November 12 Event to Focus on Achieving Purpose In the Second Half of Life
Evanston, IL, October 13, 2008 — Chicago-area residents will have the opportunity to participate in the November 12, 2008 Second Annual National Positive Aging Conference where world-renowned experts and best-selling authors will address the importance of purpose and meaning in later life as well as lessons for health and longevity learned from regions around the world. The conference, featuring nationally-recognized thought leaders including Richard Bolles and Richard Leider and others, will be broadcast live via satellite from the University of Minnesota on November 12, at the campus locations of National Louis University in Chicago, Skokie, and Lisle.
“Participants will share important tools and resources for engagement, vitality, and establishing positive aging experiences in the second half of life,” said Ann Rich, director of Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative (CLOI), one of the sponsors of the Chicago event. “We also want this event to be a catalyst for creating new opportunities that will unite the untapped talents of older adults with Chicago area organizations to address community-identified needs. Giving back to the community is a wonderful avenue to finding purpose and meaning in one’s life and contributes greatly to positive aging.”
The conference features aging experts including: Richard Bolles (What Color is Your Parachute?), Richard Leider (Something to Live For), Mary Jo Kreitzer (Center for Spirituality & Healing), Harry R. Moody (AARP), Dan Buettner (The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Live the Longest), and Joanne Disch (Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership).
A cross section of Chicago-area organizations have come together to facilitate and promote the conference because of the growing attention on aging and second half-of-life planning. “There is a strong interest among baby boomers to find purpose and meaning in later life, whether it be through employment, volunteerism, and/or life long learning opportunities. So the topic is very timely, with individuals and the organizations that work with them,” said Rich.
Among the supporting organizations are The Center for Positive Aging at National-Louis University; the Center For Creative Aging at Harold Washington College; Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative; CJE Senior Life; and Mather LifeWays.
The Conference telecast will take place Wednesday, November 12, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at National-Louis University campuses in Chicago (122 S. Michigan Ave.); Skokie (5202 Old Orchard Road); and Lisle (850 Warrenville Road). Cost is $35.00 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Registration information is available by visiting: www.cje.net or calling: Mather LifeWays Info Plus: (888) 600.2560.
About Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative
Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative (CLOI) is a partnership of CJE SeniorLife and Mather LifeWays that unites the wisdom and experience of older adults with Chicago area non-profit organizations to address community-identified needs through volunteerism and employment. CLOI is partially funded through the generous support of the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Fund, the JUF/ Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, and Mather LifeWays.
About Mather LifeWays
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well.SM Founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and humanitarian Alonzo Mather, Mather LifeWays is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of living and care; making neighborhoods better places for older adults to live, work, learn, contribute and play; and identifying, implementing and sharing progressive practices for wellness, workforce issues, memory care support and empowering caregivers. To learn more about our senior living residences, community initiatives, Institute on Aging and how to make a tax-deductible donation, please call (847) 492-7500 or visit www.matherlifeways.com.
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