May is a month of fresh beginnings. Perennials bloom once again, blazing a trail of bright color. May is also when we celebrate Older American’s Month (OAM), acknowledging the perennial contributions of older adults to our nation. In cooperation with the Administration for Community Living, CASI is using this opportunity to raise awareness about important issues facing older adults.
Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our country. The contributions they make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in the nation’s economy, politics, and the arts. From 69-year-old NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Jr. to 84-year-old actress Rita Moreno to 83-year-old Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who took her seat as a Supreme Court Justice at age 60, older adults are blazing trails in all aspects of American life.
Why?
By the year 2020, 1 in 4 adults in the Quad Cities will be over the age of 60.
To help educate and empower seniors and their caregivers, CASI is hosting the Quad Cites first annual conference on aging. “Living Young Longer will highlight the ways that older Americans are advocating for themselves, their peers, and their communities,” said Laura Kopp, CASI CEO/President. Blazing a Trail: Living Longer Younger will convene seniors, caregivers, nurses, doctors, and social workers to discuss key issues facing our aging population.
The conference brings together
Early Bird Registration is $30 until April 15. CEU’s are available for an additional fee. Register at casiseniors.org
Conference Features:
Paula Sands, KWQC Anchor & PSL Live Host
Paula Sands is celebrating her 34th anniversary at KWQC and has spent her entire life and career in the Quad Cities. After a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in 2011, Paula has shared her journey of treatment and recovery; encouraging others along the way.
Dr. Leslie O’Ryan, Western Illinois University , “Mental Health, Development and Renewal in the Aging Process” As older adults continue to change their life course and recognize aging as a process they ask themselves if they are keeping up with the findings and trends that support aging as an ongoing journey. Challenge the myths of aging, rethink and re-engineer your life to realign with a sense of ‘spark.’
Joseph Ulloa, UnityPoint Health – Trinity, “Falls Prevention and Wellness in the Advanced Age Population”
Discover the values of fall prevention and seniors remaining active throughout their life span. Learn safe and effective ways to perform exercises and activities in your home or in the community with others. You will have an understanding of the physiological effects the exercises will have on your bodies.
Kent Sovern, AARP, “Disrupt Aging—Exploring the Real Possibilities of a Life Reimagined”
The great gift of the 20th century is longevity… the great challenge of this century is what we are going to do with it. It is time to change the stories we tell ourselves about aging. It's time to change the systems and products that surround us as we age. We believe that no one’s possibilities should ever be limited by their age. Every day, we fight to remove barriers that stand between people and their Real Possibilities. We’ve come to realize that some of the most persistent barriers live inside of us. Although the reality of aging is radically different than a generation ago, many of us continue to hold outdated beliefs about aging. Limiting beliefs. Discriminating ones. The solutions available to us as we age are shaped by these outdated beliefs. They are out of sync with the way we want to live. Disrupt Aging goes after both kinds of barriers — outdated beliefs, and the lack of new solutions available to us.
The conference is presented by UnityPoint Health-Trinity. Additional support is provided by Milestones Agency on Aging, Senior Star at Elmore Place and Eye Surgeons Associates.
About CASI: Dedicated to serving seniors in the greater Quad Cities area, CASI boasts daily activities, classes, community forums, a fitness center and educational activities. CASI has a professional staff dedicated to the advocacy of seniors and all issues facing our aging population. Additionally, CASI operates Jane’s Place, the only adult day service facility in eastern Iowa. Jane’s Place serves seniors with early onset dementia, Alzheimer’s or those who need socialization. Jane’s Place also provides caregiver respite.
About Older American Month:
In 1963, May was designated to celebrate Older Americans Month (OAM). Led by the Administration for Community Living, the annual observance offers the opportunity to learn about, support, and celebrate our nation’s older citizens. This year’s theme, “Blaze a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.
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