WELCOME We are pleased to invite you to Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) April 19-25 2020 This is the fourth year that we are celebrating this week at Northern Kentucky University CIAW is observed during the third week of April by universities colleges clinics coalitions organizations and other placements across the world The goal of CIAW is to bring awareness and visibility to the wide-ranging career opportunities in the field of aging and aging research Since 2017 NKU has hosted Careers in Aging Week to raise awareness about diverse careers available in the field of aging Today the unprecedented events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to the forefront the need for more professionals to provide care and services to the aging population The Gerontological Society of America along with partner organizations needs your help to raise awareness This year Dr Suk-hee Kim in the School of Social Work College of Health and Human Services invited two webinar series speakers The first webinar speaker is one of our community epidemiologists Anne Chandra Arble from Hamilton County Public Health presenting An Epidemiological Response to COVID-19 The second webinar speaker is Amy Safran Director of Community Relations Second Wind Dreams presenting Never Too Old to Dream

To access the webinar go to httpswwwnkueduacademicschhshtml This link will be available during Virtual Careers in Aging Week 2020

BUILDING ON YOUR CAREERMicro-credentials can demonstrate your mastery of relevant workplace skills abilities and competencies which is professionally invaluable not only to you but also to your employer NKU micro-credentials may be displayed on online platformsmdashincluding your LinkedIn Twitter and Facebook pagesmdashas well as on your resume as you look to secure a job or advance professionally

AGING amp SOCIETY (Undergraduate) Micro-Credential Programhttpsnkuedumicrocreden-tialsindexnew-program-land-ing-pagehealthorcounselinghtml GERONTOLOGY DYNAMICS OF AGING (Undergraduate and Graduate)Micro-Credential Programhttpswwwnkuedumicrocre-dentialsindexnew-program-landing-pagehealthorcounsel-inghtmlgerontology-grad

Find more Virtual Careers in Aging information please visit CareersInAgingcom If you have any questions please contact Suk-hee Kim PhD at kims16nkuedu

This virtual Careers in Aging Week webinar sessions were funded by Dr Suk-hee Kimrsquos Faculty Project Grant 2019-2020

Anne Chandra ArbleMPH EpidemiologistHamilton County Public Health Cincinnati OHAn Epidemiological Response to COVID-19In this presentation we will discuss epidemiology and its critical role in combating the spread of Coronavirus while identifying and protecting those most vulnerable to this novel disease

Amy SafranDirector of Community RelationsSecond Wind DreamsregNever Too Old to DreamAmy joined the mission to change the perception of aging in 2011 She currently manages the national Dreams Program working with elder care communities

volunteers donors and corporate partners to help fulfill dreams for elders She firmly believes that dreams provide hope and enhanced quality of life for those living in long-term care Amy also leads the organizationrsquos annual Holiday program special events and fundraising efforts in addition to management of social media and public relations Amy holds a bachelorrsquos degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and has professional experience as a Social Worker in skilled nursing centers She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission and the Northern Kentucky Heritage League As we fight against ageism the fulfillment of dreams provides a powerful way to connect society to a forgotten truth about elders the truth that age does not erase hopes and dreams The Dreams Program

Virtual Careers in Aging Week April 19-25 2020

Second Wind Dreamsreg is an internationally known nonprofit organization changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of the patented Virtual Dementia Tourreg to help caregivers understand the physical and cognitive challenges facing those with dementia Founded in 1997 by award-winning geriatric specialist PK Beville MS the Atlanta-based organization is recognized as the first in the nation to focus on enhancing the quality of life for elders through the fulfillment of dreams For more information visit wwwsecondwindorg

Virtual Careers in Aging Week 2020 program funded by Dr Suk-hee Kimrsquos Faculty Project Grant 2019-2020 in the School of Social Work If you have any questions please contact Dr Suk-hee Kim at kims16nku

began as a grassroots movement building a bridge between people living in long-term care and the community at large As a dream is fulfilled we witness a ripple effect as the impact of the dream spreads from the elder to everyone who helped make it a reality Since 1997 our program has brought over 20000 eldersrsquo dreams to fruition reminding society that you are never too old to dream Results from our Dream Impact Study showed a decrease in elder depression as well as an increase in staff morale by providing elder care communities with positive reinforcement and attention The shift in thinking about how we can improve person-centered care goes a long way in making changes while at the same time highlighting the people who truly deserve recognition

Webinar link will be available during the Virtual Careers in Aging Week April 19-25 2020

Research Funded Graduate Assistantship Experiences and Student-Faculty Collaboration

Stephanie Distler (MSW Program School of Social Work) is currently working closely with Dr Suk-hee Kim in the School of Social Work through the several funded research projects over the year Here are Stephaniersquos learning experiences and encouragements for future students ldquoThroughout my research assistantship experiences I have gained more awareness knowledge and skills that can further my professional career Overall I have learned that a lot of teamwork goes into a study and that the little details count I also learned everyone working on the study needs to have some heart in the project From working with older adults on the Health Innovation in Brain Aging (HIBA) Protective Factors of Cognitive Impairment I gain more awareness of the health treatment and hope that older adults endure I learned that older adults are so proud of their wisdom and experiences and I was honored to be able to be present with them From working on the Student Readiness to Work in Aging Attitudes Knowledge and Skills I learned of the impact of bias and the many stigma out there I found the sum of the results interesting and enjoyed trying something new Thinking over the past two research studies I have been a part of I found that the firsthand experiences are the most surprising I did not realize how significant every little detail is within these projects All of the details help make the preparations for the presentations and manuscripts to go smoothly Currently Dr Kim and I are configuring the results and finishing up the presentation for celebration and manuscript All of these invaluable experiences I have had the honor of being involved in has been because I have had such an amazing Principle Investigator and mentor Dr Kim She has taught me about the dedication heart and hard work that goes into these research studies These opportunities have helped prepare me for my future career and the possibility of going back for

doctorate I have found inspiration in the heart of those who continuously advocate and care for the vulnerable populations and individuals who need someone To other students who are thinking about becoming a research assistantship I would tell them to absolutely do it because not only do you get some financial support but you also get the experiences and knowledge which makes all the hard work worth itrdquo

Pictured Stephanie Distler MSW Anticipated May 2020 and Dr Suk-hee Kim School of Social Work College of Health and Human Services at Northern Kentucky University

Alyscia Mayhugh

Arleene Salyer-Oliver

Autumnlee Brown

Chantelle Thompson

Emily Black

Ian Aiuto

Jameela Salaah

Jullia Stephenson

Katie Klette

Krystal Huffman

Madison Ballard

Mariah Denham

Maggie Stets

Rebecca Cox

Sarah Martin

Shannon Harrington

Stephanie Distler

Tala Al Masri

Tyesha Allen

AFA LEARNING EXPERIENCES amp STUDENT REFLECTION ldquoThe Ageism First Aid course was an eye opener The negative effects that Ageism has on the on the overall health of older adults cannot be overlooked Not only can it raise their stress levels which can ultimately compromise their physical health but it can also raise their risk for depression dementia and Alzheimers The course has made me more self-aware of how I communicate with the older population I will definitely pay extra attention to my words tone gestures and facial expressions when working with clients from that group because of what I have learned through this course We need to call Ageism out and be aware of how we treat our mature population Aging is inevitable and it is only a matter of time before we end up in their placerdquo (Masri 2020)

ldquoI learned a great deal about how to effectively and respectfully communicate and work with older adults Specifically I enjoy the statistics and facts throughout the trainingrdquo (Distler 2020)

ldquoThe course was very informative and I was surprised by how much of the knowledge I knew going into the course None the least I enjoyed learning about this subject as I believe I donrsquot think I have ever had a ldquopassionrdquo to work with the ageing population but I think it is important information to know and to have in my tool boxrdquo (Salaah 2020)

ldquoBefore this training I was aware of the concept of ageism and how it functioned but this training has provided a more thorough explanation and has challenged some of my beliefs about aging I am more equipped to challenge ageism in my work and everyday life Changing my language is one way that I can challenge ageism by using phrases such as ldquoolder peoplersquo or ldquoeldersrdquo versus ldquoold peoplerdquo and ldquothe elderlyrdquo which carry a negative connotation I think one of the more powerful statements from this training was ldquoNothing about me without merdquo which is imperative especially in my field of work healthcare Most days I witness family members speaking for their elder family member rather than letting that person speak for themselves This is something I will continue to combat by directly speaking to the patient Overall this training was eye opening and very applicable to not only my work but my everyday life thank you for the opportunity to complete this trainingrdquo (Klette 2020)

The Gerontological Society of America Ageism First Aid Certification Training Opportunity for Students and Others on Campus Dr Suk-hee Kim Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work is an active Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education NKU representative and Age-Friendly University Global Network Member Dr Kimrsquos current faculty project grant-funded research supported 18 graduateundergraduate students in the School of Social Work and other for the Association for Ageism First Aid Certification Training Course through the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Ageism First Aid is an online multi-module course designed to help change the common negative misconceptions and myths about aging by replacing them with facts that should be common knowledge The course will support factual conversations about aging and spark widespread use of positive aging-related language among people in the health and helping professions Here are completed AFA Certification Training or in-process students and others with learning reflections

If yoursquod like to learn more about

the training please contact

Dr Suk-hee Kim at kims16nkuedu

Alyscia Mayhugh

Arleene Salyer-Oliver

Autumnlee Brown

Chantelle Thompson

Emily Black

Ian Aiuto

Jameela Salaah

Jullia Stephenson

Katie Klette

Krystal Huffman

Madison Ballard

Mariah Denham

Maggie Stets

Rebecca Cox

Sarah Martin

Shannon Harrington

Stephanie Distler

Tala Al Masri

Tyesha Allen

AFA LEARNING EXPERIENCES amp STUDENT REFLECTION ldquoThe Ageism First Aid course was an eye opener The negative effects that Ageism has on the on the overall health of older adults cannot be overlooked Not only can it raise their stress levels which can ultimately compromise their physical health but it can also raise their risk for depression dementia and Alzheimers The course has made me more self-aware of how I communicate with the older population I will definitely pay extra attention to my words tone gestures and facial expressions when working with clients from that group because of what I have learned through this course We need to call Ageism out and be aware of how we treat our mature population Aging is inevitable and it is only a matter of time before we end up in their placerdquo (Masri 2020)

ldquoI learned a great deal about how to effectively and respectfully communicate and work with older adults Specifically I enjoy the statistics and facts throughout the trainingrdquo (Distler 2020)

ldquoThe course was very informative and I was surprised by how much of the knowledge I knew going into the course None the least I enjoyed learning about this subject as I believe I donrsquot think I have ever had a ldquopassionrdquo to work with the ageing population but I think it is important information to know and to have in my tool boxrdquo (Salaah 2020)

ldquoBefore this training I was aware of the concept of ageism and how it functioned but this training has provided a more thorough explanation and has challenged some of my beliefs about aging I am more equipped to challenge ageism in my work and everyday life Changing my language is one way that I can challenge ageism by using phrases such as ldquoolder peoplersquo or ldquoeldersrdquo versus ldquoold peoplerdquo and ldquothe elderlyrdquo which carry a negative connotation I think one of the more powerful statements from this training was ldquoNothing about me without merdquo which is imperative especially in my field of work healthcare Most days I witness family members speaking for their elder family member rather than letting that person speak for themselves This is something I will continue to combat by directly speaking to the patient Overall this training was eye opening and very applicable to not only my work but my everyday life thank you for the opportunity to complete this trainingrdquo (Klette 2020)

The Gerontological Society of America Ageism First Aid Certification Training Opportunity for Students and Others on Campus Dr Suk-hee Kim Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work is an active Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education NKU representative and Age-Friendly University Global Network Member Dr Kimrsquos current faculty project grant-funded research supported 18 graduateundergraduate students in the School of Social Work and other for the Association for Ageism First Aid Certification Training Course through the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Ageism First Aid is an online multi-module course designed to help change the common negative misconceptions and myths about aging by replacing them with facts that should be common knowledge The course will support factual conversations about aging and spark widespread use of positive aging-related language among people in the health and helping professions Here are completed AFA Certification Training or in-process students and others with learning reflections

If yoursquod like to learn more about

the training please contact

Dr Suk-hee Kim at kims16nkuedu