YEBO/YES! Optimal Action on Aging!

YEBO/YES! Action on Aging: Reflections from Cape Town

From September 9-12, 2025, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the International Federation on Aging (IFA) 17th Global Conference on Ageing: YEBO/YES! Action on Ageing in Cape Town, South Africa. 

This historic gathering was the first global ageing conference ever held on the African continent. The conference brought together more than 500 experts from 63 countries. The focus: advancing evidence, policy, and practice to create societies where all people can age with choice, voice, and dignity.

It was an inspiring gathering of leaders, professors, and policymakers from across the globe, united around one essential truth: aging is universal. From birth, we are all aging. The real question: How do we age well?

From age-friendly innovations to inclusive technologies, delegates explored creative solutions to some of today’s most pressing ageing challenges. Read the full press release and highlights here.

The Eden Alternative Global Alliance

I was honored to join colleagues and friends in the Eden Alternative Global Alliance. There were representatives from South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada. (Fun fact: The Eden Alternative is happening in 20 countries!) Together, our team delivered seven presentations highlighting diverse aspects of person-directed living.

Special recognition goes to Professor Rayne Stroebel, the regional coordinator for The Eden Alternative South Africa, who served on the host committee and continues to serve on the International Longevity Centre South Africa (ILCSA) Board.

Asking the Hard Questions 

In multiple sessions, our team posed one powerful question: “Would you want to live in the place where you work today?”

Not one person answered “yes.” That sobering reality underscores why this movement matters. Across the world, people are leading change with courage and creativity. They are working to build communities where elders are valued, voices are heard, and lives are filled with meaning.

Shared Vision, Global Inspiration

What struck me most was the fellowship, cultural exchange, and shared vision of those gathered. Despite differences in countries, languages, and traditions, we spoke a common language of strategy, compassion, and hope for the future of aging services.

I left Cape Town deeply inspired and energized to continue shaping a future where aging is embraced with dignity, well-being, and purpose.

#IFA2025 #TheEdenAlternative #PersonDirected Care

About The Eden Alternative

Our Mission: To improve the well-being of Elders and their care partners by transforming the communities in which they live and work. 

The Eden Alternative offers educational opportunities, consultation and a proven approach to honoring Elderhood – with resources for Elders and their care partners to elevate well-being.