AGING AND THRIVING CONFERENCE 2024
APRIL 30 - MAY 3, 10:30am-12pm

A free, virtual speaker series for older adults and their families:

Staying involved and informed as we age can lessen the challenges and increase the opportunities associated with aging. Thank you for participating in the seventh annual Aging and Thriving Conference, where we are able to learn so much from great speakers on topics related to thriving as we age.

VIEW EACH SPEAKER’S RESOUCE SUGGESTIONS

This program is funded (in part) with grants from Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors and the Leon Levine Foundation.

Unfamiliar with virtual events? We’ll hold a practice Zoom session on Monday April 29, 10:30am!

THIS YEAR’S LINEUP INCLUDES:

Hugh J. Willard, M.Ed, LCMHC, NCC
Willow Way Counseling

OPENING KEYNOTE:
“There is Always Something New Under the Sun”
Tuesday April 30, 10:30am-12pm

This season of life involves important shifts in roles, identity, and purpose. How we consider these for ourselves and our loved ones goes a long, long way towards our health and happiness today and in the time ahead. We will discuss how we see ourselves and our loved ones, and the necessary role that creativity plays in helping us to continue learning, loving, and growing.

Hugh J. Willard is a psychotherapist, singer-songwriter, and author with a career spanning more than thirty-five years. He has developed and taught courses on exploring identity, meaning, and creativity in the second half of life for numerous Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, including those at the Universities of Duke, Georgia, North Carolina State and UNCAsheville. Hugh’s first nonfiction book, Finding Beauty in the Gray: Stories and Verse From the Third Age is newly out. His other published works include a children’s chapter book series, The Goodwill Vulture’s Club, a YA novel titled Degotoga, and a novella titled Clive’s Crossing. He is currently working on his MFA in creative nonfiction at Bay Path University. Hugh also has a podcast series titled Aging Well: Finding Beauty in the Gray. This show explores the themes of identity, meaning, and creativity for the second half of life.

Dustin K. Raymer, MS
Director, Health and Wellness Center at Jewish for Good

“Exercise Prescription Through Life”
Wednesday May 1, 10:30am-12pm

As we age, the recommendations for how much exercise and of what variety, changes. This presentation will take you through the different types and recommendations for a healthier lifestyle.

Dustin Raymer has a BS and MS in exercise physiology with 13 years in the health profession. Dustin is experienced in health promotion, cardiac healthcare, and behavioral weight-loss and is sure to have answers to a variety of questions and topics.

Bryan J. Godfrey, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker, UNC Geriatrics Clinic

“Caring for the Caregiver”
Thursday May 2, 10:30am-12pm

Caring for another person can be a joyous, one-of-a-kind experience of connection and sharing. It can also be an exhausting, overwhelming nightmare — a constant battle not only with the person we care for, but also with our own frustration, guilt, and fear. In this presentation, we’ll explore not only how and why we struggle, but also the ways we can survive and even thrive as we work to provide better care — both for ourselves and for those we care for.

Bryan Godfrey is a licensed clinical social worker at the UNC Geriatrics Clinic in Chapel Hill, where he has served seniors and their caregivers for over 6 years. Originally from Pennsylvania, Bryan earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and provided mental health counseling to underserved adults in north Philadelphia for over 4 years. In his present role as case manager at UNC Geriatrics, Bryan’s responsibility is to help assess patient and caregiver needs, then to facilitate connections to the supports and resources that can help everyone lead a happier, healthier life. Bryan currently lives in Durham with his wife Janice, his cat Furrisha (fur-REE-shah), and his dog Squirrely Temple.

Christina Hall, CAPM, Senior & Speciality Move Manager
Founder and Owner-Operator, Transitions Made Simple

“Navigating Life’s Transitions: Practical Tips for Effective Downsizing”
Friday May 3, 10:30am-12pm

Join Christina, an expert Senior Move Manager, for an insightful session on skillfully navigating life’s transitions. This presentation offers practical strategies for effective downsizing and home adjustments, along with approaches to counter Relocation Stress Syndrome. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to confidently guide yourself and your loved ones through these significant life changes, ensuring a positive and well-managed transition experience.

Christina Hall is the founder and owner-operator of Transitions Made Simple. In her role as a Senior & Specialty Move Manager, she is dedicated to guiding clients and their families seamlessly into their next life chapter.

Holding a degree in Health Care Administration and boasting over a decade of professional experience, Christina brings a unique blend of expertise to the senior move management industry. Before establishing Transitions Made Simple, she held various roles at UNC Health, life plan communities, and skilled nursing facilities. These roles fueled her passion for working with older adults and provided her with the necessary skills to manage complex life transitions with professionalism and compassion.

In addition to her hands-on experience, Christina is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and has undergone formal training specific to the move management industry. This training ensures that every move she oversees is not merely a change of address, but a carefully orchestrated transition.