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India is well known as the place where people have the highest YOGA of SOUL life expectancies in the world. Thus, it is the most suitable region to implement Gerontology. The word "Gerontology" was first proposed by Metchnikov, a Russian Biologist (1845~1916), in 1903; coined in English from the Greek word geron (gen. gerontos) "old man," from PIE base *ger(e) "to become ripe, grow old." Today, Gerontology stands as an interdisciplinary study dedicated to aligning theory with practice or praxis. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education was established in 1974, in USA and has grown internationally to become a global leader in advancing education on aging. In Japan, a course of Gerontology is currently offered only at the Graduate School of Obirin University (M.A. Program since 2002, Ph.D. Program since 2004).
It is said that Gerontology is not only the interdisciplinary study, but also the international and inter-professional study of aging. However in current academic education, the business network concerned with the interprofessional approach to address aging issues in societies has not been enriched. As a consequence of this, we must develop and implement collaborative learning that is inherent in advanced Gerontology throughout Japan as well as in the world to enhance our aging future. A "cafeteria curriculum" which refers to the self-directed curriculum is one key to achieving collaborative learning on aging.
The cafeteria curriculum is embraced as a learning practice in the business world. Introduction of the curriculum would bring up the human resources capable of providing personalized service with a quick judgment. Therefore a universal approach that focuses on the earth and space environment point of view is required.
The Synthesis Conference will examine two perspectives regarding the whole concept of human aging with lifelong educational views for our earth: (1) Gerontology as the study of aging throughout the entire life course; and (2) Gerontological Education delivery through enhanced IT educational development, interdisciplinary practice, business networking, and environmental resources.
The Synthesis Conference will also mark the inception of the Leonardo da Vinci Project Model as it applies to aging; an educational model of interdisciplinary, international, and inter-professional study that is being adapted for education on aging.
Who we are: We are a group of people having the enthusiasm and spirit to work on expanding the Leonardo da Vinci Project 2012. We are from various disciplines and professions, working with diverse populations. We have been impacted by the post modern thought and excited by the wide range of innovative interventions/strategies that have emerged in response to the social, political, and economic conditions people face today and we are trying to review them utilizing a broad Gerontological perspective. The objective of AU-NCSA Center for Gerontology -- India is to promote the quality of life of elderly persons through interdisciplinary research involving professionals in various fields related to Gerontology and to promote exchange of up-to-date knowledge and skills. The Center for Gerontology is established at the Andhra University (AU) in the year 2007wide a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nippon Care-Fit Service Association (NCSA) -- India and A U on the 3rd of August 2007.
The Synthesis Conference is intended for those who wish to learn more about aging and creating a viable and welcoming society in which the positive aspects of aging (Gerontology) can be infused through daily life activities and seeks to:
1) Bring together a diverse group of participants from various disciplines related to education and health care, including health care practitioners, trainers, educators, scholars, researchers, students, artists, performers, community organizers, and etc.;
2) Promote the cafeteria curriculum to suit individual needs and capabilities;
3) Explore and co-create SOUL model (See-Observe-Understand-Learn) for building up knowledge regarding aging and disabilities; and
4) Provide a rich atmosphere for learning, collaborating and supporting
