The American Geriatrics Society - News - AGS Annual Scientific Meeting Highlights Cutting Edge Research on Health In Aging, Pressing Legislative Issues Related To The Aging of America, Care Giving Solutions, Aging Well, And More

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2008

For Further Information
Erin Weller
(212) 308-1414
eweller@americangeriatrics.org

SAVE THE DATE! MEDIA ADVISORY!

AGS ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH ON HEALTH IN AGING,
PRESSING LEGISLATIVE ISSUES RELATED TO THE AGING OF AMERICA,
CARE GIVING SOLUTIONS, AGING WELL, AND MORE

WHAT: 2008 American Geriatrics Society Annual Scientific Meeting

WHO: Journalists who cover the "aging beat;" cutting-edge research about health in aging; growing old well; care giving issues and solutions; race and aging; baby boomers; the politics of aging; efforts to retool clinical practice for a "graying" America; challenges facing Medicare; and the financial reverberations of the Age Boom will find scores of news, feature story, and column ideas at this, the premier conference on aging.

More than 1,000 of the nation's leading researchers and experts on all matters concerning aging will be available for interviews. Lectures, discussion series, and workshops will explore: sex and late life and the rise of HIV in the older population; drug testing and medication side effects in older adults; advances and controversies in osteoporosis treatment; elder abuse, financial exploitation, and death by neglect; improving medication management; controversial proposals for overhauling the financing of elder care; the impact of religion on the health of older adults; the growing shortage of healthcare staff with expertise in caring for older patients, and more.

AGS' medical student, resident and trainee members will also man booths set up in the main hall of Washington D.C.'s Union Station and conduct free screenings for falls risks, and offer one-on-one education on falls prevention, during the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's "Get up and Go: A Falls Prevention Program." The program runs from 10 AM to 7 PM on May 2.

WHEN: April 30 - May 4, 2008

WHERE: Marriot Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC

HOW: Free media registration for the annual meeting is available in advance or on site in the conference Press Room. Staff journalists should provide credentials, e.g., a media ID or business card, or a working email address at a media outlet. Freelancers should email or provide copies of assignment letters or recent, relevant clips. To apply for press registration, please complete the Press Registration form. Be sure to include your name, affiliation, and contact information in your email.

For more information about the American Geriatrics Society and AGS' Foundation for Health in Aging, visit their Web sites -- www.americangeriatrics.org and www.healthinaging.org.

ABOUT THE AGS

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.

ABOUT THE FHA

In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.