Columbia Global Centre to host roundtable on older adults displaced by conflict, emergencies

AMMAN — As millions continue to be displaced worldwide, older adults are among the most vulnerable yet often overlooked populations.

To address this pressing issue, the Columbia Global Centre Amman and the Columbia Aging Centre’s International Longevity Centre-USA are bringing together leading experts, academics, policymakers, and humanitarian organisations for a high-level roundtable titled "Older Adults Displaced by or Left Behind in Conflict or Emergencies: Addressing Needs and Fostering Capabilities," according to a statement for The Jordan Times.

The event will feature Columbia faculty, the UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons, representatives from UN agencies, and global humanitarian leaders, aiming to assess challenges, highlight contributions, and propose concrete solutions for displaced older persons.

Addressing the Unique Needs of Displaced Older Adults

Older adults play a crucial role in their communities, bringing resilience, wisdom, and experience. This convening will emphasise their strengths and the importance of fostering their ability to contribute, to ensure that humanitarian responses are more inclusive while effective.

Key discussions will explore strategies to enhance the health and well-being of displaced older persons, addressing the physical and mental health challenges they face and identifying effective interventions to ensure they receive appropriate care and support. The protection of human rights will also be at the forefront, with discussions focused on ensuring dignity, equity, and access to essential services, the statement said.

Many displaced older persons encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to secure aid and rebuild their lives, necessitating stronger legal and policy frameworks to safeguard their rights.  Maureen Henry, Deputy Director, ILC-USA, said: “With threats to humanitarian aid overall, it will be important to continue to pursue interventions and policies that support older people in their existing roles, while also addressing their vulnerabilities.”

Another key priority is community, as displacement could lead to severe isolation for older adults. The roundtable will explore strategies to rebuild social networks, support adaptation to host communities and foster inclusive environments that empower older persons to live with dignity.

The event will also highlight the need for robust research and data collection to better inform policy and humanitarian responses, ensuring that the unique challenges of displaced older persons are addressed effectively, according to the statement.

Advancing Policy and Collaboration

The meeting outcomes include producing actionable policy and research recommendations designed to drive meaningful change. By identifying and addressing key data and research gaps -particularly regarding the physical, mental, and social needs of displaced older persons - stakeholders will collaborate to develop targeted, evidence-based solutions that enhance long-term support systems.

Following the event, a comprehensive report will summarise key findings and recommendations, serving as a critical resource for policymakers, humanitarian organisations, and researchers dedicated to improving advocacy efforts and shaping policies that prioritise older displaced persons.