Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium – Perspectives in Aging: Strategies for Clinicians and Caregivers

Charles E. Smith Life Communities, in partnership with Suburban Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, is pleased to convene the fifteenth annual Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Healthcare Symposium, Perspectives on Aging: Strategies for Clinicians and Caregivers. The symposium is made possible by the generosity of Drs. Ellen and Stuart Lessans, in memory of Stuart’s parents, Sara and Samuel J. Lessans.

Join leading physicians and healthcare professionals for an inclusive and dynamic day of education as we explore the factors that contribute to healthy aging. Sessions will focus on the importance of social connections, the negative impact of ageism and health policy related to aging.  Speakers will discuss the links between limited social engagement and cognitive decline, how ageism can negatively affect older adults and how policies are being managed and enhanced to assist older adults.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand how to help patients improve their physical, mental and cognitive health.
• Learn about research related to ageism and how healthcare professionals can combat its negative effects.
• Discover the latest studies on social interaction and cognitive health, and gain insight into evidence-based approaches to help improve the lives of older adults.

Charles E. Smith Life Communities has applied for continuing education credits for social workers, nursing home and assisted living managers, and contact hours for nurses.

Morning Keynote Speaker: Allison Gilbert, Emmy Award-winning journalist and author
Moderator: Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH, Executive Director of the Foundation for Social Connection.

Kickstarting Connection: Insights and Wisdom from “The Joy of Connections”, Dr. Ruth’s Final Book

In today’s challenging and often isolating times, we all yearn for deeper and more fulfilling connections. Join us for an inspiring fireside chat featuring Allison Gilbert, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-author of Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s final book, The Joy of Connections. Packed with 100 practical strategies you can implement right away, this action-driven guidebook offers more than just solutions for overcoming loneliness — it is anchored by Dr. Ruth’s own story, from the horrific loneliness of losing her family in the Holocaust to living in an orphanage to rebuilding her life in America and eventually becoming a world-renowned sex therapist.

Luncheon Speaker: Susan Pinker, award-winning author, journalist and psychologist
The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter

In her book, The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter, Pinker explores the impact of face-to-face contact on health, lifespan, education, romance, and business and why face-to-face interaction at home, school and work makes us healthier, smarter and most successful. She provides a compelling argument for why digital networks will never replace genuine human contact — and why we need it to survive. A keen observer of modern life, Pinker applies data-driven behavioral insights to help us transform our personal and professional lives for the better.

CESLC has applied for CE credit for social workers and nurses.

This program will be offered in-person and virtually.

In-person attendees
Complimentary self and valet parking, continental breakfast and lunch.

Breakout sessions

10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

Breakout One: Hearing and Cognitive Health: The Hidden Link and How Technology Can Help

Speakers:
Kris Deak, Au.D., Hearing Healthcare Inc.
Joan Green, Founder of the Tech Life Inner Circle Membership and Innovative Speech Therapy

Presentation Summary

Hearing loss is more than just an inconvenience—it is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline, social isolation, and decreased quality of life in aging adults. In this session, we will explore the critical connection between hearing and brain health, highlighting the latest research on how untreated hearing loss can accelerate cognitive decline. We’ll discuss advancements in hearing aids, real-time captioning, and assistive listening devices, as well as built-in accessibility features on smartphones and everyday technology that can support individuals with hearing challenges. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and technology recommendations to help older adults stay engaged, communicate effectively, and preserve cognitive function.

 Learning objectives:

• Explain the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline in aging adults.
• Identify common barriers that prevent older adults from seeking hearing support and using available assistive technologies.
• Discuss key features of modern hearing aids, including Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and real-time adjustments.
• Describe two benefits of captioning technologies, including live transcription apps and built-in accessibility features, in supporting individuals with hearing loss.

Breakout Two (live stream for virtual attendees): Aging, Social Isolation and the Role of Community Connections through Villages

Speakers:
Joan Kahn, PhD. Professor Emerita (Sociology), University of Maryland College Park, and President, Potomac Community Village

Pazit Aviv, MSW. Village Coordinator, Community Outreach Manager, Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services

Presentation Summary

This session addresses social and demographic changes producing rising levels of social isolation and negative health impacts on the older population. Community organizations such as aging in place Villages can play a vital role in providing opportunities for social engagement and support.  Both Aviv and Kahn have extensive experience with Villages in Montgomery County and offer insights into their potential role in supporting and connecting future cohorts of older adults.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the social and demographic sources of changes in the older population
• Understand the impact of social isolation on wellbeing
• Understand the role of Villages in supporting the health and well-being of community-dwelling older adults

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Breakout Three: From isolation to inclusion: Supporting social connection in aging populations through social policy.

Speaker:
Mary Louise Pomeroy, PhD MPH, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Center on Aging and Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

Presentation Summary

This presentation will discuss the prevalence and impacts of social isolation and loneliness among older adults with and without dementia. Grounded in the “Systems Approach of Cross-sector Integration and Action across the Lifespan” (SOCIAL), we will explore how different sectors (e.g., health, education, built environment) can be leveraged to increase social connection. Ongoing efforts to advance social connection through social services, state legislation, and federal policy efforts will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness among older adults, how they differ, and summarize their adverse impacts on health.
2. Identify targets for public policy and social services in various sectors to attenuate social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
3. Describe 1-2 pieces of state legislation or federal policy that aim to increase social connection in the United States.

Breakout Four (Live stream for virtual attendees): Social Connection is the Antidote

Speaker: Ali Hoden Baier, Chief Program Officer, DOROT

 Presentation Summary

DOROT, a social service organization located in Manhattan, has been dedicated to alleviating social isolation among older adults since its inception nearly 50 years ago. The agency has a reputation of excellence and innovation and achieves its mission by fostering vital and mutually beneficial partnership between elders, volunteers, and professionals. DOROT’s program models – including one-on-one visiting in older adults’ homes, peer group programming onsite at DOROT or via Zoom or phone, and intergenerational connections – are evidence informed interventions for combatting and preventing social isolation and loneliness that enable fulfilling, impactful relationships for people of all ages.

This presentation will describe how DOROT builds a dynamic and vibrant social community for the 7,000+ older adults and 6,000+ volunteers currently involved and underscore the essential interplay between healthcare professionals and social service providers to address the epidemic of loneliness.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about DOROT’s programming and how healthcare professionals are an essential partner for engaging older adults and volunteers alike.
• Understand the way in which social connections programming has evolved to meet the needs and interests of older adults in this post-pandemic era.
• Gain insight into how the concept of social prescribing can be deployed in informal, simple ways that are impactful.