The Vatican Hosts Landmark Symposium on Global Aging and Brain Health with Sponsorship from AARP

VATICAN CITY - The Holy See will convene world leaders for a groundbreaking symposium titled "The Memory: A Symposium Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population" at the Palazzo San Calisto in Vatican City on May 9-10, 2025.

The two-day event will culminate with the presentation of the "Holy See - AARP Declaration," a landmark document establishing key commitments and strategic priorities for global aging initiatives, with particular emphasis on brain health, strengthening support for family caregiving, and galvanizing action to prepare for the rapid demographic shift.

"The Vatican promotes this Symposium, in partnership with AARP, to reflect with scientific and academic institutions on how to promote a model of longevity that does not limit itself to extending the years of life but to enriching them in terms of quality, dignity, and sustainability, integrating science, ethics, and spirituality," said Archbishop Vicenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life and Founder of the Età Grande Foundation. "It's our goal to take this discussion to high level and international institutions from all over the world."

With more than one in five people projected to be over age 60 by 2050, and a stunning 80 percent of older adults expected to reside in lower- and middle-income countries, the symposium will highlight the vital role of global cooperation in planning for the rapid rise of an aging population.

"AARP is proud to sponsor this historic Vatican effort as it represents a pivotal moment in addressing one of humanity's greatest megatrends - the unprecedented aging of our global population," said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP. "As more people worldwide live longer than ever before, we have a transformative opportunity to reimagine how societies value, support, empower and include older adults. Through this global symposium, we are bringing together the world's leading thinkers from scientific, religious, and cultural perspectives to advance solutions ensuring that people everywhere can not only live longer lives - but also thrive throughout their extended lifespans."

The program opens with remarks from Archbishop Paglia. Dr. Minter-Jordan will deliver a keynote on promoting brain health, strengthening support for family caregivers and designing policies advancing healthy longevity for all. She will lay out the facts related to the truly global reach of the megatrend of population aging and the need for global leaders to prepare for it.

Sessions will address caregiving, brain health, the longevity economy, and the unique challenges of aging in developing nations. The gathering will culminate with the signing of the Holy See - AARP Declaration, outlining a joint commitment to advancing global strategies that protect the rights, health, and dignity of older adults.

The symposium was scheduled prior to the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. It was a priority initiative for him and The Vatican, and the event is being held in his honor.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.