Each module will begin with a pre-recorded presentation that introduces key concepts for the module topic. The pre-recorded presentation is followed in two weeks by an interactive webinar. Two days following the webinar, the module offers a moderated online conversation.

The four modules in the EPC Conference Series will address:

Module I - Introduction to Environmental and Policy Change for Healthy Aging (opens Sept. 28) >>

Module II - Optimal Living Environments for Healthy Aging >(opens Oct. 19) >

Module III - Integrated Approaches to Mobility >(opens Nov. 30) >

Module IV - Emerging Environmental Issues in Healthy Aging >(opens Jan. 4)

Most of the conference is asynchronous, so you can listen to recorded talks and post to discussions online at any time, 24/7.  The conference series also incudes four live, interactive events that are scheduled at specific times, as follows:>

Module Descriptions

Module 1: Overview of Environmental & Policy Change for Healthy Aging

Description of module: This module presents the rationale and evidence for engaging in environmental and policy change to support healthy aging and introduces useful frameworks for planning, implementing, and evaluating change. Practical strategies and action steps are proposed.

Conference Overview: Introduction to Environmental and Policy Change Initiative - Basia Belza, PhD, RN, FAAN, University of Washington and CDC-HAN

Key concepts presentation: Environmental and Policy Change and Healthy Aging Overview: Challenge & Science
Presenter: David Marquez, PhD, U. Illinois, Chicago
Available Sept. 28, view on your own time

This presentation provides the background for the conference series, addressing the concepts of healthy aging, the research evidence linking healthy aging and the environment, and the implications for practice and policy change.

Webinar: Frameworks for Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Time: Oct. 12, 2010, 1-2:30 (EST)
Moderator: Rebecca Hunter, M.Ed., University of North Carolina and CDC-HAN
Panel: Phil Bors, MPH, Active Living By Design; Malisa Mccreedy, AICP, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute

Effective environmental and policy change depends on systematic planning, implementation and evaluation. Panelists will discuss frameworks for this work and their application at a community level.

Module 2: Optimal Living Environments for Healthy Aging

Description of module: This module focuses on the design principles that support healthy aging, and it discusses ways to build the partnerships, practices and policies necessary to create optimal healthy living environments. Communities active in this area are featured.

Key concepts presentation: Optimal Living Environments for Healthy Aging: The Vision
Presenter: Richard Duncan, MRP, RL, Mace Universal Design Institute
Available Oct.19, view on your own time

The presentation highlights best practices for design of homes and public spaces to support healthy aging and aging in community. It provides those outside the design community with key principles to guide planning and collaboration.

Webinar: Vision to Reality: Partnerships, Practices, and Policies for Healthy Living Environments
Time: Nov. 2, 2010, 1-2:30 (EST)
Moderator: Rebecca Hunter, M.Ed., University of North Carolina and CDC-HAN
Panel: Margaret B. Neal, PhD, Portland State University; Kathryn Lawler, MPP, Atlanta Regional Commission

Creating optimal living environments requires vision, cross-sector collaboration and carefully selected policy tools. Panelist will share perspectives and lessons learned from different regions and communities actively pursuing change.

Module 3: Integrated Approach to Mobility

Description of module: This module promotes an integrated approach to mobility and explores how key components, such as pedestrian safety and walkability, transportation, and driving, can be effectively addressed through partnerships, practices and policies.

Key concepts presentation: An Integrated Approach to Mobility: Walking, Driving, and Passenger Transport
Presenter: William A. Satariano, U. California, Berkeley and CDC-HAN
Available Nov. 30, view on your own time

An integrated approach to walking, biking, driving and passenger transport is crucial to effective policy and practice to support older adult mobility. This presentation provides a conceptual framework and advances promising policies and practices.

Webinar: Vision to Reality: Partnerships, Practices and Policies to Foster Mobility
Time: Dec. 14, 2010, 1-2:30 (EST)
Moderator: Rebecca Hunter, M.Ed., University of North Carolina and CDC-HAN
Panel: Jennifer O'Connor, MPA, Pima Association of Governments; Ellen Jones, PhD, CHES, Senior Program Consultant, NACDD

Panelists will explore how state and local governments and their partners can advance effective practice and policy to foster mobility, drawing upon lessons learned. Action strategies and tools will be shared.

Module 4: Emerging Environmental Issues in Healthy Aging

Description of module: This module highlights emerging environmental issues, such as climate change, that may affect healthy aging. In addition, it explores strategies for addressing the special challenges of environmental and policy change in rural and underserved communities

Key concepts presentation: Emerging Environmental Issues in Healthy Aging
Presenter: Kathy Sykes, MA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Available Jan. 4, 2011, view on your own time

Webinar: Vision to Reality: Partnerships, Practices, and Policies to Address Special Challenges of Non-Metro and Under-Resourced Communities
Time: Jan. 18, 2011, 1-2:30 (EST)
Moderator: Rebecca Hunter, M.Ed., University of North Carolina and CDC-HAN
Panel: TBD

Non-metropolitan and communities with limited resources face special challenges in accomplishing environmental and policy change. Panelists will discuss useful approaches and the role of engaged citizens.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!