DATE: 4/5/07

CONTACT: Deborah Thomason, 864-656-5721; dthmsn@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, 864-656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Clemson University to host symposium on aging May 8

CLEMSON -- “Aging: It’s Not What It Used to Be!” is the theme for a symposium to be held at the Hendrix Student Center at Clemson University on May 8.

The program will feature presentations from national experts on issues related to helping older adults stay engaged in community life as long as possible. It will also give an opportunity for community organizations and Clemson personnel to create partnerships.

The event starts at 9 a.m. Cost is $20, which includes lunch.

The symposium is for anyone who works with older adults, agencies or anyone who has an interest in aging issues.

The program will begin with Cheryl J. Dye of Public Health Sciences, who will talk about the Institute for Engaged Aging. She will be followed by Fran A McGuire of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, who will speak on “Lifelong Learning in Retirement.”

Dale Layfield of Biological Sciences will discuss how seniors interact with technology. Julia A. Eggert of the School of Nursing will talk about monitoring elders suffering with dementia as they experience changes in engagement.

The afternoon topic will be “Helping Rural Older Adults Manage Chronic Disease with Community Health Coaches,” with Dye and Deborah Willoughby with the School of Nursing.

There will be break-out sessions with the presenters before the event wraps up at 4 p.m.

Registration is limited to the first 150 participants. Deadline to register is May 1.

For more information, visit the website at: http://www.hehd.clemson.edu/GRIT/home.html or contact Amy Merck at 864-656-0110.

The event is sponsored by Clemson University’s Institute for Engaged Aging.

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