By Tessa Gervasini
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, May 21, 2025 / 15:22 pm
The Pontifical Academy for Life, AARP, and the Muslim Council of Elders have come together in a groundbreaking initiative to support the elderly and advance research on brain health.
This collaboration aims to protect the elderly from discrimination and abuse while upholding their dignity, independence, and societal engagement.
The leaders convened at the Vatican for a global symposium titled “The Memory: Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population,” where discussions on advocating for the elderly took center stage.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia emphasized the importance of enriching the years of life for the elderly, not just extending them, during the summit.
The summit concluded with the signing of an official declaration by Paglia, AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan, and Muslim Council of Elders Secretary-General Mohamed Abdelsalam, solidifying their commitment to the cause.
Abdelsalam highlighted the significance of this initiative as the first official activity of the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV, affirming that caring for the elderly is a moral and religious duty.
