PURPOSE AND AIM OF THE CONFERENCE

The purpose of this conference is to highlight the actual health problems of the elderly, to present the latest studies in this field and new approaches used in practice. Current issues and challenges in health prevention and promotion of the elderly will be addressed in different thematic sections as the leading themes of the conference. Sections will be held consecutively, allowing conference participants to attend each session, and gain comprehensive insight into the health of the elderly. 

In addition to plenary lectures and presentations of the contributions of active participants in different thematic sections, an active workshop entitled "Performance assessment and appropriate implementation of exercise programs in older adults" will be organized in the afternoon part of the program. For more information about the workshop please click HERE.

The conference will host researchers, experts from practice, university professors, students, and other interested people who are directly or indirectly engaged in the field of public health and related disciplines.

SCIENTIFIC AND ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Head of the Scientific Committee Prof. Nejc Šarabon, PhD UP Faculty of Health Sciences tel: +386 5 66 26 466 e-mail: nejc.sarabon@fvz.upr.si

Head of the Organising Committee Assoc. Prof. Boštjan Žvanut, PhD UP Faculty of Health Sciences tel: +386 5 66 26 483 e-mail: bostjan.zvanut@fvz.upr.si

SECTIONS OF THE CONFERENCE

PSYCHOLOGY/ SOCIAL AND HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY Aging of society has a strong influence on changes in economic, social and societal circumstances, on the health system, and on changes in employment structure of societies. The quality of life of older people is often influenced by the occurrence of physical changes (e.g. chronic and degenerative illnesses), changes in the field of finance and the reduction of social networks, and emotional distress is also frequent. How successfully be aging of older people is depending on their ability of adjusting to changes..

NUTRITION AND HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY Our energy and nutritional needs change with different life stages, therefore, compliance with dietary guidelines and recommendations is of great importance for the elderly. Proper nutrition, inclusion of functional foods and nutraceuticals is important for health maintenance and disease prevention as well as for relieving symptoms before disease onset. Within this section, challenges and different approaches to a proper elderly diet will be exposed, in order to improve their eating habits and quality of life.

TECHOLOGICAL AND ICT SOLUTIONS FOR THE HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY Information and communication technologies (ICT) are becoming an increasingly important element in everyday lives of elderly people and their interest in public health and social-welfare is increasing. In this section, the research in this field will be presented as well as modern ICT solutions and services tailored for the needs of elderly people. These solutions and services support the elderly in everyday activities, activate them, help them stay in contact with their relatives, with the healthcare system, etc.  They are also efficient in the prevention and response to unwanted occurrences (e.g. falls, various alarms). The use of ICT by the elderly may extend the period of living in their own homes, while in nursing homes it may facilitate their care and make their stay more enjoyable.

PHYSIOTERAPHY AND HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY

Older adults are a particularly vulnerable part of the population with an increased need for physical therapy interventions. Such interventions represent an important element in maintaining independence and thus contribute to the quality of life of older people. To achieve the best effects, it is necessary to strive for appropriate and high quality evidence-based treatments in clinical practice. The purpose of this section is to present the latest scientific research and to share knowledge and experience in the field of physiotherapy treatments for older adults. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY Regular physical activity in older age is without doubt an important factor in preventing and treating several non-communicable diseases, ensuring independence, and preventing falls. A variety of physical activity programmes have already been demonstrated to promote strength, balance, and overall fitness of the elderly. Improved physical health is not the only positive impact of physical activity, as it can also improve cognitive abilities and psychological functions.  Even though there is an abundance of scientific evidence to support that, most people get less and less physically active as they age, particularly because they engage less in leisure-time activities. Providing a supportive social and physical environment for the elderly, with a view for them to become or stay physically active, should therefore be among the most important goals and challenges for healthcare professionals. The aim of this conference section is to present different physical activity programmes designed for the elderly, discuss their effects on disease occurrence, independence, cognitive abilities, and other aspects of health, and to discuss the steps that should be taken in this area in future.

IMPORTANT DATES

15 April 2021	Abstract submission deadline
10 August 2021	Full article submission deadline (optional)
1 July 2021	Registration deadline for active participants
30 August 2021	Registration deadline for passive participants
17 September 2021	CONFERENCE DATE