ISAPA 2008
7th World Congress on Aging and Physical Activity
July 26-29, 2008
Tsukuba, Japan

First Announcement

The 7th World Congress on Physical Activity and Aging has been awarded to Tsukuba, Japan and will be held from July 26-29, 2008.

The theme for the 2008 World Congress is "Active Aging: Focus on Longevity and Physical Activity"

The University of Tsukuba, in collaboration with the Japan Ministry of Health and Nutrition; the Foundation of Fitness Promotion and Exercise Guidance, the Japan Health Promotion and Fitness Foundation, the Center of Excellence (COE) in Health and Sport Sciences, and the Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)) are excited at the opportunity to host this important scientific event. Professor Kiyoji Tanaka of the University of Tsukuba will serve as the Chairman of the Congress. A local organizing committee has been formed and is committed to organizing a world class congress that will continue the tradition of providing a forum for the sharing of ideas and information about physical activity and health aging to researchers and scholars from around the world.

The University of Tsukuba and the Ministry of Health and Nutrition in Japan have a long standing commitment to providing outstanding research, education and outreach in the area of healthy aging. The University of Tsukuba is widely recognized to be among the best research universities in Japan and the university division of conferences has extensive experience in the planning and implementation of national and international conferences.

Tsukuba is situated in Iberaki Prefecture to the northeast of Tokyo. Tsukuba City has become known as "Tsukuba Science City" due to the more than 50 government research institutes and centers that are located in Tsukuba. Tsukuba is located about 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Tokyo and 40 km (25 miles) northwest of the Narita International Airport. There are convenient rail and bus connections between Tsukuba and Narita airport, as well as with Tokyo and all other major Japanese cities. Tsukuba is located in a quiet and serene environment that is an ideal location for a world congress. To the north of the city is Mount Tsukuba which has been revered since ancient times for its striking beauty, earning the name shiho or "purple peaks" for the rich purple hue it casts from certain angles during the seasons. The University of Tsukuba has developed a state of the art research and conference center which is located adjacent to the campus of the university and next to a beautiful Japanese style garden that is ideal for strolling, exercising, and sharing relaxing conversations. Throughout Tsukuba City there are more than 80 parks and green areas and it is possible to access traditional Japanese rice fields a short walk from the campus and convention center.

Information about the 7th ISAPA World Congress Program and the deadlines for submission of papers will be posted on the Congress website:

www.isapa2008.org

The program will include keynote addresses, invited symposia, workshops, roundtables, oral presentations, and poster presentations.

The 2008 Congress will make a significant contribution to multicultural understanding of (a) the impact of physical activity on the physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the lives of older adults, and (b) the effect of advancing age or the aging process on physical activity among older adults.

ISAPA is excited at the prospect of partnering with the University of Tsukuba to move the 7th World Congress forward and to bring this important event to Asia and Japan.