Program addresses
issues of agingA UH conference will explore
how to deal with a growing sector
Hawaii's aging population is growing even faster than the national rate, with estimates that 25 percent of the residents will be 60 or older by 2020, says the organizer of a summer educational conference on aging and diversity.
That's one of the reasons the University of Hawaii School of Social Work's Gerontology Program, chaired by Colette Browne, is sponsoring the Summer Institute on "Aging & Diversity: Linking Research and Practice."
"We're trying to allow people to see the vitality of older adults rather than look at them as a problem," Browne said.
The summer institute sessions are "looking at aging in the broad context," she said. "What kind of society do we want as society grows older? What kind of rights do we want to assure?" she said, citing problems of retirement income and "respect as a contributing member of society."
An increasingly multicultural, aging population raises issues about social, health and economic disparities, Browne said.
The conference will present research-based practices to address health, social and economic differences and gaps among older people. The causes will be examined, such as cultural beliefs, poverty, discrimination and access to health and social services.
"It is really an international phenomenon that's going to shape everything, how we look at the world, retirement pension plans, security, health care, recreation, employment and productivity," Browne said.
Courses in aging and diversity will run from June 9 to 14. A day-long film series will be held June 11 and a conference on aging and diversity will be June 12-13.
Documentary films and videos on Kamehameha Day will be offered free to the public through the Lifelong Learning Institute.
Films will include "Living Your Dying" from 1 to 2:30 p.m., "Hali'a Aloha Hawaii, 2:30 to 4 p.m., "Best of the Fest" from the Silver Images film Festival, 4:30 to 7 p.m., and "Surfing for Life," 7 to 9 p.m.
Issues relating to the quality of life will be addressed at the conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 12 and 13. For students and people over age 60, the cost is $50, including lunches on both days. For others, the cost is $150.
All events will be in the Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, East-West Center.
People taking the courses also can attend the conference, which will end with a special reception at Washington Place from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 13.
She said many arms of the UH and community agencies are collaborating with the Institute on Aging & Diversity, made possible by grants from the Hawaii Medical Service Association and Hartford Foundation.
For more information or to register, see www.hawaii.edu/sswork/gero, or call Heidi Wong at 956-6136.