The EuGMS and the Romanian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (RSGG) co-hosted the event “Multidimensional strategies for the preservation optimal functional capacity for a better ageing” in Bucharest on June 6-8th. This event was part of the PROGRAMMING COST Action for the promotion of Geriatric Medicine and followed a similar endeavour organized earlier this year in Athens Greece.
More than 100 persons from Romania and other countries participated both onsite and online, medical students, geriatrics trainees, different professionals involved in the care of older people in various settings, geriatricians, primary care physicians and other specialists as well as important stakeholders and policy makers. The event featured lectures by Prof Finbarr C. Martin (UK), Prof Nenad Bogdanovic (Sweden), Prof Raymond Tallis (UK) and Assoc Prof Anna Marie Herghelegiu (Romania) on healthy aging and prevention, philosophical and historical perspectives on geriatrics and longevity.
Two Focus Groups on Assessment of educational needs on geriatric medicine organised with different specialists working in ambulatory settings and health care providers in long term care settings generated new interesting qualitative data for scientific publications. One of the highlights of the activities was a visit to the local Municipality Home for the seniors, a long term care facility where guest met a few of the more prominent residents who used to be public figures, politicians and academics.
Another exciting experience was the Round Table of stakeholders and local policy makers where important ideas and potential initiatives to further develop the network of health care providers trained in the care of older people were exchanged. There were also several internal meetings of the project’s working groups and managing committee.
This was a wonderful opportunity to meet and discuss the care needs of the rapidly growing older population from different points of view such as geriatrics medical education, a better integration of social care and long term care and also how to expand the network of geriatrics specialists in different care settings across Romania. Furthermore, the event provided a platform for exchanges among Action members, among Action members and local stakeholders and policy makers as well as for raising awareness on the importance of geriatric medicine, sharing professional experiences, networking and friendship.
Assoc. Prof. Anna Marie Herghelegiu
Geriatrics and Gerontology
“Carol Davila” University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
Secretary of the Romanian National Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology and representative in the EUGMS
