For Immediate Release September 10, 2009	Contact: Todd Kluss This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (202) 587-2839

An Invitation to the Nation’s Premier Aging Conference: GSA To Unveil Cutting Edge Research

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) invites all journalists to attend its 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting — the country’s largest interdisciplinary conference in the field of aging — from November 18 to 22 in Atlanta, GA. Media representatives may register free of charge.

An estimated 3,500 professionals are expected to attend the five-day gathering at the Hilton Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The theme for 2009 is “Creative Approaches to Healthy Aging” and the program schedule contains more than 400 scientific sessions featuring research presented for the first time. Noteworthy highlights include:

• Press Briefings: GSA offers direct access to leading authorities and new discoveries in gerontology. A special notice will be issued when the briefing schedule is finalized; currently confirmed topics include health care gaps among ethnic elders, breakthroughs in vitamin D research, caloric restriction in humans, upcoming federally-funded studies, and a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report (to be issued at the meeting) on preventative services.
  
• Media Networking: There will be ample opportunity for discussion about emerging issues on the aging beat. The Press Room serves as a base of operations for reporters and will host several luncheon briefings. On the evening of Wednesday, November 18, join fellow media attendees for a reception held in conjunction with New America Media and the Journalists Network on Generations.
  
• Policy Series: The meeting will serve as a perfect setting for the continuing debate on health care reform. As the baby boomer generation approaches age 65, other policy-oriented sessions will address retirement security, long-term care, and civic engagement.
  
• Business Forum: On Friday, November 20, GSA will provide a rare venue for renowned experts on economics, gerontology, and consumer behavior to engage in dialogue with Atlanta business leaders interested in understanding, attracting, and capitalizing on a growing senior market. Noteworthy presenters include Glenn Ruffenach, editor of The Wall Street Journal’s “Encore” report; Joseph Coughlin, PhD, founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab; and Mary Furlong, EdD, president and CEO of Mary Furlong & Associates.

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 meeting registration area of the Hilton. The Press Room will be located in room 213 of the Hilton.

Registration information, as well as an online itinerary planner, is available at www.geron.org/ampress. The Society has locked in special conference rates at both hotels, which will be available until October 23.

We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!

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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society — and its 5,200+ members — is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public. 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.