Learning about aging, longevity, and long term care may make all the difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Remaining as independent as possible, whether residing at home, in the home of family, or in an assisted living setting, is something we all want.  There are various ways to help.

This week there are two events in the Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR area. One is a conference that features a nationally recognized expert on aging and longevity, the other is training for persons who are interested in volunteering to help improve the quality of life and ensure the rights of the elderly and disabled living in long term care homes.

Oregon Health and Science University is holding its second annual Healthy Aging Conference Wednesday, October 10, at the Portland Art Museum from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Dr. Walter Bortz II, a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, will present the keynote address at the conference, “The Science and Art of Healthy Aging.”  There will also be panels on sleep, exercise, technology and other topics and there will be presentations on incorporating art into healthy aging.  The cost is $15 and will include a complimentary entrance into the museum’s The Body Beautiful exhibit.  You can contact Brittany Sale at saleb@ohsu.edu for registration questions.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program will be training persons who would like to volunteer about four hours a week to help improve quality of life and ensure the rights of persons living in long term care settings.  The training will be held October 9 through 11 in Vancouver.  For more information or to register, contact Staci Levison at 360-992-4070 or levissm@dshs.wa.gov.

No matter the residential setting of someone who is aging, whether they are in an assisted living setting in Vancouver, WA, Clark County, or in nearby Portland, being aware of how health differs in order to increase longevity and quality of life is valuable information.  We encourage you to get involved. Knowledge is power.