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Vital Aging Conference focuses on 'Disrupt Aging'

Conference

Intimacy, addiction and exercise are just a few of the topics at this year's Vital Aging Conference, which tackles what it means to Disrupt Aging.

"Disrupt Aging is a call to shape the future of aging," said Elaine Freisen-Strang, AARP Oregon State President. "We do this by challenging outdated beliefs about it means to age and it's about sparking new solutions so we can all choose how we live as we age."

Saturday's event will highlight different ways to challenge those beliefs with breakout sessions  ranging from Pain Management and Opiod Addiction to Sexuality After 50.  The event will also recognize people who are breaking down the ideas that aging and retirement mean a slow pace and a rocking chair.


 AARP Volunteer Daryl Annette Swan typifies how today's seniors fit the Disrupt Aging  mantra. Daryl spent several weeks this summer renovating a townhouse. She sanded cabinets. She installed doors. She painted. When she was done the place looked HGTV-photo worthy. She did all that on top of her volunteer work with at least five organizations around Lane County.

She retired from working a few years ago, but she's one of the busiest people in Lane County.

"I don't believe in standing still," said Daryl. In the past year, she's been district director the AARP Driver Safety Program, worked on the Age-Friendly Springfield efforts, volunteered at the Springfield Emerald Arts Center, the Women’s Choral Society, and organizations working to provide shelter for the homeless.  She also volunteers as an usher at a small community theater and in a local community book store.

"Aging is about growth - not decline," Freisen-Strang said. "It creates new opportunities and not just challenges."

Keynote speakers include a moderated panel discussion highlighting livability issues and housing in Lane County with Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg and Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis.  Dr. Larry Sherman, neuroscientist, musician, and professor at the Oregon Health & Science University, will speak on "Music and the Brain: The Science behind the Mind."  Other speakers include  Sexologist Jane Steckbeck and Freisen-Strang.  A complete list of workshops is listed below.

Vital aging conference
Snyder, Carmel P.



The event is free and open to anyone who wants to learn more about aging.  To register visit: https://aarp.cvent.com/EugeneVitalAging2017 or call toll free 1-877-926-8300.

A free movie screening of Big Sonia at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Temple Beth Israel,  1175 E. 29th Ave. in Eugene kicks off the conference. Movie director Leah Warshawski will be at the film screening and attendees are invited to a free reception after the screening.

A free lunch will be provided for attendees this Saturday.

  

VITAL AGING CONFERENCE 2017

November 4, 2017

Eugene, Oregon

 “Age should not be a barrier to achieving your desired life style”

 















































 


 

8:30 – 9 a.m. – REGISTRATION, COFFEE, VISIT EXHIBITS

 


 

GENERAL SESSION AGENDA

 


 

8:45 a.m.

WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS


 


 

9:00 a.m.

“Where We Live: Mayor’s Panel on Building Cities for People of All Ages”

Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg and Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis


10:00  - 10:30 a.m.  Break  - Visit exhibits


 

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

 

 BREAK OUT SESSIONS (see descriptions in Break Out Session List)


11:30– 11:45  Break


 

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. LUNCH

 

“Disrupt Aging: Defining Your Story, Creating Your Impact”

Elaine Freisen-Strang, AARP State President


 

12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

 

Music and the Brain: The Science behind the Mind

Dr. Larry Sherman, Oregon Health & Science University


1:45 – 2:15 Break


 

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

 

 BREAK OUT SESSIONS (see descriptions in Break Out Session List)


 

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.

 

Closing Remarks/Door Prizes

 

Morning Break-Out Sessions

 























Main Ballroom


Room 225


Room 214


Room 220


10:30 – 11:30


10:30 – 11:30


10:30 – 11:30


10:30 – 11:30


INTIMACY AFTER 50+

Get a better understanding and acceptance of your sexuality at any age. Gain a deeper intimacy and self-acceptance. In this session, Steckbeck breaks down barriers and myths about sexuality and aging.

Presenter:

Jane Steckbeck

Clinical Sexologist and Certified Sex Coach

 


GARDENING FOR EVERYONE

Learn how smart garden design along with adaptive techniques and tolls can allow people to continue gardening at any age. Gardening provides exercise that's good for our bodies and our brains and allows gardeners to be outdoors, which has a positive effect on emotion.

Presenter:

Pat Patterson and Allison Hassler

Adaptive Gardening Specialists

 


IS CO-HOUSING IN YOUR FUTURE?

 

What is co-housing? Learn what co-housing is and how it differs from other types of intentional living. Emphasis on elements important to people 50+, including comfortable downsizing. This presentation looks at the ecological and cost benefits of co-housing.

 

 

 

 

Presenters:

 

Beth Weldy


WHOLE PERSON WELLNESS

Our minds and bodies are intertwined. Exercise, good nutrition and meditation are good for the body, and the mind. Join us for this informative session on how to create a healthier you at any age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presenter:

Janet Hollander

Moving Toward Health

Afternoon Break-Out Sessions

 























Main Ballroom


Room 225


Room 214


Room 220


2:15 – 3:15


2:15 – 3:15


2:15 – 3:15


2:15 – 3:15


 

DISRUPT AGING

When was the last time you lied about your age? It’s time to change the stories we tell ourselves about age & aging. It’s time to change the fear and myths of aging! It is time to #Disrupt Aging.

 

 

 

Presenters:

Elaine Freisen-Strang

AARP OR State President


MEDITATION MADE EASY

Meditation is for everyone. Learn how you can work it into your daily life. Meditation is not a religion and be practiced by anyone regardless of religious belief or non-belief. People of all ages who medicate often have better sleep, protect their brains from memory loss and enjoy better overall health.

 

 

Presenters:

Jennifer Tucker

MA Human Development

 


 

PAIN MANAGEMENT & OPIOD ADDICTION

 

This session will outline the principles of pain management and use of common pain medications. Learn how to manage safe use of opioid prescriptions, and different ways to manage pain.

 

 

 

 

Presenter:

 

Oregon Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs


 

TECH MINEFIELD: PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PREDATORS

 

Cyber insecurity, rampant scam attempts, less-than-ethical software developers. Learn how to protect yourself against online fraud, and avoid overcharges by tech companies by knowing what to look for and how to navigate the tech minefield.

 

Presenters:  

Aaron Andrus

Tech Specialist

 

 


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