 With the new year comes the Gerontology Institute's first learning opportunity of 2013! On February 11th, our Distinguished Speaker will discuss how the aging process for people with developmental disabilities brings new challenges, both for them and for many of their care-givers, who are also aging. These issues are resounding on national, state, and local levels, so we hope you'll join us for this very informative talk.
We need your help! We ask that you take 10 minutes to complete a survey (described below) that will help us identify the learning needs and preferences of professionals who work with older adults. This newsletter also features a blog for women in their seventies and an interview with an aging studies minor at IC. Don't forget all the useful Quick Links--let us know if we're meeting your needs! Send me an e-mail or call me at (607) 274-3645 with your feedback. Hope to hear from you soon,
Rhoda Meador, Director |
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Distinguished Speaker to Discuss Aging and Developmental  Disabilities on Monday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.
People with developmental disabilities are living longer than ever before, thanks to better medical care and research. However, their aging process can be complicated by both lifelong and new health issues. In addition, 25 percent of people with developmental disabilities who live at home with their family, live with an aging family caregiver who is 60 years or older, and this percentage is rising. What happens when aging parents develop their own medical and cognitive decline? Who will assume caregiving for both?
These and other issues will be explored as Elizabeth Perkins, Ph.D., RNMH, discusses "The Known and Unknown of Aging with Developmental Disabilities" on Monday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. at Ithaca College Emerson Suites as part of the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute Distinguished Speaker Series. This free event is open to the public and is presented in partnership with Franziska Racker Centers, the Finger Lakes Independence Center, Ithaca College Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and The Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities, Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester Medical Center.
"There is a startling under-recognition to the challenges encountered by aging people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers to ensure a good quality of life as they both age," said Perkins, who is a research assistant professor and health coordinator at the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, University of South Florida (USF), Tampa. "But with careful planning and thoughtful supports, many people with developmental disabilities can, and do, age successfully."
Perkins has a Ph.D. in aging studies and a bachelor's degree in psychology, both from USF. She is also an RNMH, a registered nurse from the United Kingdom, where she trained specifically in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her clinical experiences there were predominantly in the field of geriatric and residential care. Her current areas of interest include medical aspects of aging with IDD, quality of life issues of older family caregivers of adults with IDD, and compound caregiving (when older caregivers have multiple caregiving roles). Perkins's current work at the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities is concentrated on improving both access to and quality of healthcare for persons with disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation for this event should contact the Gerontology Institute at (607) 274-1607 or dwells@ithaca.edu as much in advance of the event as possible. |
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We Need Your Help for the Institute's 2013 Learning Needs Survey!
 The Gerontology Institute is conducting an online survey to better understand your learning needs in order to enhance care of older adults in rural New York. We need your help! By taking 10 minutes to complete this survey, you will help us identify the learning needs and preferences of professionals who work with older adults.
Participation in this survey is voluntary and is not required. The information collected is completely confidential and will not be linked back to you or your workplace. The survey will be available until February 15th.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to improve the care of older adults in New York. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Denise Wells at dwells@ithaca.edu, or (607) 274-1607.
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A Blogspot for Women in Their Seventies
 As we come across websites with stories that inspire, we like to share them with our readers. 70candles.com is just such an example, as it shares women's experiences, thoughts, and ideas about how to overcome obstacles and thrive (and endure) in the eighth decade of life. As the blog states:
"We hope this exchange will be a source of inspiration for the next generation of seventy-year-olds. Those baby boomers are hot on our heels, and want to know more about what lies ahead. Nobody gave us a guidebook or shared what this path might be like. As we burn those seventy candles, we can help shed some light on the trail for them.
"What has this transition been like for you? Serious, funny, commonplace, unusual, short, long stories, all are welcome. How does it feel to be among the oldest in the crowd? What does it take to thrive in this decade? How do you think others see you? What contributes to well-being and yes, flourishing at three score and ten?
"We welcome the comments and reflections of women everywhere, all cultures, ethnicities, socioeconomic status and backgrounds." |
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An Interview with Aging Studies Minor Sarah Furie, '13
What attracted Sarah Furie, a senior television and radio production major in the Park School of Communications, to  minor in aging studies at Ithaca College? What memories will she carry with her after graduation, of working with older people? This interview, conducted by aging studies major Shelby Smith, '13, shows how combining aging studies with another major makes for a very satisfying academic and life experience. |
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