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TRENDS IN GERONTOLOGY 2022 SERIES

 

A three-week series

developed by the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Gerontology, The Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond and Senior Connections.

THE SECOND EDITION OF OUR “TRENDS”!

Three Tuesday evenings in April 2022 will be spent online with VCU gerontologists, providers, and researchers in an attempt to explore some of the latest trends in gerontology. Community members, students, and professionals were invited to learn and grow together. All sessions are offered online and free of charge to community members and professionals.

Join us in these interactive virtual sessions through the exploration of the latest trends in gerontology!

WEEK 1

Profiles in Elder Advocacy
April 5, 2022
6:00 – 7:30 PM Eastern Time

WEEK 2

Transforming Conditions for the Direct Care Workforce 
April 12, 2022
6:00 – 7:30 PM Eastern Time

WEEK 3

Longevity: New Opportunities and Creative Contributions
April 19, 2022
6:00 – 7:30 PM Eastern Time

HOSTS and MODERATORS:

 

Ayn Welleford, MS (Gerontology), PhD, AGHEF

Associate Professor
Gerontologist for Community Voice
Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions
Virginia Commonwealth University

Co-Lead, Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond

 

 

Gigi Amateau, MS, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions
Virginia Commonwealth University

Director of Research and Evaluation
Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond

 

Jay White, EdD, MSG

Director of Education and Outreach
The Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond
VCU Department of Gerontology

Profiles in Elder Advocacy

The aging and disability services system is a complex network of many people, parts, and organizations. Any complex system, by nature, is inclusive of cultures, philosophies, goals, and processes. In our system, we might argue that each element of the system holds the same aim of improving the lives of America’s elders. Yet even in a system where the larger goal may be philanthropic, issues of power, privilege, voice, and silencing often exist. Where issues of power, privilege, and silencing are present, there is an opportunity to advocate for change. We may advocate for change in our own lives. We may advocate within one or many systems. We may advocate formally or informally and at multiple levels. If we see ourselves as empowered changemakers and equip ourselves with the right tools, each of us can find our own unique calling as Elder Advocates.

April 5, 2022

6:00 – 7:30 pm Eastern Time

GUEST PANELISTS

Harmony Leonard, Valley Program for Aging Services
Judy Nelson, Elder Voices, Longevity Project for a greater Richmond
Edward Richards, BSW, MPA, Senior Connections

Transforming Conditions for the Direct Care Workforce 

COVID-19 has exacerbated the long-term care sector’s shortage of personal care aides, home health aides, and certified nursing assistants.  Long before the pandemic stressed the system, advocates and workers  called for greater support, recognition, and respect for the primarily female workforce that provides the majority of hands-on care to older adults and people with disabilities.

Join us for a conversation that explores these issues, celebrates direct care providers, and gets  both practical and poetic with thoughts on forging a new, sustainable, and just pathway for the workforce.

April 12, 2022

6:00 – 7:30 pm Eastern Time

GUEST PANELISTS

Dana Parsons, Vice President, LeadingAge Virginia
Elvira Whitaker, LPN
Katina Williams, CEO, Family Lifeline 

Interested in learning more about the advance CNA: https://leadingagevirginia.org/mpage/AdvancedCNAHome

www.stretchingmyhandsout.com

Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends initiative is underway in Virginia.

PHI’s Caring for Our Future report: http://www.phinational.org/caringforthefuture/

Longevity: New Opportunities, Creative Contributions

Encore career… following your nose…pursuing a childhood dream… making a bucket list. Opportunities to pursue second and third careers, meaningful volunteer work, and lifelong learning offer each of us many chances to define and redefine purpose, meaning, and fulfillment throughout our lives.

Join us for a joyful, lively discussion with panelists who are creatively contributing through new opportunities in later life.

April 19, 2022

6:00 – 7:30 pm Eastern Time

GUEST PANELISTS

Cheryl Groce-Wright, CEO, Kaleidoscope Collaborative
Cas Overton, Feldenkrais Movement Instructor,
Naima Wares-Akers, Vocational Specialist

OTHER RELEVANT SERIES

See details here