Positive aging and its nemesis — ageism — can happen anywhere. With that in mind, Wichita State University is hosting a conference next month that aims to tackle both topics.
Called University Community Innovations for Positive Aging, the event’s stated purpose is “promoting positive aging and combating ageism within the University and the broader community,” according to a news release from organizers.
“This is the first University Community Innovations for Positive Aging (UCIPA) conference, but we hope to make it a biannual conference going forward,” said Dr. Carryl Baldwin, director of WSU’s Regional Institute on Aging, which is sponsoring the event. “The main goals for the UCIPA conference are to bring the academic and health-care communities together to foster ways of promoting successful aging and combating ageism.”
The conference, which will be held at the WSU Hughes Metropolitan Complex at 5015 E. 29th St. North, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 15 is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The link to register is www.wichita.edu/ucipa. It can be attended in person or virtually.
In addition to keynote speakers and several workshops, the conference will highlight “many research studies and creative endeavors pertaining to older adults across campus,” Baldwin said.
The schedule includes:
8:30 a.m. Registration and coffee
9:30 a.m. Opening remarks — WSU President Dr. Muma
10:00 a.m. Keynote — Joann Montepare
Advancing Age Inclusivity and Intergenerational Exchange in Higher Education
11:15 a.m.Workshops —
Montepare – Intergenerational Teaching
Amy Chesser and the Violin duo Dominique and Nancy Johnson — Music, Health and Aging
12:15 Lunch (provided for registered in person attendees
1:30 p.m. Workshops
Marcia Ory — Addressing Ageism in Health Care Settings
Maryon Habternariam/Cindy Coughenour/Jeri Brugart — Walking/Exercise Interventions
2:45 p.m. Keynote –—Ory
Resilience in Aging
3:45 p.m. Closing remarks
4:00 p.m. Working cocktail hour
