15 June 2026
World Ageing Organization launches its global platform
WAO opens its headquarters in Amsterdam and calls on governments, universities and civil society to join a new era of international cooperation on ageing.
Read more →
Independent International Organization
Building a better future for every generation
The World Ageing Organization brings together governments, universities, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society and older persons to develop innovative solutions for the challenges — and opportunities — of global ageing.
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people aged 60+ worldwide by 2030
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people will be over 60 by 2030
2030
UN Decade of Healthy Ageing horizon
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working areas across the ageing agenda
Why WAO Exists
A world where every person can age with health, dignity, security and active participation.
Aligned with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals, WAO works across policy, research and community practice to turn longevity into humanity's shared achievement.
Strategic Goals
Eight commitments to the world's older persons
From protecting rights to advancing science, our goals define WAO's contribution to the global ageing agenda.
01
Promote Healthy Ageing
Advancing physical, mental and social well-being throughout the life course, in line with the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030).
02
Protect the Rights of Older Persons
Championing dignity, autonomy and legal protection against ageism, neglect and discrimination in every society.
03
Encourage Active & Productive Ageing
Enabling older persons to remain engaged in work, volunteering, culture and civic life.
04
Support Age-Friendly Cities
Helping municipalities design inclusive urban environments, services and mobility for all generations.
05
Strengthen Family & Community Care
Reinforcing informal care networks and community-based support systems for older persons.
06
Advance Gerontology & Geriatrics Research
Funding and connecting research on longevity, dementia, rehabilitation and healthy life expectancy.
07
Develop International Ageing Policies
Supporting governments with evidence-based policy frameworks on demographic change.
08
Foster Global Partnerships
Building bridges between the UN system, academia, industry and civil society.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Global Goals we align with
WAO aligns its programs and advocacy with the Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on healthy ageing, inclusion, and age-friendly communities.
Global Programs
All Programs →
Platforms that move the world
Flagship Event
World Ageing Forum
The annual global platform where policymakers, scientists and civil society shape the international ageing agenda.
Scientific
World Ageing Congress
A biennial scientific congress presenting frontier research in gerontology, geriatrics and longevity science.
Regional
World Ageing Conference
Regional conferences translating global commitments into national and local action plans.
Recognition
World Ageing Awards
Honouring individuals, institutions and cities that make outstanding contributions to healthy ageing.
Advocacy
World Healthy Ageing Day
A global awareness day celebrating longevity and challenging ageism across generations.
Urban
Global Age-Friendly Cities Initiative
Supporting municipalities to certify and improve age-friendly infrastructure, housing and services.
Working Areas
Seventeen fields, one agenda
WAO's expertise spans the full breadth of the ageing agenda — from geriatrics to artificial intelligence, from elder rights to healthy ageing diplomacy.
Healthy Ageing
Geriatrics
Gerontology
Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease
Mental Health
Active Longevity
Digital Ageing
Artificial Intelligence for Ageing
Elder Rights
Long-Term Care
Rehabilitation
Nutrition
Physical Activity
Social Participation
Age-Friendly Communities
Public Health
Healthy Ageing Diplomacy
Newsroom
All News →
Latest from WAO
28 May 2026
World Healthy Ageing Day: a global call for intergenerational solidarity
WAO announces its flagship awareness day, inviting cities and institutions worldwide to celebrate longevity and challenge ageism.
Read more →10 April 2026
Global Age-Friendly Cities Initiative opens for municipal applications
Municipalities can now apply to join WAO's certification and support program for inclusive, age-friendly urban design.
Read more →Join a global movement for dignified ageing
Universities, governments, municipalities, hospitals, NGOs, professionals, students and volunteers — WAO welcomes every partner in the mission.
Become a Member →