What to Do with Mom and Dad

New Developments in Gerontological Psychology

Proactive Interventions

October 31, 2005

Location – The Mansion, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ

Moderator – Robin Winter-Sperry, MD, President of Scientific Advantage LLC
Innovators in MSL Solutions Architecture

Program Highlights:

8:45 a.m. REGISTRATION

Coffee and Danish

9:00 - 9:10 a.m.  WELCOME

Fairleigh Dickinson University

9:15 - 9:25 a.m.  INTRODUCTION

Diane Wentworth, PhD, Chair, Department of Psychology

Fairleigh Dickinson University, College at Florham campus, Madison, NJ.

The Baby Boom generation-the cohort of Americans born between 1946 and 1964-has long commanded the attention of demographers, politicians, marketers, and social scientists. Seventy-six million strong, Baby Boomers represent the largest single sustained growth of the population in the history of the United States. Their mass alone has had an enormous impact on the national psyche, political arena and social fabric. From the youth culture they created in the 1960s and 1970s to the dual-income households of the 1980s and 1990s, this generation has reinterpreted each successive life stage.

As the oldest of the Baby Boomers approach later adulthood they are poised to redefine the next life stage, retirement. A significant portion of these "boomers" are going to need counseling about life changes such as loss of jobs; retirement; failing health and increasing responsibilities. Not only are Baby Boomers going to live longer, they are going to be responsible for their long-lived aged parents.

A high demand for mental health professionals specifically trained to counsel the aging and their family members is projected.

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.  THE RIGHT DIAGNOSIS:

IS IT PSYCHOLOGICAL OR NEUROLOGICAL OR BOTH?

Arthur Winter, MD, Director, New Jersey Neurological Institute

An estimated 25 percent of the people diagnosed with Alzheimer's have another condition masquerading as the disease. The neurological exam may determine that the cause of dementia may be Parkinson's; normal pressure hydrocephalus; high blood pressure, post operative Cognitive Problems, Multi-infarct Dementia, minimal cognitive dementia or and unsuspected medication--all of which are treatable. The diagnostic techniques will be discussed.

10:00 - 10:15 a.m.  BREAK

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.  LIFTING THE CLOUDS OF DEPRESSIONS: 

PROACTIVE METHODS 

Depression in Aging, Recognizing Elder Blues
Claire M. Brody, PhD, Adjunct Faculty, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Active Strategies to Counteract Depression
Barbara Rosenbaum, EdD, MPH, Adjunct Faculty, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Often unrecognized or untreated because of financial restraints, elderly depression is a growing problem. Among suicides, 45 percent occur in persons 60 years and older. Loss of loved ones, loss of occupation, loss of physical abilities, feelings of uselessness all contribute to depression. Diagnostic techniques to diagnose depression, therapies available, and sources of financial aid for treatment will be discussed.

11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.  LUNCH in Lenfell Hall

12:15 - 1 p.m.  Special Guest Speaker presents PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING: 

SOCIETY'S INFLUENCE ON HOW WE DEFINE OURSELVES

Robi Ludwig, PsyD, Nationally known Psychotherapist and Award-winning Reporter

Methods to redefine “aging” as something to embrace will be discussed.

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.  LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS:

RESIDENTIAL, FINANCIAL AND VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 

Kathryn Gann PhD, VP Scientific Development, Scientific Advantage
Member, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)

Richard Ploss, CPA, CFP, JD, Adjunct Faculty, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Member, American Bar Association, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Change is difficult for the aging; they may suffer loss of prestige due to retirement, the need to move from their residence, and adjustment to physical disabilities. There are new residential, vocation, social, and financial opportunities available to keep the aging as independent and content as possible. Estate planning, Healthcare Directives, Wills, Trusts, and Power of Attorney are part of legal solutions to help reduce the aging population’s fear of change.

2:15 - 2:30 p.m.  BREAK

2:30-3:15 p.m.  NEVER TOO OLD FOR SEX

Daniel Watter, EdD, Adjunct Faculty, Fairleigh Dickinson University

The need to express love and be loved does not fade with the years. Adjustments to the psychological and physiological sexual needs of the aging will be discussed.

3:15-3:45 p.m.  THOUGHT EXCHANGE – PANEL AND AUDIENCE

Moderated by Robin Winter-Sperry, MD

Join an interactive opportunity for audience and panelists to brainstorm about creative interventions to counsel the aging.

3:45-4:00 p.m.  CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION (0.5 CEUs) Awarded

Call 1-800-338-3887 to Register

$150 for Professionals                                    $75 for Students