The aging of America, the most significant demographic trend of our time, has profound implications for health institutions, families, workplaces, communities, the economy, even the very concept of a normal life trajectory.
The trend accelerated as the first of 78 million Baby Boomers began reaching the age of 65 in 2011. By 2030, almost one in every five Americans will be 65 or older, up from about one in eight today. By 2050, 88.5 million Americans will be 65 or older, up from 40.2 million in 2010.
The health care implications are enormous, as seniors consume more medical care and account for a larger share of the nation’s health care spending than any other age group. Especially vulnerable are the “oldest old” – people 85 and above, who tend to be more frail and have more significant medical needs. This group is expected to expand from 5.8 million people in 2010 to an estimated 19 million in 2050.
Reporters on the aging beat will want to follow how scientific and medical advances contribute to better health and longer lives for older adults in the years ahead.
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Jun
1
The 41st annual American Aging Association (AGE) meeting will be held in Fort Worth, TX on June 1–4, 2012. The meeting is designed to explore emerging areas in the biology of aging and also to update and reconsider previous advances in understanding and mitigating aging and related diseases. A highlight of this year’s meeting will be the exploration of the interaction of biological age and effectiveness of health-promoting interventions. The annual AGE meeting is the preeminent forum for advancing the field of biogerontology through critical discussion and presentation of novel findings.
Jun
24
The AMQoL conference will be held at University of Michigan, June 24-26th, 2012. The conference will focus on meeting the transport/mobility needs of older adults so as to improve their access to the various activities and services that underlie health, well-being, and quality of life.
Jul
7
The n4a 37th Annual Conference & Tradeshow will be held in Denver, Colorado from July 7-11, 2012 to showcase the most innovative policies, programs and services that assist older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Jul
12
Nutrition is an important factor in aging and cognitive functions. The meeting will focus on maintaining function with age: physical, cognitive, nutrition, brain and muscle function, prevention of frailty with advancing age.
Jul
14
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2012 will be held in Vancouver, Canada through July 14-19. The conference will let the world's leading dementia scientists share the latest thoughts and theories in the field. AAIC 2012 will offer a new conference track focused on social, behavioral and care research and practice, designed for dementia care researchers and practitioners.
Aug
5
Pioneer Network's highly anticipated national conference is the nation's largest and most successful conference of its kind. The three-day conference is a showcase for innovative thought and transformative practices in the long-term care culture change movement — as well as an opportunity to facilitate communication among people interested in propelling this important work.
Sep
20
The National Adult Day Services Conference will be held in Pittsburgh through September 20-22, 2012. The conference brings people from around the country together to discuss innovative community based care practices.
Nov
5
The 2012 Aging and Society: An Interdisciplinary Conference will address a range of critically important issues and themes relating to Aging and Society. Plenary speakers include some of the leading thinkers in these areas, as well as numerous paper, colloquium and workshop presentations.
Nov
14
The Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting brings together more than 3,500 of the brightest minds in the field of aging. This meeting is the premier gathering of gerontologists from both the United States and around the world. They participate in over 400 scientific sessions including symposia, paper, and poster presentations.
