The ‘Grey Wave’ or ‘Silver Tsumani’ is here. These terms refer to the increasing number of elderly people around the world. Basically, the world’s population is aging much faster than in the past. In 2011, baby boomers began reaching the age of 65. In the United States, 18% of Americans are aged 65 or older. The percentage is even higher in Japan. 30% of all Japanese people are over 65. In fact, Japan has the largest proportion of elderly people of any country in the world.
To address the issues associated with aging, scholars from UNC-CH and Nagoya University gathered in Chapel Hill for “Aging and the Family”. Hosted by UNC Global Affairs and the Center for Aging and Health, this three-day multi-disciplinary symposium explored the challenges of supporting aging people, their families, and their caregivers.
From October 14 to 16, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine faculty exchanged ideas with UNC personnel from medicine, nursing, public health, social work and related fields. During this symposium, attendees also discussed culturally-informed care practices and shared academic insights on aging.
This conference was supported by a grant from the Japan Foundation. In addition, it is part of a larger, 12-month initiative designed to address the global challenge of supporting aging populations and their families.
Read more about the event and collaboration between UNC-CH and Nagoya University at UNC Global.
About the Center for Aging and Health
Housed within the UNC School of Medicine, the Center advances innovative, high-quality geriatrics interprofessional education, research, and clinical care. In addition, the Center works to improve the health and well-being of the aging population across North Carolina and the nation and directly supports the Division of Geriatric Medicine.