For the third consecutive year, the Institute for Sustainable Health & Optimal Aging at the University of Louisville is hosting Optimal Aging Month in September. The events during Optimal Aging Month are aimed at inspiring and encouraging people to learn about the concept of optimal aging, which is a new understanding of aging in which people flourish physically, socially and emotionally from birth to death in compassionate intergenerational communities.
Optimal Aging Month is part of national , and a variety of events are scheduled to encourage people to consider how to optimally age and how the community can assist in optimal aging. Programming will occur at various locations on UofL鈥檚 Health Sciences Center and Belknap campuses, as well as in the larger community.
This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淪preading Compassion Across Generations.鈥澛
鈥淥ur goal this year is to dispel myths and stereotypes about different age groups,鈥 says Anna Faul, PhD, executive director of the institute. 鈥淪preading compassion between age groups will build intergenerational bonds that combat ageist stereotypes and bridge generational gaps.鈥
The month also features two honorary Optimal Aging Catalysts — Hall of Fame basketball player Darrell Griffith, also known as 鈥淒r. Dunkenstein,鈥 and Hall of Fame former UofL basketball coach Denny Crum. Griffith and Crum will be present throughout the month at various events to spread awareness about optimal aging.
“Optimal Aging is the passion and drive to be your best self at every phase of life,鈥 said Griffith.
Crum said that 鈥淥ptimal Aging means you never stop building your legacy.鈥
Some of the events sponsored by the institute include the annual on Sept. 8, an advocacy day on Sept. 15, and two Lightning Rounds speakers series presentations Sept. 20 (Belknap) and Sept. 28 (HSC). The latter event will include four interactive presentations on mind, body, spirit and soul interventions to help people age optimally.
Several surrounding counties also will participate in Optimal Aging Month by hosting the following community walks on Sept. 16: Bullitt, Henry, Metcalfe, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble. Walkers will compete in appropriate age groups, as well as in a friendly county-to-county contest. More information on the county walks is .
Other community events include the Alzheimer鈥檚 Association Walk to End Alzheimer鈥檚 on Sept. 10 in Louisville; and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) Centenarian Celebration and an Alzheimer鈥檚 simulation in Barren County, both on Sept 21.
Some events include a meal or refreshments and have a registration fee. For complete details and to register, .
During September, the Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging is encouraging people to perform intergenerational acts of kindness and to share their stories at @ULOptimalAging or by using the hashtag #OptimalAgingMonth.
