APRIL 20–23: 10:30am-12pm (ET) (via Zoom)
Aging brings both challenges and possibilities — and none of us has to navigate them alone. Join us for our ninth annual Aging & Thriving Conference, a virtual gathering designed to help older adults and their families stay informed, connected, and empowered. Together, we’ll explore practical tools, meaningful conversations, and inspiring insights that help us age with confidence and community.
This program is funded (in part) by grants from Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors and the Leon Levine Foundation.
THIS YEAR’S SPEAKER LINEUP:
Monday April 20, 10:30am
“Well-Being in Action”
Jesse Erdheim, Ph.D.
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
Well-being is not a luxury — it’s a practice. In this engaging, science-based workshop, Dr. Erdheim will introduce three powerful tools for cultivating resilience and connection: mindful awareness, gratitude, and awe. Participants will experience simple, evidence-based exercises they can immediately integrate into daily life to foster greater calm, presence, and meaning. You’ll leave with practical strategies to strengthen emotional well-being and approach each day with greater intention.
Jesse Erdheim, Ph.D., is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with 20 years of experience helping individuals and groups enhance well-being, resilience, and connection. Drawing from Positive Psychology, mindfulness, and behavioral science, he empowers people to flourish in meaningful, sustainable ways. In his private practice, he works with individuals, couples, and groups to cultivate intentional, thriving lives.
Tuesday April 21, 10:30am
“The Power of Adult Day Programs: Care for the Whole Family”
Meg Rayder, MSW
Adult Day Program Director
The Norma and Robert Gindes Center at Jewish for Good
Adult Day Centers can be life-changing — offering purpose, engagement, and compassionate support for older adults while providing meaningful relief for caregivers. This session will demystify adult day programs, explore different models of care, and outline how they support individuals living with cognitive or mobility challenges. Participants will learn what questions to ask, what to look for in a program, and how to confidently evaluate options for themselves or a loved one.
Meg Rayder, MSW, serves as the Adult Day Program Director at The Norma and Robert Gindes Center at Jewish for Good. With extensive experience in hospice care, medical social work, and caregiver support, she is passionate about creating enriching environments where participants feel valued and connected. Meg earned both her BSW and MSW from the University of Central Florida and brings deep compassion and expertise to her work with families.
Wednesday April 22, 10:30am
“Hear Better, Think Better: Understanding Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health”
Patty Wild, M.A.
Audiologist
Hearing loss is more than an inconvenience — it can impact communication, relationships, and even cognitive health. In this informative session, Patty Wild will explore current research linking untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline and discuss why early identification matters. She will also provide practical guidance on seeking help, understanding treatment options, and how hearing aids can support continued engagement and brain health.
Patty Wild, M.A., is a recently retired audiologist with more than four decades of experience serving older adults. She trained at the University of Denver and worked for 18 years in a California community hospital rehabilitation center before spending 23 years at North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic in Durham. Throughout her career, she specialized in hearing testing, hearing aid fittings, and ongoing care focused on improving quality of life.
Thursday April 23, 10:30am
“Advanced Care Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones”
Jonathan E. Fischer, MD, CAQHM
Associate Professor
Department of Community and Family Medicine
Division of Palliative Care, Duke University
Advanced care planning is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give the people we love. While these conversations can feel difficult, having them early ensures your wishes are understood and reduces stress during times of crisis. Dr. Fischer will offer a practical framework for approaching these discussions with clarity and compassion, along with communication tools to help navigate potential challenges along the way.
Jonathan E. Fischer, MD, CAQHM, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community and Family Medicine and the Division of Palliative Care at Duke University. He provides palliative care consults at Duke Hospitals and serves as a physician with Duke Hospice. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Fischer teaches communication skills across the health system and has instructed medical students at both Duke and UNC Schools of Medicine.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO ARTICLES, VIDEOS AND HELPFUL RESOURCES
PROVIDED BY OUR SPEAKERS:
Monday April 20, 10:30am
“Well-Being in Action”
Jesse Erdheim, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center Magazine
The How of Happiness by Sonya Lyubomirsky
Dan Gilbert: The Surprising Science of Happiness
Dacher Keltner: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flow, the Secret to Happiness
Laurie Santos: The Happiness Lab Podcast
Mindfulness Daily with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach
Tuesday April 21, 10:30am
“The Power of Adult Day Programs: Care for the Whole Family”
Meg Rayder, MSW
National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA): What adult day services are, benefits, and program types
Administration for Community Living: Caregiver Resources & Support
Alzheimer’s Association: Adult Day Services Guide
AARP: Choosing an Adult Day Care Center
Wednesday April 22, 10:30am
“Hear Better, Think Better: Understanding Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health”
Patty Wild, M.A.
“Lose Your Hearing, Lose Your Mind?”: ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) — A clear article on the complex relationship between hearing loss and cognition.
Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline: NIH — Overview of research showing hearing aids may reduce cognitive decline in older adults. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Hearing Wellness Journey Podcast — Personal stories and expert discussions about hearing loss, living with it, and hearing technologies
Hearing Aids Stave Off Cognitive Decline: Scientific American podcast — A short episode about the potential benefits of hearing aids for brain health.
Thursday April 23, 10:30am
“Advanced Care Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones”
Jonathan E. Fischer, MD, CAQHM
The Conversation Project: Helping people share their wishes for care through the end of life.
Recommend the books:
“Being Mortal” by Atul Gwande
“When Breath Becomes Air,” a posthumous memoir by neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi
WATCH AGING AND THRIVING TALKS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:
2025 Speaker Presentations:
2024 SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS:
Hugh J. Willard, M.Ed, LCMHC, NCC
Willow Way Counseling
OPENING KEYNOTE:
“There is Always Something
New Under the Sun”
Dustin K. Raymer, MS
Director, Health and Wellness Center at Jewish for Good
“Exercise Prescription Through Life”
Bryan J. Godfrey, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker, UNC Geriatrics Clinic
“Caring for the Caregiver”
Christina Hall, CAPM, Senior & Speciality Move Manager
Founder and Owner-Operator, Transitions Made Simple
“Navigating Life’s Transitions: Practical Tips for Effective Downsizing”
2023 SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS:
“Proactive Planning for Aging and Engaging”
“Planning for Difficult Conversations”
“Enhancing Healthy Brain Aging”
“Protein's Role in a Diet for Strength and Longevity”
2022 SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS:
“Increase Calm in Your Life Through Mindfulness”
“Movement for
Older Adults”
“COVID 19: From
Pandemic to Endemic”
“Staying Safe While
Socializing Online”
2021 Speaker Presentations:
“Solo and Savvy: Aging Alone”
“Staying Safe, Avoiding Scams”
“Thriving as You Age”
“Life After the COVID Vaccine”
