More than 230 attendees took part in the two-day conference May 15-16, hosted by the UofL Trager Institute Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic and Kentucky Association of Gerontology. The conference, focused on the theme Art of Aging: Advancements in Aging Care, explored healthy lifestyle practices, new technologies, advanced research and community care that improve people’s lives as they age. Sessions also explored how health care professionals, social workers and caregivers help serve older adults.

“When we talk about the art of aging, we’re talking about each person’s unique aging journey and the new approaches and advances in the aging field they can incorporate in a way that suits them and their needs. It’s not an exact science—we’re all defining what aging means to us as we go and refining how we navigate the joys and challenges along the way,” said Anna Faul, executive director of the Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic. 

Joy Willenbrink-Conte, a music therapist from the University of Dayton and the conference’s opening keynote speaker, focused on breathing, vocalizing and singing for health and healing. Meantime, Josephine Gomes, a geriatrician at the Optimal Aging Clinic, gave a survey on the past, present and future of Alzheimer’s and related dementias during the day’s second keynote address. She discussed modifiable factors, which are ways people could alter their lifestyle to lower the risk of onset, and innovative care models, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, that can help people better navigate their diagnosis.

A reception with a demonstration of a HealthRHYTHMS drumming session and an opportunity for attendees to interact with the older adult painters showcasing their artwork concluded the first day.

On day two of the conference, keynote speakers Bob Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, and Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, provided a timely update on aging policy in a changing political environment. A panel of four octogenarians and nonagenarians closed out the conference with humor and wisdom.

“This year’s conference really hit the mark. It provided not only education on a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence in dementia assessments, using improv to improve communication skills in care settings, integrating behavioral health into aging care, music therapy and more, but also levity and inspiration during a period of great uncertainty for older adult services,” reflected Barbara Gordon, the institute’s director of community engagement.

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Article by Samantha Adams, UofL Trager Institute. 

Barbara Gordon, director of social services of the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency, will present a discussion titled, “Access to Community-Based Services: Challenges and Opportunities.” The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University Club, 200 E. Brandeis Ave.

Louisville is a health care hub and is proposing to be an age-friendly city, yet many older adults struggle to access the programs, services and support they need to maintain their quality of life. Funding and policy neglect can further exacerbate these challenges at both the local and state levels. If left unaddressed, Louisville and Kentucky will be incapable of meeting either the current needs or the future demands of an aging population. Gordon will address how creative collaboration can revive and strengthen this support for an uncertain future.

Gordon has been with KIPDA for 14 years after working with the Cabinet for Health Services as a branch manager for Elder Rights, Special Initiatives and Supports Branch in the Office of Aging Services. Her experience serving older adults includes working as a home care case manager serving older persons in Southwestern Kentucky, working with older adults with mental health issues at the Barren River Community Mental Health Center, and as a senior citizen center director in Franklin County. Gordon also is an instructor at the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work and is the current president of the Southeast Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Admission is $25 per person and includes lunch. .