Family, Caregiving, Grandparenting and More In sickness and in health, older adults are important members of their families, often contributing more than they receive. This session will focus on the challenges and joys of aging within families. One major theme within this track will be on family caregiving--received or provided by the older adult. Other topics may include grandparent-grandchild relationships, inter-generational transfers, siblings, issues in marriage, divorce and remarriage in later life, step-families, blended families, military families and the people and programs that affect the lives of older persons and their families.
Economics of Aging As the demographics of North Carolina shift, various trends will have an impact not only on the economy, but also on how to sustain and maintain the services and programs we provide. The time is now to address the concerns affecting the aging network and workforce aging. Sessions might address such topics as: implications for older workers and succession planning, benefits, job re-training, re-careering, job-sharing, phased retirement, professional development, retirement policy and labor market behaviors, savings and investments, gero-technologies in a mature market, retirement incentives and pre-retirement, and multi-disciplinary collaborations with other partner organizations and businesses.
Health and the Continuum of Care The aging of the population has broad implications for the development of our systems of care, financing, and structure of services and supports. Presentations in this track will focus on the public policy and practice implications related to assisting people who have acute and chronic health care conditions. Topics might highlight necessary supportive services, promising practices, measures to address standard of care and improve quality, and workforce/training issues associated with the provision of health related services.
Healthy Aging & Active Engagement As the population of older North Carolinians continues to grow, the importance of health promotion and wellness services will expand. With increased longevity and expectation of years of good health, today’s older adults and Boomers will seek ways to be meaningfully engaged in their families and communities, as well as to leave a legacy to the larger society and younger generations. Presentations in this track might highlight evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs (including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and others) available in North Carolina communities, or address how community institutions can encourage and support seniors as leaders, volunteers, mentors and role models. Topics may also include engagement of seniors in lifelong learning, civic engagement, recreation, spiritual life, the arts, other creative expressive pursuits and intergenerational activities.
Planning Livable Senior Friendly Communities North Carolina is among the top states in the growth of its older adult population. Further, a significant proportion of our senior population lives in small cities, towns and rural areas of the state. Key livable community goals of promoting socio-economic security, strengthening intergenerational relations, promoting independent living, providing access to necessary public and private services, and engaging seniors in the planning process present special challenges for community planners. This track will present information on a variety of approaches that are being used in areas ranging from our larger metropolitan centers to our sparsely populated rural communities. Topics might address housing, zoning, or transportation planning issues.
Diversity and Aging Not all older adults face the same kinds of issues or experiences as they age. As the population ages, it also becomes more diverse. Understanding the implications and complexities of gender, race, class, culture or sexual orientation on the life experiences of older adults is critical to creation of communities of caring and inclusion. This track will provide an opportunity to explore evidence and practice associated with diversity and implications for service design and outreach.
Safe Communities Safety and security at home, in the neighborhood, and on the street is a fundamental part of a livable community. A comprehensive system includes both public and private resources involved in elder justice, consumer protection, protective services, law enforcement and guardianship. Areas this track might address include helping communities prepare to care for vulnerable adults in times of disaster; reducing harm to adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; assisting victims of consumer fraud; elder rights; making communities safer for adults with cognitive disabilities or addressing the legal needs of older people.
