Episode 184: How to Grow Old: Transformative Perspectives on Ageing

In this week’s episode, Jonathan is joined by Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), an international non-governmental organisation that works with the United Nations (UN) and its agencies. The pair discuss global perceptions of ageing, approaches to elderly care around the world, and increasing inequity in service accessibility. 

Use the following timestamps to navigate the content in this episode:  

(00:00)-Introduction 

(02:11)-Jane’s passion for population aging and disability 

(04:23)-Our obsession with age! 

(06:56)-Considering the quality of life of elderly people 

(09:20)-The importance of human companionship 

(11:07)-Global and societal variations in the standard of care for the elderly 

(15:20)-Aiming for a ‘kinder’ society 

(16:47)-International Federation on Aging 

(19:13)-COVID and vaccination denial 

(24:30)- Successful care programmes in Scandinavia and China 

(26:40)-Life course approach to vaccination 

(28:32)-Programme and policy creation centered around the elderly 

(31:43)-Petitioning healthcare professionals  

(34:36)-Jane’s three wishes for healthcare