ERN-EuroBloodNet Topic on Focus: Ageing with a Bleeding Disorder is coordinated by ERN-EuroBloodNet together with the umbrella patient organisation European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC), represented by ePAG advocate Marius Tanase.

This Topic on Focus consists of three webinars forming part of the broader educational programme Ageing Project 2025-2026: Living Well, Ageing Well, launched by the EHC on World Geriatric Day (1 October 2025). The EHC's project aims to explore how to support healthy, active, and fulfilling lives at every stage of ageing for people living with a bleeding disorder. It is offered in three complementary formats: webinars, virtual café talks, and peer pioneer podcasts.

The three webinars address the challenges of ageing with bleeding disorders through expert-led sessions. Topics include redefining frailty, understanding how ageing affects bleeding, and managing cardiovascular and other comorbidities. The series brings together clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to foster shared learning across Europe.

Webinars description:

• 4 sessions (from January 2026 to May 2026) from 5.30 pm to 7 pm (CET).

• 45 min of presentation + 45 min for Q&A

• On Zoom

• The program will be recorded and part of the ERN-EuroBloodNet's website & EDU YouTube channel and the EHC platforms.

Each session is moderated by a duo of experts. The healthcare professionals introduce the topic and share clinical knowledge. The patient representative's presence also ensures that the information provided is contextualised and accessible to patients and their families. The program further also highlights the key crucial concepts, encouraging a dialogue between patients and the experts and seeking clarification of these for the webinar audience.

Program:

• Session 1: Strong at Any Age - Redefining Frailty Together
  • Date: 22 January 2026
  • Speakers: Dr William McKeown (EHC Steering Committee, Queen's University Belfast, UK) and Prof Susie Shapiro (Oxford University Hospital, UK).
• Session 2: Von Willebrand factor and von Willebrand Disease in ageing: mechanisms, evolving phenotypes, and clinical implications
  • Date: 09 March 2026
  • Speakers: Prof Flora Peyvandi (Foundation IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy) and Cathy Verbraeken (EHC VWD Committee)
• Session 3: Bleeding Disorders and Ageing - Shall I bleed less with age?
  • Date : 27 April 2026
  • Speakers : Prof Yesim Dargaud (Hôpital cardiologique Louis-Pradel de Lyon, France), Prof Sophie Susen (CHU de Lille, France) and Dr William McKeown (EHC Steering Committee, Queen's University Belfast, UK).
• Session 4: Cardiovascular Issues and other comorbidities
  • Date: 18 May 2026
  • Speakers: Prof Roger Schutgens (University Medical Center Utrecht, Germany), Prof Bruna Gigante (Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden), Prof Alison Dougall (Dublin Dental University Hospital, Ireland) and Dr William McKeown (EHC Steering Committee, Queen's University Belfast, UK).