Mini Medical School: Aging and Health

Spring 2023

With more people living longer, we are approaching the tipping point at which our state, country, and world are impacted by the concurrence of lower birth rates and increased longevity in our senior population. 2020 was the first time Minnesota’s population in the 65+ age group was larger than in the 5-17 age group. With the potential crisis of fewer health professionals for more people needing care and the rising impact of age-related diseases like dementia, heart disease, and cancer, many efforts are focused on quality of life—increasing healthspan, as much as lifespan.

There is no doubt that aging affects us all. We are confronted with learning to care for older loved ones and considering our own futures as we age. Aging healthily isn’t just a personal issue; it is also one of the most pressing health concerns.

About Mini Medical School

Mini Medical School offers a unique glimpse into the health sciences at the University of Minnesota. Community learners with a shared interest in health embark on a journey examining the scientific foundations of health and disease. Presented using common language for ease of understanding complex topics, your guides are internationally renowned experts who are shaping the way health care is delivered locally and globally.

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A Local-to-Global Look at Aging

The number of Minnesotans turning 65 in this decade (about 285,000) will be greater than the past four decades combined, and by 2030 more than 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be 65 or older. By attending this session, you’ll learn what the current landscape of aging looks like both locally and globally.

Q&A

Speakers

Moderator:
Joseph E. Gaugler, PhD
Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, School of Public Health

Joshua Fergen, PhD
Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team

Rajean Moone, PhD, MS
College of Continuing & Professional Studies

Tenzin Namdul, TMD, PhD
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing

Creating Pathways to Healthy Aging

Mental health and wellbeing are important at every stage of life–how do we adapt to life changes and maximize self-care as we age? By attending this session, you’ll learn about nutrition and aging, resources for medication management, and improving quality of life.