AARP and Partners Push for Aging with Dignity

On May 9 and 10, against the backdrop of the election of Pope Leo XIV, I was honored to represent AARP as cohost of a landmark international symposium in Vatican City on global aging.

In partnership with the Pontifical Academy of Life, Età Grande Foundation and the Memorial Papa Francisco, this historic gathering brought together heads of state, private sector innovators, intergovernmental organizations, faith leaders and civil society representatives from more than 20 countries for “The Memory: A Symposium Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population.”

Building on Pope Francis’ call to include older people in our thinking and policies, the two-day symposium offered a rare opportunity for international dialogue about caregiving, brain health, the longevity economy and the unique challenges of aging in developing nations. The discussion included various scientific, religious and cultural perspectives.

The timing couldn’t have been more striking. My AARP colleagues and I arrived in Rome just as white smoke was rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. The news of Pope Leo’s election spread fast, and the streets were jam-packed with jubilation. Thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our Vatican cosponsors, the symposium moved forward and the welcome deepened.

Our meeting was an urgent call to action. Attendees were united in seeking greater worldwide support to confront the challenges and realize the opportunites created by the rapid growth of the aging population.

The megatrend of aging is already reshaping societies. Consider these facts:

By 2050, more than 2.1 billion people—1 in 5—will be 60 or older. Sixty-two countries will have at least 30 percent of their population over age 60. And a stunning 80 percent of the 60-plus population will reside in lower- and middle-income countries.