The Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Ageing.

The first session of the Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Ageing, the MEAMA, started with a focus on demographic aspects in the region and the problems the participants meet in their own countries related to the services for health related problems in older people. Also several medical topics were discussed. The MEAMA uses the methods of the EAMA, which have been proven to be attractive for participants and speakers. In the discussions the question was raised how to start the process to develop and enhance the services. It was suggested to start with the organization of national societies and interact with neighbouring countries before presenting measures needed at the national level. The MEAMA might be an excellent forum for the discussion how to stimulate the development of the services for older people in the Middle-East area.