Eckerd College Hosts Third Annual National Positive Aging Conference

Eckerd College will be the host institution for the Third Annual National Conference on Positive Aging: Wave of the Future, December 7-9, 2009.

"Eckerd College has a long tradition of and commitment to lifelong learning," said James Deegan, Vice President and Dean of Special Programs. "We are pleased to partner with AARP to host the Conference on Positive Aging that will bring together prominent thought leaders on national and international issues vital to our senior population."

Expected conference participants include: academics, researchers, health care professionals, life planning consultants, social workers, creative artists, practitioners, government policy makers, senior living community educators, lifelong learning program developers, encore career employers, volunteer and advocacy organizations, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and many others.

The conference keynote address, "Beyond the Gerosphere," will be given by Dr. William H. Thomas, an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare and founder of the Eden Alternative, a philosophy and program that de-institutionalized nursing homes in all 50 states and world-wide over the past 20 years.

Dr. Thomas is also the creator of the Green House Project, a radically new approach to long term care where nursing homes are torn down and replaced with small, home environments where people can live a full and interactive life. In 2005, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced a five-year ten million dollar grant to support the launch of Green House projects in all fifty states. Dr. Thomas's talk will be held on Monday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Sessions and workshops will cover four main areas: Life Transitions, Creativity, Wellness, and Community. Under these general themes attendees will also explore lifelong learning, intergenerational learning spirituality and religion, public policy, international developments, life planning, civic engagement, and encore careers.

Registration fees for the National Positive Aging Conference are $250.00 (by November 15) and $300 (after November 15). The Second Life Planning Pre-Conference is scheduled for December 6-7. Registration fees for the Pre-Conference are $100 by November 15 and $125 after November 15.

Click here to register online for the Positive Aging Conference

Click here for more information about the Third Annual National Conference on Positive Aging: Wave of the Future

Eckerd College hosted the First Annual National Positive Aging Conference in 2007. More than 400 participants were in attendance.

In addition to Eckerd College, organizations supporting the conference include AARP, National Center for Creative Aging, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes National Resource Center, Gloria Cavanaugh Consulting, The Third Age, Life Planning Network, SecurePath by Transamerica, Civic Ventures, and The Transitional Network.

Learn more about Continuing Education Opportunities at Eckerd College:
Program for Experienced Learners (PEL)
Leadership Development Institute
New York Institute of Finance
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College
Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC)
Elderhostel/Exploritas
Eckerd College Conference Center and Lodge
Alternative Certification for Teachers
Eckerd College English Language School Language Center

Photo: Dr. William H. Thomas