September 2004

Background

Global aging is the most dramatic and influential socio-economic force reshaping the world over the next several decades. In 25 years most industrialized nations will have demographic profiles where at least one in five people will be over age 65. Developing economies are also facing a geriatric explosion - in China, there are now more people 85+ than the entire population of Germany. Although aging will profoundly affect national pension plans, business, and social systems, its most dramatic and visible impact will be on health care.

Over the next two decades the largest number of older adults in history will spark demographic and epidemiological transition in patterns and presentations of illness, disease, disability, and accidents and injuries. Driven by aging and related changes in disease profiles, this epidemiological transition is universal, commanding health care providers, pharmaceutical developers, device manufacturers and policy makers to assess their own preparedness, research agendas and future investment strategies to meet the demands of older adult health over the next quarter century.

Purpose

Sponsored by an unrestricted education grant from Ortho-McNeil, the MIT AgeLab in partnership with Harvard University Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital Geriatric Medicine Unit will convene a day and a half symposium to assess the needs and identify the key components of an action plan for health care to prepare for the changing demands of older adult health over the next 25 years.

Meeting Objectives

• Scope and baseline current understanding of the age-driven epi-transition - Where are we today?
• Assess future demands and address changes in disease profiles, patterns, disability and management & intervention - How will epidemiological patterns for an aging society be different in 25 years?
• Identify gaps in current research, investments and strategies - Given future demands, are we heading in the right direction and setting the right priorities?
• Recommend research, investment directions and strategies for health business and policy makers to respond to older adult health within specific domains over the next 25 years -
• Where can public and private investments be directed to produce the greatest improvements in the health and quality of life of older people tomorrow?

Click here to see a copy of the symposium agenda