It is with a profound sense of honor and responsibility that I assume the Chairmanship of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Asia/Oceania Region (IAGG-AOR). I wish first to express my deepest gratitude to my predecessor, Professor Cheng-Chieh Lin, whose distinguished leadership has strengthened the foundations of our regional community and elevated its standing on the global stage. It is my privilege to build upon the legacy he has so ably established.
Our region stands at the epicenter of global population aging. Nowhere else on earth is the demographic transition unfolding with such speed and at such scale. This reality confers upon us not only an urgent challenge but also a singular opportunity: to demonstrate to the world how societies can age with dignity, vitality, and purpose. To meet this moment, I am committed to pursuing the following priorities during my tenure.
First, raising the visibility of geriatrics and gerontology across Asia and Oceania. Despite the demographic imperative, our disciplines remain underrecognized in many health systems and academic institutions throughout the region. I will work to ensure that geriatric medicine and gerontology are acknowledged as indispensable pillars of health policy, medical education, and scientific inquiry, so that the care of older adults is guided everywhere by evidence, expertise, and compassion.
Second, expanding the membership of IAGG within our region. Many nations facing rapid population aging have yet to join our community. By actively reaching out to societies and institutions across Asia and Oceania, I aim to broaden our membership so that no country confronts the challenges of aging in isolation, and so that the collective wisdom of our region may be shared by all.
Third, establishing a regional Geroscience network. The science of aging itself—the biological mechanisms that underlie frailty, sarcopenia, dementia, and multimorbidity—holds the key to extending healthspan, not merely lifespan. I will foster a collaborative Geroscience network that links laboratories, cohorts, and clinical centers across our region, translating fundamental discoveries into interventions that benefit older adults in every community.
Fourth, strengthening the development of the next generation. The future of our field rests upon the young clinicians and scientists who will carry it forward. Through the IAGG Masterclass in Asia and the eTRIGGER program, I will intensify our investment in education and mentorship, cultivating leaders equipped with both scientific rigor and a deep commitment to the well-being of older adults.
Fifth, revitalizing our subcommittees in the social and behavioral sciences. Healthy longevity is never a matter of biology and medicine alone. Social participation, behavioral change, and the structures of community life profoundly shape how we age. I will reinvigorate the work of our social science and behavioral science subcommittees, ensuring that their insights inform our research agenda and our engagement with policymakers.
Population aging is often described as a burden. I believe, on the contrary, that a society in which people live long lives is a triumph of civilization—and that our task is to make those long lives healthy, engaged, and meaningful. In this endeavor, the Asia/Oceania Region can and must lead the world.
I look forward to working hand in hand with all member societies, colleagues, and friends across our region. Together, let us advance the science and practice of aging, and let us build a future in which every older adult in Asia and Oceania can live with health, dignity, and hope.
Hidenori Arai, MD, PhD
Chairman, IAGG Asia/Oceania Region
President, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan