(Stillwater, Okla.)Â Balancing the demands that caregivers find themselves in as they try to balance between raising their own children, leading their own lives and helping aging family and friends is challenging and rewarding. Aging Advocates are hosting a workshop, Mindfulness & Aging: Supporting the Caregiving Family, on Thur., Oct. 3, to help develop strategies and find support. The workshop will be held at the First Christian Church, 411 W. Mathews, from 6-8 p.m. Dr. Emily Roberts, a member of the Oklahoma State University College of Human Sciences faculty will focus on developing mindfulness tools to impact personal and family flexibility and balance while acknowledging stressful circumstances that impact caregiving families. This presentation is for both current and future family members of individuals living with illness or disability associated with aging.
Statistics show adult caregivers share a range of feelings about the caregiving experience and how they cope affects them on a multi-level of emotion, physical and spiritual aspect.
Roberts has a research interest in care environments for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. She holds a Ph.D in Architectural Studies and a Masters in Gerontology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She previously attained a Masters of Architecture from the University of New Mexico and is dedicated to educating a new generation of problem solvers about the values and practices to create a culture of aging that is life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful. The health, economic and social challenges which face this and future generations of older Americans have implications for individuals, their family and their community and will require a holistic and proactive approach. Dr. Roberts’ research interests stem from these shared challenges and opportunities for change locally, nationally and internationally and she is currently a Principle Investigator on a 2-year USDA-NIFA Caregiving Education grant.
LIFE Adult Day Center is providing respite care for caregivers and their loved ones who would like to attend the workshop. There will be a light supper. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call, 405-744-3818.
Aging Advocates, a group of area businesses and agencies in the Stillwater area, come together monthly to advocate for older adults.
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