The recent LeadingAge Leadership Summit in the U.S. highlighted emerging solutions and priorities that resonate far beyond national borders. Over three days, ageing leaders, advocates, and policymakers gathered to explore innovative strategies and policy ideas to meet urgent sector challenges.

These themes will carry forward into this November’s joint Global Ageing Network Summit and LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Boston—a global gathering designed to foster cross-border collaboration and shape the future of aged care worldwide.

1. Technology-Driven Transformation

Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and virtual reality took center stage as tools revolutionizing care delivery. Sessions demonstrated how predictive analytics can improve resident health outcomes, how AI can streamline operations and reduce fall risks, and how data-driven insights are becoming indispensable for strategic planning and staff optimization.

2. Workforce Innovation and Culture

As staffing shortages persist, summit participants explored creative solutions for recruitment, engagement, and retention. Strategies included launching registered apprenticeships, fostering mentorship, and building cultures of trust and inclusion. Presenters also examined leadership development and succession planning to strengthen long-term organizational health.

3. Policy Engagement and Advocacy

A standout theme of the conference, which is noted for its final day—Lobby Day, when members go to visit members of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC—was the urgent call to advocacy. LeadingAge reinforced that your voice is the trusted voice on Capitol Hill.

The Summit’s advocacy sessions prepared members to:

• Advance workforce recruitment and retention initiatives
• Push for increased affordable housing funding
• Reduce the regulatory burden on nursing home providers
• Improve access to care and services for older adults

Attendees left empowered to be advocacy champions, ready to engage with lawmakers and influence the future of aged care policy.

4. Governance, Strategy, and Inclusive Leadership

Organizations were challenged to think boldly about board transformation, resident representation, and strategic agility. Sessions unpacked how diverse perspectives enrich planning processes and emphasized that today’s leadership must evolve to meet tomorrow’s challenges with clarity, innovation, and inclusion.

5. Community Development and Financial Resilience

From expanding into affordable housing to navigating Medicaid restructuring and state policy impacts, providers were given a roadmap to strengthen financial solvency while staying true to mission. Real-world success stories from nonprofit communities showed how to innovate and resonate with modern consumers without compromising sustainability.

A Global Call to Action from LeadingAge

The momentum doesn’t end here. Each of you will carry it forward through the impactful work you do every day. At the same time, we must keep uniting our sector—continuing to learn from one another, share solutions, and strengthen our collective voice.

Join us on the global stage this fall. Come together with aged care professionals from around the world at the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Global Ageing Network Conference to share ideas, strategies, and innovations that transcend borders. Learn more here; non-US participants can register now.