Linda Fieldstone | Eldering as a Systemic Imperative | ARC-2026 | INNOVINC

Linda Fieldstone, M.Ed. Elder Justice Initiative on Eldercaring Coordination, USA Title: Eldering as a Systemic Imperative Abstract: The rapid aging of populations worldwide is reshaping family systems, highlighting the need for more effective approaches to navigating caregiving, autonomy, and intergenerational responsibility. The April Special Issue of the Family Court Review1 on Eldering in Family Law emphasizes the importance of recognizing aging in an evolving context that reflects the interdependent influences of family members across diverse family structures. The concept of eldering highlights four interrelated dimensions2 that shape family adaptation to aging: developmental transitions across the lifespan, relational dynamics within families, ethical considerations surrounding autonomy and dignity, and multigenerational impacts of caregiving decisions. When these dimensions are not addressed systemically, family conflict escalates around care planning, finances, health decisions, and shifts in roles. Using scenarios, principles of eldering will highlight how bi-directional influences affect families of all forms and in all cultures and how professionals can support families in moving beyond crisis management toward collaboratively informed decision-making during later-life transitions. Recognizing eldering as a systemic imperative has significant implications for aging policy, interdisciplinary practice, and the development of supports that promote dignity, autonomy, and relational continuity across generations. Biography: Linda Fieldstone, M.Ed., Co-Chair of the Elder Justice Initiative on Eldercaring Coordination, was president of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, secretary of its 2005 Taskforce on Parenting Coordination and co-recorder revising Guidelines for Parenting Coordinators (2019). As Supervisor of Family Court Services, 11th Judicial Circuit, Florida, she worked with families in conflict for 26 years and served on numerous Florida Supreme Court committees on alternative dispute resolution. Ms. Fieldstone has been actively involved in research, writing, training and consultation internationally, presenting when eldercaring coordination was highlighted at the United Nations (2018). #geriatrics #agingresearch #aging #agingresearch #aging #Aging2026 #agingconference #agingmeetings #geriatrics #geriatricsconference #geriatricsmeeting #Innovinc #innovincconferences #Aging2026inPrague #ARC2026 #AgingResearch #Rejuvenation #Longevity #HealthyAging #RegenerativeMedicine #StemCells #CellularSenescence #AntiAging #Geroscience #Biotechnology #MedicalConference #LifeSciences #Prague