Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Noon luncheon
Frank Burns
Deputy Health and Human Services
Assistant Secretary for Center for Wellness and Community-Based Services, Administration on Aging
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
David Naster
"YOU JUST HAVE TO LAUGH"
A comedian and keynote speaker, Naster is a rare blend of entertainment and inspiration. He is funny without cursing. He motivates without preaching
In 2007, Naster’s book "You Just Have to Laugh Through Tough Times," won the Best Humor Award from the Association of Applied Therapeutic Humor; an international organizations of doctors, nurses and health professionals.
Naster’s specialty is finding humor in the tough stuff. Once he shows you how to laugh your way through work, illness or grief, you’ll never complain or feel sorry for yourself again. For 30 years, Naster has taught in classrooms, held seminars and coached one-on-one. Thousands of educators, paramedics, firefighters and police officers, even the FBI and CIA, have learned how humor makes life's toughest jobs more manageable. A national authority on the power of laughter, Naster has helped thousands change their lives for the better. That is his commitment.
"Make someone laugh – they’re happy for a day. Teach them to think funny; they’ll laugh a lifetime." Visit Mr. Naster's website at www.naster.com
Thursday, May 8, 2008
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Dr. William Thomas
"ELDERTOPIA: THE RISE OF A NEW OLD AGE"
This talk will explore the deep and distinctively human roots of aging. This history is important because it helps us ask, "What comes next?" Traditional ideas about old age can now be seen to depend on limited longevity, geographic immobility, high birth rates and oodles of unpaid family caregiving. In the future, we will, as a people, create and then sustain a new old age that values community, service and intergenerational relationship that extend beyond kinship boundaries. The aging of America is not, as is commonly observed, "a disaster in the making." Rightly understood, it offers to open new avenues to a better quality of life for people of all ages. Aging is not the problem – it is the solution.
Dr. Thomas will also present a breakout session from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon:
"Making Change: The Creation, Replication and New Models of Long-Term Care"
The field of long-term care has, for decades, focused on compliance with regulations and daily operations. Now, we are on the brink of a new era that will bring creativity and ingenuity to the fore. Dr. Thomas will discuss the Eden Alternative and the Green House initiatives from the perspective of models of social change. The session will offer participants the opportunity to present their ideas for change and hear Dr. Thomas's views on how those approaches can be made more effective.