Combating Ageism and Providing Human Rights-Based Care for Older Persons

Presenter(s):

Dr. Kiran Rabheru MD, CCFP, FRCP, DABPN

Dr. Kiran Rabheru is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and Geriatric Psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital. He obtained his MD from the University of Western Ontario. He is a Certificant and a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP, FCFP) and a board certified geriatric psychiatrist in Canada and the United States (FRCP, DABPN). Dr. Rabheru is designated as a Founder of the subspecialty of Geriatric Psychiatry by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Geriatric Psychiatry in Canada award by the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry (CAGP). Dr. Rabheru is passionate and committed to serving older persons and creating a world in which they can live free from discrimination and able to fully enjoy their rights.

Currently, he is the Chair of the Board of the International Longevity Centre, Canada. He is a Board member as well as Chair of the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee of the International Psychogeriatric Association. Dr. Rabheru is Chair of the Section of Positive Psychiatry of the World Psychiatric Association  and a member of the National Leadership Team for the Fountain of Health, which promotes healthy aging, brain resilience and vitality. In the recent past, he has served as CAGP’s President and Board member, Chair of the Steering Group for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People – GAROP and Co-Leader of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health.

Margaret Gillis
President, International Longevity Centre Canada
Co-President International Longevity Centre Global Alliance

Margaret Gillis is the founding President of the International Longevity Centre Canada, a human rights based organization and Co-President International Longevity Centre Global Alliance, which is an alliance of 16 Centres dedicated to the needs of older people. An award winning executive and innovative leader, Margaret played a key role in establishing the Age-friendly Community program in Canada and internationally. Other career highlights include a joint government-NGO project to protect seniors in disasters which was recognized by an individual award presented by Her Majesty the Queen.

Margaret has strong credentials in regard to human rights, working with and speaking at the UN General Assembly on behalf of older people and as Canadian Delegate to the Organization of American States, Institute for Children. She is past Chair of the National Advocacy Working Group at the Global Alliance on the Rights of Older Persons and has been actively working for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons in Canada and internationally. With a background in health promotion, protection and programming, Margret is committed to improving the rights of older people.