Become A Better Spa Manager: Skills To Master

Written By:

Jen Okhiria

If you are a spa manager or aspire to be, you’ll know what this is a role of many talents. Between managing guests, staff, creative direction, budgeting and even bookkeeping, spa management requires a wide array of skills. But what skills should you hone in on? What will help you feel successful and fulfilled? We spoke to Eminence Organics PR Manager, Jessica Timberlake to share her valuable insights from her time as a spa director in Southern California. Now on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association (ISPA) and the Canadian Ambassador for Global Wellness Day, read on to see the skills she cites as invaluable.

Leadership

Being a strong leader is a foundational skill for spa managers. Leading successfully creates a more engaged team atmosphere, diminishing tension and fostering a warm, calm environment that your guests will notice. Explaining why this is important, Jessica says:

The right leadership is critical to retain staff and keep your team engaged.

“Your staff will look to you as the compass, leading them through each day. Not only will you support them in spa operations, but you’ll mentor them through leading by example. The right leadership is critical to retain staff and keep your team engaged. If your spa director role is at a hotel or resort, leadership is part of the equation beyond the spa walls. You’ll be a role model across the property, championing the guest experience and supporting other executives.”

Jessica’s recommendation to give you inspiration? She says, “45 million viewers can’t be wrong. Carve out a few minutes and sink into this epically influential TED talk by Simon Sinek.” 

Giving And Receiving Feedback

Learning how to give and receive feedback is becoming more and more crucial for managers in every field. According to a survey of business professionals by PwC and cited by LinkedIn, “nearly 60% of survey respondents reported that they would like feedback on a daily or weekly basis — a number that increased to 72% for employees under age 30.” Jesssica has noted this as a crucial area of spa management, sharing:

“To mentor and grow your team, and yourself as well, learning to deliver feedback in a neutral way that will ultimately support your staff in their role is essential to keeping your team engaged. Consider how to receive feedback as well as from who - is it the general manager, or the owners of the hotel? If you own your own spa, is your staff giving you feedback? How do you interpret it?”

When asked how to improve, Jessica suggests you “take a course on LinkedIn Learning and then practice. Before going into a feedback conversation, take time to write your thoughts down and get organized. Play out the scenario with a trusted colleague if it’s a particularly sensitive situation.” 

Networking

In addition to enhancing your soft skills inside the spa, embracing the community outside your own spa helps you be a better spa manager. As noted by Forbes, networking is important for your career as it helps create a positive view of your business, fosters an exchange of creative ideas with others in the industry and builds relationships and opportunities with potential clients and employees. Jessica explains:

 “The spa industry is warm, welcoming and friendly. Whether you’re a veteran in the industry but new to management, or brand new to the spa world - get connected. The resources and connections are limitless once you reach out. Networking with your community has perks such as driving business from other locals.”

Attend your local Chamber of Commerce mixers. Join a trade organization, such as the International Spa Association...

There are many ways to start networking right away. Tradeshows are an excellent avenue to meet fellow professionals and brush up on your industry knowledge. Jessica adds: “Attend your local Chamber of Commerce mixers. Join a trade organization, such as the International Spa Association, which has dozens of invaluable benefits including an industry best practices guide, research, educational materials and an annual conference where you can grow all of your professional skills and see what products are the latest and greatest.” 

Retail Savvy

As well as honing your soft skills, business skills are essential when managing a spa. Being retail savvy is crucial to your spa’s success, as retail sales typically make up a large percentage of your overall revenue. Jessica advises: 

“One of the number one opportunities spa managers state as a pain point is retail sales ‘left on the treatment table.’ According to best practices, ideal retail sales should track 30% to 50% of your top line revenue.”

She recommends leaning in and accepting help from experts around you to improve this skill: “Look to your vendor partners for retail sales advice. They’re experts in merchandising, provide sales training and may even offer incentives for your guests, such as a gift with purchase to spur sales.” 

Marketing

Put your retail savvy to good use by brushing up on your marketing skills. Whether you realize it or not, traditional marketing is a large part of the day to day tasks of a spa manager. Jessica puts this perfectly, saying: “From seasonal specials, holiday treatments, spa menu design, group packages, trend forecasting - you will do it all!”

To ensure you’re staying modern and on top of the latest industry trends, Jessica keeps it simple:

“Read! Make an array of trade publications part of your monthly required reading. Magazines sent to spa professionals such as American Spa, Skin Inc, DAYSPA, Puls and Les Nouvelles Esthetique provide invaluable insights into maximizing your marketing potential.” 

Financial Fluency

With a strong retail strategy in place, ensure you have an understanding of how it affects your bottom line. To lead your team and business in the right direction, financial fluency is vital, enabling you to plan both short and long term goals. Jessica highlights this, saying:

“Your math teacher was right - numbers don’t lie. Knowing at a glance whether your margins are up or down, your retail:treatment ratio is on point and what your cost of goods sold is will give you immediate intel into the fiscal health of your spa and lay the path for where you need to focus your energy - is it inventory management, treatment sales, reducing costs or remixing your spa packages?”

Run all of the financial reports from your spa’s software system and dig deep.

If finance is out of your comfort zone, don’t fret - you’re not alone. There are many opportunities to learn, whether self-led, taking online courses, or attending community programs. Jessica’s recommendation: Study. She says: “Run all of the financial reports from your spa’s software system and dig deep. Pony up your skills by taking a financial management distance-based course through the ISPA and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute for less than $100 USD.”  

We hope these key areas help you in developing your own career goals and learning plan. Are you a spa manager or director? What else do you think is crucial when working in the industry? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

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Very few of the presently available interventions for aging are forms of rejuvenation, and of these most are debatable or have small, unreliable effects. Beyond senolytic drugs to clear some fraction of senescent cells from aging tissues, an approach that is producing sizable, reliable effects in animal studies and that will soon enough become a major part of healthcare for the old, other present treatments can only be argued to be forms of rejuvenation. Either they are not addressing root cause damage, or their effect sizes are so marginal as to make it unclear as to whether anything interesting is taking place. Consider photobiomodulation for example, or other forms of laser treatment that might possibly produce benefits via reducing the burden of senescent cells in skin. These are weak indeed in comparison to the effects that should arise from senolytic drugs, assuming the similar levels of clearance of senescent cells are obtained in humans as have been observed in mice.

But where does one find the information that might aid in deciding which treatments are useful versus marginal? The Forever Healthy Foundation is performing a public service by picking some of the more credible of presently available potential interventions in the aging process, a list that does include treatments capable of only small benefits, and conducting a deep review on each. The outcome in each case is a comprehensive risk and benefit assessment that will be of great use to anyone minded to try these interventions in advance of widespread use and the necessary decade or so it takes for anything to work its way through the system of trials.

The Forever Healthy Foundation staff published their first analysis today, covering the presently popular approach of upregulating NAD+ levels in mitochondria in order to turn back some fraction of the age-related decline in mitochondrial function, an important aspect of aging. To the degree that this works, it is not repairing underlying damage; I would say it is more akin to pressing the accelerator harder in a failing engine. Nonetheless, a range of supplements and other approaches exist to accomplish this goal, and a recent small clinical trial suggests that this approach can produce benefits to cardiovascular function in old individuals. The strategy is not free from concerns, however, and the review suggests that younger people should avoid these supplements.

Rejuvenation Now

Senolytics, NAD+ restoration, lipid replacement, decalcification, mTOR modulation, geroprotectors ... - the first generation of human rejuvenation therapies is available today. However, the field is still very young and the information often spotty. New therapies are emerging, and existing ones are updated or replaced. Many of us can not or do not want to wait for decades until we have all the knowledge, perfect therapies and a lifetime of experience on how to implement such therapies. To take advantage of this exciting development right now, we need to navigate this time of transition and make very personal decisions about which treatments to apply and when. Arming ourselves with the best knowledge about therapeutic options is vital.

To rise to this challenge, we have created our Rejuvenation Now initiative to: (a) continuously identify potential new rejuvenation therapies; (b) systematically evaluate new and existing therapies on their benefits, risks, procedures and potential application; (c) evaluate providers for specialized therapies (such as stem cell treatments); (d) freely share our evaluations, protocols, and learnings. The initiative is set up as an international collaboration of scientists and doctors in combination with the team we are building at our foundation's headquarters.

NAD+ Restoration Therapy Risk-Benefit Analysis

This analysis of NAD+ restoration therapy is part of Forever Healthy's Rejuvenation Now initiative that seeks to continuously identify new therapies and systematically evaluate them on their risks, benefits, procedures and potential application. NAD+ is a pyridine nucleotide found in all living cells. It plays an important role in energy metabolism and is a substrate for several enzymes (including those involved in DNA repair). NAD+ levels may decline markedly with age and restoring those levels to a youthful state is believed to have beneficial effects on health and longevity.

Restoration of NAD+ levels has been shown to have beneficial effects on several organ systems and diseases with an excellent acute toxicity profile. The main benefits are in diseases or conditions that threaten the energetic status of the cell such as ischemic stroke, heart failure/infarction, and mitochondrial diseases. The highest level of evidence for NAD+ restoration therapy in humans is for skin diseases. There is a multitude of potential benefits for which the evidence level is still quite low because of the lack of clinical trials.

The major risks are related to tumorigenesis, the buildup of metabolites with undesirable effects, and an increase in the proinflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype of senescent cells. These have not appeared in clinical trials to date but have been identified during mammalian preclinical trials. More clinical trials are necessary to adequately assess the risk of long term NAD+ supplementation. Short and medium-term supplementation (up to twelve weeks) with NR elevates NAD+ levels safely and effectively but there is a lack of studies examining the potential adverse health effects of chronic, year-long NAD+ supplementation.

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Taking away the Lion’s mane in the Donald, would be like castration for him as he wouldn’t be able to function but he has a good looking skull shape for a balding man.

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Lavette proves that jeans can be worn comfortably and stylishly in the salon.

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This is nice to see, however, it doesn’t take into account a few very important factors:

1- Your hair thickness (fine hair has 1/4 the value of coarse hair) so the calculations are different based upon hair thickness

2- Your hair density in the donor area: We are all different with different hair densities. The density reflects the donor bank so if you take out say 3000 grafts, and you only have 3000 to donate, then you have used up your reserve. A good doctor will tell you how much hair you have in your donor bank and as you use it, how much remains.

3- What can you expect in the future as hair loss is progressive. Today, for example, you have some frontal loss and you transplant it with 2000 grafts. In a few years maybe you have more frontal recession behind the area that was transplanted and you also develop some early crown loss. If you transplant these two areas, then maybe in time, the crown loss will become more and wider, what do you do then? Did you leave enough hair in the donor bank to manage future hair loss?

The hair transplant conundrum is not so simple as a graft calculator can easily solve. A good doctor who has experience, will address this for you and give you a realistic assessment of your short term and long term needs. I always tell my patients don’t think a year out, because balding is a lifetime problem.

HOW MANY GRAFTS Do You Need? Try this 30 Second GRAFT CALCULATOR! from tressless

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To earn the position as a first-line treatment is a privilege

When we think of treatmetns for hair loss, we typically divide them into groups accordingly to their safety and efficacy. We generally call the starting treatments “first-line” treatments, and treatments that we might consider down the road if first-line treatment do not prove helpful as “second-line” treatments followed by “third-line” treatments.

The position of first-line is earned

To earn the rank of being considered a “first-line” treatment for any given medical condition is a privilege that comes only with time and only with demonstration of the treatment being effective in repeated high-quality, independent medical studies. There is an incorrect perception among many physicians and much of the general public that new treatments automatically become first-line treatments. All new treatments start off as second-line or third- line treatments and must proceed to then earn their place at the top of the list as first-line treatments. If they are truly superstars, this upward promotion will happen rather quickly.

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I’m 18 and I’ve had diffuse thinning for the past 3 years. Yes it sucks but it’s slow and still have decent amount of hair. I’ve noticed for the past 3 years that when ever I get a hair cut, my hair is easy to pull out. Same with sides and my back. Is this DUPA? I’m really worried because I hope it isn’t. I took pictures with the flash and it’s still thick. Also when my sides grow out, I try pulling on it and it doesn’t come our. WTF.

I am the doctor who defined DUPA and it is rare. You need to have a microscopic examination of your donor area if you want DUPA eliminated as a diagnostic possibility. Most hair transplanted doctors offer this.

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I just got my first box of finasteride 1 mg today.  I wanted to get minoxidil 5% as well, but I need a prescription for that where I live.  However, my dermatologist said the action of finasteride and minoxidil isn’t synergic, and that I won’t get better results by adding topical minoxidil to oral finasteride. That’s the opposite of everything I’ve heard so far. Men do combine oral finasteride and topical minoxidil 5% exactly to get better results, don’t they?

I don’t agree with your dermatologist. These two medications have different modes of action so taking them in combination, especially for the crown, is more effective.

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Morgan Galaider, The Nail Studio, Coconut Creek, Fla. @morganashley.beauty

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It is well known that hypertension, raised blood pressure, results in greater risk of a range of age-related conditions, particularly cognitive decline and dementia. The mechanisms of interest include damage to the blood-brain barrier, allowing unwanted molecules and cells into the brain, where they can spur chronic inflammation, and rupture of small blood vessels in the brain, resulting in microbleeds that are effectively tiny strokes, destroying small regions of tissue. Over time, this all adds up, and is why even methods that force a lowering of blood pressure without addressing the underlying causes of hypertension can produce a sizable reduction in risk of age-related disease and mortality. As noted in the data presented here, this is a matter of accumulated damage over time, so maintaining a lower blood pressure is a life-long concern.

In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife persisting into late life increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Although not designed to show cause and effect, the study suggests that maintaining a healthy blood pressure throughout life may be one way to help decrease one's risk of losing brain function. In their study, they found that those people with the high blood pressure condition hypertension during middle age and during late life were 49% more likely to develop dementia than those with normal blood pressure at both times. But, putting one at even greater risk was having hypertension in middle age and then having low blood pressure in late life, which increased one's dementia risk by 62%.

High blood pressure was considered any measurement more than 140/90 millimeters of mercury, whereas low blood pressure was defined as less than 90/60 millimeters of mercury. A cognitive exam, caregiver reports, hospitalization discharge codes, and death certificates were used to classify participant brain function and determine cognitive impairment. High blood pressure can be genetic, but can also be the result of not enough exercise and poor diet. As people age, the top blood pressure number (systolic) oftentimes increases while the bottom number (diastolic) can decrease due to structural changes in the blood vessels. Dementia itself may lead to a lowering of blood pressure, as it may disrupt the brain's autonomic nervous system. Further, stiffening of the arteries from disease and physical frailty can also lead to low blood pressure in late life.

Link: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/abnormal-blood-pressure-in-middle-and-late-life-influences-dementia-risk

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Adult neurons retain the developmental infrastructure to be able to regrow damaged axons, in principle, but this capability is repressed after early development ends. Researchers here explore the details of the controlling mechanism. The goal at the end of the day is to produce the means to unlock regrowth in adult nerve tissue, particularly the spinal column. A great deal of research and development in regenerative medicine is of this nature, a search for ways to reenable the processes of regulated growth that took place during early development.

It is commonly accepted that neurons of the central nervous system shut down their ability to grow when they no longer need it; this occurs normally after they have found their target cells and established synapses. However, recent findings show that old nerve cells have the potential to regrow and to repair damage similar to young neurons. "Actually, this is quite surprising. It is by no means a matter of course that young and adult nerve cells share the same mechanisms. Neurons show vigorous growth during embryonic development. Mature nerve cells, on the other hand, usually do not grow and fail to regenerate. Our study now reveals that although the ability to grow is inhibited in adult cells, the neurons keep the disposition for growth and regeneration."

Neurons only show their growth talent during embryonic development. At this stage, they form long projections called axons in order to connect and thus transmit signals. However, the ability to grow and thus regrow after injury dwindles when the nervous system reaches the adult stage. Only neurons of the periphery, e. g. those in the arms and legs, retain a pronounced potential for mending damaged connections. However, if axons in the spinal cord are severed, they do not regrow. Consequently, the pathway for nerve impulses remains disturbed.

In recent years scientists identified various factors that influence the growth of neurons. Certain proteins - those of the cofilin/ADF family - proved to play a pivotal role. During embryonic development, these molecules control the formation of cell protuberances that ultimately evolve into axons. The scientists found that the growth and regrowth of neurons is fueled by the turnover of actin filaments. These string shaped molecules belong to the molecular scaffold that gives the cell its form and stability. The proteins of the cofilin/ADF family partially dissolve this corset. It is only through this breakup that the structure of the cell can change - and thus the neuron can grow and regenerate. "In our recent study, we found that it is precisely these proteins that drive growth and regeneration, also in adult neurons. An approach for future regenerative interventions could be to target actin."

Link: https://www.dzne.de/en/news/public-relations/press-releases/press/bonn-researchers-identify-key-proteins-for-the-repair-of-nerve-fibers/

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As a team of established beauty experts, we’ve got our fingers on the pulse when it comes to knowing the latest the beauty industry has to offer. Want to be kept in the know? The Trend Report is our weekly feature where we share with you the latest launches and news across the industry; from new product launches, beauty concepts and store launches to the latest trends you need to know about. So, what’s been trending in beauty this week?

BEAUTY ESPIONAGE

Cosmetics brand Stila has unveiled its autumn/fall Beauty Espionage collection, featuring it’s new Magnum XXX Mascara, Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow (in 5 shades) and Hide and Chic Foundation.

FIX UP, LOOK SHARP

MAC has added to its much-loved foundation range with the launch of the Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick. Available from September, the lightweight formula is easy to blend and pairs well with the other Studio Fix products.

TUTTI FRUTTI

Hello new Too Faced products! The cosmetics brand has added to its Tutti Frutti collection, including a range of watermelon-inspired products: Watermelon Face and Eyeshadow Breakaway Palette, Juicy Fruits Candy Finish Lip Gloss (new shades), Watermelon Infused Hangover 3-in-1 Setting Spray and Tutti Frutti Better Than Sex Mascara (limited-edition packaging).

BEAUTY RECYCLE!

Hair tools brand Cloud Nine has introduced the industry’s first iron recycling service, whereby you can recycle your old straightening irons for FREE, regardless of what brand or where they were purchased. The brand aims to significantly reduce their environmental impact by 2022 with a goal of saving 1.5 million straightening irons from landfill. Want to recycle your straighteners? Head to the brand’s website here.

 

The post TREND REPORT: WHAT’S TRENDING THIS WEEK #31 appeared first on Latest In Beauty Blog.

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Fiery reds and oranges enliven this ombre design.

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There's a hint of paisley in this cheerful design.

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Gold nails for glitter-loving clients.

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“How do I get a cover?” is a question I get asked nearly every day — so, dear readers, here is your chance. Before you go to https://ift.tt/2NpKLAD and share your work with us, here are my tips for entering a successful submission.

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CTE does not cause AGA but may Speed Up its Arrival in those Predisposed

I’m often asked if Chronic Telogen effluvium causes people to develop androgenetic alopecia. The answer is no - with the exception that CTE can speed up the arrival AGA if a person was predisposed to develop it anyways. The main point is that the person would likely have developed AGA at some point.

Chronic telogen effuvium is a hair shedding condition that typically develops in women age 35-70. Women report the condition to a much greater extent than men. Women develop increased hair shedding that can sometimes be quite profound yet at other times be quite minimal. The condition can go on for many years. In most cases, a trigger can’t be clearly found although there may be many best guesses. Patients with CTE may have a variety of symptoms including itching, tingling, burning and soreness when the hair is moved.

Sinclair Study of 2005

The Sinclair study is an important study which helps us provide patients with clearer answers as to whether or not CTE causes AGA. Professor Rodney SInclair studied five women diagnosed with chronic telogen effluvium and followed their photos for a minimum of 7 years. Four of the 5 women continued to shed year after year after year and shedding fluctuated in severity. However, serial photographs over time showed no visible reduction in hair density, and serial scalp biopsy specimen showed no follicular miniaturization. These 4 women showed no tendency toward development of female pattern hair loss or to spontaneous improvement. One woman however was diagnosed with female pattern hair loss.

Considering that 40 % of women in the general population develop AGA, this study has important implications. This study reminds us that CTE does not simply cause AGA and that CTE does not cause hair to thin and thin over time. For patients who have the correct genetics, CTE might speed up the arrival of AGA. Instead of developing AGA at age 47 a patient with CTE might, for example, develop visible AGA at 45. But it’s important to take note that this patient likely would have developed AGA anyways.

Articles on Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE)

Sinclair R. Chronic telogen effluvium: a study of 5 patients over 7 years. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Feb;52(2 Suppl 1):12-6.

Those who are interested may wish to review these previous articles on CTE.

Differentiating CTE from DUPA

Do I have chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) ?

Chronic Telogen Effluvium 

Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Most patients don't develop AGA  

Chronic Telegen Effluvium

Acute and chronic telogen effluvium - what's the difference?  

Scalp symptoms (burning, tingling, pain) and chronic telogen effluvium  

Chronic telogen effluvium vs Genetic hair loss - Easily confused ! 

Acute vs Chronic Telogen Effluvium: A Closer Look

CTE: Misdiagnoses are Common

Oral Minoxidil for Chronic Telogen Effluvium

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Scalp Indents (Atrophy) from Steroid Injections: What should I be doing?

Steroid injections are generally well tolerated and have a good safety profile for most when the correct concentration and dose are used. Atrophy or small indentations or depressions in the skin are side effects that can sometimes occur with steroid injections. They are temporary in nature but it is important that one does not continue to inject in the area if atrophy is present. Injections need to be postponed in the area of atrophy if indentations are noted. Once the scalp improves back to normal in that area we can often continue the injections.

The presence of atrophy does not mean that injections need to be stopped altogether only but do indicate that injections need to be stopped in the area of atrophy. If there are only 1-2 indentations, then it may be possible to simply avoid injections and continue injections in other areas that require injections (at a lower dose). If there are 3 or more indentations, I recommend waiting 6-8 weeks to have the skin improve before attempting injections again. When injections are restarted, I recommend that a lower dose be used.

The Dose of Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog)

One must always consider the dose of steroid that was used. Some physicians use 10 mg per mL which has a higher chance of causing atrophy than 5 mg per mL. Some physicians use 2.5 mg per mL or 3.3 mg per ML which are both common doses that I use in many patients. A patient who gets atrophy from 10 mg per mL might still benefit from 2.5 mg per mL and so steroid injections need not necessarily be totally abandoned. Of course this is handled on a case by case basis.

For any patient with atrophy, one must also consider just how much topical steroid is being used. A patient who is using extremely large amounts of high potency topical steroids may be more likely to get atrophy if injections are then performed as well.

Below is a common algorithm for dealing with atrophy from steroid injections.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is not a group to be looking towards for leadership in the matter of treating aging as a medical condition. This is unfortunate, as the WHO propagates the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) that medical regulators use as a list of conditions for which treatments are permitted, and further has a fair degree of influence over government policy. If there is to be a summary of the WHO position on aging, it is that people should be wealthier, exercise more, and smoke less. Also more should be spent on compensating for the harms done by aging. There is no mention of treating aging as a medical condition, or even of research and development in medical science.

Thus enormously expensive government-funded advocacy for lifestyle change is about the sum of the ambition on display at the WHO, despite the fair number of groups attempting to improve WHO programs through open comment and feedback processes. And this in an era of radical progress in biotechnology, and the advent of the first working rejuvenation therapies that clear senescent cells from old tissues! That efforts such as those of the International Longevity Alliance and others to influence the WHO, with the aim of getting the organization to pay more attention to medical research, inevitably produce very little movement is one of the reasons why I think it pointless to attempt to steer bureaucracies.

To my mind it is far better to build the first rejuvenation therapies, achieve success, and let the lumbering giants of human society then catch up to the reality on the ground. If you want the best possible chance to create meaningful change in the world, then work on building new technologies. If you want to waste most of your life, then try to change institutions from the inside.

Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020-2030

The Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030) is an opportunity to bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector for ten years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live. Healthy ageing is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.

Populations around the world are ageing at a faster pace than in the past and this demographic transition will have an impact on almost all aspects of society. The world has united around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: all countries and all stakeholders pledged that no one will be left behind and determined to ensure that every human being can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. A decade of concerted global action on healthy ageing is urgently needed. Already, there are more than 1 billion people aged 60 years or older, with most living in low- and middle-income countries. Many do not have access to even the basic resources necessary for a life of meaning and of dignity. Many others confront multiple barriers that prevent their full participation in society.

Decade of Healthy Aging Zero Draft (PDF)

The extent of the beneficial opportunities that arise from increasing longevity will depend heavily on one key factor: health. If people are experiencing these extra years of life in good health, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. If these added years are dominated by poor health, the implications for older people and for society are much more negative.

Poor health does not need to dominate older age. Most health problems confronting older people are associated with chronic conditions, particularly noncommunicable diseases. Many can be prevented or delayed by engaging in healthy behaviours such as not smoking and drinking, eating well and undertaking regular physical activity. Even for people with declines in capacity, supportive environments can ensure that they live lives of dignity and continued personal growth. Healthy ageing can be a reality for all.

Proposal of the International Longevity Alliance for the WHO's Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030)

We certainly welcome WHO's vision of the world in which all people can live longer and healthier lives. However, the Zero draft does not address sufficiently "Strategic objective 5: Improving measurement, monitoring and research on Healthy Ageing" of the WHO's Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health. Regarding the Zero draft of the proposal for the Decade of Healthy Ageing from June 12, 2019, its section 4.4 "Fostering research and innovation" should be significantly strengthened with biomedical and clinical research agenda. In fact, a separate section should be developed on biomedical research and innovation on ageing.

Research and development in the areas of biological ageing and ageing-related disease is the major long-term strategy to improve health and the quality of life in older ages. Therefore, the work and cooperation in the area of biomedical and clinical research in ageing and ageing-related diseases by the WHO, the WHO parties, and non-governmental stakeholders' should be explicitly stated as an agenda item for the Decade of Healthy Ageing. There is a growing body of consensus about the need to include research and development for healthy longevity as a part of the global WHO agenda. Aging health and R&D for healthy longevity must be included into the WHO Work Program.

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Lavette Loves Black & White

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