Living long, living well

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There are more seniors in Canada than there are kids under the age of 15. By 2030 25% of the population will be seniors. Scientists are continually working on ways to help people live longer, healthier lives and some of the brightest minds in “geroscience” are in Hamilton this week, discussing the challenges facing the aging population.

“It is one of the highest priorities for the federal, provincial, municipal government because population is aging substantially and numbers are going up.”said Parminder Raina from McMaster Institute of Geroscience.

A 3 day symposium at the David Braley health sciences centre, called “living long, living well” will touch on how aging affects the brain. Scientists have learned that the brain seems to re-organize itself to optimize information. As you age, you may be excel in certain mental situations, like driving a car, but struggle at others, like remembering details.

The living long, living well symposium runs until Thursday. It is open to the public, and can be streamed on-line.