UP FRONT

Happy and Fruitful New Year, PIONeers!

As we step into 2026, we send warm greetings and heartfelt thanks to all our partners, collaborators, and supporters. Your dedication, insight, and shared commitment make the work of the Pass It On Network possible—and remind us that great impact is never achieved alone.

This year, as we continue shaping a world where older people’s voices are recognized and respected, the strength of our collaborations will be more important than ever. Knowing our partners, learning from each other, and working together enables us to tackle the important tasks ahead with creativity, courage, and care, including contributing to the drafting of the UN Convention on the Rights of Older People.

We build on the renewed global commitment to just, inclusive, and sustainable development for all as demonstrated in November 2025 when member States adopted the Doha Political Declaration at the UN’s Second World Social Development Summit — in Doha. The Summit brought together governments, UN bodies, civil society, academia, and private-sector partners - a powerful convergence of voices shaping the next phase of global social development. As part of this collective effort, Margaret Young, founder of Age Knowble, was honored to contribute by hosting a virtual Solutions Session featuring Ageing Nepal, Association Of Ghana's Elders (AGE), GRAVIS India, and YouthBuild South Africa — with keynote insights from United Nations ESCAP and HelpAge International. Brief summary here.

In this edition, we celebrate inspiring stories of service, learning, and lifelong contribution—reminding us all that passing it on is not just something we do, it’s who we are.

GLOBAL 50/50 ONLINE CONVERSATION

Building Your Case for 
People-Centered Change

Have you ever struggled to convince someone that genuine connection isn't just "nice to have" - that it actually paves the way to better outcomes and collaboration?

Wayne Clancy will share the story of developing his Business Case for Humanity research - a collaboration with Arizona State University - gives advocates the evidence they need when making the case for people-centered approaches. (You can contribute to this research by taking the survey.)

We'll explore 12 key factors that shape humanity outcomes across different generations, locations, and roles and cross-reference those with other factors. The research reveals surprising patterns in what different groups value and where they align or differ. We'll also look at how experience and fresh perspectives, when brought together, contribute to positive change.

Whether you're working within an organization, advocating in your community, or simply want practical tools to support your conversations and work, this session offers evidence and frameworks you can use.

As always, we look to your valued contribution in reshaping the realities for an ever-increasing number of older people in the world.
 

Monday, 12 January 2026
1pm EST / 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 8pm SAST / 9pm EAT
 

Check your time zone here

GLOBAL OPEN HOUSES

Every month Moira Allan, our co-founder and international coordinator, hosts an Open House for anyone who wants to find out more about our network. We offer a choice of two sessions to accommodate PION’s global outreach.

Americas, Europe, Africa
Tuesday, 13 January
 1pm EST / 6pm GMT 
 7pm CET / 7pm SAST

Asia, Australasia
Wednesday, 14 January
7am CEST / 7am GMT  
2pm SGT / 5pm AEDT 

Find your local time. View Time Zone Converter here.

ADVOCATING FOR THE RIGHTS OF 
OLDER PEOPLE 

Join the Global Rally 1-7 February 2026

This is a unique moment to stand together, amplify older voices, and help shape a strong, inclusive, and impactful treaty for generations to come.

Image: Ageknowble

PIONeer Action – Make Your Voice Heard

• Learn more and stay informed about the UN Convention drafting process.
• Share your experiences as an older person or advocate in your community.
• Join the global conversation: support campaigns and events leading up to the Geneva meeting (18–21 February 2026).

Every story, insight, and contribution strengthens the treaty. Pass it on—your voice matters!

PIONeer Click-Ons

Rally for Older People's Rights - See full details here.
 

Signs That Things Are Moving

Graduation Meets Longevity Thinking:
Three Questions for a Life That Keeps Unfolding 

As many of us now live well into our 80s, 90s—and beyond—success is no longer defined by what we once learned in our twenties. It is shaped by how we continue to learn, adapt, and invest our time at every stage of life.

In a recent blog post, Dr. Joe Coughlin of the Longevity Economy invites us to rethink how we approach longer lives. While his reflections were addressed to graduating students, their wisdom resonates deeply across generations—especially for those shaping meaningful, active later lives.

Dr. Coughlin reminds us that a longer life is not one single journey, but many lives lived in sequence. If we expect to live close to 100, we cannot plan for just one path—we must be ready for multiple chapters.

He offers three simple yet powerful questions that invite reflection and renewal at any age:

• What problems do you love solving?
• How will you keep learning throughout your life?
• How do you want to invest your time?

In a world where skills evolve, industries shift, and roles change, lifelong learning becomes essential—not just to stay relevant, but to remain in charge of our own lives. Passion, curiosity, and purpose are not luxuries; they are the fuel that sustains engagement over a 60-plus-year working and contributing life.

Dr. Coughlin also notes that the shelf life of knowledge is shrinking faster than ever. Understanding how we learn—what motivates us, what energizes us—is a source of resilience and agency. It is less about keeping up, and more about staying connected to what matters most.

Perhaps most compelling is his invitation to see each day as an investment decision. Time, like a portfolio, grows in value when invested intentionally. Some choices bring steady returns; others surprise us years later with unexpected dividends. The power lies in choosing with awareness.

These three questions—about purpose, learning, and time—are not only for graduates stepping into life. They are for all of us living longer, richer, multi-chapter lives. As Dr. Joe Coughlin’s work on the Longevity Economy reminds us, longevity is not just about living longer—it is about living with intention, contribution, and meaning.

Pause & Reflect — A New Year Invitation

As a new year begins, many of us naturally take stock—not to start over, but to continue forward with greater clarity and intention. The questions below are offered as quiet companions for the year ahead, inviting reflection rather than resolution.

• What activities or challenges still give you energy and a sense of contribution today?
• What is one new thing you are curious to learn in this season of your life?
• Looking ahead, how would you like to invest your time so that it reflects what matters most to you?

There are no right answers—only an open invitation to shape the coming year with purpose, curiosity, and care.

PIONeer Stories

PIONeer Sheena Edwards Marks 15 Years of Passing It On Through Digital Literacy

From Perth,  Australia, we celebrate a remarkable milestone. PIONeer Sheena Edwards has just marked the 15th anniversary of Switched On Seniors—the inspiring organisation she founded after “retiring” from her formal academic career.

Through Switched On Seniors, Sheena has been passing on digital skills that empower older adults to live more independently, access essential services, and stay socially connected in an increasingly online world. What began as a post-career contribution has grown into a powerful example of how experience, generosity, and peer-to-peer learning can transform lives.

A short video marking this anniversary beautifully captures the impact of the work: it shows how technology becomes a tool for confidence and connection when older people are supported to keep learning—and when learning is shared from one peer to another.

Sheena’s journey is a true PIONeer story: proof that “retirement” can be the beginning of a new chapter of contribution, and that passing it on strengthens not only individuals, but entire communities. 
View video here.

Remembering Jan Hively and Celebrating Betty Reid Soskin and a visit to Rosie the Riveter Museum 

2025 was a year of profound loss for the PIONeer community with the passing of our co-founder, Jan Hively, in May. Jan’s vision, energy, and commitment to passing on knowledge and fostering connection shaped so much of what we do in the Pass It On Network. Her presence continues to inspire us to live with purpose, curiosity, and generosity.

In this spirit, PIONeer Mary Radu shares a reflection on the extraordinary life of Betty Reid Soskin, who passed away in December at 104. Betty, who began her career as a park ranger at age 85, dedicated herself to educating visitors about the women and people of color who served on the home front during World War II—a history she lived herself.

Mary recalls visiting California’s Rosie the Riveter Museum with Jan, where they had the privilege of hearing Betty speak. “We were both deeply touched by her presence,” she writes. PIONeer Bruce Frankel also noted her lasting contributions in his work on older adults.

Betty Reid Soskin’s life exemplifies service, learning, and courage at every age, reminding us—as Jan’s legacy does—that it is never too late to step into meaningful work, educate others, and leave the world a fairer, more just place.

Read more about her inspiring life in the New York Times obituary.

PIONeer Reflection — Carrying the Torch Forward

As we honor Jan Hively and remember Betty Reid Soskin, their lives invite each of us to ask:

• How can I share the knowledge, experience, or stories I’ve gathered over the years to educate or inspire others?
• In what ways can I step into meaningful contribution—no matter my age or stage of life?
• Who around me could benefit from a listening ear, mentorship, or guidance that only I can give?

Their examples remind us that service, learning, and impact are timeless. Passing it on is not about age—it’s about intention, generosity, and courage. 

Look, Listen and Pass In On

The Journey to 100

The Journey to 100, founded by Ximena Abogabir, Santiago Chil -watch video here.

PIONeer Pearls of Wisdom to Pass On 

"Like Confucious of old, I am so absorbed in the wonder of the earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and the angels. I have enough for this life. " 

                                      – Pearl Buck, 1892-1973

PIONeer & Global Events 

Find your local times. View Time Zone Converter here.

1-7 February 2026 

GAROP Age With Rights Global Rally virtual event – links in our next edition. 

From 1st-7th February 2026, advocates and campaigners all around the world will unite in support of the rights of older. 

10 February 2026 @ 7am CET 

Who Decides?

Top-level webinar on Who Decides: The Human Rights Principles That Matter to Older Persons with Dementia. Register here.
 

5-8 July 2026 

23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
Theme:  Ageing Well in a Globalized World