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Annual Symposium Addresses Tech, Ethics and Spirituality

October 17, 2022

COLUMBUS, OH—More than 125 individuals gathered both in-person and virtually for the United Church Homes’ seventh annual Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging symposium, which was held at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, OH, on September 30th.

This year’s event was titled “(Pro) Longevity: The Convergence of Ethics, Technology and Spirituality” and discussed how tech affects spirituality and the alternative, future tech aging interventions, ethics and tech through the lens of Christianity, and identifying ethical and spiritual challenges in regard to technology.

The keynote speaker for the event—Dr. Tracy J. Trothen, professor of ethics and the school of rehabilitation therapy at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada—was awarded the Ruth Frost Parker Center Award for Contribution to Abundant Aging for her contribution to transforming how we think about aging, and her perspective in helping older adults age abundantly while engaging in technology.

Eric Johnson, former fellow through The Dayton Foundation’s Del Mar Encore Fellow program received a Special Recognition Award for his establishment of the Art of Aging podcast series that explored aging through a variety of different perspectives.

“We are grateful for another successful event shining a light on some of the ethical and spiritual implications related to our increasing use of technology—particularly tech that enhances and extends longevity,” said Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, vice president of engagement and executive director of United Church Homes’ Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging.

The event was moderated by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel, president and chief executive officer of United Church Homes. Several other industry leaders served as panelists, such as Dr. Joseph Coughlin, director of the MIT AgeLab; Liz Cramer, post-acute care director of CDW’s health care division; and Ravi Kunduru, founder and CEO of QurHealth. Other industry leaders and experts were present, as well as United Church Homes staff members.

The 2023 event is scheduled for October 6th and will explore the effects of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination about aging on our personal and collective lives.

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