MCOA 2024 Spring Symposium Countdown Begins!
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Join us for the MCOA Spring Symposium, where innovation meets community!
Delve into workshops like “It’s a Small and Rural Thing,” “Out of the Box Programming,” “Love Letters to my Family Friends,” and more!
Keynote speaker Dr. Ipsit Vahia will illuminate a new model of academic-community partnerships, harnessing technology to redefine research and clinical care for older adults. Explore the impact of Large Language Models on care and discover the cost-effective potential of virtual reality interventions.
Ipsit Vahia, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry
McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Rethinking Academic-Community Partnerships Around Aging in a HyperConnected World
Dr. Ipsit Vahia will discuss how a new model of academic-community partnerships can leverage cutting edge technologies to redefine research and clinical care for older adults. Participants will learn how Large Language Models can impact Care and understand how virtual reality can be a cost effective intervention
Biography
Ipsit Vahia, MD, is a geriatric psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher. He is the interim chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and director of Digital Psychiatry Translation at McLean Hospital. He is also director of the Technology and Aging Laboratory. His research focuses on the use of technology and informatics in the assessment and management of older adults and currently, he oversees a clinical and research program on aging, behavior, and technology. He has published extensively in major international journals and textbooks.
Dr. Vahia serves on the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Council on Geriatric Psychiatry and the Geriatric Psychiatry Committee of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has served on the board of directors of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) and on the editorial boards of five journals including his current role as social media editor of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards including the 2016 AAGP Barry Lebowitz Award and the 2014 APA Hartford Jeste Award.
Spring Symposium Schedule
2024 Spring Symposium, College of Holy Cross
Hogan Campus Center
May 16, 2024
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| 9:30 – 10:00 am | Registration and Breakfast |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am | Welcome & Introductions |
| Betsy Connell, MCOA Executive Director | |
| Donna Popkin, MCOA Introduction to the COA Board Resource Guide | |
| Susan Flanagan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield | |
| Jodi Breidel, EOEA | |
| 10:45 – 11:45 am | Workshop Session I |
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| 11:45 – 1:00 pm | Lunch & Keynote Speaker |
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| 1:15 – 2:15 pm | Workshop II |
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| 2:30 – 3:30 pm | Workshop III |
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SESSION I
An updated review of dementia risk factors and how to protect yourself
This workshop will provide an overview of dementia risk factors, as well as showcase resources to help create a personalized action plan aimed at promoting health brain and cognitive aging.
Regan Patrick, Neuropsychologist, McClean Hospital
Elise I. Welton, Neuropsychologist, McClean Hospital
Discussing Dining Programs: Difficulties and Delights
Onsite food programs, whether new or established, meet a host of challenges. Come hear challenges and solutions, stay to brainstorm and leave with resources and action steps to improve your site.
Tara Hammes, Healthy Aging Manager, MCOA
Sue Doherty, Lunenburg COA
Sarah Amaral, Franklin COA
Jodi Zepke, Ludlow COA
The Driving Decision
The Registry of Motor Vehicles’ Driving Decision workshop focuses on driver safety, mobility, license renewal policies, liability, and driving retirement.
Michele Ellicks, Community Outreach, MA Registry of Motor Vehicles
SESSION II
Out of the Box Programming
Learn about a successful programming model at our Senior Center that puts the power in the hands of amazing volunteers! Volunteer leaders take ownership of specific activities, fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. You will hear about two different volunteer-led groups happening in Southborough!
Pam LeFrancois Senior Center Director in Southborough for 23 Years
Peg Leonard Program Manager for 15 years
William Harrington Previous COA Chair, current Board Member and Leader of the Dull Men’s Group
Mary Ann Anderson COA Board Member and Leader of the Trailblazer Group
Bringing calm into your senior center: The importance of mindfulness programs for older adults
This interactive workshop will highlight the critical need for senior centers to offer regular mindfulness programming as part of their offerings to support the physical and emotional of their seniors
It’s a Small & Rural Thing!
All COAs are the same right? Not true – small and rural COAs have unique challenges. Join our panel of four COA Directors who share their own challenges and solutions!
Kelly Burke, Member Services Manager, MCOA
Brenda Palmer, Director/Holland COA
Dorothy Burritt, Director/Eastham COA
Jane Carthas, Director/Avon
Carol Grueneich, Director/Carlisle
SESSION III
Helping Older Adults Keep or Find Housing: Roundtable Discussion with COA Staff Members
A peer discussion on helping older adult clients find and protect housing.
Hayley Wood, Economic Security & Outreach Manager, MCOA
Kimberly Gagnon, Council on Aging Director, Lowell
Glady Rosa, Outreach Coordinator, Lowell
Linda Wincek Moore, Manager of Senior Services and Education, Worcester
Ashley Fraga, Outreach Coordinator, Easthampton
Cynthia Tarail, Director, Easthampton
Love Letters to My Family & Friends . . .
In this workshop, we will explore several ways we can help people gain the courage to express their love and appreciation through the writing of love letters.
Cheryl Botieri, End-of-Life Educator and Family Support Specialist
Unlock the Power of AI: Work Smarter, Not Harder!
Discover AI’s power! Streamline tasks, boost efficiency, focus on serving seniors.
Paula Hersey, Digital Marketing & Communications Manager, MCOA
Downloading and installing the MCOA Events app is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
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Visit Your Phone’s App Store: Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, head over to your respective app store.
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Search for MCOA Annual Conference: Once you’re in the app store, use the search function to find the MCOA Annual Conference app. You can also scan the QR codes provided for quick access. (Look for our Logo!)
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Get or Install the App: When you find the app, simply tap on the “GET” or “INSTALL” button to download it to your phone.
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Open the App and Sign In: After the app is installed, open it up. You’ll find the sign-in option at the top right corner. Make sure to sign in using the email address you used to register for the conference.
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Enter the Access Code: Follow the on-screen instructions to check your email for the Access Code. Once you have it, enter it into the app.
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You’re In!: Congratulations, you’re now logged into the MCOA Annual Conference app as an attendee! From here, you can explore workshops, view schedules, access FAQs, and connect with other attendees through direct messaging and a symposium socila feed.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource for the conference. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store!
Map & Directions
1 College St, Worcester, MA 01610