The Vatican and AARP have joined forces to organise their inaugural symposium focusing on the challenges of aging. Titled “The Memory: A Symposium Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population”, the event is set to take place at Vatican City and was considered a top priority for the late Pope Francis, in whose honour it will be dedicated.
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This groundbreaking collaboration between the Vatican, the spiritual centre for Catholics worldwide, and the AARP, the influential American organisation advocating for those over 50, aims to address the critical issues surrounding the aging demographic. The symposium, commencing on May 9 at the Palazzo San Calisto in Vatican City, will feature sessions covering essential topics such as brain health, caregiving, and more. The event is designed to conclude with the formal signing of the Holy See–AARP Declaration, symbolising their shared commitment to supporting and upholding the dignity of aging adults.
AARP’s CEO, Myechia Minter-Jordan, emphasised the significance of this partnership, citing the global aging population as one of the most crucial issues of our time. Minter-Jordan highlighted the projection that by 2050, over a fifth of the global population will be over 60 years old, with 80% residing in lower and middle-income countries. The call to action includes creating innovative work models to accommodate the evolving needs and capabilities of an aging workforce, addressing key risks to brain health such as social isolation and physical inactivity, supporting family caregivers, and promoting age-friendly communities with accessible resources.
The symposium will provide a platform for discussions on various crucial aspects of aging, including financial security, family caregiving, brain health, and access to healthcare as individuals age. The event is expected to witness the signing of the Holy See–AARP Declaration, a momentous document outlining the joint commitment to respecting and safeguarding the dignity of elderly individuals as they navigate the aging process. Minter-Jordan anticipates that this declaration will mark a significant milestone in the pursuit of global initiatives aimed at enhancing the aging experience.
Organisers have invited leaders from regions across the globe to participate in the symposium, with opening remarks planned by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Foundation Età Grande. The overarching goal of the event is to collaborate with academic institutions in promoting a model of longevity that not only extends life expectancy but enriches the quality of life with dignity and sustainability. By integrating elements of science, ethics, and spirituality, the symposium aims to benefit future generations by fostering multigenerational workplaces, enhancing community accessibility, and fortifying healthcare systems.
Minter-Jordan reiterated the importance of engaging individuals of all ages in planning for the future, stressing the necessity to meet the immediate needs of the aging population for the betterment of older generations. The collaborative efforts of the Vatican and AARP in hosting this symposium signify a step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges of aging on a global scale. The commitment to champion the dignity and well-being of aging adults underscores a shared vision for a future where individuals of all ages can age gracefully and with dignity.