Placing Cognitive Health on Europe's Social and Economic Agenda
[19 November 2003 - Alliance for Health & the Future - UK] The inaugural meeting of the Alliance for Health & the Future commenced on 19 November 2003 in Paris, France, with a one-day seminar entitled "Placing Cognitive Health on Europe's Social and Economic Agenda." The seminar drew esteemed delegates from Europe's key non-government organisations, multilateral institutions and advocacy groups and featured a panel of multidisciplinary thought-leaders discussing the impact an ageing society could have on Europe and the ways in which maintaining cognitive health can potentially help ensure well-being and productivity throughout life. Although cognitive decline, including memory loss and reduced attention span, is for many one of the most frightening aspects of growing older, it does not appear to be an inevitable function of ageing. The seminar focussed on the latest research and therapies, as well as the possible economic and social impact of maintaining cognitive vitality as people age as a key to helping people live better, longer lives. Read the Executive Summary of the meeting, including information about "there is increasing evidence that cognitive health is better maintained by those who continue working into old age, or return to the workplace in second careers, or serve as volunteers or tutors after formal retirement."