The Institute of Gerontology (created in 1965) has long been a leader in outreach to both members of the community and professionals. 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.

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IOG SIGNATURE EVENTS

A Meaningful Life with Alzheimer's Disease (Earn CEs)
This annual one-of-a-kind conference brings together healthcare professionals, caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's into a shared conversation together. Each year this conference presents the latest research, treatments and caregiving options for those living with cognitive decline. This is a conference is a collaboration between the IOG and Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. 
2022 Alzheimer's conference recording
2022 Alzheimer's conference book with all presentations

Art of Aging Successfully – Annual conference organized by seniors for seniors
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 contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.
2022 Art of Aging conference recording

Loving on Empty: A Caregivers' Conference
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 contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu. 
2021 Lovind on Empty conference recording

Issues in Aging – Conference for professionals (Earn 6 Continuing Education Credits)
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.

HBEC Lunch & Learn series - offered by our Healthier Black Elders Center (HBEC)
HBEC is committed to connecting Detroit's seniors and their families to current knowledge about aging and health. Older Adults can join our events by phone or on computer. All webinars start at 11:00 am with presentations from 11:30 until 12:30 pm. 
Sign up HERE to learn about Healthier Black Elders Center events.
Listen to recorded webinars on our Healthier Black Elders Center website: https://mcuaaar.org/ resources/videos/hbec
For more information about the Healthier Black Elders Center, please contact Vanessa Rorai at vrorai@wayne.edu

HBEC Party Line – Open to older adults and anyone seeking more personal connection in Detroit
The Party Line aims to reduce social isolation through use of the telephone and video conferencing (Zoom). The Party Line covers a variety of topics that are collectively chosen by participants and facilitators. Previous subjects include preparing for the holidays during a pandemic, mental health, mindfulness, personal histories shared through music and historical events, and a host of other topics that strike a balance between informative and casual.
For questions call 313-664-2616 or email Sarah Whitney at er7366@wayne.edu.

Financial First Fridays - For all older adults
Join us on Zoom for FREE workshops on the first friday of every month. The IOG, SAFE (Successful Aging Thru Financial Empowerment) program  presents expert speakers with trusted information to support financial health & safety.
Sign up here HERE to get monthly SAFE program updates.

SAFE Financial Empowerment workshops
Invite a SAFE expert to speak to your group. Presentations are free and last about an hour. All materials provided. 

• Difficult Conversations about finances

• Scams and Identity Awareness:  Are You at Risk? - Learn why some people are especially vulnerable to financial predators and how to strengthen your defenses. Get details on how victims are targeted and manipulated so you can spot threats before savings and identity vanish. (Also offered for professionals.)

• Managing Someone Else's Money

• Protecting your Loved One from Scams

For personal assistance or to schedule a workshop or speakers, contact SAFE program coordinator LaToya Hall at l.hall@wayne.edu or 313-664-2608.

BrainStorm – Professionals learn to present research based brain wellness activities
We train anyone working with older adults to present a full year of workshops that 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 more information contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.

Continuing Education Credits & Contact Hours for Professionals
The IOG's offers more than 400 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

Sign up HERE to receive our monthly Constant Contact e-newsletter to learn about CE events.

Research Colloquia
The IOG colloquia are opportunities for expert researchers to present their work to graduate students, faculty, community members, and partners. Colloquia are held virtually or in the Hoobler Room in the Charles Lang Freer House located at 71 E. Ferry Street twice a month from 9:30 am-10:30 am September through April and are free and open to the public.

TO RECEIVE NOTICES, JOIN A LIST HERE