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Announcements - IPA’S EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN REGIONAL MEETING
TO CONVENE IN ROME, 17-20 APRIL 2002
Meeting Announcement
IPA’S EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN REGIONAL MEETING
17-20 April 2002 (Rome, Italy)
“Levis est senectus, nec solum non molesta sed etiam iucunda.”
Aging is easy; not only is it not a burden, but it can even be pleasant.
—Marcus Tullius Cicero, Cato Maior de Senectute
Written in 44 B.C., de Senectute was one of 10 philosophical treatises by Cicero, and focused on his thoughts regarding aging. This particular
line is quoted from Marcus Porcius Cato, at 83 years of age (when the average age was about 35), who, in
the treatise, was having a conversation with two young men in 150 B.C. The premise of the piece was
incorporated in Cato’s answer to the questions the young men had regarding old age, specifically
dealing with the principles that would most easily support the weight of increasing years.
The statement identifies an especially appropriate theme for our upcoming IPA European and
Mediterranean Regional Meeting in Rome. Its programs will focus on the many factors that affect the
mental health-related quality of life for our aging population, such as physical health, environmental compatibility, social integration, cognitive competence,
treatment and intervention availability.
The aging process, according to
Cicero, is a “normal” stage of life that should be lived through and not considered to be a burden.
During the Rome meeting, we will have the opportunity to hear how our colleagues from the Mediterranean Basin and Continental Europe work towards improving quality of life for their aging patients.
We hope you will join us at the Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi in the
ancient but still lively city of Rome, 17-20 April 2002, to experience all that Rome has to offer. Called the “Eternal City,” Rome is the
capital of Italy, and offers a unique mixture of masterpieces of art and history spanning from classical to the modern age. Also in
Rome is the Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, which is well known for its amazing collection of unique artwork.
Mario Fioravanti (Italy) holds the position of Secretary of IPA and is Chair of the
Rome meeting.
The mission of IPA to improve the mental health
and quality of life of the aging people of the world
has been the driving force for the organization since
its foundation. In recent years, we have identified
the strategic importance of paying special attention
to regional needs and have developed regional
initiatives as the vehicle to facilitate and assist in
regional development.
The Regional Meetings between our Congresses are
an essential expression of our commitment. Such
meetings serve to highlight relevant issues, bring
together members and others to contribute their
expertise, foster connections and collegial relationships
for the advancement of knowledge and affirm
our professional commitments.
Rome, the “Eternal City”, has the history, culture and warmth of hospitality to provide an excellent
location for the European and Mediterranean
Regional Meeting. This will enable the advancement
of a European and Mediterranean regional
initiative of IPA in an ambience that will delight
all who will come.
Make plans now to visit Rome. Come join us in this
most exciting meeting and share with us the opportunity
to enjoy each other’s company and intellectual
endeavors.
The Meeting of the International Psychogeriatric
Association which will be held in Rome from the
17th to the 20th of April 2002, will focus on the
qualities of aging that make this ever-developing
dimension of our existence acceptable, positive,
and, according to Cicero, even pleasant.
Aging is a dynamic process with no clear-cut starting
point, but with many interactive determinants, some
of which begin even before birth. The correct identification
of these determinants and their scientific
evaluation is the basis for the development and
management of appropriate and effective interventions
on the aging process.
Our meeting will bring together those professionals
from different scientific and cultural areas who are
involved in the attainment and improvement of
the best potentials from the aging part of the population,
specifically for what concerns their mental
health. Participating and contributing to this event
will help our meeting accomplish this mission, and
promote the progress of psychogeriatrics toward
more powerful and incisive goals for better mental
health of the aging.
Mario Fioravanti
Chair, European and
Mediterranean Regional Meeting
The Meeting will be held in downtown Rome, near
Via Veneto, in an area rich of accommodation facilities,
popular restaurants, shopping opportunities, and easily
connected to every major point of interest in the Eternal
City. The venue is near the Borghese Gardens, a vast
park in the heart of the city, which houses the Borghese
Museum. The museum provides a unique opportunity
for experiencing the power and awesome attraction of
Baroque Art. The venue is in the center of the city but is
in an especially quiet zone. The hotel has been recently
renewed and refurbished and offers all the best facilities
for your comfort and a scientific gathering.
The International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA)
provides healthcare professionals and scientists with
information about the behavioral and biological
aspects of mental health in the aging. Through publications
and meetings, IPA keeps professionals in close
touch with current news and international perspectives
on research, clinical practice, innovative developments,
and significant literature related to the field.
In addition, IPA works actively to advance research
and education, and to increase worldwide understanding
of psychogeriatric issues.
Founded in 1982, IPA is the preeminent multidisciplinary,
international, nonprofit organization with a primary
focus on psychogeriatrics. Membership is open to scientists
and healthcare professionals of all relevant disciplines,
including psychiatry, neurology, general, geriatric
and family medicine, nursing, pharmacology, psychology
and social work.
Written in 44 B.C., de Senectute was one of 10 philosophical treatises by Cicero, and focused on his thoughts regarding aging. This particular
line is quoted from Marcus Porcius Cato, at 83 years of age (when the average age was about 35), who, in
the treatise, was having a conversation with two young men in 150 B.C. The premise of the piece was
incorporated in Cato’s answer to the questions the young men had regarding old age, specifically
dealing with the principles that would most easily support the weight of increasing years.
Message
from the President