For Immediate Release September 25, 2008	Contact: Todd Kluss This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (202) 587-2839

Resilience in an Aging Society: The Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meeting To Present New Research on Hot Topics in Aging

The Gerontological Society of America is inviting all journalists to attend its 61st Annual Scientific Meeting — the country’s largest interdisciplinary conference in the field of aging — from November 21-25, 2008. Media representatives can register free of charge.

This event will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, a new waterfront development adjacent to Washington, DC, on the shores of the Potomac River.

The theme for 2008 is “Resilience in an Aging Society: Risks and Opportunities.” An estimated 3,500 professionals are expected to attend the four-day gathering, which includes more than 500 scientific sessions. Among the highlights are:

• Congressional Briefing/Policy Sessions: The conference will take place in the wake of the historic 2008 presidential election. Numerous policy sessions will address expectations from the new president and the next Congress; Medicare challenges for the new administration; and the future of Social Security. The closing session will take attendees to Capitol Hill for a congressional briefing on civic engagement in an older America.

• Special Guests: In addition to the world’s foremost authorities on aging, this meeting will feature inside-the-beltway views from such notable names as Chris Jennings, senior health policy advisor during the Clinton Administration; John Rother, JD, director of legislation and public policy at AARP; Judy Feder, PhD, a Georgetown University public policy professor and congressional candidate from Virginia; and Kathleen Frankovic, PhD, director of surveys for CBS News.

• Press Briefings: Reporters will have direct access to leading experts presenting cutting edge research. A special press release will be issued when the briefing schedule is finalized.

The complimentary media registration allows access to all sessions (with the exception of ticketed events and pre-conference workshops) and the Exhibit Hall. Badges and printed program materials can be picked up from the Press Room, located in room Chesapeake 8 of the Gaylord.

Find the Preliminary Program, meeting details, and registration information at www.agingconference.com. The online program schedule, features a complete listing of the meeting’s presentations, will be available by mid-October.

The Society has also locked in special conference rates at the Gaylord, which will be available until October 19.

We look forward to seeing you in National Harbor!

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The Gerontological Society of America, founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest national interdisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of aging research. Its membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners. GSA’s structure also includes a policy institute, the National Academy on an Aging Society, and an educational branch, the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education.