Ireland has the fastest growing ageing population in the European Union: by 2031 the number of older adults will exceed one million and one in four will be in this demographic by mid-century. While many older adults are healthy and well; as we age, our care needs can become more complex which is associated with increased risk of healthcare utilisation, harm and cost.
The health system was originally designed to assess and treat individuals with an emergent illness or injury. While this transactional model of healthcare delivery remains essential, it often fails to adequately address the specific needs and preferences of older adults. Additionally, it can hinder the development of a comprehensive person-centred care plan that includes interventions such as access to specialist gerontology care and rehabilitation. Although older adults stand to gain the most from healthcare, they are also, paradoxically, at the greatest risk of harm.
The Irish Gerontological Society is pleased to unveil the programme for its 71st Annual & Scientific Meeting, taking place from October 3rd to 5th at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. This three-day event will feature a series of keynote addresses by esteemed experts and thought leaders from various sectors.
Founded in 1951, the Irish Gerontological Society is one of the world’s oldest interdisciplinary societies focused on gerontology: the science of ageing. The society is committed to advancing research, education and best practices in the field of ageing.
This year’s theme, Gerontology in a Dynamic World: Systems, Challenges, Innovations, underscores the need for adaptable systems to address the evolving challenges and opportunities of ageing populations. As healthcare and societal dynamics shift, exploring innovative, research-driven solutions that inform age-attuned policies and practices is more important than ever.
The conference will feature a range of sessions, discussions and clinical updates.
Keynote speakers include:
· Professor Cathal McCrory: Integrating the social and biological hallmarks of ageing
· Professor Graham Ellis (Scotland’s deputy chief medical officer): Comprehensive geriatric assessment – new frontiers and old enemies
· Professor Mary Dixon-Woods: Why is improving quality and safety so hard?
On Friday afternoon, the Davis Coakley sessions, chaired by Professor Desmond O’Neill and Dr Neasa Fitzpatrick, will explore understanding ageing through the arts and the humanities.
The conference will conclude on Saturday with the Alone Willie Bermingham Lecture, presented by Dr Sarah Donnelly who will address Ageism and Human Rights: Growing Old with Dignity. This lecture, part of the Irish Gerontological Society Public Lecture Series, will also be live-streamed through our website.
For the full conference programme click here.
“Since the foundation of the Irish Gerontological Society life expectancy in Ireland has increased by nearly 20 years and we all hope to avail of the opportunities this brings and thrive in later life with the best possible health and wellbeing. The society and our upcoming annual scientific meeting is a platform to share and disseminate excellence in ageing research, education and practice with colleagues and friends to better understand, celebrate and serve our changing, ageing world,” says Dr Emer Ahern, honorary president, Irish Gerontological Society.
The Irish Gerontological Society is excited to welcome over 500 delegates from Ireland and beyond, spanning disciplines such as health and social care, economics, technology and the built and social environments
This year saw a record number of abstract submissions, and attendees will have the opportunity to attend both oral and posters presentations aligned with the conference sub-themes. Prizes will be awarded for the best presentations with selected abstracts being published in the prestigious journal Age and Ageing.
The core mission of the Irish Gerontological Society is to lead advancements in the science of ageing. This conference seeks to bring together professionals and thought leaders to connect research with policy and practice, ultimately aiming to transform the lives of older people.
For those interested in attending, registration details are available here.