'Amsterdammers' meet their future selves during the IAGG conference
"The presence of the world's top experts in gerontology offers Amsterdam the opportunity to exchange knowledge, establish new collaborations, and further strengthen our approach to healthy and independent ageing," said Dennis Speet, Managing Director of Amsterdam Convention Bureau van amsterdam&partners. "Through four public activities around the RAI, we ensure that this knowledge is also made directly accessible to Amsterdammers."
Growing challenge for the city
Population ageing is increasingly affecting Amsterdam. By 2050, it is expected that nearly 20 percent of the residents will be aged 65 or older. The group of 75- to 84-year-olds is projected to increase by as much as 56 percent. At the same time, 60 percent of those aged 65 and over live in a house or apartment with stairs or other physical barriers. In 2015, Amsterdam joined the WHO network of Age Friendly Cities and aspires to be a city where people can age comfortably, healthily, and actively. “The question at the IAGG Congress centres on: how do we ensure that people can live longer, healthier, active, and independent lives in their own neighbourhood or city?”, says Dr Geeske Peeters, senior researcher at Radboudumc and involved in the congress. “Getting older healthily is not just about preventing illness, but about maintaining quality of life, independence, and social connectedness. By bringing science, practice, and innovation together, we can inspire people to take steps today for their health tomorrow.”
Smart House Experience en verouderingsexperiment
On 6 and 7 July, a room fitted as a home with the latest technological innovations will be set up at the ROC of Amsterdam-Flevoland on Europaboulevard 13. In the Smarthouse Experience, visitors will get an interactive insight into care robots, a smart oven, a talking microwave, and motion and false sensors.
On 7 July, Leyden Academy for Entry C of the RAI is organising an activity where visitors meet their future selves: they can view how they will look in later life with an ageing filter, calculate their life expectancy, and dance with an ageing suit.
Film and Exhibition
The impact programme also includes a film by the Amsterdam City Reporters about social initiatives in the city, and the exhibition Oudroze by Ernst Coppejans, which showcases the first openly LHBTI+ generations and invites discussion about visibility and inclusion.
The IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics takes place from 5 to 8 July at RAI Amsterdam. The congress is organised by the Dutch Association for Gerontology, Netherlands Clinical Geriatrics Society, Professional organisation of Nurse Practitioners in Geriatrics and Gerontology, and Congress Care.