GERON 2026

Theme: Smart Aging Emerging Digital Innovations In GERIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH

Venue: NOVOTEL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOTEL,MUMBAI

Dates: 10th(Thursday) & 13th (Saturday) September 2025

Organising Chairperson: Dr Vihang N. Vahia

Messages from Leadership

It gives me immense pleasure, on behalf of the Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health, to warmly welcome you to GERON 2026, our annual national conference centred on the theme “Emerging Digital Innovations in Geriatric Mental Health.” This prestigious GERON 2026 will be held in the vibrant city of Mumbai from 10th to 12th September 2026, bringing together clinicians, researchers, academicians, and policymakers from across the country and beyond. As we stand at the intersection of aging and technological advancement, this conference aims to explore how digital innovations from telepsychiatry and AI-driven diagnostics to digital therapeutics and assistive technologies can revolutionize geriatric mental health care. GERON 2026 will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative growth. I invite you to actively participate, share your expertise, and contribute to shaping a future that ensures dignified, accessible, and compassionate mental health care for our elderly population. We look forward to welcoming you to Mumbai.

On behalf of the Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all delegates to GERON 2026, to be held in Mumbai from 10th to 12th September 2026. This year’s theme, “Emerging Digital Innovations in Geriatric Mental Health,” reflects a pivotal shift in how we understand and deliver care to our aging population. With rapid advancements in telemedicine, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and digital therapeutics, we are witnessing a transformation that holds immense promise for improving accessibility, early intervention, and quality of life among older adults. GERON 2026 has been thoughtfully curated to foster academic exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and meaningful collaboration. The scientific program features distinguished speakers, engaging workshops, and opportunities for young professionals to showcase their work. We encourage you to participate actively, share your insights, and take back enriching experiences that will contribute to advancing geriatric mental health care in our country. We look forward to welcoming you to Mumbai for an inspiring and memorable conference.

Messages from Leadership

Your Mumbai colleagues are privileged to welcome you all to the Geriatric Psychiatry Conference, after 2 decades since the last time that we met in Mumbai. Ours is a forum dedicated to advancing knowledge, collaboration, and compassionate care for the mental health of older adults.As populations around the world continue to age, importance of understanding and addressing the unique psychological, social, and biological challenges faced by older individuals, specifically so in India, has never been greater. This conference brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, and policy makers and stake holders to share the recent research and changing social contexts to adapt rapidly evolving scientific developments, clinical practices, and innovative approaches in geriatric mental health.The Organizing Committee extends sincere gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, participants, and partners for contributing their expertise and enthusiasm to this meeting.This conference provides an enriching platform for learning, meaningful discussions, and professional networking. May the insights and collaborations formed here inspire us to further strengthen the quality of care and dignity that we offer to the elderly in our communities. We wish you a stimulating and rewarding conference experience.

It is my distinct honour, on behalf of the Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health, to warmly welcome you to GERON 2026, scheduled to be held in the dynamic city of Mumbai from 10th to 12th September 2026. The theme for this year, “Emerging Digital Innovations in Geriatric Mental Health,” highlights the exciting convergence of technology and mental health care for older adults. From telepsychiatry and AI-assisted diagnostics to digital therapeutics and smart monitoring systems, these advancements are reshaping how we approach assessment, intervention, and long-term care in geriatric populations. GERON 2026 promises a rich academic experience with thought-provoking plenaries, interactive workshops, and a platform for sharing innovative research and clinical practices. It also offers an opportunity to build meaningful collaborations and strengthen our collective commitment to improving the mental well-being of the elderly. I encourage all delegates to engage actively, exchange ideas, and make the most of this enriching scientific forum. We look forward to welcoming you to Mumbai.

Transforming Care & Accessibility

Emerging digital innovations are transforming geriatric mental health care by improving accessibility, early detection, and continuity of support. Telepsychiatry platforms enable older adults, especially those with mobility limitations, to access specialist care from home. Artificial intelligence–driven tools are being used to screen for depression, cognitive decline, and early dementia through speech, behavior, and digital biomarkers.

Wearables & Digital Therapeutics

Mobile health applications offer medication reminders, mood tracking, and cognitive training exercises tailored for aging populations. Wearable devices monitor sleep, activity, and physiological signals, helping clinicians identify subtle changes linked to mental health deterioration. Social robots and virtual companions are being explored to reduce loneliness and enhance engagement. Additionally, digital therapeutics, including guided online psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral interventions, are expanding non-pharmacological options.

Ethical Implementation

While these innovations hold promise, challenges such as digital literacy, privacy concerns, and equitable access must be addressed to ensure inclusive and ethical geriatric mental health care.