CORVALLIS - Oregon State University's will host its 24th annual gerontology conference April 18-19 at the CH2M-HILL Alumni Center on campus.

The conference is intended for professionals in the field, including community service providers, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing facility staff, social workers, psychologists, foster care providers, and others who work with older adults.

Presentations at the conference will explore ways to enhance the quality of life for the elderly, according to Sally Bowman, Oregon State University Extension family development specialist.

There are two keynote speakers. At noon on Tuesday, April 18, C. Jessie Jones, professor of kinesiology and health promotion at California State University-Fullerton, will talk on "Maximizing Vitality in Later Years." She will discuss successful aging and describe the Lifespan Research Project, which set national standards to evaluate and maintain fitness and mobility in older adults.

On Wednesday, April 19, Harry Krulewitch, primary care geriatrician at ElderPlace and Providence Health Systems in Portland, will speak on ""Shifting the Paradigm: A New Way to Provide Community-Based Care." He describes ElderPlace as a model for delivering intensive, long-term, inclusive care to low-income, frail and disabled elderly persons.

Both speeches are open to the public on a space available basis. Contact 541-737-1014 for information. The talks will be held in conjunction with a buffet luncheon that costs $10 per person.

The conference also features 30 concurrent sessions, focusing on clinical practice, case management, rehabilitative and occupational therapy, residential administration, healthy aging, coping with loss, adult foster care provision, and issues of family care.

In conjunction with the conference, "Kaleidoscope," a nationally renowned exhibit will be on display in the Memorial Union Concourse Gallery through April 30. This 23-piece, multimedia exhibit consists of works of art from adult day centers that specialize in dementia care and offer therapeutic arts activities. A reception to celebrate the exhibit will be open to all conference attendees directly following the conference sessions on Tuesday, April 18.

Registration for the conference is $109 for both days, including lunch. For those who want to attend only one day, registration is $85.

Registration forms and information about the conference are available from Terri Allen, 161 Milam Hall, OSU, telephone 541-737-1014. Detailed information about the conference, including a registration form is also available on the web.

Source: 

Sally Bowman, 541-737-1020

Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.