This year, the eCareDiary team participated in AARP’s national conference in Orlando, Florida September 30 through October 2, 2010 for the first time as both an exhibitor and guest presenter. In addition, eCareDiary is very proud to announce that we were featured in AARP's "11 Technologies You'll Want Now!" as part of the “Technology, Independent Living” panel discussion at the conference.
This was the first time AARP featured a dedicated program, “Celebration of Caregiving,” at their annual conference to honor the 44 million family caregivers in the U.S. The program offered seminars and exhibits addressing the growing phenomenon of caregiving as the aging population is expected to increase 3 fold by 2030.
AARP is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to promoting the welfare of senior citizens and is the most powerful lobbying group on behalf of seniors. With over 40 million members, membership has always been open to people 50 years of age and over.
With Celebration of Caregiving, AARP specifically focused on their members in the 50 to 65 age group, the baby boomers, who make up most of the family caregivers of aging loved ones in this country. AARP featured workshops on caregiving, an exhibit booth where massagers were handed out, a treasure hunt sweepstakes for a day at the spa. In addition to these activities, AARP sought out family caregivers to tell their stories on camera with the plan of posting them on the Internet as a resource.
According to Elinor Ginzler, Senior Vice President of AARP’s Office of Social Impact and lead spokesperson on caregiving, “We are sending (caregivers) the message, ‘Take care of yourselves. You are so needed and so wanted in today’s world.’”
See Co-Founder Susan Baida’s video interview with Elinor Ginzler direct from the conference on our Video Page.
The following is a list of the workshops held as part of AARP’s “Celebration of Caregiving.” We have provided links to all the ones that are available online.
Thursday September 30
Perfectly Imperfect — Lee Woodruff shares her take on life with humor and poignancy as a daughter, wife, working woman and caregiver in W221 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Great Places to Live and Why They Are Ahead of the Curve — Learn what to look for in a community when deciding whether to stay or move, including why some communities make the living easier in the travel pavilion from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Caring Women: Things Mama Forgot to Mention — Caring for a loved one? You’re not alone. Hear our tribute to the millions of Americans caring for a loved and learn how AARP can help in W224 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tips and Technology to Change Your Behind the Wheel Experience — Driving these days just isn’t the same. Learn about all the technological advances being built into cars today to make driving easier and safer at the Technology Pavilion Stage from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Friday October 1
What Are the Secrets of Living a Long, Healthy and Robust Life? — Leading health experts look at the evidence and come up with a plan we can live long with in W230 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Solutions Overview, Today and Tomorrow: Technologies for Healthy and Independent Living — Find out how new technology can help us manage everyday challenges and keep us safer and healthier in the Technology Pavilion Stage from 11:00 a.m. to12 p.m.
Learn Boomer Yoga Techniques — Keep Your Body Young, Your Mind Vibrant and Your Soul Soaring at the AARP Pavilion Stage from 12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
How to Navigate Your Way Around Your Physician’s Office — Noted health care experts discuss how to ask your doctor or nurse the right questions at the right time to get answers you’ll understand in W221 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday October 2
Chair Yoga—A Practice for All Ages — Feel the joy of serenity and motion that yoga can bring to anyone at the Home & Garden Pavilion Stage from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Revitalizing Your Home: Beautiful Living for the Second Half of Life — Learn about amenities and features that make for a comfortable and connected lifestyle in W224 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Health Care Reform: What Consumers Need to Know — The new health law, what is in it for you and those you care about? Join our discussion in W221 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Simple Relaxation Methods for Caregivers--Learn ways you can relax and let tranquility replace the stress of everyday life. A free five prong-massager is yours at the Government and Non-Profit Pavilion Stage from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
