Established in 1965, the Institute of Gerontology has long been a leader in outreach to both professionals and members of the community. 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.
Professional Training
Issues in Aging Conference
The IOG’s longest running continuing education conference, this 2-day program held every May is designed for health care professionals, service providers, administrators and researchers working in the field of aging and dealing with older adults in later stages of life.
A Meaningful Life with Alzheimer's Conference
Created in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter. A conference that brings together health professionals and caregivers to understand a person-centered approach to caring for those living with Alzheimer’s.
Annual Judith J. Wahlberg Memorial Lecture
Based on a partnership between the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and Wayne State’s IOG, this conference is dedicated to enhancing the professional development for working with older adults in the community.
Collaborative Continuing Education Program (1-3 credits)
The Institute of Gerontology also offers continuing education programs for 1-3 credits on current issues in aging and health. These topics are constantly changing according to the needs of the professional community. Some of our most recent topics presented have been:
• Shedding Light on Medicaid: Making Ethical Choices
• Intersex, Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay Issues in Aging
• It’s Not about the Stuff: Harm Reduction for Hoarding
• Medical Marijuana
• Making Musical Connections with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
• Pain Management
Programs to Engage and Educate Seniors and Caregivers
Art of Aging Successfully Annual Senior Conference
Our volunteer core, the Elder Advisors to Research joined with 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 crowd of 500 seniors. The 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 (313) 664-2605 or donnamacdonald@wayne.edu.
HBEC Annual Health Reception
Older African Americans have much higher rates of chronic disease than older Caucasians, a disparity that the IOG has investigated for over a decade. As one means of reversing this trend and helping to make the African American community more comfortable with health interventions, the IOG created the Healthier Black Elders Reception held each June. This event draws hundreds of elders and their families to a free day of inspirational and educational panel discussions with question and answer sessions, health screenings, a nutritious lunch, and exercise.
For more information on the above events contact, Patricia Rencher at (313) 664-2626 or patrencher@wayne.edu.
Community Learning Series
HBEC is committed to connecting Detroit's seniors and their families to current knowledge about aging and health. This year's HBEC free learning series has expanded to include new locations with a broader list of speakers and topics. The learning series are held once a month between February through April and then again in October and November at various metro locations.
For more information, please contact Patricia Rencher at (313) 664-2626 or patrencher@wayne.edu