NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y.– The U.S. population is older today than it has ever been before, with a projected 82 million Americans to be aged 65+ by the year 2050. As lifespans increase, so do the complexities of caring for an aging population. To address these pressing issues and chart a course for age-friendly care, Northwell Health is proud to announce its inaugural Aging Revolution Summit taking place both virtually and in-person in New York City on December 3.
Building on Northwell’s successful thought-leadership events, including its annual Constellation Forum and Gun Violence Prevention Forum, the Aging Revolution Summit will bring together top minds in health care, business, venture capital, philanthropy, public office, medical research, the community and patients themselves to gain insight and promote age-friendly conversations.
“Most health care systems are not comprehensibly equipped to handle the growing needs of our aging population. We need to embrace innovation, technology, and new models of care to ensure that seniors can age with dignity and access the support they need to thrive,” said Michael J. Dowling, Northwell’s president and CEO, host of the Summit and co-author of the recent book, The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults. “We hope that this Summit will act as a catalyst for change and provide a space where inspiration ignites action.”
Some of this year’s notable speakers include:
- Staci Alexander, vice president, thought leadership, AARP
- Paurvi Bhatt, president and chief impact officer, Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI)
- Rev. Malcolm Byrd, pastor and chief impact officer, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church
- Thomas Edes, senior medical advisor, office of geriatrics and extended care, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Jennie Chin Hansen, former chief executive officer, Milken Institute for the Future of Aging
- Kedar Mate, MD, chief executive officer, Institute of Healthcare
Including Northwell clinicians and researchers, the half-day summit will address key themes including new therapeutics and technologies extending lifespan, the social implications of longevity, support for family caregivers, and care for vulnerable seniors (e.g., those with multiple conditions, veterans) including senior planning and costs.
Dr. Thomas H. Lee, chief medical officer of Press Ganey, will deliver a keynote address highlighting the critical need for stakeholders across healthcare to diligently build human connection for an aging population by harnessing the power of social networks.
“To truly care for an aging population, we must cultivate genuine human connection – at the bedside and beyond. Social networks, in their broadest sense, are not merely tools, but essential pathways to combat isolation and nurture the well-being of our older patients,” said Dr. Lee.
