Attend the 2011 Winter Forum on February 25

When measured by attitude and lifestyle, Sarasota County is a youthful community.  Demographics tell us that almost one third of our population is over the age of 65. Nationally, we are experiencing a demographic shift as the large “baby boomer” population ages.

Since early 2005, SCOPE’s initiative, Aging - The Possibilities has focused on the role of older adults as untapped assets in our community. How do we maximize both the substantial talent of this population and the opportunities for individuals to age in place while retaining an active and independent lifestyle?  Over 900 residents participated in this initiative.

SCOPE published the final report in 2009. During the initiative a local documentary was created in partnership with The Education Channel. Both resources provide insight into the interest, concerns and passion of residents in Sarasota County.

• 2009 Aging: The Possibilities Report
• Documentary Film
  
• 2006 Interim Report
  

Since 2007 SCOPE has convened a Winter Forum on Aging held annually in February.

2011 Winter Forum

Friday, February 25, 2011

Guest Speakers:
George E. Vaillant, MD
Professor, Harvard Medical School
Director, Longitudinal Study of Adult Development
Helen Q. Kivnick, PhD
Professor, University of Minnesota
Founder and Executive Director of CitySongs

Visit the 2011 Winter Forum Website

2010 Winter Forum

February 26, 2010

Guest Speakers:
Phyllis Moen, PhD: "The Perfect Storm--The Perfect Opportunity"
McKnight Presidential Chair in Sociology, University of Minnesota
Mick Smyer, PhD: "The 21st Century Workforce: Lewis & Clark Meet an Aging America"
Provost, Bucknell University

Summary Report | Photo Album | 2010 Winter Forum Website

2009 Winter Forum on Aging

February 27, 2009

Guest Speakers:
Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, a think tank on boomers, work and social purpose.
Susan Perlstein, founder of the National Center for Creative Aging is an innovator, educator, social worker, administrator and artist.

Over 200 people joined guests Marc Freedman of Civic Ventures and Susan Perlstein of Center for Creative Aging for a discussion on cutting edge programs and practices for baby boomers and older individuals. 

Summary Report | Photo Album | 2009 Winter Forum on Aging Website

February 2008: 2008 Winter Forum on Aging

Ron Manheimer, Ph.D, Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR) shared his experience and wisdom around engaging a new generation of retirees.

Summary Report | Photo Album | Creating a Great Community for Aging Week

September 2007: Community Assembly

Judy Goggin, Vice President of national think tank, Civic Ventures spoke on the changing faces of retirement, work and service.

"Are You Ready? The Changing Face of Retirement, Work and Service"
Assembly Summary Report | The BIG Idea | Encore Careers Q & A | Assembly Photos

February 2007: Winter Forum on Aging: Discovering Our Potential

Gene Cohen MD, PhD, director of George Washington University's Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, discussed a wide range of research on aging, creativity, learning and quality of life.

Discovering Our Potential | Lifelong Learning

October 2006: Community Assembly

Fran Carlin-Rogers, senior transportation expert, spoke on community mobility options and opportunities for those who have given up driving.

"One the Move: Mobility Options & Opportunities"
Assembly Summary Report | Best Practices Research | Local Resources | SCAT Overview

May 2006: Community Assembly

Kevin W. O’Neil, MD, co-editor and contributing author of The Optimal Aging Manual, focused on personal and community wellness through the lens of the Six Dimensions of Wellness.

"Optimal Aging: The Six Dimensions of Wellness"
Assembly Summary Report | Wellness Websites | Six Dimensions of Wellness

November 2005: Community Assembly

Nancy K. Schlossberg, a nationally recognized scholar and author, spoke on "mattering," the need to feel important and valued by others and the community.