Outreach and Engagement

Established in 1965, the Institute of Gerontology has long been a leader in outreach to both professionals and members of the community. As a nationally recognized authority on aging issues, our mission is to conduct research and translate that knowledge into meaningful programming for seniors, their caregivers and the professional community serving them. Our team of faculty, students, staff, and countless volunteers all share a passion and dedication to the promotion of successful aging.

Issues In Aging

Outreach Programs

Continuing Education Credits & Contact Hours for Professionals

The IOG's outreach program offers more than 100 presentations each year free to social workers, nurses and other professionals who work with older adults. During the pandemic, these are offered via Zoom and require pre-registration.

Most programs earn 1-3 CEs or contact hours nursing. Topics vary and are always presented by subject-matter experts. Recent topics have included:

Human Trafficking
Anxiety, Depression and Despair have Consequences
Manage Chronic Pain before it Manages You
Culture, Sensitivity and You

Click here for details of May 2021 professional programs and registration.

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IOG CE Conferences (earn CEs or Contact Hours)

Issues in Aging Zoom Conference

Monday, April 19

Watch the Zoom recording of the April 19 conference. (CEs not available to viewers of recording.)

Enter Access Passcode: 6#E^p&eo

6 CEs or Contact Hours Nursing
The IOG's longest running continuing education conference, this 2-day program held every April is designed for health care professionals, service providers, administrators and researchers working in the field of aging and dealing with older adults. Focuses on dementia and frailty in late life.

A Meaningful Life with Alzheimer's Disease

This annual one-of-a-kind conference brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's into a shared conversation together. Learn about the state-of-the-art research, treatments and caregiving options for those living with cognitive decline. This is a collaboration between the IOG and the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. More details to follow.

November 5, 2021

9-Noon

Scherrie Keating, RN, BSN, CDCES, CDC,NDPP Life Coach, CDP

Alzheimer's Disease . . . Diabetes of the Brain? AND

Jill Gafner Livingston, BSBM, CDP, CADDCT

Impactful Caregiving- Step by Step

BrainStorm

Our training program is created for anyone working with older adults. BrainStorm is a full year of research-based wellness activities developed to addresses multiple facets of brain health, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Presentations are filled with hands-on activities, humor, social interaction, and take-home materials.

For Older Adults

Art of Aging Successfully Conference

Thursday, May 13

9:30 to Noon

Learn more and register here. Free zoom conference.

Our volunteer core, the Elder Advisors to Research joined the IOG faculty in 1999 to create a conference organized by seniors for seniors. What began as an experiment has evolved into a much-anticipated annual event with a sell-out crowds of more than 300 seniors. The May conference, anchored by a well-respected keynote speaker and featuring several break-out workshops, promotes creative expression, social connection and information on ways to positively embrace all facets of aging. For more information, or to join the mailing list, contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.

Loving on Empty: A Caregivers' Conference

Will be held virtually early October. We invite caregivers from across metro Detroit to a 1/2 day of educational presentations and self-care strategies for support. Caregivers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to come. Whether the care partner has a physical disability, cognitive changes, or both, guests will find useful and accurate information to ease their caregiver journey.

For more information, or to join the mailing list, contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.

Healthier Black Elders Center (HBEC)

Lunch & Learn Series

HBEC is committed to connecting Detroit's seniors and their families to current knowledge about aging and health. This year's HBEC free learning series has expanded to include new locations with a broader list of speakers and topics. The learning series are held once a month between February through April and then again in October and November at various metro locations.

For more information about the Healthier Black Elders Center, please contact Vanessa Rorai at vrorai@wayne.edu