Outreach and Engagement

Older Adults reaching out their arms at IOG event

The Institute of Gerontology (created in 1965) has long been a leader in outreach to 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 older adults, caregivers and the people who serve them. Our faculty, students, staff, and volunteers all share a passion and dedication to the promotion of successful aging.  Join our Email List HERE

Community & Continuing Education Programs


JOIN US IN PERSON: Monday April 29, 8:00 am - 3:45 pm 
Issues in Aging 2024: Navigating Challenges in Aging 
6 CEs for Social Workers, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Case Managers, OTAs, PTAs 
COST (Breakfast and lunch are included):

  • $65 Professionals earn 6 CEs (Social Workers, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Case Managers, OTAs, PTAs) 
  • $40 Students (No CEs issued)

LOCATION: VisTaTech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152 
Details and registration HERE


 

Issues in Aging Conference for Professionals

The IOG's longest running continuing education conference, this program is geared to health care professionals, service providers, administrators and researchers working in the field of aging. It focuses on dementia and frailty in late life. Issues in Aging is also open to students interested in learning current research and best practices.

 
Continuing Education Credits for Nurses, Social Workers & Case Managers
The IOG offers over 300 presentations each year free of charge to social workers, nurses, OTs, PTs, and other professionals who work with older adults. Most programs earn 1-3 CEs or contact hours. Topics vary and are always presented by subject-matter experts.
If your organization would like to sponsor a presentation or conference, contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.
Sign up HERE to receive Constant Contact e-mails about CE events.
 

Art of Aging Successfully annual conference organized by seniors for seniors
Our volunteer core, of older adults 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 June 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.

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 we present present the latest research, treatments and caregiving options for those living with cognitive decline. This conference is a collaboration between the IOG and Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. 

IOG 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 September through April and are free and open to the public. Sign up HERE to receive IOG research colloquia notices from Constant Contact.

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.

SAFEFinancial 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 for 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
  • 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.
HBEC Lunch & Learns - 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. Programs could be virtual or in-person. 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

BrainStorm  Train-the-Trainer workshops to present research based brain wellness activities
We train people working with older adults to present a full year of workshops on multiple facets of brain health: physical, emotional and spiritual. Presentations are filled with hands-on activities, humor, social interaction, and take-home materials. For more information contact Donna MacDonald at donnamacdonald@wayne.edu