The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) held the Eighth International GeriatrIMSS Congress 'Healthy Aging' with the aim of strengthening the capabilities of healthcare personnel dedicated to a population of nine million elderly adults. The event featured 109 national and international speakers who addressed medical, nursing, nutrition, care, and social aspects. Additionally, 18 workshops, three competitions, and one roundtable discussion were held.
The coordinator of Health Education, Laura Bonifaz Alfonso, on behalf of the Director of Medical Benefits, Hermilo Domínguez Zárate, emphasized that for IMSS, healthy aging is a priority. Since 2010, the Institutional Geriatric Plan GeriatrIMSS has been implemented to provide comprehensive care to eligible elderly adults. This program aims to promote healthy aging, introduce geriatric care in medical units, train and educate staff in this specialty, as well as conduct clinical research to improve health services.
For his part, the head of the Social Benefits Unit, Héctor Robles Peiró, representing the Director of Economic and Social Benefits, Mauricio Hernández Ávila, highlighted the collaboration between the medical and social areas to offer comprehensive care to the eligible population. Strategies have been implemented to promote the independence of elderly individuals through Senior Adult Clubs, Social Tourism programs at IMSS Holiday Centers, and Day Centers, as a pilot care model in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
