The Japanese Society of Nephrology (JSN) and the European Renal Association (ERA) have recently announced a joint symposium on Kidney Health in Ageing and Aged Societies in collaboration with the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT), which they refer to as a “pivotal event” dedicated to exploring and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rising incidence of kidney diseases in ageing populations worldwide.
Co-chaired by Masaomi Nangaku (The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan) from the JSN and Christoph Wanner (University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany) from the ERA, the two organisations state that this conference—which will take place on 14–15 September 2024 in Kyoto, Japan—aims to promote global understanding of kidney health in rapidly ageing societies. According to a joint press release from the JSN and ERA, as people live longer and population dynamics shift, it is imperative to understand how demographic trends are shaping global health, particularly kidney health, and to develop innovative strategies to preserve kidney function in elderly populations.
The primary focus of the conference is to foster international dialogue and cooperation in understanding how ageing affects kidney health and to explore solutions to mitigate the rising burden of kidney diseases in ageing populations. Experts from across the globe will convene to discuss the following key themes:
- Demographic impact: how population ageing is reshaping health priorities and increasing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Preventive strategies: approaches to preserving kidney health in older adults, focusing on early diagnosis, preventive care, and lifestyle interventions.
- Co-morbidities: The conference will address how kidney disease interrelates with other ageing-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
- Future outlook: with projections showing people will live longer globally, the need for forward-looking strategies to tackle kidney disease as a public health priority is more urgent than ever.
According to demographic projections, populations worldwide are ageing rapidly, and the prevalence of kidney disease is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. This will impact millions of lives and placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems. The conference will serve as a vital platform for sharing the latest research, clinical advancements, and policy frameworks that can help tackle this escalating issue.
Nangaku and Wanner emphasise the importance of international collaboration in addressing the global kidney health crisis. “As people live longer, maintaining kidney health will be critical to ensuring quality of life in ageing societies,” says Wanner. “This conference represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to understanding the challenges ahead and implementing strategies that will safeguard kidney health globally.”
Nangaku added, “Japan has one of the world’s most aged populations, and we have already seen the impact on public health. By working together, we can apply global lessons and foster new innovations that will benefit all nations facing similar demographic shifts.”
The announcement adds that the Kidney Health in Ageing and Aged Societies conference promises to offer “invaluable insights into one of the most pressing healthcare issues of our time”. With input from leading nephrologists, epidemiologists, policymakers, and healthcare providers, the hope of the organisations is that this new symposium will serve as a catalyst for shaping future healthcare policies and practices aimed at preserving kidney health in the face of demographic changes.
For more information, including speaker details, schedule, and registration information, please visit https://www.m-toyou.com/khiaas2024/index.html.
