Aging Well Conference
We invite you to join us for our 34th Annual Aging Well Conference held on June 6, 2025 at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. We are celebrating 34 years of Aging Well and expect to attract well over 200 professionals working in the field of aging! Enjoy learning from excellent presenters, visiting exhibitor booths, and networking with your peers.
AGENDA
7:00-8:00 am
REGISTRATION, REFRESHMENTS, AND EXHIBITOR VISITS
8:00-8:15 am
WELCOME
8:15-9:15 am
KEYNOTE | Sheria Robinson-Lane, PhD, MSN, MHA, RN
Creating Equitable and Inclusive Communities for All
How we age can vary significantly based upon how we have been able to live. Social factors such as income over our life course, familial connections, support systems, disability status, and how we have experienced stress can play an important role in our overall health and end-of-life experiences. Inclusive communities that create belonging can positively shift the aging experience. Let’s examine strategies for creating spaces where everyone is welcome.
Sheria G. Robinson-Lane, PhD, MSN, MHA, RN is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing in the Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, an Associate Director for the University of Michigan National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP), and co-lead of the Research and Education Core of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD). Dr. Robinson-Lane is also affiliated with the Michigan Center for Alzheimer’s Disease (MADC) and the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging (MiCDA). Dr. Robinson-Lane’s work aims to reduce health disparities, improve health equity, and optimize function for diverse older adults. Her research examines the structures, systems, and processes, that support active community living for older adults.
9:15-9:30 am
BREAK AND EXHIBITOR VISITS
9:30-10:45 am
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Advancing Inclusion: Tools and Strategies for Equity Assessments
The equity assessment is a process used to examine organizational progress toward developing inclusive community goals. This workshop will provide participants with a framework and helpful tools to start this assessment and integrate it into ongoing quality improvement strategies.
Sheria Robinson-Lane
Sheria G. Robinson-Lane, PhD, MSN, MHA, RN is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing in the Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, an Associate Director for the University of Michigan National Clinician Scholars Program (NCSP), and co-lead of the Research and Education Core of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD). Dr. Robinson-Lane is also affiliated with the Michigan Center for Alzheimer’s Disease (MADC) and the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging (MiCDA). Dr. Robinson-Lane’s work aims to reduce health disparities, improve health equity, and optimize function for diverse older adults. Her research examines the structures, systems, and processes, that support active community living for older adults.
From Theory to Practice: Application of Trauma-Informed Care Principles
This interactive breakout session will explore the principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) and their application for working with aging populations. Attendees will gain insight into the role of TIC in creating safe and empowering environments for older adults and learn practical strategies to apply TIC practices and principles. Additionally, the session will address the importance of caregiver and professional self-care in maintaining resilience and preventing burnout. Participants will leave equipped with actionable tools and approaches to support aging populations with dignity and empathy.
Victoria Smoter, PsyD
Dr. Vikki Smoter is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Clinical Lead for Trauma-Informed Services for Advocate Health. Dr. Smoter has a background in health psychology and trauma psychology and has worked with individuals in medical settings, outpatient settings, and substance use treatment facilitates. She has also with healthcare systems and teammates to develop and implement initiatives to enhance the resilience of healthcare workers, including Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Care, and Moral Distress initiatives.
Dr. Smoter received her bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology from Washington College and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is trained in various trauma-specific interventions including EMDR, Brainspotting, and TF-CBT. Dr. Smoter is passionate about trauma-informed care and integrating trauma-informed care practices into patient care, peer interactions, and organizational policies.
Speaking for Yourself: The Importance of Advance Directives in End-of-Life Care
Advance directives are a vital tool in ensuring that an individual's values, preferences, and wishes are respected and followed if they become unable to make medical decisions for themselves. This talk will explore the importance of advance directives, the benefits they bring to patients, families, and healthcare providers, and the steps to create and implement them effectively.
Key discussion points will include:
- The definition and purpose of advance directives
- Types of advance directives (e.g., living will, durable power of attorney)
- Why advance directives are crucial in end-of-life care
- How to discuss advance directives with your loved ones
- Best practices for creating and updating advance directives
Takeaways:
- Understand the importance of advance directives in ensuring you receive the care you want
- Learn how to create and implement advance directives effectively
- Discuss advance directives with your provider to promote informed decision-making
- Recognize the benefits of advance directives, including reduced anxiety, and better alignment with your values and preferences.
This talk aims to empower individuals to prioritize advance directives as a vital aspect of end-of-life care, promoting autonomy, dignity, and respect for individual wishes.
Rita Hagen, MSN, RN, Hospice Alliance
Rita Hagen, MSN, RN has been the Executive Director of Hospice Alliance since 2012 and provides leadership and strategic direction for Hospice Alliance’s hospice and supportive/palliative care management programs. She brings with her 40 years of healthcare experience, with more than 25 of those being in Leadership roles in Kenosha/Racine. Rita serves on the Wisconsin Hospice and Palliative Care Association (WiHPCA) board and chairs their Advocacy Committee. She is an active member of the Kenosha Long Term Care Alliance, serving as the chair, as well Kenosha Care Transitions and leads their Advance Directive workgroup, which sponsors an annual National Healthcare Decision Day event. She is a member of the Italian American Ladies Auxiliary, Tempo Kenosha (Past President), The Kenosha Rotary Club (Past President), Readers are Leaders Tutor, Wisconsin Nurse Honor Guard, and is a KABA/KUSD mentor. Rita is also a member of the Gateway Technical College Nursing Advisory Council. Rita enjoys spending any/all free time with her family - especially her 4 grandchildren.
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10:45-11:00 am
BREAK AND EXHIBITOR VISITS
11:00 am-12:00 pm
KEYNOTE | Amanda Cook Maher, PhD.
Age-Related Cognitive Decline Is Not Inevitable: Findings From The SuperAging Research Initiative
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Dr. Amanda Maher is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan in the Department of Psychiatry. She completed her graduate training in clinical psychology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Maher’s research focuses on successful cognitive aging and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders using a multidisciplinary lens. Most relevant for today’s presentation on cognitive ‘SuperAgers,’ Dr. Maher is intricately involved with the SuperAging Research Initiative, a multisite, longitudinal research study funded by the NIH that is investigating factors contributing to successful memory aging in adults age 80 and older. Dr. Maher serves as a co-lead for the SuperAging Research Initiative’s Clinical Core and as the PI for the University of Michigan SuperAging site, where they continue to recruit, enroll, and study these remarkable older adults. Dr. Maher is also a co-investigator at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and member of their Leader Initiative.
12:00-1:15 pm
LUNCH AND EXHIBITOR VISITS
1:15-2:30 pm
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Maintain Your Brain! Research-Based Tips To Promote Cognitive Health
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Amanda Cook Maher, PhD
Dr. Amanda Maher is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan in the Department of Psychiatry. She completed her graduate training in clinical psychology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Maher’s research focuses on successful cognitive aging and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders using a multidisciplinary lens. Most relevant for today’s presentation on cognitive ‘SuperAgers,’ Dr. Maher is intricately involved with the SuperAging Research Initiative, a multisite, longitudinal research study funded by the NIH that is investigating factors contributing to successful memory aging in adults age 80 and older. Dr. Maher serves as a co-lead for the SuperAging Research Initiative’s Clinical Core and as the PI for the University of Michigan SuperAging site, where they continue to recruit, enroll, and study these remarkable older adults. Dr. Maher is also a co-investigator at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and member of their Leader Initiative, with her ‘non-SuperAging’ research work focusing on early detection of cognitive decline.
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2:30-2:45 pm
BREAK AND EXHIBITOR VISITS
2:45-3:45 pm
KEYNOTE | Cole Thomas
The Importance of Music in Continuing Care
Music plays an important role in the world as a universal, artistic language. From a first piano recital to a first wedding dance, every song we hear can bind to a profound memory and be a source of inspiration throughout our lives. Join Cole Thomas (and his piano) as he shares stories of music uplifting assisted living and memory care communities while also highlighting the importance songs can play in aging well.
Cole Thomas is a professional pianist and singer with a knack for storytelling. From his humble beginnings as a small town church accompanist at age fifteen to his tenure aboard a cruise ship in the piano bar, Cole has amazed audiences with his virtuosic presentation of thousands of songs. Currently, he shares his talents and tales with young and old alike as both a regional performer and music educator. He performs for residents in assisted living and memory care communities across the Midwest and manages his own studio of talented young pianists. It is his hope to inspire everyone to bring more musicality into their lives and, in turn, inspire the artist in each of us.
3:45 pm-4:00 pm
CLOSING ADDRESS
2025 Aging Well Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Become a sponsor or exhibitor.
Introduce your organization to regional professionals and consumers who are interested in health and wellness. Your partnership provides opportunities to engage with individuals working in the field of aging, people considering a career in gerontology, and active retirees.
Return on investment detailed with sponsorship tiers below. Limited spots available, so to secure your spot and for full benefits of sponsorship, please register by Jan 31, 2025.
Platinum | $1000
• Four conference entries (you must register them separately with aprovided code)
• Logo in direct mail brochure (if received by January 31, 2025)
• Logo links to your website in digital marketing and on Aging Well page
• Full page ad in program
• Organization representative invited to provide morning or afternoon welcome address
• Organization logo on event tote bag
• May share one small promotional item to be pre-stuffed in ourconference tote
• Event exhibitor table with prime location
• Highlight business in social media marketing of the conference
• Sponsor breakfast or lunch for attendees
• Recognition at the breakfast buffet or lunch
• Digital representation throughout the conference
Gold | $750
• Three conference entries (you must register them separately with aprovided code)
• Logo in direct mail brochure (if received by January 31, 2025)
• Full page ad in program
• Logo links to your website in digital marketing and Aging Well page
• Digital representation throughout the conference
• Event exhibitor table in a prime location
Silver | $500
• Two conference entries (you must register them separately with aprovided code)
• Logo in direct mail brochure (if received by January 31, 2025)
• Half page ad in program
• Logo links to your website in digital marketing and Aging Well page
• Digital representation throughout the conference
• Event exhibitor table
Bronze | $375
• One conference entry (you must register them separately with aprovided code)
• Mention in direct mail brochure (if received by January 31, 2025)
• Quarter page ad in program
• Mention on Aging Well page
• Digital representation throughout the conference
• Event exhibitor table
Nonprofit Exhibitor | $225
• One conference entry
• Event exhibitor table
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation in its services, program activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodations, contact Continuing Education at least eight weeks in advance at: 262-595-3340, or email continuing.ed@uwp.edu.