As populations around the world live longer, health systems must evolve to support older adults in ways that promote dignity, independence, and wellbeing. Ageing Health focuses on the social, medical, and community dimensions of healthy ageing, emphasizing person-centred care, interprofessional collaboration, and equitable access to services. This theme highlights innovative practices, community-based supports, policies, and educational approaches that enable older adults to thrive, while also strengthening caregivers, families, and health workforces. Through shared learning and global exchange, we aim to inspire solutions that respond to the diverse needs of ageing communities across different cultures and contexts.
The Communities of Practice for Ageing Health is part of The Network: Towards Unity for Health’s commitment to strengthening health systems for the world’s most vulnerable populations. Older adults across many regions face social exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to essential services. TUFH’s moral mission is to help mend these inequities by mobilizing global experts, evidence, and practical solutions.
Through its Global Communities of Practice platform, TUFH convenes specialists, practitioners, researchers, and institutions working in Ageing Health to collaborate on original content, shared learning, and context-relevant action.
TUFH is proud to partner with the WONCA Special Interest Group on Ageing and Health, a global leader in advancing evidence-based practice and strengthening primary care for older adults. Their expertise, research leadership, and commitment to healthy ageing significantly enhance the depth and rigor of our Communities of Practice. Together, we are co-developing global competency standards, shaping the Ageing Health paper, and creating training programs that build a more prepared and compassionate health workforce for ageing populations worldwide.
TUFH Community of Practice on Ageing Health brings together a global network of experts, practitioners, and advocates committed to improving the health and wellbeing of older persons. Beginning in 2026, the Ageing Health CoP will meet quarterly to discuss emerging challenges in ageing populations, share best practices from diverse regions, and co-create practical solutions that strengthen systems of care. Members will also gain exclusive access to a robust Curated Resource Library featuring research on ageing, training modules, recorded lectures, and practical tools designed to enhance competencies and support continuous learning in the field of ageing health.
At the TUFH 2026 Conference, we are proud to host a dedicated Ageing Health Summit as a core part of the program agenda. This focused track will highlight the most pressing issues and innovative solutions in ageing health through keynote speeches, oral presentations, interactive workshops, and a high-level panel discussion. The Summit provides a platform for global experts, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to share insights and co-design approaches that strengthen the health and wellbeing of older adults worldwide. Register for TUFH 2026 today, and be sure to submit an abstract on Ageing Health for the opportunity to be considered for presentation.
The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Primary Care for Older Persons, Families, and Communities provide primary care providers with a practical, person-centered framework for delivering equitable and comprehensive care to older adults. Grounded in the WHO Global Competency Framework for Universal Health Coverage, these guidelines support informed decision-making with older persons and their caregivers, highlight the complex health and social needs associated with aging, and promote integrated, community-based approaches to care. Designed for family physicians, primary health care practitioners, community health workers, and social care professionals, the guidelines can be adapted across countries to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and caregiving practices. They also serve as a foundation for training programs that equip professionals, families, and communities to better support ageing populations.
Communities of Practice: Ageing Health Course
This course provides a practical foundation for understanding and addressing the complex health and social needs of ageing populations. It examines key issues such as chronic diseases, multiple long-term conditions (MLTC), mental health, caregiving demands, functional decline, and inequities in access to care. Learners explore frameworks like the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE), community-based strategies, and policy approaches that support equitable and culturally informed care for older adults.
Course Modules:
Understanding Ageing Populations
Demography of Ageing
System and Policy: Legislation and Governmental Support for Ageing Populations
Assessing Functional Ability and Intrinsic Capacity, with emphasis on low-income contexts
Building Community and Social Support Networks
Mental Healthcare and the Challenges of Older Adults
Preventive Strategies for Common Ageing-Related Issues
The course is offered asynchronously for self-paced learning or synchronously through live sessions (starting November 2026).
Ageing Health Curated Resource Library
Rural Health and Aging Course by NextGenU
Rural Health and Aging (NextGenU) is a comprehensive online course designed to strengthen practical skills and deepen understanding of the social, economic, political, and cultural factors that shape the health of older adults and families living in rural communities. Through four asynchronous, fully virtual modules—totalling approximately 123 hours—participants explore strategies to improve health outcomes and develop culturally appropriate interventions tailored to rural settings.
Offered free of charge, the course is ideal for practitioners and faculty seeking to enhance their competencies in rural and aging health. Successful completion of all course requirements qualifies learners for a certificate. For those seeking academic or professional credit, approval must be obtained from their institution or workplace, similar to any external partner-university course.
| Curator | Synchromous or Asynchornous | Virtual / In-Person | Course Length | Costs | Targeted |
 | Asynchornous | Virtual | 123 hours – 4 Modules | Free | Practitioners and Faculty |
Training program: Age-friendly environments by PAHO Virtual Campus
The PAHO Virtual Campus Training Program: Age-Friendly Environments equips learners with the knowledge and practical tools needed to create communities where older adults can thrive. The course introduces the core concepts of healthy ageing and guides participants through the process of designing, implementing, and evaluating age-friendly initiatives in their local context.
Delivered fully online and self-paced through the PAHO/WHO Virtual Campus for Public Health, the program takes approximately 40 hours to complete. It is ideal for community leaders, civil society organizations, local government officials, urban planners, health professionals, and anyone interested in building supportive environments for ageing populations. Participants who complete all modules and the final assessment receive a free certificate of completion.
| Curator | Synchromous or Asynchornous | Virtual / In-Person | Course Length | Costs | Targets |
 | Asynchornous | Virtual | 40 hours | Free | Designed for anyone working to build age-friendly environments, including current or potential members of the WHO Global Network and those seeking to adapt cities or communities for healthy ageing. |
IAGG e-TRIGGER AFrica, Middle East and Europe (AFMEE) Course
The IAGG e-TRIGGER AFMEE Course delivers a comprehensive online training program in geriatric medicine and gerontology for professionals across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Through 12 monthly live virtual sessions, participants engage with expert faculty, explore key ageing-health topics—from international ageing policy and prevention strategies to cognitive disorders, mental health, frailty, technology, and care systems—and build skills through regional team activities and case-based learning. Sessions are recorded to ensure flexible access.
Open to physicians, experienced health professionals, non-physician clinicians, and students, the program strengthens clinical knowledge, interdisciplinary teamwork, and leadership capacity in ageing care. Participants who complete at least 10 of 12 quizzes earn a prestigious IAGG-World Certificate, representing 60 hours of structured training. Tuition fees are income-based, and scholarships are available.
| Curator | Synchromous or Asynchornous | Virtual / In-Person | Course Length | Costs | Targets |
 |
Synchornous | Virtual | 60 hours of structured training |
150 CHF (Swiss Franc) for low-income countries 300 CHF (Swiss Franc) for middle-income countries 600 CHF (Swiss Franc) for high-income countries A limited number of scholarships is available |
Physicians, Experienced Professionals, Healthcare Professionals, and Students in Health Professions
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IAGG e-TRIGGER Asia-Oceania (ASIO) Course
The IAGG e-TRIGGER ASIO Course offers a comprehensive online learning experience in gerontology and geriatrics tailored to the Asia–Oceania region. Across 12 monthly virtual sessions, participants deepen their understanding of healthy ageing, dementia, frailty, mental health, nutrition, medication management, and other core topics essential to caring for older adults. Each live session is recorded, allowing for flexible participation.
Designed for physicians, healthcare professionals, faculty, and students, the course strengthens interdisciplinary skills and builds capacity for leadership in ageing care. Participants who complete the required assessments receive an IAGG-World Certificate of Participation. Tuition fees are income-adjusted, with discounted rates and scholarships available.
| Curator | Synchromous or Asynchornous | Virtual / In-Person | Course Length | Costs | Targets |
| Synchornous | Virtual | 60 hours of structured training |
| Physicians, Experienced Professionals, Healthcare Professionals, and Students in Health Professions |
HelpAge International – Global Network Spotlight
HelpAge International’s Global Network includes more than 170 organizations in over 90 countries, all working to improve the health, rights, and wellbeing of older people. The network makes it easy for individuals, practitioners, and community leaders to connect with HelpAge partners in their own region who are advancing healthy ageing, long-term care, social protection, and inclusive community programs.
By engaging with your local HelpAge network member, you can share knowledge, collaborate on community initiatives, and access resources that support older people where you live. The network provides a direct link to practical tools, research, and opportunities to strengthen ageing services within your local context while also becoming part of a global community committed to positive change.
Find your local HelpAge partner or explore the network
WHO Ageing – Global Resource Spotlight
The World Health Organization’s Ageing page provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of global ageing issues, offering evidence-based guidance, data, and tools to support healthier, longer lives. This resource outlines key concepts such as healthy ageing, functional ability, long-term care, dementia, age-friendly environments, and the social and environmental factors that shape wellbeing across the life course.
The page also connects users to WHO frameworks, global strategies, and policy recommendations designed to strengthen systems of care for older adults. Whether you are a practitioner, educator, policymaker, or community leader, the WHO Ageing hub serves as a reliable foundation for understanding global priorities and integrating best practices into your work.
If you are interested in suggesting an additional resource for the Ageing Health Community of Practice, we welcome your contributions. Recommending resources is one of the benefits of being a member of TUFH, helping us expand and strengthen our shared knowledge base. To submit a resource or learn more about membership, please contact secretariat@thenetworktufh.org.