Aging and Wellness in Difficult Times

The annual Spirituality and Aging Conference will be held on Saturday, February 14. The event will take place at St. Pius X Parish Center (1280 NW Saltzman Road) in Portland. The theme for this year’s conference is “Aging and Wellness in Difficult Times.”

The conference will begin with Opening Prayer at 8:30 a.m. The Spirituality Keynote address will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the Healthcare Keynote will be at 10:30 a.m. Mass will begin at 12:00 noon, followed by lunch and the panel discussion at 1:45 p.m., and the conference will end at 3:30 p.m.

Richard P. Johnson, Ph.D, will give the Spirituality Keynote address. His presentation will be “Reverent Aging: Learning the Art of Exceptional Living in the Renewal Years (ages 65 and over)”. Dr. Johnson’s will consider the question, “What spiritual forces and factors spell the difference between living a lackluster life of personal regression and resignation, on the one hand, and living a lustrous life of continuous renewal and personal robustness on the other?” Dr. Johnson will present a vision of what full and optimal wellness can be in the later years; what it means to thrive and not merely survive. His research and writing on the topic of living fully in the mature years portrays how one’s faith is truly at the center of one’s health and well-being in body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Richard P. Johnson is nationally recognized for his work with lifelong adult personal and faith development. He has taught hundreds of lifelong adult ministry leaders. His fresh ideas on the spiritual aspects of adult development have inspired many to follow their hearts and serve lifelong adults. His personal ministry is highly respected in all Christian denominations.

Dr. Johnson was formerly president of the American Association for Adult Development and Aging. He was Director of Behavioral Sciences at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis for 15 years; he is currently president of Association for Lifelong Adult Ministry (ALAM), and an active author and presenter. He has written many articles and eleven books all focused upon God’s expansive grace in the maturing years.

The Healthcare Keynote address “Long-term Healthcare in Oregon” will be presented by Mary Radtke Klein. Her presentation will help participants understand the long-term healthcare system, and the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Ms. Klein will explore the basics of better understanding the Oregon health care system and healthcare options. She will consider what living arrangements are available to seniors investigating independent living, assisted living or nursing care.

Mary Radtke Klein is a local expert and speaker on Oregon healthcare issues. She is a consultant who heads Assisted Living Associates and an educator in a state-approved training course for Assisted Living and Residential Care Facility Administrators. She has worked with local senior advocacy groups, provider organizations such as Terwilliger Plaza, Providence ElderPlace and the MacDonald Residence, and out-of-state assisted living facilities and developers. She is committed to helping consumers find appropriate services and advocate for good care.

The panel discussion will center on the topic “Aging in Grace through Community.” Representatives from the Housing Office of the Archdiocese of Portland will present on the key spiritual and practical needs of aging persons and how to address these needs through a variety of services. A team of geriatric professionals, drawing from their extensive experience in service to the aging community, will discuss the topics of healthcare assessment, housing, financial considerations as well as the spiritual aspects of caregiving.

The panel will be led by Father Michael Maslowsky, Director of the Pastoral Services Department of the Archdiocese of Portland and the President of Services for All Generations Enterprises. The Housing Office will also be presenting its newly formed team approach for addressing educational needs of Catholic parishes concerning aging issues.

The Spirituality and Aging Conference is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Office for Marriage, Family Life and Aging Ministry. The registration cost, which includes lunch, is $20 until February 6, and $25 after February 6. For groups of three or more, the cost is $15 each. For registration, contact the Pastoral Services Department, Archdiocese of Portland, 2838 E. Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214, 503-233-8319.

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