History 2024
The 5th International Conference on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine 2024 was successfully held on September 12-13 in Penang Island, Malaysia. The conference was organized by iConferences, Sri Lanka and President, Indian Academy of Geriatrics, John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, International Institute on Ageing (INIA) the academic partners. The conference featured keynote speeches, panel discussions and oral/poster presentations on various topics related to Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine. The conference also provided networking opportunities for the participants from different countries and disciplines.
A conference convened experts from various disciplines to delve into critical issues surrounding gerontology and geriatric medicine, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in aging populations. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, presentations, and workshops that covered a range of topics including age-related diseases, mental health in older adults, geriatric care models, and the impacts of socio-economic factors on aging. Participants explored advancements in medical treatments, caregiving strategies, and the integration of technology in elder care. Discussions also addressed policy implications, healthcare access, and the social determinants of well-being for older adults. The conference emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology and its global relevance, particularly in countries facing rapidly aging populations. Attendees from diverse regions such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, India, Canada, Australia, and the UK shared insights and experiences, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at enhancing the quality of life and health outcomes for the elderly.
Conference Chair
Dr. Ponnusamy Subramaniam
Head of Program & Senior Lecturer / Consultant Clinical Psychologist Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program/ Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Keynote Speakers
Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony
“Age-Friendly Initiatives by the City Council of Penang Island”
Mayor, City Council of Penang Island, Malaysia
Dr. Shiromi Maduwage
“Golden Years, Golden Opportunities: New Paradigm through Redefining Care of Older Persons”
College of Community Physicians, Sri Lanka
Professor Meenaxi Sharda
“Future of Long-Term Care for Older People in India”
Vice President, Indian Academy of Geriatrics (IAG), India
Professor Keith Hill
“Who cares for the Carers – Developing a Novel Co-designed Service to Support the Health and Well-being of Older Carers of Older People”
Director, Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) research Centre, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Australia)
Associate Professor Sean MacDermott
“Healthy Ageing in Rural and Regional Settings; Challenges and Solutions from Australia and Beyond”
Director, John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research, La Trobe University, Australia
Technical Sessions
Session 1 and Poster – Ageing & Mental Well-Being
The session on “Ageing & Mental Well-Being” showcased a rich array of research addressing key dimensions of mental health and care in older populations. One study explored the interplay between cultural traditions and contemporary care options, providing an interpretative phenomenological analysis of Hong Kong older adults’ perceptions of care home facilities, revealing nuanced insights into how cultural values shape attitudes towards eldercare. Another presentation offered an epidemiological overview of mental and physical health in the elderly with ADHD, emphasizing the often-overlooked complexities and needs of this age group. A quality improvement project was introduced, focusing on the implementation of delirium quality standards through a multicomponent interdisciplinary approach, which included a gap analysis survey to identify and address deficiencies in care practices. Additionally, a retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the appropriateness of medication prescribing in older adults, contributing to a quality improvement educational project aimed at enhancing prescribing practices. Collectively, these presentations underscored the importance of integrating cultural considerations, addressing specific health conditions, and improving clinical practices to support mental well-being and overall quality of life for the elderly.
Session 2 – Dementia & Ageing
The session on “Dementia & Ageing” presented a comprehensive exploration of issues related to dementia care and its impact on individuals and caregivers. One study examined coping strategies for caregivers managing stress and burden, as well as mealtime difficulties in dementia care, shedding light on effective approaches to alleviate caregiver strain. Another presentation focused on a pilot study assessing caregiver stress among immigrant Tamil Canadian family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD), highlighting unique challenges faced by this demographic. The development and psychometrics of the Communication Experience Perceptual Scale for care partners of people with dementia were also discussed, introducing a new tool designed to improve communication and support for caregivers. Additionally, research addressed the impact of dementia on individuals with intellectual disabilities residing in residential care homes in Hong Kong, revealing critical insights into the specific needs and experiences of this vulnerable group. These presentations collectively emphasized the importance of understanding caregiver experiences, developing supportive tools, and addressing the diverse needs of individuals with dementia to enhance care practices and improve quality of life.
Session 3 – Aged Care and Medical Services
The session on “Aged Care and Medical Services” offered a thorough examination of diverse factors impacting elderly care and health outcomes. One study investigated gut microbiota differences between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults, providing insights into how gut health may influence muscle loss and overall physical function in aging populations. Another presentation explored perceived disability and its association with quality of life among older persons residing in the hilly areas of Sikkim, Northeast India, revealing how environmental and physical challenges affect well-being. The session also featured research on semantic recognition in healthy aging, employing priming tasks to understand the subtleties of cognitive function and memory in older adults. Additionally, a comprehensive study on multimorbidity and frailty was presented from the CHARMS—Cohort of Healthy Ageing Related to Multimorbidity Study, examining the prevalence and impact of multiple chronic conditions in a hospital-based cohort of older adults. Collectively, these presentations highlighted the multifaceted nature of aged care and medical services, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address physical health, cognitive function, and quality of life in aging populations.
Session 4 – Innovations & Ageing
The session on “Innovations & Ageing” showcased a range of pioneering approaches and technologies aimed at improving the lives of older adults. One study presented a systematic review and meta-analysis of adherence to technology-based falls prevention programs for community-dwelling older adults, highlighting the effectiveness and challenges of these digital interventions in reducing fall risks. Another presentation introduced the Green Connect Dementia Respite Project, which focused on the co-design and implementation of an innovative dementia respite care model grounded in green care principles, offering a fresh perspective on integrating nature and well-being. The development and validation of the Malaysian-MIND Diet Scores were also discussed, providing a new tool for predicting mild cognitive impairment among older adults in Malaysia and emphasizing the role of diet in cognitive health. Additionally, research on care workers’ resource mobilization strategies explored ways to enhance career development and support in community elderly care settings, reflecting the need for sustainable and supportive career pathways. Together, these presentations highlighted the cutting-edge innovations in technology, diet, and care strategies that are shaping the future of aging and elder care.
Session 5 – Ageing & Gerontology
The session on “Ageing & Gerontology” presented a diverse range of research addressing critical issues in aging and elder care. One study compared the pain experiences of immigrants and non-immigrants living with dementia in Australian residential aged care homes, offering insights into how cultural and demographic factors influence pain management and quality of care. Another presentation focused on caregivers’ strategies for managing adult family members with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors, highlighting practical approaches to supporting both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Additionally, research examined the needs for infection prevention and control training among foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, emphasizing the importance of proper training to enhance elderly health and safety. These presentations collectively underscored the importance of understanding diverse experiences, developing effective caregiver strategies, and ensuring proper training and support systems in the field of aging and gerontology.
The Award Ceremony
The Award ceremony was conducted in order to recognize the exceptional research presentations for each technical session.
Session 1 - Ageing & Mental Well-Being
Dr. Vidya Giri Shankar
“Too Late to Pay Attention? – An Epidemiological Overview of Mental and Physical Health in The Elderly with ADHD ”
Session 2 - Dementia & Ageing
Dr. Vasu
“Change in the cognitive status of older people registered and followed up in memory clinic of AIIMS, New Delhi, on three-year follow-up”
Session 3 - Aged Care and Medical Services
Dr. Frieda Bokali P Engheepi
“Perceived disability and its association with quality of life among older persons in hilly areas of Sikkim, Northeast India.”
Session 4 - Innovations & Ageing
Yee Xing You
“Development and Validation of Malaysian-MIND Diet Scores for Prediction of Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults in Malaysia”
Session 5 - Ageing & Gerontology
Alice Nga Lai KWONG
“Caregivers’ Strategies for Adult Family Members with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviours”
Poster Session - Ageing & Disability
Sudeep Mathew George
“Case Report on Polypharmacy in Elderly : Thoughtful Deprescribing”
Best Overall Presenters of SilverAge 2024
Mohana Das
“Negotiating Cultural Traditions and Contemporary Care Options: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Hong Kong Older Adults’ Perceptions of Care Home Facilities ”
Best Overall Presenters of SilverAge 2024
Dr. Vidya Giri Shankar
“Too Late to Pay Attention? – An Epidemiological Overview of Mental and Physical Health in The Elderly With ADHD”
