As people age, the risk increases for many eye diseases and conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and cataract. Early detection and treatment can help to protect vision and prevent sight loss. That’s why it’s vital to “spread the word about ways to prevent vision loss in older adults and support healthy aging,” notes the National Eye Institute (NEI) in commemorating Healthy Aging Month. To celebrate this occasion and “shape the future of healthy aging” in general, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is hosting activities and events highlighting recent scientific developments, insights on longevity, and actions people can take to remain independent in their later years. Following are upcoming online events available free of charge:
On September 16, 2024, a Fireside Chat—International Perspectives on Health, Aging and Longevity will bring together NIA’s Director, Dr. Richard J. Hodes, and the U.S. Agency on International Development’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health, Dr. Atul Gawande, to talk about perspectives across the globe on these issues. The discussion will explore how these perspectives help to understand the “drivers of healthy aging around the world.” Registration details will be coming soon.
On September 23, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET, Expert Q&A—Falls Prevention and Older Adults provides insights from experts from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This 30-minute event will be held on NIA’s YouTube channel and will feature information about falls, falls prevention, and bone health, along with insights from NIH research and state and local resources available through ACL . Those interested in attending can subscribe to NIA’s YouTube channel to receive a notification when the event is live. The event will be recorded and will be available afterwards.
For additional information and resources on the events above, read the Healthy Aging Month webpages from NIA and NEI.
Another no-cost, virtual, half-day event in observance of Healthy Aging Month will take place on September 26, 2024 at 1 pm: the National Healthy Aging Symposium—Innovation Across the Age-Friendly Ecosystem. Sponsored by ODPHP (the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion) and Trust for America’s Health, the Symposium will explore innovations developed and successfully implemented to improve the health and well-being of adults around the U.S. Policymakers, researchers, and professionals from aging services and public health sectors will share insights on topics related to healthy aging through panels on such topics as “caregiving, social engagement, housing, transportation, brain health, and workforce.” A plenary session, “Innovations in Aging and Health Equity,” will focus on technologies, philanthropic efforts, government policies, and other relevant initiatives. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services health.gov webpage stating that ODPHP Announces Agenda and Speakers for the 2024 National Healthy Aging Symposium. To register, visit the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems webpage on this Symposium.
