Highlights from the 2009 Kentucky Association for Gerontology Conference

Michelle Hines

Mauri Malka (left) receives the Distinguished Practitioner Award from KAG's Barbara Gordon and Phil Peters

Dr. Baretta Casey gave a presentation on elder abuse.

Dr. Graham Rowles (left) was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award.

The Kentucky Association for Gerontology (KAG) 2009 Annual Conference themed "Active Aging: A Lifelong Experience" was held in Bowling Green Kentucky at the Holiday Inn University Plaza and Sloan Convention Center on April 26-28, 2009. Conference attendees were provided with the opportunity to network and learn about new and innovative programs and services, and to research and to explore purpose, meaning and vitality in the second half of life.

Sessions focused on: Physical and Mental Health, Strategizing for the Future, Active Aging, and Aging in Place. CEUs were available for nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, dietitians, marriage and family therapists and certified health education specialists.  Participants were able to view 28 various exhibits on Monday April 27, 2009. Major sponsors included AARP, Western Kentucky Gerontology Department, Lifeline Homecare, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK, and SunBridge Health Care. Approximately 157 people attended at least one day or some part of the conference.

Presentations Inform and Inspire
 
During the preconference intensive held on Sunday afternoon, Western Kentucky University Social Work faculty members Jan Peeler, LCSW and Susan Wesley, PhD presented "Issues of Ethical Practice."  

 

Michelle Hines, KAG board member and Chair of 2009 Conference Committee.

Barbara Gordon comments on opening remarks provided by Eric Friedlander of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (right) and introduces keynote speaker Sandy Markwood (far left), CEO for the n4a.

An audience of aging professionals, seniors and other advocates attend a presentation.

Monday morning's Keynote Address was presented by National Area Agencies on Aging Chief Officer and CEO, Sandi Markwood.  Ms. Markwood informed participants about "Project 2020—Building on the Promise of Home and Community Based Services."  Ms. Markwood stated that Project 2020 is a legislative proposal put forth by n4a and NASUA (National Association of State Units on Aging) which proposes the need to plan for funding services for the elderly and caregivers in the future. She presented actuary evidence on the cost benefits of providing home and community based services.

During the noon session on Monday, Dr. Jeffrey Levine, MD and Geriatrician at St. Vincent's Hospital, New York City, presented "Aging Through the Physician's Lens." Dr. Levine spoke about how he uses photographs to inspire medical students into careers in geriatrics. In addition, his photographs have appeared on dozens of magazine covers and textbooks. He concluded that his journey through art and geriatric medicine is the most humanistic of medical specialties. 
 
Finally, conference attendees visited and toured the National Corvette Museum and gift shop on Monday evening, enjoying a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Tuesday morning's opening session began with Emmy-winning producer and host of WKYU–PBS, Barbara Deeb, presenting "Perceptions of and Changing Faces of Today's Senior Citizens."  Ms. Deeb explained how the perceptions of those who are aging have changed from previous times to present day.

2009 Awards Ceremony

The 2009 Awards Ceremony began with Ms. Nelda Barnett, President-Elect, presiding and presenting the Thoroughbred Award winner. This award was created to recognize extraordinary efforts by persons age 60 and older on behalf of the older people of Kentucky and the nation.  Dr. Jane Thibault is a practicing clinical gerontologist who has worked clinically with elders and their families for more than three decades. Understanding the nuances of dementias and related cognitive disorders is her specialty, including how best to prepare the person, the family and the support system to work with those who suffer from cognitive impairments. Dr. Thibault was unable to attend the Awards Luncheon.

The second award presented was the Lois E. Layne Award. This award was created to recognize student achievement in the area of gerontology and geriatrics. This award was given to Gregory Ryan Trent, who is currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky Graduate School in the Master's Degree Program of Health Administration. He is in his second semester and is expected to graduate in May 2010. Mr. Trent was not able to attend the Awards Luncheon.

 The third award given was the Distinguished Practitioner Award. This award was created to recognize exceptional effort as a service provider for older people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This award was presented to Ms. Mauri Malka, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with Jewish Family and Career Services Klein Older Adult Program. She has worked in the Louisville community for over twenty years as a clinical practitioner, supervisor, resettlement coordinator and senior services advocate. 

The final award given was the Distinguished Educator Award. This award was created to recognize exceptional effort as a teacher in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics. This award was presented to Dr. Graham Rowles. Dr. Rowles is a Professor of Gerontology Geography, Behavioral Science, Health Behavior and Nursing. He is also the Director of the Graduate Center for Gerontology. 

Current President Phil Peters presided over the business meeting, announcing incoming new board members and officers, which included 2010 President Elect, Pat Dressman and Treasurer Elect, Patrice Blanchard.