MALTA.
Telephone: (+356) 21-243044/5/6
Telefax : (+356) 21-230248
E-mail: programmes@inia.org.mt
Web site: http://www.inia.org.mt

UN-INIA Short Training course in Gerontology in India : Dec 2010

The International Longevity Centre-India is a not-for-profit organization working for senior citizens since 2003. It is registered under Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.

Its core areas of functioning are Research, Training, Policy, Advocacy and Documentation and undertaking field projects in the areas of Population Ageing.

ILC-I is happy to announce an eight days’ training programme on the social and economic issues of ageing organized by it in collaboration with the United Nations International Institute on Ageing,(UN INIA), Malta and the Bharati Vidyapeeth University.

This is a prestigious UN certified course specifically customized and tailored as appropriate to, and rooted in, the socio-economic conditions and needs of the country. Two renowned international and two acclaimed national gerontologists would be the faculty for this full time course.

This in situ training programme of UN INIA is undertaken to fulfill the training and manpower needs in the fields of geriatrics and gerontology of population ageing of the developing countries like India.

The training programme will be held in the premises of the Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune from the 16^th of December to 21^st of December 2010. This is a full time course from 9 am to 5 pm.

The registration fee for this course is Rs. 2000/- for the full period inclusive of training materials, the tuition fees, refreshments and lunch. (Outstation participants are requested to make their own accommodation arrangements. ILC-I would be happy to provide any further details in this regard).

We invite applications from Social workers , faculty members and/or post-graduate students of the subject .

You may send the names of the interested participants and their registration fee by cheque drawn in favour of the International Longevity Centre-India latest by the 15^th of November 2010.

Kindly note that there are only 40 seats available for this course and the registrations will be accepted on first-come first served basis.

I urge you to make good of this opportunity for your faculty and students to avail of this highly needed training programme in gerontology which is the emerging field of studies in the near future.

Please apply soon / write for registration form to : longevetic@gmail.com ; silverinnings@gmail.com

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

(Dr.S.D.Gokhale)

Hon. President, ILC-I

longevetic@gmail.com

Promoting Aging Activism to Assure the Rights of Older Persons

International Day of Older Persons
Workshop: Promoting Aging Activism to Assure the Rights of Older Persons 2009

Susanne Paul, Global Action on Aging President, chaired an afternoon workshop focused on human rights of older persons on the International Day of Older Persons at the United Nations. Participants included Nora Berra, French Minister for Older Persons; Javier Vasquez, Human Rights Law Advisor for the Pan American Health Organization; Maria Luz Melon, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations, and Alexandre Kalache, Global Ambassador, HelpAge International.

Nora Berra, French Minister for Older Persons

Nora Berra opened with the following statement: "We wish to attach roles and rights to older persons. Our presence here is an example of our efforts to deliver a universal message." With that, she emphasized "equality, liberty and fraternity," and discussed the implementation of the 2002 Madrid Plan of Action in France. She explained France's "social integration, care and consideration, education, labor market, social services and other life issues for older persons." France recognizes such rights because the government is committed to excluding no one based on age, gender or income. Mme.

Berra called for a global approach to respond to the worldwide increase in life expectancy, using the current figure of 600 million people over the age 60 as the basis of her argument. We "must consider life expectancy as an achievement over time, [especially as] it allows individuals to live more and bear witness to what is changing in the world." Overall, however, she asserted that we "need a better strategy for integration of older persons." "They are a pillar on which French society resides; they relate to their children and grandchildren and serve as a vehicle of transmission of values," she stated, and as a result, "the perspective about older persons has been changing in France." She explained that older persons participate in a range of activities and "commit to society on a voluntary basis; [in addition,] they create an enormous source of wealth in the business community and provide training and tutoring."

Berra asserted support for the Madrid Plan in June 2009 along with the World Health Organization, resulting in positively reinforcing the image of older persons in French Society. She concluded that "each older person benefits from services tailored to their needs and [thus,] France promotes older persons living at home as long as possible, [only to be moved when] keeping a person home is no longer possible and there is therefore a need for an intermediary system." On the topic of home care, she additionally discussed the Alzheimers' condition that currently affects 1.6 billion individuals, and the need to provide a master plan to pay for costs of such needy individuals-a situation which France will address in a seminar in 2010 or 2011. Last, she concluded with the simple, yet enduring statement that "older persons deserve our common reflection worldwide"-a statement that set the stage for the speakers who followed.

Maria Luz Melon, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations Maria Luz Melon, spoke on behalf of Dr. Luciano Di Hector Cesare, who was unable to attend the workshop. She opened her speech with the statement that in Argentina, there were no specialized medical policies or interventions for older persons in 1971 and thus, Heads of State expressed commitment to securing them. She stated that age discrimination is a basic violation of human rights and with this in mind, we need new models to integrate older persons, not only recognizing them as a group, but also as an integral part of society. She posed the question, "We can say older persons are integrated now, but are older persons treated equally?" She responded by saying that Argentina needs to address this issue in a comprehensive manner. "Member States cannot succeed in isolation, and we need to devote more resources [such as] those of civil society and academia, to assure national and international accountability and monitoring." She said that Argentina supports a convention that enumerates the rights of older persons to become part of obligatory and binding laws in governments. She concluded that society needs a different and positive change on elder rights because it current situation is a "global problem that needs a certain dialogue and [thus,] we need to change the way we think."

Javier Vasquez, Human Rights Law Advisor for the Pan American Health Organization

Javier Vasquez opened his presentation with questions for the audience. "Why a new convention?" he posed. He continued, "Why a new treaty?" His answers set the foundation for his arguments. "Very few countries have implemented fundamental rights and freedoms of older persons. We need to protect their rights, decision-making process, healthcare and financial choices. There are gross violations of basic human rights and many countries, laws, policies and plans are not protecting older persons against abandonment, discrimination and abuse." He asked, "What are some rights that need to be protected?" He referred to simple necessities such as water, food and essential medicines, explaining that older persons often face physical barriers. He added that "older persons do not have contact with community at large due to age." Thus, we "need clear procedures and mechanisms [that] give older persons the possibilities of making decisions-procedures that have not [yet] been established by law."

Vasquez then asked the audience the following rhetorical question. "We do not see older persons claiming rights and advocating because how can they be a voice when they are involuntarily pent up?" Vasquez then continued with examples of abuse against older persons. "Older persons have the right to live and we need to be their voice," Vasquez said. "They need to be free from physical, mental, financial and emotional abuse in order to prolong their life. Some examples [of such abuse] include [when older persons are forced] to eat meals, tied to beds, [placed in] physical positions that make wounds and injuries worse, and [issued] threats of abandonment. These actions can provoke more problems when taking into account the physical, mental and emotional vulnerability [of older persons]." Thus, we "need to examine the biological and social aspect of aging."

Vasquez claimed that "access to information is crucial for older persons to make decisions, but this is not always available and [therefore,] we need an International convention to make clear mechanisms and procedures with in a legal framework. He also spoke of long-term care stating that "none of these rights will be enjoyed if the government does not adopt clear measures that take care of terminal illness and preventative pain." He added that we "need mechanisms in long-term care and the adoption of international policies in social security, education, recreation and work." With the prospect of international cooperation in mind, he concluded that "the inter-American agency is committed to the implementation of international measures [and that] an international convention is a great opportunity for NGOs and governments to explore specific standards in the rights of olderpersons."

Alexandre Kalache, Global Ambassador, HelpAge International

Using a Powerpoint presentation as his guide, Alexandre Kalache discussed the "social exclusion" of older persons that constitutes a "human indignity." He also talked about "symbolic exclusion," and explained that many older persons are "left behind" as a result. He mainly addressed the following forms of exclusion that impact old people: institutional exclusion, socio-economic exclusion, territorial exclusion, identity exclusion, social capital exclusion and socio-political exclusion-which, collectively, leave older people disempowered and unable to neither exercise their rights nor fully express their unique personas. He pointed out that nations need to address these exclusions and solidify elderly rights as an integral part of society in order to promote "inclusion"-which would "ensure that everyone has the right to appreciate the treasure of life."

He did not merely use words, however, as support for his argument. His powerpoint pictures explained what he was trying to convey. For example, he showed a picture of his mother, Lourdes, at her 90th birthday party and reported that she has had a privileged life with the best of the best and thus, was included in society"-which now allows her to enjoy the "treasure of life." In contrast, he explained that his Nanny from childhood, with whom he has lost contact and only up until recently has found, did not share the same fortune as his mother; she currently lives in poor health and serves as an example of a person much affected by the aforementioned "exclusions" as she now lives an impoverished life alone and in a foreign land with which she has few attachments. He explained that due to society's lack of enforced elderly rights, she now suffers in her old age as a result of a life spent trying to stay afloat-a common phenomenon that affects many and, without the implementation of elder rights, will continue to do so.

The closing remarks focused on the necessity to promote advocacy for the fundamental rights of older persons.

Question-and-Answer Session

The speakers responded to inquiries and statements from the audience, such as questions about the reasons for the need of a convention, the reasons behind lack of pro-convention efforts from urban countries and the address of HIV and older persons.

Jean-Pierre Gonnot, Acting Director of the Social Integration Branch, Division for Social Policy and Development in the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Jean-Pierre Gonnot, Acting Director of the Social Integration Branch, Division for Social Policy and Development in the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), concluded with brief remarks drawn from his experience staffing sessions leading to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Gonnot explained that although older persons are largely invisible due to the fact that their fate is not consider a priority and, therefore, ageing has not gained much traction on the development agenda in many countries. Consequently, many Member States don't see the point in having a convention which raises many concerns, one of which is its financial implications. He continued, stating that the first step toward a convention is making the development case for a convention, e.g. that MDG1 cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of older persons, followed by laying out the human rights case which includes establishing the technical statements to be put into the convention itself. Taken together, these arguments provide a basis for beginning work on a convention for older persons. Gonnot also noted that older persons can exercise their rights under the Disability Convention's provisions when it comes to the rights violations that they typically face such as the right to health and freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse.

By Veronica Lewis, Global Action on Aging

Source:
http://www.globalaging.org/agingwatch/events/IDOP/humanrights.htm

DEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF POPULATION AGEING - INIA , UN Malta International Programme

As for the past 15 years, the International Institute on Ageing, United Nations – Malta (INIA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, will be organising an International Training Programme in the Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing and its Implications for Socio-Economic Development, Policies and Plans. The programme is going to be held in Malta, between 23 November and 4 December 2009.


BACKGROUND
Populations are ageing in an unprecedented manner. Over 70% of the older people will be in the Developing Countries,where the number of older people will more than double in the next two decades.They will require new policies and infrastructure - changes that must be based on demographic data and projections.


OBJECTIVES
The training programme in Demography designed by an International Expert Group is geared towards achieving a working knowledge of demographic concepts and techniques. Participants are helped at acquiring the methodological approaches,tools and techniques in demography adopted in assessing the conditions of older persons at global, regional and country level.In so doing, participants gain an ability to convey information effectively to policy makers.


AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
The programme will consist of lectures and seminars. Topics dealt with are the Basic Demographic Concepts; Factors determining Population Structures; Data quality, Reliability and Availability; Projections; State-of-the-art Research and Modelling initiatives; Ageing and National Development; Health Implications of Ageing; Groups at High Risk; Social Status and Roles; Family; Community; Labour Market; Income Distribution/Economic Security; Health Expectancies.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE
Potential course candidates should be:
a) Working in the areas of planning and/or research at population level in their country or in an academic national or
international organisation
b) Having a very good working knowledge of English (including computer software in English)
c) Be literate in computers with good working knowledge of Excel or similar software
d) Working in an ageing related field.



APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested persons and organisations may apply by sending the following to:
The Director,
International Institute on Ageing,
117, St. Paul Street,
Valletta VLT 1216,
MALTA.


1. An application form which is available through the Institute's web-site or directly from INIA.
2. Proof of proficiency in English
3. A letter of recommendation from the Director of your organisation
4. A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the course)
5. Copies of relevant certificates




Closing date for applications is 15 September, 2009.


No applications can be considered after this date. Prospective candidates should be fluent in English and applications are especially invited from candidates who are working in the field of ageing. The Institute has a limited number of scholarships for deserving candidates in the field of demography or statistics. Chosen candidates will, however, to pay for their flight to and from Malta.


Course Fee: US$ 1750 (includes tuition, board-accommodation and meals but excludes travel).

INIA might have available a limited number of partial scholarships.However, since these are extremely limited,it is in the interest of prospective candidates to secure alternative sources of funding.


Contact:
International Institute on Ageing,(United Nations - Malta)
117, St. Paul Street,
Valletta VLT 1216,
MALTA
Telephone: (356)-21-243044/5/6
Telefax: (356)-21-230248
E-Mail: programmes@inia.org.mt
Web-site: http://www.inia.org.mt


About INIA:
INIA, was set up by a resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which recommended to the UN Secretary-General the establishment of such an Institute to meet the needs of trained personnel in the field of aging, especially from developing countries. The Institute was inaugurated on 15th April 1988, by the then UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been giving sterling support towards the implementation of the Institute’s activities and has provided substantial financial support to its programmes.

FESCOM Senior Citizens Get together and Events

Federation of Senior Citizens Organisation, Maharashtra (FESCOM) ,Mumbai region has organised Get together and Sport and Cultural programme for Senior Citizens.

The main Event – The Get together is organised on Sunday 24th May 2009 at Brahman Seva Mandal,Bhavani Shankar Road,Dadar Mumbai ,India from 9am to 4pm.

Other Events:
Tennis ball Cricket Competition is organised at BEST Nagar Colony, BEST Colony,Goregaon West,Mumbai on 17th May at 3.30pm

Fast Walking Competition for Ladies is organised at BEST Nagar Colony ,BEST Colony,Goregaon West,Mumbai on 17th May at 7.30 am

Singing Competition is organised at Nanda deep Vidyalay ,Jaiprkash Nagar,Road No 5,Goregaon –East on 9th May at 3 pm.

Best Association Award competition



Those who are above 60 years of Age and are FESCOM member or would like to participate or attend this programme pls contact below. Senior Citizens association can also participate:
Mr.Vijay Aundhe – Secretary,FESCOM,Mumbai at 09969845225

Last date of Application: 20th April 2009

Sponsor and Advertisers can also Contact: Mr.Vijay Aundhe – Secretary,FESCOM,Mumbai at 09969845225

Silver Inning Foundatin supports this Events for our Elders.

So lets have a BLAST ,Seniors !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The International Institute on Ageing United Nations - Malta

The Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted in 1982 by the World Assembly on Ageing, and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 37/51, recommended, inter alia, the promotion of training and research, as well as the exchange of information and knowledge in order to provide an international basis for social policies and action.

In this respect, the Plan recommended that practical training institutes should be promoted and encouraged so that they act as a practical bridge between and among developed and developing countries.

The UN Economic and Social Council, by its Resolution 1987/41 recommended to the UN Secretary-General, the establishment of the International Institute on Ageing. On the 9 October 1987, the United Nations signed an official agreement with the Government of Malta to establish the International Institute on Ageing as an autonomous body under the auspices of the United Nations. The Institute was inaugurated on 15 April, 1988 by the then United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar.

In keeping with the Institute’s training strategy aimed at developing better qualified and trained personnel, and on the basis of the curricula and training materials recommended by the respective Expert Group Meetings, the Institute holds a number of training programmes on an annual basis. These programmes are supported financially by UNFPA. Since its setting up, INIA has organised 93 international training programmes and trained 1835 candidates from 137 countries.

These training programmes are oriented towards persons coming from developing countries who hold positions as policy-makers, planners, programme executives, educators, professionals and para-professionals who work, or intend to work, in the field of ageing or with older persons. Preference in the selection of candidates is given to those who are in a position to pass on the knowledge obtained to others when back in their own country.

The Institute’s training programmes, as also its other activities, should be viewed in the light of the world-wide phenomenon of population ageing. The situation is particularly acute in developing countries where 55 per cent of the world’s older persons live today and where it is projected that this percentage will further rise to 72 per cent by the year 2025. This increase will have major effects on social development, policies and plans, and on the services for older persons. It is precisely due to the lack of appropriately trained personnel that developing countries are least prepared to meet the challenges of the population ageing phenomenon. Through its training programmes, INIA is, in its own way, helping these countries to be better equipped.

Ageing is a multi-disciplinary phenomenon. It is in this regard, that all of INIA’s training programmes, as designed by groups of international experts, though dealing with various aspects of ageing, are inter-disciplinary in content.

Since 1995 INIA has also started conducting training programmes in various countries throughout the world. Each “in situ” training programme is tailored to the respective country’s needs. During the past 13 years, INIA has conducted 56 such programmes in Barbados, Belarus, Federative Republic of Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Egypt, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, State of Kuwait, Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, United Mexican States, Republic of Panama, Republic of the Philippines, State of Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, Tunisian Republic, Republic of Turkey and United Arab Emirates. 1792 participants have benefited from these programmes.

INIA’s publications, which include a quarterly gerontological publication BOLD, also serve as another source of information exchange. In its drive for international cooperation, INIA is signatory to collaborative agreements with both United Nations Organisations and International Governmental and non-Governmental Organisations.

INIA also carries out Research Projects, hosts Expert Group Meetings, and offers Consultancy Services. A Collaborating Network has been set up with the aim of facilitating information exchange. Members can access information from over 59 Countries through INIA’s Network Membership.

INIA’s 2009 Training Programmes:

16—27 February

International Programme in Social Gerontology.

16—27 March

International Programme in Economic and Financial Aspects of Ageing.

4—15 May

International Programme in Medical Gerontology (Geriatrics).

12—23 October

International Programme in Policy Formulation,Planning,

Implementation and Monitoring of the Madrid InternAtional Plan of Action on Ageing.

23 November—4 December

International Programme in Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing and its Implications for Socio- Economic Development, Policies and Plans.

October 2009 - June 2010

International Post-Graduate Diploma in Gerontology and Geriatrics (European Centre for Gerontology, University of Malta).

Application Procedure

Interested persons and organisations may apply by sending the following:

· An application form which is available through the Institute’s web-site or directly from INIA or from UNFPA representatives and UNDP offices in the applicant’s own country.

· Proof of proficiency in English.

· A letter of recommendation from the Director of the applicant’s place of work.

· A personal letter (giving reasons for attending the programme).

· Copies of relevant certificates.

Completed forms should reach INIA by not later than the closing date indicated for each respective programme.

Programme Fee

The cost for participating in a Programme is US$1,750. This includes full board accommodation, tuition and accident insurance for the period covering the participant’s stay in Malta during the programme. Air travel to and from Malta is NOT included. A registration fee of US$50, should be paid. The cheque will be refunded to the participant concerned while in Malta.

With support from UNFPA and other organisations, a limited number of scholarships are awarded by INIA to leading candidates for the training programmes and the Post-Graduate Diploma. Candidates are, however, encouraged to seek alternative funding in order to enhance their chances of selection.

Interested persons and organisations may apply on line or by sending a completed application form to:

The Director

International Institute on Ageing, United Nations - Malta

117, St. Paul Street

Valletta VLT 1216 - MALTA

Tel: (356) 2124 3044/5/6

Fax: (356) 2123 0248

E-mail: info@inia.org.mt

Web site: http://www.inia.org.mt

Courtesy: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/2009/03/international-institute-on-ageing.html