CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

The Eastern Mediterranean region will develop rapidly ageing populations within the next few decades. The traditional patterns of family responsibility will diminish with economic development. In our society, the eldest members are a source of spiritual blessing as well as models of, religious faith, wisdom and love. Accordingly, the family as a group assumes responsibility for their welfare and survival by helping them with daily chores, and giving them financial assistance and emotional support. While such customs and traditions persist today predominantly in rural areas, it is proving impossible for many people and groups to preserve this aspect of their culture in the face of inimical forces over which they have no control.

A rising geriatric population, with increasingly unmet health care needs, strongly suggests the necessity for a better educational preparation of those health professions actually or potentially serving them. The absence of sufficient numbers of trained geriatricians and gerontologists, among health professionals, seriously undermines the ability of the country's health care system to adequately assess, treat, and rehabilitate the growing ageing population. This shortage leads to inappropriate care, higher costs, and poorer patient outcomes. Education is key to more informed health care services, without which, fertile soil exists for the emergence of negative attitudes and stereotypes toward ageing and older people. This may lead to avoidance and neglect of the elderly and their problems. The Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Ageing may help in preparing health professional sensitivity to the issue of aging, thus help in improving the quality of life of the elderly in the region.