Against the backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, climate change, demographic shifts, and technological and biomedical advances, safeguarding global wellness and longevity has become increasingly complex. Organized by Advanced Tomorrow (ATOM) and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), the ATOM Summit brought together some of the world’s best thinkers to ponder over the most critical global issues from December 4-5, 2023.
The program of the Summit, held at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at NUS, included several panel sessions, accompanied by parallel breakout discussions and a fireside chat that delved more deeply into healthcare access, biomedical innovations and technology, as well as longevity.
On the second day of the Summit, Vartan Sarkissian, CEO of ATOM, hosted the panel session on Longevity, Lifestyle & Well-being and the conversation with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Dominique Antiglio, Michael Redd, Roger Gracie, Chatri Sityodtong and Evelyne Bischof focused on how their lifestyle, techniques, and variety practices have helped them achieve peak results in their profession and personal life.
FIDE President spoke about chess’s positive impact on a person’s well-being and mental strength. “Chess is not only a fun game but also great for one’s health. Various studies have shown that playing chess helps to strengthen logical reasoning and problem-solving among the elderly and can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Even two people who regularly play against one another will continue to learn and train cognitively,” Arkady Dvorkovich said.
“Besides, chess is a game designed to be played in pairs and, therefore, can be a great way to socialize, strengthen the sense of connection and combat feelings of isolation. The act of playing the game and challenging the brain through problem-solving can also improve mood and relieve stress,” he added, stressing the importance of the social aspect of chess.
Before the Summit closed to the tunes of Chopin, performed by young Singaporean pianist Goh Kai Cheng, Assistant Professor Kathleen Agres from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at NUS exchanged remarks with ATOM CEO Vartan Sarkissian on health, well-being and music.
Photos: medicine.nus.edu.sg/
