Supporting healthy aging takes more than healthcare alone. It requires collaboration among caregivers, health professionals, community organizations and older adults themselves.

To help foster those conversations, East Tennessee State University's Office of Professional Development will host "The State of Aging in East Tennessee: Older but Better” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, bringing together experts from across the region to explore the opportunities and challenges of aging in Appalachia.

The conference is presented in collaboration with the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability; Alzheimer's Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee-Southwest Virginia; and other regional organizations committed to improving the aging experience.

The conference is one of several initiatives offered through ETSU's Office of Professional Development to support lifelong learning and healthy aging.  

The office also sponsors the Alliance for Continued Learning (ACL), a member-driven program that offers non-credit courses for adults on topics including healthy aging, Medicare, dementia, technology, history and the arts, creating opportunities for continued education, social connection and personal enrichment.

"The Office of Professional Development exists to extend the resources and expertise of ETSU beyond the traditional classroom," said Dr. Ruth Taylor Read, interim director of the Office of Professional Development. "This conference reflects our commitment to bringing together experts, community partners and lifelong learners to address issues that matter deeply to our region while helping individuals and organizations better serve older adults."

The conference will feature discussions on dementia, active aging, creative aging, elder law and other topics affecting older adults and their caregivers. Speakers include:  

  • Jason Walden, director of palliative care at Ballad Health
  • Dr. Lindsay Wilson, hospice and palliative medicine specialist with Ballad Health
  • Amanda Illescas, owner of Olsen’s Martial Arts
  • Dr. Jodi Southerland, assistant professor in the ETSU College of Public Health

"Healthy aging doesn't happen by accident," said Southerland. "It happens when individuals, families, healthcare providers and communities all have access to the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions. This conference is an opportunity to share that knowledge and strengthen support for older adults across our region."

In addition to her role as an assistant professor in the College of Public Health’s Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Southerland also coordinates the college’s Aging Studies and Public Health Certificate program and chairs the Tennessee Public Health Association’s Aging Section. Last year, Southerland was also named to the Lifelong Tennessee Steering Committee, part of the Lifelong Tennessee: A Multisector Plan for Aging Well initiative. 

The symposium builds on ETSU's growing leadership in healthy aging. In recent years, the university earned designation as an Age-Friendly University, joined statewide efforts to develop and launch a dashboard for Tennessee's multisector plan for aging through the Center for Rural Health and Research, and launched the federally funded Clinics Helping Adults Thrive (CHAT) initiative to improve nutrition and reduce social isolation among older adults.

As the flagship institution of Appalachia, ETSU is committed to improving quality of life across the region through research, education and community partnerships.  

The Office of Professional Development plays an important role in that mission by creating accessible learning opportunities that address workforce needs, foster lifelong learning and connect university expertise with communities throughout Northeast Tennessee.

The conference will be held Sept. 16 at the Model Mill Board Room, 500 W. Walnut Street, Johnson City. It is $75 to attend, with discounts available for students and those using the course for continuing education credit.  

For registration information and a complete agenda, visit bit.ly/4xP3wAI or call 423-439-8084. For disability accommodations, contact Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.