October 15, 2024
NEAR Workshop 2024: High Impact Aging Research ─ Dialogue Among International Infrastructures
Photo: Maria Yohuang
On a beautiful fall day on 15 October, NEAR held its sixth workshop in the majestic facilities of the Swedish Society of Medicine. After the initial welcome from NEAR’s Director, Laura Fratiglioni, the workshop continued with various presentations led by the Chair, Björn Halleröd. During these, leading experts of extensive longitudinal and epidemiological studies presented some background information, results, and challenges of their infrastructures.
Photos: Linnea Sjöberg
Kaare Christensen, Nancy Pedersen, and Claire Steves shared twin research contributions to aging research from Danish (Danish Twin Registry), Swedish (Swedish Twin Registry), and British (Twins UK) perspectives. This was followed by views from the Netherlands, where Martijn Huisman presented the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) and Emiel Hoogendijk introduced the Amsterdam Cohort Hub, which includes 16 population studies aiming to strengthen cohort studies within public health in the Amsterdam region. Before the coffee break, Bjørn Heine Strand provided an overview of the Norwegian Tromsø Study (UiT) and HUNT – Trøndelag Health Study.
Photos: Linnea Sjöberg
Before lunch, Parminder Raina, Cathal McCrory, and Diana Kuh presented insights from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Medical Research Council (MRC), and National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). The final presentations featured Claudio Lucifora discussing AGE-IT, comprising 27 Italian universities, private firms, and public institutions, and Debora Rizzuto on the Swedish National E-infrastructure for Aging Research (NEAR).
Peter Nordström, Kaare Christensen, Davide Liborio Vetrano, Claire Steves, Dorota Religa, Ingmar Skoog, and Laura Fratiglioni. Photo: Maria Yohuang.
Two panel discussions delved into aging research’s clinical and public health implications in the afternoon. Key questions were addressed, including research gaps, the implementation of findings, and strategies for engaging politicians. It was emphasized that the research community must come together and ensure that information is concise yet accurate. The discussions also underscored the importance of primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary prevention, as well as the need for continuity in epidemiological studies to keep pace with the future of aging. This is crucial due to rapidly aging populations, technological advancements, climate change, inequalities, and globalization impacting aging and health.
Carin Lennartsson, Claudio Lucifora, Parminder Raina, Cathal McCrory, Diana Kuh, Bjørn Heine Strand, and Hugo Westerlund. Photo: Maria Yohuang.
By leveraging our collective expertise and resources across Europe, we can more effectively address the challenges of aging. Collaborative efforts will not only enhance the quality of research but also ensure that innovative solutions are implemented more efficiently. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient framework to support healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older adults across the continent.
Photos: Maria Yohuang
The workshop ended on a high note with a delightful dinner for all the speakers, chairs, and organizers. The evening allowed everyone to unwind and reflect on the day’s discussions. The dinner celebrated the workshop’s successful completion and fostered stronger connections among the attendees, setting the stage for future initiatives and partnerships.
Filmed version of the NEAR Workshop 2024: NEAR workshop 2024 – KI PLAY
