Chronic Disease and Aging

From Research to Policy to Practice: An International Dialogue
Meeting the Challenge in the Quebec Healthcare System

This exciting one day international symposium for decision and policy makers, researchers, healthcare managers and professionals, and members of the public is organized by SOLIDAGE Research Group on Frailty and Aging in collaboration with Federation Combined Jewish Appeal. The symposium features prominent speakers including Dr. Ed Wagner, MacColl Institute for Healthcare Innovation, University of Washington; Dr. David Butler-Jones, Public Health Agency of Canada; Dr. Robert Kane, University of Minnesota School of Public Health; Dr. Penny Ballem, Former Deputy Minister of Health, British Columbia; Dr. Mark Clarfield, Professor of Geriatrics, Ben-Gurion University; Prof. François Béland, Dept. of Health Administration, Université de Montréal; Prof. Jane Gilliard, National Dementia Strategy, England; Dr. Howard Bergman, Quebec Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease; and Prof. Joël Ménard, author of the Alzheimer Disease Plan, France.

Quebec’s population is aging very rapidly with the most dramatic increases in the number of “old, old” persons (over 80 years old). The cumulative effect of chronic disease throughout the life course and the age-related decline in physiological reserves contribute to the onset of frailty, disability and dependency in the aging population. Chronic disease is the most important cause of illness and mortality burden, and it has become the leading driver of healthcare resource utilization, constituting an important burden for our society. Aging and chronic disease are therefore two key issues in the challenge to improve the health of the Quebec population, delay the onset of frailty and dependency, and promote independent and healthy aging. Both the health and quality of life of older persons in the coming 50 years, as well as the sustainability of our healthcare system, depend on our ability to meet these challenges.