APGN Conference 2025 Concludes in Kathmandu, Promotes Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging Geriatric Care

7th December 2025, Kathmandu

The prestigious Asia Pacific Geriatrics Network (APGN) Conference 2025 successfully concluded in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

Healthy Aging Geriatric Care 

This major one-day event was jointly organized by the Geriatric Society of Nepal (GSN) and the Asia Pacific Geriatrics Network. The conference venue was The Malla Hotel in Lekhnath Marg.

Its primary focus was on advancing Healthy Aging Geriatric Care across the region. This theme strongly reflects Nepal’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its rapidly growing senior population.

Global Collaboration for Geriatric Excellence

The conference drew significant international attendance. More than 150 delegates participated. These included geriatric specialists, researchers, and university professors.

They represented over 20 countries, including Nepal. The main theme of the conference was “From Ocean to the Himalayas: Transforming Geriatric Care Together.” This underscored the need for regional collaboration in geriatric health.

High-Level Government Support

The Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, sent a message of best wishes. She expressed confidence that this first-ever APGN Conference in Nepal would advance the goal of healthy and dignified aging. She highlighted the government’s priorities.

These include expanding geriatric services to 62 hospitals. The government is also focusing on human resource development and policy improvements in elder care.

Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam, the Minister of Health and Population, formally inaugurated the conference. She noted the rapid increase in Nepal’s elderly population. Minister Gautam affirmed the government’s commitment.

This includes expanding geriatric services, establishing senior-friendly health structures, and strengthening community-based care systems.

Dr. Jagdish Kumar Chhetri presented the welcome address. During the opening session, Professor Leon Flicker, President of the Asia Pacific Geriatrics Network, received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Umesh Bogati, President of the Geriatric Society of Nepal, concluded the opening session. He reiterated Nepal’s pledge to make healthy aging a national priority.

Key Sessions and Technical Highlights

The conference featured diverse presentations across crucial areas of geriatric health. Experts exchanged knowledge on clinical practice, community models, and technological advancements.

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Dementia and Cognition

Professor Flicker led the session on Dementia and Cognition. He presented data on the increasing numbers of dementia patients. His talk also covered service planning and the associated challenges.

The session included discussions on non-pharmacological treatments. Additionally, the ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older People) model and community-based behavioral aspects were shared among participants.

Geriatric Medicine and Policy

Kavita Aryal, Branch Chief at the Department of Health Services, presented the Nepal government’s initiatives on geriatric services. Professor Vasi Naganathan from Australia shared experiences.

These related to operating geriatric medicine departments in low-income countries. Other important topics covered in this session included advance care planning, ‘Medicine 3.0’, and end-of-life care.

Movement Disorders and Rehabilitation

The Neurology session, led by Professor Piue Chan, showcased new technologies for Parkinson’s disease treatment. Presentations also covered stroke rehabilitation.

This involved discussing home-based geriatric services. Furthermore, the results of a study conducted on Gurkha ex-servicemen were presented.

Community-Based Care

The Community Geriatric Care session focused on innovative approaches. Dr. Arvind Mathur discussed new ways to support family caregivers. Presentations detailed Nepal’s community healthy aging program.

Participants also heard about experiences running care homes and assessments for senior-friendly communities. Implementing effective geriatric care within community settings was a major talking point.

Frailty Prevention and Resilience

The final session centered on Frailty Prevention. Professor Mau Pin Tan presented scalable measures applicable in low-income countries. Discussions also covered intrinsic capacity, vulnerability, and other aspects of robust healthy aging.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The organizers stated that the conference provided significant momentum for Nepal. This included the development of its Geriatric Care services and the national healthy aging agenda.

Speaking at the closing session, GSN President Dr. Umesh Bogati emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation. This is vital for ensuring a dignified, safe, and meaningful life for older persons.

He concluded that the conference had injected new energy into the movement promoting healthy aging geriatric care throughout the Asia Pacific region. Nepal is now positioned to leverage these collaborations to integrate technology and best practices into its national healthcare system for the elderly.

For more: Healthy Aging Geriatric Care