The aging Baby Boomer population, the fastest growing segment of the American population today, is turning 55 at a rate of one every seven seconds. This is also the segment of the population that controls a whopping 70% of the wealth of the country, represents 66% of the stockholders, and owns 80% of the money in savings and loans. And is the segment that spends the most.

If you are reading this article, it is likely that you are a part of that demographic. This group, born immediately after WWII, has been protesting and changing the lifestyle of the country in each decade. As high schoolers, they changed the music and entertainment industry. As college students, they protested the war, burned their bras, and introduced women's liberation and sexual freedom much to the shock and dismay of their parents.

As adults they are better educated and more affluent than any previous generation. They are poised now to challenge the next stage of life, later adulthood, and redefine retirement. They are responsible for 49% of all purchases in health care, health and beauty products, financial services and travel. It goes without saying that this generation of Grandparents bears no resemblance whatever to their grandparents, neither physically nor mentally. They are not prepared to step aside and part with their positions and achievements.

Realizing that appearance and health are important in maintaining their successful professional image and not being replaced by an eager younger person anxious to begin their climb to the top, they are becoming savvy consumers of the anti-aging products, both over-the-counter and pharmaceutical products that are available by prescription only, and often only from overseas.

Now again, the Baby Boomers are protesting, this time, aging, yes, AGING. Because of their level of education, professionalism, and financial ability, they will have the ability to effect changes yet again. This generation can and will take charge of their health and well being like no other before it. They are unwilling to accept as a given the usual debilitating changes associated with age. Adebt of gratitude is owed first and foremost to two outstanding pioneers in the newest medical discipline to be certified, Dr. Bob Goldman and Dr. Ron Klatz. In 1992, a handful of doctors, 12 in all, met and launched the American Academy of Anti- Aging Medicine,(A4M), spear-headed by these two brilliant scientists with the drive, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership capability to organize and maintain the rapid growth of this now mammoth organization. Based in Chicago, this organization has become the unchallenged world leader in this specialty. This organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching physicians, scientists, and members of the public that the disabilities normally associated with age are caused by physiological dysfunction that can be treated in such a way that the human lifespan can be increased and the quality of one's life improved.

Dr. Bob Goldman, pioneer, founder, and still Chairman of the A4M has been the driving force in the development of numerous international medical organizations and corporations. He has served as a Senior Fellow at the Lincoln Filene Center, Tufts, University and as an Affiliate at the Philosophy of Education Research Center. Dr. Goldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Physicians and Board Diplomat in Sports Medicine and is Board Certified in Anti-Aging Medicine. He has also co-founded and serves as Chairman of the Board of Life Science Holdings, a biomedical research company with over 150 patents. He has been the recipient of the International Olympic Committee Tribute Diploma for contributions in the development of sport and Olympism. In 1995, he was awarded the Healthy American Fitness Leader Award from the President's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports.

Dr. Ron Klatz, founder and still President of the A4M, is recognized as a leading authority in the new clinical science of antiaging medicine. For over a decade, Dr. Klatz has been integrally involved in the pioneering, exploration, and development of new therapies and treatments of age-related degenerative diseases. In his capacity as President of the A4M, Dr. Klatz oversees AMA/CCME-approved continuing medical education programs for more than 11,500 physicians, health practitioners, and scientists from 70 nations. He co-founded the National Academy of Sports Medicine which provides training in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, conditioning, physical fitness, and exercise to 35,000 healthcare professionals internationally. He is the director of Life Science Holdings, the biomedical research holding company co founded by Dr. Goldman. This company has been focusing on brain resuscitation, trauma, and emergency medicine. He is the developer, inventor, or administrator of more than 100 scientific patents.

What is Anti-Aging Medicine? It is a healthcare model promoting innovative science and research to prolong the healthy life span in humans. It is based on principles of sound and responsible medical care consistent with those applied in pre3 ventive health specialties. Sometimes called "Wellness," this newest specialty has created new paradigms for the medical practitioner.

If you fall into the either the Baby Boomer or Senior category, you have learned that it is going to be your responsibility to take charge of your health, if you are going to continue to look young, feel young, and enjoy your work, your family, and your lifestyle well into your golden years and beyond.

Thanks to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, scientific research, knowledge of medical breakthroughs, the newest medications and surgical techniques are all available at your fingertips. With more than 15, 000 physician members, and the potential to train more than 20,000 more in this year, there will be a well-informed physician at your disposal; if not in your city, close enough for your consultation.

The Anti-Aging Conferences, held throughout the year, are open to doctors, scientists, and other professionals, who wish to stay on top of what is being done in the fields of medicine, research, cosmetic surgery, quality nutritional supplements, and health and beauty products.

At these conferences, the classes and presentations are open not only to the doctors who are there to be certified, but also, to anyone wishing to attend and become informed. The more than 300 booths on the trade-show floor bring a host of the newest in products; health equipment that can be used in office, or often in one's home; skin care; cosmetic procedures that are minimally invasive or non-invasive; the newest remedies for common problems; i.e. allergies, arthritis, osteoporosis, stress related problems, weight problems, hormone replacements, healthy food preparation, etc. etc. There are many publications that can be picked up at the Conference and/or subscribed for. On leaving the Conference, books and tapes may be purchased to take home for review and to share with family and friends.

The atmosphere is charged with the positive energy of people from all parts of the world and from all kinds of professions with common goals- to live better, to live longer, and look better. And each and every one is excited about the now indisputable fact, we can live to be 100 or more, and enjoy every step of the journey.

The A4M World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine is the most influential academic event worldwide in the field of preventative medicine. A4M in no small way has been influential in creating an environment of academic freedom to allow doctors to combat aging as a disease; and by the same token, it has made it possible for the lay person to become educated and informed on the treatments and preventative measures available, not only in the United States, but around the World.