2005 White House Conference on Aging: International Observers

Forty-two International Observers attended from twenty three countries. International Observers were briefed on aging-related activities taking place within the Department of Health and Human Services. Speakers discussed aging related programs, policies, and research, with particular attention to possibilities for foreign researchers.

In addition to attending plenary sessions of the White House Conference on Aging, the International Observers had a full program to share information about aging in their respective countries, and to learn about aging programs in the United States.

International Observers received a special briefing on aging-related activities taking place within the Department of Health and Human Services. Departmental officials discussed aging related programs, policies, and research, with particular attention to possibilities for foreign researchers.

International Observers also had a full day of site visits, to include , Iona Senior Services , a nonprofit community organization dedicated to enabling older people to live with dignity and independence, and the Washington Home, a nonprofit organization providing long-term care, special care for Alzheimer's and dementia patients, and rehabilitation services for patients after strokes, accidents and surgery. 

AARP hosted the International Observers for lunch and a briefing of AARP activities, both domestic and global. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) , the regional office for the World Health Organization, hosted an afternoon briefing to discuss their regional and global health activities.

Other activities included:

• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Reception PAHO hosted a reception for the International Observers. Also attending were officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the WHCoA Policy and Advisory Committee members, members of Congress, and other invited guests.
  • Opening Remarks by Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director, Pan American Health Organization(pdf)
  • Welcoming Remarks by Assistant Secretary for Aging(pdf)
• Global Roundtable on Aging The purpose of the Global Aging Roundtable was to learn about aging issues and best practices in the countries of the International Observers. This was a moderated session between the International Observers and members of the WHCoA Policy and Advisory Committees.
  • Presentation by Richard Jackson, Ph.D. CSIS Global Aging Initiative (PPT)
  • Francoise Forette, MD Innovations in the French Government Policy on Aging (DOC)
  • Yusuke Kataoka- Exec. Dir. US Foundation for International Economy Policy, Japan (DOC)
  • K R Gangadharan- Heritage Hospital, Hyderabad, India- Aging in India (DOC)
  • Margaret Gillis- Director of Aging and Seniors Department of Health, Canada (DOC)
  • Pedro Borda- Director, National Institute of Senior Citizens, Ministry for Social Dev., Mexico (DOC)
  • Vusi Madonsela- Director General, The Dept. of Social Dev., Republic of South Africa (DOC)