Hosted by the University of Utah and the multidisciplinary group Utah Geriatric Education Consortium, on Sept. 22-23, the Age-Friendly Communities Symposium brings together individuals from the Intermountain West to identify innovations and opportunities that will transform how neighborhoods, campuses and health environments foster the independence, productivity and well-being of older adults.

In a virtual modality, participants will learn from national and regional experts to envision age-friendly futures through knowledge exchange, generating ideas and expanding networks. Open to professionals, practitioners and students from different fields, the symposium is especially valuable for individuals in nursing, sociology, architecture, planning, health sciences, public health, education psychology and social work.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Terry Fulmer, an internationally recognized leading expert in the field of aging. Fulmer is president of the John A. Hartford Foundation in New York City, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. Speakers of the symposium are renowned experts who will define core issues and opportunities facing age-friendly neighborhoods, campuses and health environments, emphasizing factors for promoting age inclusivity in the region.

Registration is now open. Students attend for free. Tickets for governmental and elected officials cost $15, and practitioners and professionals pay $25.

Student competition

Undergraduate and graduate student participants are invited to contribute to an “ideas” competition focused on envisioning initiatives that improve age inclusivity and intergenerational connections. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams, presenting their thoughts virtually. Winners will be announced, and cash prizes will be awarded on Friday, Sept. 23.

In-person activities will also be available for participants in the Salt Lake area, including a networking reception at the University of Utah, following the keynote address on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 22, and a Community Walk with the University of Utah’s Age Friendly Gerontology Program Team on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Rio Tinto Stadium.

For more information regarding the event, please contact the symposium chairs Linda Edelman at linda.edelman@nurs.utah.edu or Valerie Greer at valerie.greer@utah.edu.