News Release

Spiritual Dimensions of Aging Conference in Georgia, May 31

January 17, 2002
updated April 17, 2002

Update: This conference has been cancelled. The pre-conference workshop, featuring Dr. Kenneth Doka, and scheduled for May 31, is still going to take place.

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Kennesaw State University will be hosting the Southeastern University/ Community Conference on Spiritual Dimensions of Aging: Research and Practice, in Kennesaw, Georgia, May 31 - June 2, 2002.

The purpose of the conference is to bring together cutting-edge programs, new knowledge and expanded skills in the area of spirituality and aging. In addition to exciting plenary speakers an array of concurrent sessions will present dynamic programs including interactive workshops, case studies, and descriptions of successful programs addressing the spiritual needs of older persons. Topics will include grieving and dying, Alzheimer's disease and spirituality, loss and meaning making, mental illness, suicide, as well as how religion may impact health through mind-body mechanisms. The conference promises to have broad appeal to the general population of older persons as well as to those who are seeking productive ways to work with older populations.

Speakers include Harold Koenig of Duke University, John Morgan of the Center for Death Education in London, Ontario, and Anne Streaty Wimberly with the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. On May 31, Ken Doka, Senior consultant to the National Hospice Foundation, will conduct a pre-conference workshop on the subject of "Spirituality in later life: assessing a client's spiritual strengths."

For more information, contact Kimberly Johnson 770-499-3340 or kjohnson@kennesaw.edu.