The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with other bodies (CSIC, ISCII, IMSERSO etc.) is aiming to analyse research into the ageing of population in Spain, taking advantage of various European research initiatives in this field, such as the European Research Area in Ageing 2 (ERA-AGE2) network, the Road Map for Ageing Research in Europe (Futurage) project and the “More Years, Better Lives” Joint Programming Initiative (JPI). The Potentials and Challenges of Demographic Change.

This congress provides a key forum for debate on Spanish research into ageing and will contribute to reinforcing Spain’s position with regard to future opportunities for research in the EU (VIII Framework Programme), especially through the “More Years, Better Lives” JPI.

What are the objectives of the congress?

• To create a platform for analysing Spanish resources for research into ageing.
• To detect current challenges posed by ageing and to identify early responses.
• To promote knowledge and participation in networks for collaboration regarding research into ageing.

How is it organised?

The structure of the congress combines a series of conferences and presentations on different topics and subsequent round-table meetings divided into various themes:

- Biogerontology: with references to the process and mechanisms of ageing, such as longevity and not only morbidity; the role of mitochondria; oxidative stress, hormonal influence; modulators and mediators, ageing models, genetics and epigenetics of ageing; associated industries and technologies.
Person responsible: Leocadio Rodríguez (ISCII)

- Economic and social resources such as social and family support; intergenerational solidarity and transfers; care-giving  models; evaluation of the elderly as an economic and care-giving resource for society or receivers thereof; social, financial and cultural requirements of the elderly; pensions and financial stability.
Person responsible: Vicente Rodríguez (CSIC)

- Ageing environments, with emphasis on inter-relations between the ageing of a person and different areas of development (home, community and urban environments), as well as their adaptation to dependency scenarios (transport and mobility, support products, technological design, solutions to be able to live like at home). Demographic ageing, learning, participation, use of time.
Person responsible: Mayte Sancho (F. Ingema)

- Healthy ageing: analysis of factors related to physical activity and consumer habits and dependency-free ageing, life cycle-related health inequalities, work and retirement, evaluation of psycho-social factors (social behaviour, life cycle development, participation, personal relationships, activity), interventions to improve health, well-being and the organisation of care for the fragile.
Contact: Mayte Sancho Castiello