The South Australian government is hosting a range of Australian and international experts at an upcoming conference focussed on ageing, health and innovation.
The inaugural Ageing Well Revolution Conference (22-23 November) will bring together industry, policy makers, along with experts in ageing, healthcare, innovation and the workforce, to re-think the concept of ageing.
The conference will be opened by Premier of South Australia, Jay Weatherill, who has led the state’s effort to become a leading player in the innovation and ‘ageing economy’.
The list of speakers is headlined by Dr Adam Gazzaley, the founder and executive director of Neuroscape, a translational neuroscience centre at the University of California San Francisco.
Other speakers include International Longevity Centre Co-President Dr Alexandre Kalache, The Impossible Institute’s Kieran Flanagan and Dan Gregory, IBM Watson Health’s Terry Sweeney, University of Michigan’s Victor Strecher, and social commentator Bernard Salt.
Chair of the Economic Development Board Raymond Spencer said the calibre of speakers was testament to the State’s commitment to ‘Ageing Well’ and the notion that opportunity could be found in what was traditionally viewed as a burden.
“We’re bringing together some of the world’s greatest thought leaders in the ageing sphere to inspire delegates to shift their mind-set and truly realise the importance of ageing well,” Mr Spencer said.
“Delegates will learn from the best in the business about the role they can play in connecting consumers, products and communities for the greater good of the state, the nation and the demographic as a whole.”
A key element of the conference will how innovation in healthcare is redefining the notion of what it means to grow older.
The Impossible Institute’s Dan Gregory and Kieran Flanagan will highlight how social trends across and changing values are making the ageing population such a critical economic opportunity.
IBM Watson Health Leader for Asia, Greater China Group and Japan, Dr Terry Sweeney, will deliver a key note and feature as part of panel discussing how the use of ‘big data’ can make a significant contribution to ‘ageing well’.
“Each speaker brings a unique piece of the puzzle to the understanding of opportunities in the ageing well sector,” added Mr Spencer.
“Entrepreneurs, providers, investors, not-for-profits, executive and business owners – from small business through to industry – will all find the Conference valuable to ensure they’re well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities as they present themselves.”