ISHPEMING — Michigan State University (MSU) AgeAlive will host their 2024 Annual Research Forum, “Shattering Ageism: Creating Communities That Embrace All Ages,” on Wednesday, providing insight into research across the MSU campus and the state of Michigan that addresses issues of aging with a focus on communities and organizations that create initiatives for all ages while discouraging age bias

Free and open to the public, the event will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in-person through a remote viewing option at the Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center at 121 Greenwood St in Ishpeming. Attendees will participate from the center while speakers present from East Lansing. Onsite facilitators will be on hand to lead activities and help answer questions. An in-person session is also offered at the MSU Federal Credit Union Community Room –Farm Lane Branch located at 4825 Mt. Hope Road, in East Lansing, where the presenters will be onsite. Virtual participation is also available beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Zoom.

“The MSU AgeAlive Annual Research Forum offers the campus and community an opportunity to learn more about the important aging-related research that is happening at MSU,” said Clare Luz, Ph.D., director, MSU AgeAlive and IMPART Alliance, and associate professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“We are also excited to partner this year with the Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center to offer our first remote viewing of the forum in the Upper Peninsula,” said Dr. Luz. Through the remote viewing option, participants will gather at the senior center and watch the forum on the center’s big screen and participate in activities with the support of the facilitators.

“In Marquette County alone, we have four senior centers who provide critical support and services to the greater community. This program and others offered through the centers play an important role in helping to support lifelong learning, help guide people to resources, reduce isolation and loneliness, and help support people as they age in place safely in their homes as long as possible,” said Ashley Roberts, executive director, Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center. “We hope this program will be one of many more opportunities to come to support additional learning opportunities for the community and create positive discussion.”

This year’s keynote will be conducted by Dr. Luz focusing on Ageism. An MSU Aging Research “Gems” Panel will be offered featuring topics on “Aging gracefully or grudgingly? How and why people avoid identifying as old and the opportunities they miss when they do so,” by Dr. William Chopik, associate professor of the MSU Department of Psychology; “Social Relationships in Later Life: Does Marital Status Matter?”, by Dr. Zhenmei Zhang, professor of the MSU Department of Sociology; and “Bringing digital literacy to ‘hard to reach’ older adults: Some strategies,” by Dr. Paul Freddolino, MSU professor in the School of Social Work.

An Age-Friendly Initiatives Panel also will be held featuring Kayla Smith, chair of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Age-friendly Michigan Steering Committee, and Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator; Karen S. Adcock, SCD, director of Auburn Hills Recreation and Senior Services; and Christi Demitz, MSW, CFLE, educator of Extension Health at MSU Extension.

A light breakfast will be provided along with an opportunity to visit resource tables at both in-person sites. Lunch will be available at the Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center following the program.

For more information or to register, visit www.agealive.org, contact the Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center at 906-485-5527, or email picotte@msu.edu. Registration is recommended by Tuesday, April 9 for the Ishpeming remote viewing.