DRAFT #2 - 1.26.2024 4:15 pm ET

What’s “It” 
 

I am often asked what the “It” stands for in the Pass It On Network.

The answer is at least three-fold, as I see it, and maybe you’ll increase it to four or even more.  
 

Third, as a network of positive ageing advocates, we facilitate the process of mutual sharing with the hope that all of us will feel revitalized by tapping into our collective “IT.” 

Our February Global 50/50 Online Conversation will be all about you! We’re stopping after a straight run of 12 sessions to listen, to dip into our common well, to understand, and to exchange on issues that you are facing as we move into this New Year. We’re all on the front of our own reality and pooling our experiences and strengths makes so much sense. 

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Every month Moira Allan, our co-founder and international coordinator, hosts an Open House for anyone who wants to find out more about our network. We offer a choice of two sessions to accommodate PION’s global outreach.

Americas, Europe, Africa
Tuesday, 13 February
 1pm EST / 6pm GMT  
7pm CET / 8pm SAST

Asia, Australasia
Wednesday, 14 February
 7am CET / 6am GMT
2pm SGT / 5pm AET

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New York – 14th Session - 20-24 May 2024;

GAROP (Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People) invites its members and interested NGOs to join a briefing session on Tuesday, 30 January at 07:00 in New York, 13:00 in Paris, 14:00 in Johannesburg to prepare for OWEG14. 

Register for the webinar here.

Brazil and Portugal, the two co-facilitators, are right now busy facilitating intergovernmental negotiations on recommendations to be presented at the 14th session. Read more here (French and Spanish versions are available). NGOs will not be able to participate and that’s why it is vital to act on the national level. GAROP has prepared a briefing on the intercessional work that you can access here. This briefing will give you all the tools you need and can be used as talking points in meetings, as a handout to delegates, as content for other advocacy resources before OEWG14, and as content for advocacy and all statements during the 14th session. 

Please help make a difference by signing GAROP’s petition to protect the rights of older persons here as individuals and organizations.

Next Steps in the Process – Intertwined Issue

YOUTH AT THE UN: WHERE DOES AGING FIT IN? "How Can We Engage UN Youth in Advocacy Work for the Human Rights of Older Persons?”  This dynamic webinar was held on 18 January and the recording will shortly be available.
 

A valuable background paper on Intergenerational Solidarity and Equity for Future Generations of Older Persons Through a Human Rights Lens is available here.

Age Without Limits

The Centre for Ageing Better in the United Kingdom recently launched Age Without Limits: a new nationwide campaign to change the way people think about ageing.

This new campaign joins nationwide campaigns to end ageism in Australia (EveryAGE Counts) and Canada (Canadian Coalition Against Ageism).

WHO’s Comprehensive Toolkit 

Start digging into the WHO’s (World Health Organization) The Global Campaign to Combat Ageism Toolkit. It offers links to guides, evidence, multimedia resources, and other useful materials to inspire and support you. 

Tom Holloway’s legacy 

Our PIONeer, Tom Mottl sent us this wonderful review of Tom Holloway's life and contributions. Read here.

The Aging Directory 

The Ageing Directory, founded by Megan Mutepfa (left), PIONeer and Country Liaison for Botswana, is a comprehensive, centralized online resource to help individuals, families and professionals navigate various aspects of ageing in African countries. It provides information on health care, assisted living, home care, transportation, and support groups for seniors. Additionally, the directory highlights community programs, events, volunteering opportunities, healthcare professionals, geriatric specialists, non-profit organizations, caregiver support services, technology solutions for seniors, educational programs, training opportunities, and upcoming events including conferences and webinars (for example, Pass It On Network’s Global PIONeer’s 50/50 Online Conversations). If you want to offer or access any information contact Megan at [email protected].

NeRA, Botswana

The University of the Third Age, (U3A, Botswana) introduces NeRA (the network of retired academics) whose motto is “Minds Never Retire”. NeRA aims to reshape perceptions of individuals aged 55 plus by valuing their talents, experiences, and competencies for societal and economic progress. Retired academics play a crucial role across sectors, continuing their expertise in specialized areas. NeRA invites university/college professors, lecturers, researchers, and scholars to join and contribute in their own special way, such as improving the quality of education, contributing to the silver economy, advocating for age with rights, fostering intergenerational unity and participating in applied research. The network collaborates with similar international networks. Emphasizing contributions to economic and social growth. This creation is inspired by Network of eCollaborating Retired eAcademics; Global Network of Associations & Networks: Retirees Developing Silver Economy; Professors Emeriti Network; and eSeniors 55+ Network.
 

For additional information email: [email protected] or 
WhatsApp +267 72280881.

Dr Paul Ward writes, “As a proponent of the 2Young2Retire philosophy, I am excited to announce the publication of my new book written in collaboration with Eileen Caroscio and Sandy Demarest. Our book, Midlife New Life—Living Consciously Midlife and Beyond will launch on February 6, 2024 – forward by Chip Conley.”  

"I’ve read it and found it jam-packed with comprehensive information and a dynamo for motivation." - Moira Allan

Helen Hirsh Spence writes: “I am excited to share that I am among 30 authors featured in the inspirational book, The Gifts of Pain. It's a compilation of stories, reflections and prompts to help find hope and healing in adversity. The book and link will be launched on Amazon Kindle on Feb. 3rd!”

#thegiftsofpain 
#thepositivemom 
#topsixtyoversixty

Global Intergenerational Week

How To Find Assisted Living for Seniors With Disabilities

Podcasts have taken the ether by storm since 2004 – there are at least 3 million of them in the USA alone.  Jane Leder, author, blogger and podcaster brings her own take on enjoying life and staying engaged through her interviews that have included many of our PIONeers - Janine Vanderburg, Ashton Applewhite, Sky Bergman, Helen Hirsh Spence, and Jeanette Leardi.
 

Coming Up in 2024, * Older Female Comedians - We Need to Laugh, * Grandparenting. Listen in here. 

[email protected]

"Why stay we on earth except to grow?" 

                                                       Robert Browning, 1812-1889     

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3 February - 10:00-17:00

OLD’UP and European Youth Forum – Intergenerational Democracy Festival 
Maison de l’Europe, 29 av de Villiers, Paris 17 
Register here.

10-15 March

ACAP Study Tour on Fukuoka-Care Challenges - SOLD OUT

Learn first-hand about « Kaigo », the Japanese way of ageing in Asia and how the country with the oldest population in the world is supporting the independent lives of older people.