Gerontological Society of America 2009 conference briefs: Alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging

The purpose of this article is to share the findings from the Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Healthy Aging panel that recently disseminated their research at the annual Gerontological Society of American Conference, November 18-22, 2009, in Atlanta, GA. The interdisciplinary panel examined the influence of alternative and complementary therapies for healthy aging. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine1 (NCCAM) reports that 38 percent of adults in the United States utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAMs offer an alternative or adjunct therapy that has lower risk of adverse side effects and offer a new perspective: healing the patient rather than simply treating them. Quality of life must be considered; more medications and medical interventions do not always equally increase the quality of life. The interventions presented promote a holistic approach (mind, body, and spirit) to wellness.