Nikki Giovanni will keynote the Beard Center on Aging’s annual conference on Tuesday, May 22 with community sponsors including the Centra Foundation, Centra Mental Health Services, and Centra Rehabilitation and Senior Care Services. The conference will be held in Elliot & Rosel Schewel Hall.
Keynote speakers are:
Nikki Giovanni: The Art of Aging Gracefully
World-renowned poet, writer, communicator, activist, and educator, Ms. Giovanni will share her personal stories, thoughts, and wisdom on aging and aging gracefully. She is the author of more than 30 books and a contributor to Audacious Aging, a book which shares thought-provoking stories about aging while challenging ageism.
Peter Betz, M.D.: The Golden Years: Managing the Challenges of Aging
As we age, our brain changes, and we may experience mental health issues that create challenges for us and our family members. Dr. Betz, geriatric psychologist and medical doctor for Centra’s Senior Psychiatric Program, will discuss mental health changes such as depression and dementia that commonly affect the older population.
Twenty-three workshops on a variety of topics related to positive aging advocacy, Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, and professional development. Multiple vendors will also be on hand with information on a range of aging-related topics.
Registration deadline is May 17. Register online, or mail the registration form from the conference brochure. Contact Denise Scruggs at scruggs.dr@lynchburg.edu or 434.544.8456 for more information about the conference.