Geriatrics Symposium at Washington University
More than 250 professionals, students, and members
of the public attended the Geriatrics Symposium hosted by the
St. Louis Times. The Symposium took place on Tuesday, Dec. 11
at Washington University – George Warren Brown School of Social
Work.
Edward F. Lawlor, Ph.D., Dean of George Warren
Brown School of Social Work, began the event with an overview
on gerontology, from an educational perspective.
Dr. Margaret Wilson spoke about “Aging - A Transcontinental
Perspective: United States, Europe & Africa.” She educated
attendees on false U.S. myths of aging in other countries, senior
abandonment (youth leaving villages to find jobs in cities and
leaving seniors to care for themselves), and health disparities.
Dr. Margaret Wilson addresses a crowd of
students, professionals, and the public about international aging.
Nany Paul, MSW and LCSW, spoke about “The Culture
Change Movement” and caused a stir, asking the crowd to assist
with the movement to deinstitutionalize seniors.
Dr. David Carr’s topic: “Older Driver Safety”
opened many eyes. He asked the crowd if they would prefer to live
in a neighborhood with an 80-year old driver, a 60-year old driver
with dementia, or a 16-year old. He stated that the safest driver
was the 80-year old driver and spoke with the group about their
driving program.
John Rothbarth, Publisher of the St. Louis
Times, is shown with Edward F. Lawlor, Ph.D., Dean of Washington
University, George Warren Brown School of Social Work.
Stuart Yoak, Ph.D., spoke about “Ethics &
Aging – Today and Tomorrow.” He spoke about the awareness of ethics
and end of life issues, mentioning that there is a new center—the
Center for the Understanding of Ethics and Human Values - at Washington
University.
Anneliese Stoever of SLAAA brings the microphone to Tawana Spann
of Medi-Plex as she asks a question of the speakers.
Sponsors of the event included the City of St.
Louis Department of Human Services’ St. Louis Area Agency on Aging,
Alzheimer’s Association – St. Louis Chapter, Area Agency on Aging
of Southwestern Illinois, Breakthrough Coalition, COCMA – St.
Louis Chapter, Greater St. Louis Hospice Association, Healthy
Communities - St. Charles Senior Task Force, Mid-East Area Agency
on Aging, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys – Missouri Chapter,
Parish Nurses, Social Workers in Home Care, Social Workers in
Long Term Care, Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care
of Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis Unit Professional Geriatric
Care Managers, and Washington University – George Warren Brown
School of Social Work.
Planning for next year’s event has begun. If you have questions
or comments, please contact Anneliese Stoever at (314) 612-5918.
Human
Services
City of St. Louis
Human
Services web site
