The 21st century will present new and important challenges -- and opportunities -- for public health. In this special concurrent session, four of these challenges will be presented. Each presentation will be followed by a brief question-and-answer period. The challenges to be presented are as follows: (1) Aging of the population, a challenge that raises important issues not only for preventing disease, but also for promoting health and improving quality of life. (2) The genetics and biotechnology revolution, a set of challenges for improving health while addressing important legal, ethical, and social issues. (3) Globalization of the economy, a challenge that raises important issues from the export of hazard to the impact of globalization on national environmental and occupational health and other public health laws and regulations. (4) The information and communications revolution, a set of challenges for improving education, communication, and information dissemination while addressing issues ranging from dehumanization of services to the "digital divide" that has resulted from unequal access to computer technology.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to describe the following 21st century challenges to public health and useful ways of addressing them: aging of the population, globalization of the economy, the genetics and biotechnology revolution, and the information and communications revolution
Keywords: Aging, Genetics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.