UTHSC-H School of Nursing Center on Aging
to host Annual Selenia and Joseph Valley Conference
HOUSTON – (Aug. 28, 2008) – The 22nd Annual Selenia E. and Joseph C. Valley, Sr. Conference will explore innovative ways to ensure the health and well-being of Houston’s aging population.
The projected growth of Harris County’s elderly population mirrors national and state trends. In 2000, there were 252,895 adults 65 years of age and older in Harris County, accounting for 7.4 percent of the total population, according to Care for Elders, a Houston-based nonprofit that focuses on elder care issues. By 2036, adults older than 65 will number 865,000 and make up 16 percent of the Harris County population. By 2040, the number is expected to climb to 985,000.
The Valley Conference will address the needs of Houston’s aging population. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center, 4800 Calhoun Street.
The conference, sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing Center on Aging, will include guest speakers, panel discussions and a keynote address by Kelley Moseley, Ph.D, director of the Health Care Administration Program at Texas Woman’s University – Houston Center. Moseley’s keynote address is titled “Initiating and Evaluating Innovative Programs that Address Needs of the Elderly.”
A primary focus of this year’s conference will be on the Houston Aging Agenda – the programs and goals created by Houston Mayor Bill White to make Houston a better place for the aging population. The Houston Aging Agenda hopes to build a community that provides affordable housing for older adults and fosters meaningful connections for older adults with family, neighbors and friends. The agenda also is designed to mobilize resources to facilitate “living at home,” promote accessibility to affordable transportation, health care and other services; and provide for lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities.
In addition, the conference will honor a community advocate for outstanding contributions in the past year. Betty Streckfuss, 2007-2008 deputy speaker pro tem of the 11th Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, will be recognized as the Joseph C. Valley Community Advocate of the Year. There also will be awards for eight assisted-living activity directors who have contributed tremendously to improving the quality of life of residents.
The conference is aimed at professionals who work with geriatric populations, and the general public is welcome. The registration fee is $75 for health care professionals and $50 for students and the public. There is a $25 fee for those wishing to attend the awards luncheon only.
For information, call 713-500-9924 or visit http://son.uth.tmc.edu/coa/default.htm