GSA's Orlando press briefing schedule covers latest news in aging

Two press briefings designed to inform reporters about issues affecting America's aging population have been scheduled for The Gerontological Society of America's upcoming 68th Annual Scientific Meeting.

This five-day gathering will take place from November 18 to 22 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. The events listed below will take place in Oceanic 8 at the Dolphin Hotel. Media representatives are invited to register for the meeting free of charge.

Luncheon Press Briefing: "What We Know and Can Do About Malnutrition"

Thursday, November 19, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

The Gerontological Society of America has firmly established itself as a connector and convener of multiple stakeholders for projects that focus on under-researched areas in the field of aging. This briefing will provide insight on findings from GSA's malnutrition initiative, including preventing and treating malnutrition to improve health and reduce costs, and understanding patient and caregiver perceptions of malnutrition. (Developed by The Gerontological Society of America and supported by Abbott.)

Speakers: Connie W. Bales, PhD, RD, professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatrics within the Department of Medicine at the Duke School of Medicine, and senior fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development at Duke University Medical Center; Nancy S. Wellman, PhD, RD, FAND, adjunct professor at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and retired professor of dietetics and nutrition in the School of Public Health at Florida International University

Luncheon Press Briefing: "Reframing Aging: What Does the Public Really Think About Older Adults?"

Friday, November 20, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Leaders of eight national aging organizations recognized that unless the public develops a more accurate understanding of today's older adults, it will continue to be difficult to secure the systems, human capital, and financial resources needed by the fastest-growing age segment of the population. This coalition includes AARP, the American Federation for Aging Research, the American Geriatrics Society, the American Society on Aging, The Gerontological Society of America, Grantmakers in Aging, the National Council on Aging, and the National Hispanic Council on Aging. Together they represent and have direct access to millions of older adults and thousands of individuals working in aging-related professions. They have formed an unprecedented partnership to create a better public understanding of older adults' needs and contributions to society—and subsequently to improve the lives of all people as they age. Working collaboratively with the FrameWorks Institute, the eight organizations will address public perceptions of older adults: who they are, what issues affect them, how they contribute to our society, and how society can best integrate their needs and contributions. The project is managed by Laura Robbins of Laura A. Robbins Consulting, LLC. Funding for the initiative has been provided by AARP, the Archstone Foundation, the Atlantic Philanthropies, the John A. Hartford Foundation, the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, the Retirement Research Foundation, and the Rose Community Foundation.

Speakers: Nat Kendall-Taylor, PhD, chief executive officer, FrameWorks Institute; Laura Robbins, MS, MBA, founder and principal, Laura A. Robbins Consulting, LLC

Complimentary press registration information and an online meeting planner are available at http://www.geron.org/press.

Provided by The Gerontological Society of America