International Conference on Aging and Spirituality 2009

Sunday 30 August to Wednesday 2 September 2009 at the University of Auckland Business School, Grafton Road, Auckland City, Auckland New Zealand.

Hosted by Selwyn Centre for Aging and Spirituality (SCAS)

Journey to Auckland for a Voyage into Faith-based Aging and Care

Evidence-based models of medical care have paved the way for people to live much longer, healthier, physical lives. But has the quality of spiritual guidance and care offered to older people kept pace? Are older people’s spiritual needs being adequately met in healthcare and social systems around the world?

The 2009 International Conference on Aging and Spirituality will bring together researchers, aged care practitioners, and anyone with an interest in helping older people find deepest meaning and fulfillment in life.

The issues of aging and spirituality will be discussed against the backdrop of gender, culture and new models of care. This conference will consider the positive possibilities of aging well, and flourishing, despite difficulties.



Conference Themes:

- Advocacy, Policy formation and influencing political thinking

- ‘Baby Boomers’: spiritual models of care and lifestyle for the free thinking, wealthier, independent generation.

- Indigenous issues and cultural experiences: real life case studies on aging and spirituality in non-Western societies.

- Holistic ‘whole person’ care in an age where science is king

- End of life issues: touchstones and challenges

- Pastoral care and ministry in aging communities

- Funding and spiritual models of care: is the recognition there?



Call for Papers

The Organising Committee of the 2009 International Conference on Aging and Spirituality is pleased to invite submission of papers for presentation at the conference on any of the themes listed above. Initial expressions of interest should be as paper abstracts, a maximum of 400 words, and as MS-Word attachments to an email sent to conference@selwyncare.org.nz. Please include author and organisation information as well as an indication of the theme area the paper fits within.

Key dates (subject to minor changes)

June 08 - initial call for abstracts

December 08 - abstract submission close off

February 09 - paper reviews completed

June 09 - speakers and conference programme confirmed and published

30 August 09 to 2 September 09 - Conference



Recommended for:

- Health professionals working with older people of diverse cultures and faiths in indigenous cultural environments

- Clergy, chaplains, theologians, spiritual or faith leaders

- Pastoral care givers

- Diversional therapists

- Aged care leaders, administrators and directors of listed and non-listed aged care organisations

- Researchers in aging, spirituality, and new models of aged care

- Aged care policy makers and funders

- Political leaders

- Media with interests in aged care, social or health policy or matters of faith

- Older people with interests in this area

Register here: http://www.selwyncare.org.nz/?t=139