What’s the secret to a long life? How is aging approached in other cultures? These questions and many more will be addressed during the fifth annual Mid-America Institute on Aging to be held August 9-10 in the University Center at the University of Southern Indiana.
The conference, sponsored by the College of Nursing and Health Professions, is a two-day multi-disciplinary conference for nurses, social workers, older adults, lay persons, and professionals working in the field of gerontology. National and local speakers will provide practical tools and ground-breaking information related to successful aging and gerontology.
“This is an excellent opportunity for individuals in health professions as well as anyone in the community that’s interested in living in a healthy way and aging in a healthy way,†said Peggy Graul, coordinator of continuing education for Nursing and Health Professions at USI.
The conference typically draws as many as 250 participants from the local community and throughout the Midwest. Topics will include inspirational keynotes as well as multiple sessions ranging from healthy aging to coping with illness.
Dr. Margaret P. Moss will deliver the keynote address, “American Indian Aging and Unintended Consequences†and a concurrent session, “Ethnography of Aging-Zuni Elders.†Moss is an enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. She is the first and only American Indian to hold both nursing and juris doctorates. Her main area of interest is American Indian aging.
Dr. Leslie Martin, coauthor of the book, The Longevity Project, will discuss “The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study,†as well as a concurrent session, “Running for Their Lives: Physical Activity and Longevity.†She is a health psychologist and has studied pathways to health and longevity for the past 20 years. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California and is currently chair of the Department of Psychology at La Sierra University in Riverside. In addition to her research on pathways to health and longevity, she studies clinician-patient communication and its relationship to patient outcomes.
Viki Kind is a clinical bioethicist, hospice volunteer, and the author of the award-winning book, The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices for Those Who Can’t. Her presentation is “Tools to Empower Caregivers Who Are Making the Difficult Decisions,†and concurrent session, “Facilitating Difficult Conversations – Getting Through the Barriers.†She is an honorary board member of the Well Spouse Association and has been a caregiver for many years for four members of her family.
Dr. Jerald Winakur will present the closing conference, “Portrait of My Father: Ethical Caregiving in Aging America.†Using the techniques of the medical narrative, he will discuss the demographic and ethical challenges our society faces – particularly caregivers – as our country ages. Winakur has practiced internal and geriatric medicine for 36 years. He is a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and an associate faculty member at the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics, where he teaches in the care curriculum.
Other conference topics include long-distance care giving; integration of primary care with geriatrics and community-based social services; Social Security and estate planning; services for the visually impaired; motivational interviewing, and other topics of interest. Early morning relaxation sessions will include demonstrations of Native American flute music, yoga, harp music, and Tai Chi by local practitioners.
Exhibit Hall
More than 30 area organizations will set up booth space in the exhibit area throughout the two days of the conference. Exhibits will include sales representatives from healthcare technology, equipment companies, senior health services, home healthcare, and assisted living as well as many others.
Continuing education credits are also available to nurses, social workers, health facility administrators, health education specialists, case managers and dental hygienists. Retirees and students can register at a reduced fee.
Corporate sponsors include St. Mary’s, Solarbron, and American Senior Communities.
