Sessions and Tracks
Track 01 Healthy Aging and Longevity
Healthy Aging and Longevity focuses on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being as people age, aiming to extend both lifespan and health span—the period of life spent in good health. This concept emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, mental stimulation, and social engagement to prevent age-related decline. Advancements in medical research, including breakthroughs in anti-aging therapies and personalized healthcare, are enabling older adults to live healthier, more active lives. The goal is not just to add years to life, but to improve the quality of those years, allowing for greater independence and vitality in aging populations.
Track 02 Age-Related Diseases and Chronic Conditions
Age-Related Diseases and Chronic Conditions are a significant focus in geriatric healthcare, as aging increases the risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's also become more prevalent with age, affecting cognitive function and quality of life. Managing these conditions requires a holistic approach, combining medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring to prevent complications. Early detection and tailored treatment plans are crucial for improving outcomes, reducing hospitalizations, and enhancing the overall well-being of older adults living with chronic illnesses.
Track 03 Geriatric Pharmacology
Geriatric Pharmacology addresses the complexities of medication management in older adults, who are often prescribed multiple drugs to manage chronic conditions. As aging alters drug metabolism and increases sensitivity to side effects, there is a heightened risk of adverse reactions and drug interactions. Geriatric pharmacology focuses on optimizing medication regimens by carefully considering factors like dosage adjustments, polypharmacy risks, and individual health profiles. The goal is to ensure effective treatment while minimizing harmful side effects, thereby improving the safety and quality of care for elderly patients.
Track 04 Geriatric Mental Health
Geriatric Mental Health is a critical aspect of aging, as older adults often face mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. These conditions can be triggered or exacerbated by factors like social isolation, chronic illness, or the loss of loved ones. Additionally, age-related cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease require specialized care and early intervention. Addressing mental health in geriatrics involves comprehensive care that includes therapy, medication, social support, and community engagement, all aimed at improving emotional well-being and enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals.
Track 05 Geriatric Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Geriatric Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy play a vital role in helping older adults maintain mobility, independence, and overall physical function. As aging often leads to muscle weakness, joint issues, and a higher risk of falls, rehabilitation focuses on improving strength, balance, and flexibility. Physical therapy for the elderly is tailored to address age-related conditions like arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and stroke rehabilitation. By promoting safe and effective exercises, geriatric rehabilitation helps reduce the risk of injury, enhances recovery, and supports the ability of seniors to live more active, independent lives.
Track 06 Innovations in Geriatric Care Technology
Innovations in Geriatric Care Technology are transforming how healthcare is delivered to older adults, enhancing their independence and quality of life. Advances such as telemedicine allow seniors to access medical care remotely, while wearable devices and health monitoring tools track vital signs and detect falls in real-time. Smart home technologies, such as voice-activated systems and automated medication dispensers, support daily living and safety. Additionally, AI and robotics are being integrated into caregiving, offering assistance with mobility and companionship. These technological innovations empower elderly individuals to age in place while receiving efficient, personalized care.
Track 07 Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues focus on providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life to individuals with serious, life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care aims to manage pain, alleviate symptoms, and address emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs, ensuring a holistic approach to care. It involves open communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment goals and advanced care planning. End-of-life care emphasizes support for both patients and their loved ones, ensuring that the final stages of life are as peaceful and respectful as possible, with attention to dignity and personal wishes.
Track 08 Policy and Advocacy for Geriatric Healthcare
Policy and Advocacy for Geriatric Healthcare are crucial in addressing the needs of the growing elderly population. Effective policies ensure that older adults have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including long-term care, preventive services, and mental health support. Advocacy efforts focus on improving Medicare and insurance coverage, increasing funding for geriatric research, and developing age-friendly healthcare systems. These initiatives aim to reduce healthcare disparities, promote healthy aging, and protect the rights of older adults, ensuring they receive the care and support needed to live with dignity and independence as they age.
Track 09 Nutrition and Hydration in Older Adults
Nutrition and Hydration in Older Adults are essential for maintaining health, preventing illness, and improving overall well-being as the body ages. Older adults often face challenges like decreased appetite, difficulty chewing, or changes in taste, which can lead to malnutrition or dehydration. Proper nutrition, rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, helps manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Adequate hydration is equally important to support bodily functions and prevent complications like kidney problems or confusion. Tailoring dietary plans to the unique needs of elderly individuals can significantly enhance their quality of life and promote healthy aging.
Track 10 Geriatric Emergency Medicine
Geriatric Emergency Medicine focuses on the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults in emergency care settings. As seniors often present with atypical symptoms and complex medical histories, emergency physicians must be adept at recognizing and addressing age-related issues such as polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and mobility limitations. This specialty emphasizes the importance of tailored assessment and treatment plans to improve outcomes for elderly patients, reduce hospital readmissions, and ensure safe transitions back to their homes or long-term care facilities. By prioritizing a geriatric-friendly approach, emergency departments can enhance the quality of care for older adults during critical moments.
Track 11 Cultural Competence in Geriatric Care
Cultural Competence in Geriatric Care is essential for providing effective and respectful healthcare to older adults from diverse backgrounds. Understanding the cultural beliefs, values, and practices that influence health behaviours and attitudes toward aging is crucial for healthcare providers. By incorporating cultural competence into geriatric care, providers can improve communication, build trust, and ensure that treatment plans align with the patient's cultural preferences. This approach not only enhances patient satisfaction but also contributes to better health outcomes by addressing health disparities and promoting equitable access to care for all elderly individuals, regardless of their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Track 12 Chronic Pain Management
Chronic Pain Management in older adults is a critical component of geriatric healthcare, as many seniors experience persistent pain due to conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and other age-related ailments. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines pharmacological treatments, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, with non-pharmacological therapies, including physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and complementary approaches like acupuncture. By addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of chronic pain, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of life for elderly patients, enabling them to maintain mobility, independence, and overall well-being