Workshop Descriptions

All workshops are held from 2:00-4:30 p.m. at Longview, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY.

April 4, 2012

Aging in Place - The Role of Universal Design

Presenter: Esther Greenhouse, MS, CAPS

Aging in place is a movement to enable people to remain in their own homes as long as possible. An AARP study, Fixing to Stay (2000), found that over 80 percent of persons over 45 years of age wanted to stay in their home throughout their lifetime.

The two hallmarks of aging in place are choice and independence. Universal Design is an approach which can enable persons of all ages and most abilities to live at the highest level of independence possible. Proper design can prevent or enable aging in place. This workshop will introduce the concepts and provide information on aging in place.

Esther Greenhouse is an environmental gerontologist, specializing in the impact of the built environment on the level of functioning and well-being of seniors, and is also involved in the broader movement of Universal Design -- design for everyone, every day. Esther is an advocate for aging in place, and furthers this by teaching Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) courses

April 11, 2012

The Importance of Recreation throughout the Lifespan – Playgrounds for Elders

Presenter: Michael Cohen

Recreation provides benefits at any age – social, fitness, and rehabilitation built into life activities promote health and wellness as well as reduce limitations and restrictions caused by an illness or disabling condition.

Playgrounds for elders provide older adults the opportunity to experience play – outdoor physical activity that can be shared with family members of all ages, and is fun!

This workshop will provide the theoretical information on the value of recreation for older adults, and describe the international interest in playground areas built for elders.

Michael Cohen grew up in Brighton and London, England. In 1979, he graduated from Middlesex University, London, receiving a BSc with honors in society and technology. He has lived in Ithaca, New York, since 1980, where he has designed and built playgrounds for all ages.

April 18, 2012

Financial Concerns for Older Consumers

Presenter: Michael J. Danaher, Jr.

Understanding personal finance instruments that have been developed or expanded in recent years requires knowledge and diligence. Reverse mortgages, annuities, internet banking, and credit and debit cards have different requirements, costs, and effects on personal finances. At the same time, scams on the internet or by mail continue to target older people and their money.

This workshop will discuss the consumer and legal issues of financial contracts, financial exploitation and what can be done to protect older community and family members.

Michael J. Danaher, Jr. is an assistant attorney general in the Binghamton regional office of the New York State attorney general’s office. Mr. Danaher prosecutes consumer fraud and other affirmative justice cases and supervises the attorney general’s Consumer Mediation Program in the Binghamton region. He also handles the not-for-profit cases in the region.