Pulitzer Prize Winning Author to Speak at OKDHS Aging Conference

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Aging Oklahomans will be the topic of discussion at the 2009 Oklahoma Conference on Aging, scheduled for May 19-21 at the Reed Center in Midwest City. This marks the 34th consecutive year for this statewide event.
“Oklahomans age 60 and over are the fastest growing segment of the state’s population and by 2050, one in five Oklahomans will be 60 plus,” says Lance Robertson, director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division. “This event will discuss the many issues they face. Older adults, students, advocates, state officials, professionals in the field of aging and corporate representatives are urged to attend.”

The conference is proud to have Dr. Robert Butler, Pulitzer Prize winning author and world renowned gerontologist, as the keynote speaker on May 21. Dr. Butler recognized discrimination against elderly as early as 1968, coining the term “ageism.” Eight years later, the publication of his prize winning “Why Survive? Being Old in America” solidified his reputation as someone who foresaw the impact that aging would have on society. In Thursday’s presentation, he will be discussing this and material related to his new book, “The Longevity Revolution.”

Tuesday, May 19, is Senior Day and is free for anyone 60 and older. The keynote speaker is Dr. Roger Landry, a preventative medicine physician, who will present “Ten Ways to Age Successfully.” Dr. Landry will also be speaking to professionals on Wednesday, discussing “Stress and the Older Adult.”

The conference concludes on May 21 with the annual Achievements in Aging Awards Luncheon where Lifetime Achievement Award winners will be announced.

Special events have been scheduled, including a film festival, spelling bee, poetry contest, health and memory screenings and more. More than 50 vendors will showcase products and services. In addition, about 55 breakout lectures are being offered during the course of this three-day conference.

For more information, contact Claire Dowers at (405) 213-4703 or Claire.Dowers@cox.net. Or, visit the conference Web site at http://register.oucpm.org/okconfonaging​.

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