Several global organisations, particularly the World Health Organization and the United Nations, have urged countries to develop Long-Term Care (LTC) systems to address the marked ageing of the population. Although LTC is not exclusively for older people (but for anyone experiencing a degree of dependency), the majority of LTC recipients are older adults. The prevalence of multimorbidity increases with age and, consequently, so does polypharmacy. Medicines are therefore among the most frequently used therapies in LTC, positioning pharmacists as essential professionals in LTC and aged care settings.

Moderator:

- Filipa Alves da Costa, Assistant Professor with Tenure, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Portugal

Panellists:

- Cheryl Sadowski, Professor, University of Alberta, Canada

- Niamh Lennox-Chhugani, Chief Executive and Director of Research, International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC), United Kingdom

- João Rafael Gonçalves, Professor and Senior Researcher, ISBE - Institute for Evidence-Based Health; iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Portugal

Palliative care is essential to improving the quality of life of older persons with life-limiting illnesses, addressing complex physical, emotional and social needs. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, play a key role in optimising medication use, managing symptoms and supporting patients and families during this stage of care. This webinar, part of the series “The role of pharmacists in the care of older persons” and marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025, will explore how pharmacists can contribute to palliative care services, highlight best practices in cancer-related palliative care, and discuss global perspectives and essential communication skills to empower pharmacists in delivering compassionate, people-centred support.

Moderator:

- Betty B. Chaar, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, School of Pharmacy, Australia

Panellists:

- Elizabeth Mattfeld, Project Manager, The Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance, Global, Non-Profit based in UK/USA

- Aline Hajj, Global Lead for Development Goal 10 - Equity & Equality, FIP; Professor, Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Canada

- Gizem Gülpınar, Assoc. Prof., Department of Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Türkiye

- Darren Walsh, Chief 2 Pharmacist (Medicines Information and Education), Geriatric Oncology Pharmacist, University Hospital Waterford, Ireland

With the world’s population ageing rapidly, pharmacists have a growing role in promoting health, independence and quality of life for older persons. This digital event marks the International Day of Older Persons and brings together global experts to explore strategies from the World Health Organization, updated definitions and preventive approaches to healthy ageing, and the evolving role of community pharmacists. The session will also showcase the e-TRIGGER programme, which targets healthcare professionals working with older adults. Through expert insights and practical examples, the session will equip pharmacists to play a proactive role in meeting the needs of ageing communities.

Moderator:

- Sherif Guorgui, President, FIP Community Pharmacy Section, FIP, Canada

Panellists:

- Yongjie Yon, Technical Officer on Ageing and Health, WHO Europe, Denmark

- Michel Jean-Pierre, Former head of the Geriatric Department – Geneva University Hospitals, Centre Medical Universitaire de Genève, Switzerland

- Ermira Krasniqi, Associate Professor, AMECC “Rezonanca”, Kosovo

- Rafaela Da Silva F., Senior Scientific Project Manager, Health Sciences e Training, Switzerland