Abstract

The population of elderly individuals and diseases associated with aging  are increasing exponentially. Diseases of the immune system and the musculoskeletal diseases frequently are recognized in young and middle aged individuals, however the epidemiology is changing and it is common to see elderly individuals with autoimmune diseases including vasculitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, while they are major diseases of the elderly can often be the result of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This conference will focus on the cells that control the immune system, their function in health, disease and aging, and the role of inflammation on musculoskeletal diseases of aging. At the end of this conference the participants will understand immune cell function in health and disease, and aging. The format of this conference will include plenary sessions with related abstracts presented by participants, a poster session, and free time to network, discuss and reflect on the ideas presented at the conference.