Paul Newman Will Chair Global Ageing Committee
The dementia studies researcher will lead international efforts to develop standards for an ageing global population.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Paul Newman, a PhD student in Dementia Studies at the University of West London, has been elected to chair the ISO Ageing Societies Committee. He will begin his three-year term in January 2027.
Why it matters
The committee is responsible for developing international standards that influence how healthcare, employment, and digital inclusion are structured for older adults worldwide. Newman's leadership role highlights a strategic shift toward integrating academic research on dementia into global policy frameworks.
The ISO Ageing Societies Committee has operated since 2017 to create international standards for ageing populations. The transition in leadership marks the end of the term for outgoing chair Britta Berge, who has served since the committee's founding.
The players
Paul Newman
A PhD student in Dementia Studies and former chief executive of Greensleeves Care who received an MBE in 2025.
Britta Berge
The outgoing chair who has led the ISO Ageing Societies Committee since its inception in 2017.
Anne Livingstone
An Australian representative who will serve as the Vice Chair of the committee.
ISO Ageing Societies Committee
An international body that develops global standards for healthcare, employment, and digital accessibility for older populations.
The details
The committee coordinates an international program of work to standardize best practices for aging societies. By establishing global benchmarks for employment, healthcare, and digital inclusion, the group aims to create consistent systems for older people. As chair, Newman will oversee the development of these policies and preside over plenary sessions starting with an upcoming meeting in Japan.
Timeline
2017: The ISO Ageing Societies Committee was established.
2025: Paul Newman was awarded an MBE.
January 2027: Paul Newman will begin his three-year term as chair.
2027: The next plenary meeting will be held in Japan.
Health Landscape
The ISO Ageing Societies Committee has served as a central institution for formalizing international standards for older populations since 2017. Newman’s appointment updates the leadership of this global program as it continues to expand its focus on healthcare and digital inclusion.
While this committee's work is high-level, its efforts to standardize digital inclusion and healthcare impact the long-term support systems available to your aging family members. These international standards often inform local policy changes that you may eventually discuss with your own physician.
The takeaway
The appointment of a dementia studies researcher to this global post underscores the growing priority of cognitive health in international infrastructure. You may track future updates from the committee to see how new global standards for digital and healthcare accessibility evolve over the coming years.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and global policy updates in Alzheimer’s.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Care Home Professional.
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