Resilience in an aging society: GSA showcases cutting-edge meeting topics

Congressional Briefing on Civic Engagement
Tuesday, November 25, at 8:30 a.m.
Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC
Both presidential candidates support an expanded federal commitment to volunteer service, so advocates are working with congressional leaders to enact civic engagement legislation early in the 111th Congress. Senate and House staffers are slated to present their bosses' initiatives, while policy makers, advocates, and volunteers will share their visions for continued community contributions by older Americans. Bus transportation to this breakfast briefing is available for those staying in National Harbor.

Institute of Medicine Report: The Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans
Sunday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m.
Location: Potomac Ballroom A
This session, part of GSA's presidential symposium series, will explore ""Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce," an April 2008 report from the Institute of Medicine. The publication found that America's aging citizens are facing a health care workforce too small and unprepared to meet their needs. Judith Salerno, MD, executive officer of the Institute of Medicine, will serve as discussant.

Launch of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on an Aging Society
Friday, November 21, at 3 p.m.
Location: National Harbor 10
The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on an Aging Society is an interdisciplinary group of scholars recently assembled to analyze the modifications required in our major institutions to facilitate a productive, equitable society in the United States. To celebrate its launch, an expert panel will present new life expectancy and population forecasts and discuss the evidence supporting the effectiveness of social and health interventions across the life course. This session will be moderated by John W. Rowe, PhD, who will serve as the Network's chair. A reception will follow.

Can Human Aging Be Slowed?
Saturday, November 22, at 11:30 a.m.
Location: Maryland Ballroom B
This symposium poses a question that has been raised since recorded history began. In respect to humans, the answer until now has been "no." Yet, modern advances made in biogerontology have persuaded some to believe that the answer soon will be "yes." The latest research will be presented by the world's leading authorities in human longevity, including Robert N. Butler, MD; Leonard Hayflick, PhD; Steven Austad, PhD; S. Jay Olshansky, PhD; and Richard Weindruch, PhD.