International Longevity Centre Global Alliance - Designing the Future of Ageing

15th October 2025

ILC-Israel and the Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Aging (CMRA) organized a one-day conference entitled and unveiled a photo exhibition on 4 September 2025, at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The event entitled Human rights and health in old age- The role of cities and communities in Israel and abroad was well attended with participants from government, academia, JDC-Eshel and representatives from WHO European office and WHO representatives in Israel. The objectives of the conference were to reflect on what Israel does on age-friendly cities and communities, to align with international principles and developments in the field of ageing, public health and human rights and to present new research.

We also unveiled a traveling photo exhibition Looking back – Older persons in personal and community documentation of October 7 and the life after. All photos were taken by older persons in the framework of a Photo Voice project by Photo Israel.

The program included presentations and one panel discussion with questions from the audience. The CEO of Joint Eshel, Mr. Yosi Heyman presented their latest research data on the power of local communities to promote optimal ageing in Israel followed by Dr. Yifat Rom who presented about the planning and implementation of age-friendly communities in Arab municipalities. Prof. Israel (Issi) Doron spoke about the power of cities and communities to promote human rights of older persons. Dr. Yongjie Yon, technical officer at WHO, EURO presented Ageing is living: Advancing inclusive and age-friendly communities for all. Ms. Silvia Perel-Levin made the link with the global work towards a convention on the rights of older persons.

New and relevant research was presented by Dr. Ella Cohn-Schwartz on digital engagement and mental health of displaced older persons in Israel, Dr Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque Green from Oxford University spoke about a person-centred approach to defining responsible AI in long-term care, Prof. Galit Nimrod presented about the perceptions of residents that she interviewed for her new book book Seniorland: Ageing in a retirement metropolis and Prof. Liat Ayalon presented her study Ageism and intergenerational relations in the age of climate change.

We also received a video greeting from Prof. cJolanta Perek-Bialas from the University Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland telling us their experience in becoming a national affiliate of the WHO network of age-friendly cities and communities.

After lunch, we held a working meeting with a selected number of participants in view of the possibility of establishing a National Affiliate Program to the WHO network. A task force was created to follow up. Watch this space!

Silvia Perel-Levin
President, ILC Israel