As the population gets older, it's crucial to think about building a society for all ages, delegates at an aging conference in Montreal were told on the weekend.

Older people can contribute to society, and it's imperative that leaders and policy-makers make sure they aren't left out, said Irene Hoskins, president of the International Federation on Aging, during her closing remarks Sunday.

"There are measures that can be taken by governments, by civil society, by individuals, to ensure that people remain in good health and that they experience what we call active aging," she said during the closing event of the ninth Global Conference on Aging.

Industrial design plays a key role in helping "older people … lead safe lives and secure lives, lives in which they can participate in society, and which would allow them to remain healthy," she said.

More than 1,000 delegates took part in the four-day conference that explored various themes including security, design, transport, access to housing, social isolation, the rights of the elderly and the promotion of a positive image of aging.

People over 65 are productive members of society, and it's important to disseminate that idea, said Claude Béland, conference co-president.

"An old apple tree doesn't produce old apples," he said. "It's the same with elderly people. They can be involved in companies and use their experience in the labour market to the benefit of other employees."

The next Global Conference on Aging will take place in Melbourne in 2010.

With files from the Canadian Press