Americans are aging. Everyone is always getting older, of course, but the issue is especially crucial in this country. In fact, the number of U.S. citizens 65 and older will more than double over the next four decades. That means by 2040, one in every five Americans will be over the age of 65—a jump from just one in eight back in 2000.
This rapid increase means the time is now to evaluate the various systems and infrastructure needed to support our older adults. To more closely examine the priority areas, the American Society on Aging will host its annual “On Aging” summit, the largest multidisciplinary conference on aging in the United States.
This year’s conference – held April 11-14 in New Orleans – will welcome more than 2,000 diverse professionals in the aging space and will feature keynote addresses, workshops, presentations and events that address five key themes:
- Justice and equality
- Innovation and social impact
- Health and well-being
- Economic security
- Ageism and culture
ASA leadership promises this return to a live conference will also incorporate new changes designed to enhance the conference for all participants.
“We’re so excited to reunite our members at On Aging 2022 in New Orleans,” said Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, vice president of programs and thought leadership at ASA, in a video. “Based on feedback we’ve heard over the years, we’re redesigning parts of the national conference to offer more compelling programming with higher attendance rates at all sessions.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect with others in the aging industry, while choosing from 365 different sessions (featuring 663 presenters), all offering information to help professionals improve the lives of older adults in the U.S.
“Central to this conference is the theme of Economic Security,” the organization writes in a press release, “as ASA looks back at the impacts of aging in America, how it has affected the diverse experience of older adults throughout our country; and forward to solutions for making that experience healthier, more equitable, more economically secure and more rewarding for all.”
The conference will open with a featured presentation from AARP Purpose Prize Winner Raymond Jetson, and will close with an address from Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist, and Ai-jen Poo, workforce activist, discussing climate and labor issues. ASA will also present its annual membership awards and its board of directors will announce the election of new officers.
“Meeting in person remains the most compelling way to build a network, grow professionally, and drive change,” said Peter Kaldes, ASA CEO, in a release. “We’re proud to attract impactful leaders to our board and membership, as they are the gatekeepers to opportunities in aging.”
Learn more about the conference at the ASA website, and watch Seasons for updates throughout the conference.