Insights from the 2009 IAGG World Congress
Paris, July 2009 – Where the world turned its attention to the realities of an aging population.
In July 2009, as the global economy reeled from a financial crisis, a different kind of gathering was taking place in Paris—one that would shape our response to a demographic shift far more predictable and enduring than any market fluctuation. The 19th International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) World Congress convened under the theme "Longevity, Health and Wealth," bringing together a truly global community. With over 6,000 delegates from 82 countries, the event was more than just an academic conference; it was a clear signal that the challenges and opportunities of population aging demanded worldwide attention and collaboration 1 . This article explores the key insights from this landmark event, which set the stage for over a decade of innovation in how we understand and approach aging.
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and older adults, distinguished from geriatric medicine by its broader, multidisciplinary focus. While geriatrics deals specifically with the medical care and treatment of diseases in old age, gerontology encompasses biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging, examining the entire lifespan and how society adapts to an aging population 2 .
Medical care and treatment of diseases in old age
Multidisciplinary study of aging including biological, psychological, and sociological aspects
The field has evolved from a primarily biomedical approach to a more holistic understanding. The classic definition of "successful aging" by Rowe and Kahn—emphasizing high physical, psychological, and social functioning without major diseases—has been expanded to include more subjective and psychological dimensions 5 . Today, successful aging is understood as a multidimensional concept that includes maintaining cognitive and physical function, being actively engaged in life, and being psychologically well-adapted in later life, even while managing chronic diseases 5 .
The Paris congress stood out for its remarkable diversity. The participation of delegates from 82 countries created a vibrant exchange of cultural perspectives on aging 1 . Sessions covered topics as varied as:
This cross-cultural focus was crucial, highlighting that while aging is universal, how it is experienced is profoundly shaped by cultural, social, and economic contexts. Research presented at the conference demonstrated the importance of understanding these differences to develop effective, culturally-sensitive policies 7 .
The congress program was organized around four color-coded themes, with nearly half of the sessions dedicated to behavioral and psychological sciences and social research, policy and practice 1 . This balance reflected a growing recognition that technological and medical advances alone cannot address the complex realities of an aging global population.
British gerontologists were well-represented, with presentations from prominent researchers including Kate Davidson, James Nazroo, Alan Walker, and Christina Victor, among others 1 . Their work highlighted the importance of social relationships, community engagement, and psychological well-being as essential components of healthspan—the years of healthy, productive life.
The timing of the congress, just months after the global financial crisis, made the theme "Health and Wealth" particularly relevant. In a keynote address, John Beard from the World Health Organization addressed the potential implications of the financial crisis for older people and discussed strategies to prevent its negative consequences 1 .
Specific research presented at the congress quantified these challenges. A study by McDonald and Timoshkina explored the economic impact of caregiving on retirement, revealing that many caregivers face unplanned retirement with significant negative financial consequences . This research emphasized the need for supportive policies and coordinated services to assist caregivers both financially and emotionally .
McDonald and Timoshkina's research employed qualitative analysis of older adults who had retired specifically to provide caregiving and were subsequently dealing with the end of that caregiving role . This approach allowed researchers to capture the nuanced, personal experiences behind the statistics—the emotional and financial toll of caregiving transitions that are often invisible in broader economic surveys.
The study found that caregiving frequently led to unplanned early retirement, creating a double financial penalty: reduced lifetime earnings and savings, combined with often significant out-of-pocket expenses related to care provision . The consequences extended beyond immediate financial strain, affecting long-term economic security and quality of life in retirement.
| Impact Area | Specific Consequences |
|---|---|
| Income | Reduced lifetime earnings, lower pension accumulation |
| Employment | Unplanned retirement, career interruption, lost promotion opportunities |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Direct expenses for medical care, equipment, home modifications |
| Long-Term Security | Diminished retirement savings, increased financial dependency |
Source: Based on research by McDonald and Timoshkina presented at the 2009 IAGG Congress
These findings were particularly significant given demographic trends. With populations aging worldwide, the number of potential caregivers relative to those needing care is shrinking, potentially creating a crisis in care availability unless supportive policies are implemented .
Research presented at the congress reflected an evolution in how we define and measure successful aging. The table below outlines the key dimensions of this multidimensional concept.
| Dimension | Key Components | Research Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical | Physiological function, absence of disease, physical function | Regular physical activity across lifespan predicts healthy aging; walking speed is an excellent marker of overall health 5 . |
| Cognitive | Memory, attention, executive function | Cognitive reserve and compensation explain higher functioning; midlife is critical for preventing later cognitive disorders 5 . |
| Psychosocial | Social engagement, psychological adaptation | Being socially active and psychologically well-adapted can compensate for physical limitations; SOC model (selection, optimization, compensation) aids adaptation 5 . |
Source: Based on research presented at the 2009 IAGG Congress 5
Gerontological research relies on diverse methodologies and conceptual frameworks to unravel the complexities of aging. The 2009 congress highlighted several essential "tools" advancing the field.
Identifies universal vs. culturally-specific aging processes; reveals how cultural factors influence individual and population aging 7 .
Combines quantitative and qualitative data to provide both statistical trends and personal context, as seen in caregiving research .
Tracks aging processes over time; identifies critical periods (e.g., midlife) for development of age-related conditions 5 .
Brings together biological, psychological, and social perspectives for holistic understanding of aging 7 .
The 2009 IAGG World Congress in Paris marked a significant milestone in gerontology's development as a truly global, multidisciplinary science. By bringing together diverse perspectives—from biological sciences to social policy—the congress highlighted that understanding and supporting healthy aging requires integrated approaches that address the biological, psychological, social, and economic dimensions of growing older.
"The insights generated at Le Palais des Congrès in July 2009 have proven remarkably prescient, laying groundwork for addressing what remains one of the most significant demographic transformations in human history."
The research presented, from the economic impacts of caregiving to cross-cultural studies of successful aging, continues to inform policy and practice today. As one attendee noted, the conference was not just about presenting research but about building international collaborations that would extend far beyond the week in Paris 1 .
The congress demonstrated that while increased longevity is one of humanity's great achievements, ensuring that those additional years are healthy, engaged, and dignified requires continued scientific innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and thoughtful policy—a conversation that began in Paris but continues globally today.