The symposium will bring together public and private entities that share interests in advancing innovations that improve the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The program includes several guest speakers, research presentations and a panel discussion. Breakout rooms will give participants an active role in discussing symposium topics

Below is the event's schedule. All participants must register prior to event. This event is virtual. Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to event.

The Future of Aging:

Smart Home Research and Innovations in Technology, Healthcare, and Practice

April 08, 2022

11:30-11:35 am Welcome and Program Overview – Dr. Ray Bachnak, SHRI Director

11:35-11:45 am Opening Remarks -- Dr. John Mason, Chancellor, Penn State Harrisburg

11:45 – 12:15 pm Keynote Speaker: Dr. George Demiris, Mary Alice Bennet PIK University Professor, University of Pennsylvania (Smart Homes: Challenges and Opportunities for Patient and Family Engagement)

12:15 – 1:00 pm Smart Home Technology and Health Systems Research Presentations

• Moderator: Dr. Jane Beckett-Camarata, Teaching Professor of Public Policy and Administration

• Presenters:

An Approach to Assess Age-Related Changes in Upper Extremity Function and Their Effect on Maintenance of Independent Living, Tyler Richardson, Ph.D.

Synthesis and Characterization of Antimicrobial Feedstocks for 3D Printing Technologies, Ola Rashwan, Ph.D.

Needs Assessment: Accommodating Huntington’s Disease, Richard Ciocci, Ph.D.

• Q&A

1:00-1:50 pm Smart Home Technology and Health Systems Panel

• Moderator: Dr. Steve Handler, Director, Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care and Director of the Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

• Panelists:

Rollin Wright, M.D., Geriatric Medicine, Penn State Health – Telehealth and Technology in Nursing Homes: Perspectives from the Front Lines

Ted Tice, Technology Coordinator, Masonic Village - Smart Home Technology for Seniors

Margaret Barajas, Pennsylvania’s Statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Autonomous Socialization through Technology and Long-Term Care

• Q&A

1:50 - 2:00 pm Break

2:00 - 2:20 pm Breakout Rooms

Coordinator: Dr. Tyler Richardson, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

2:20-2:30 pm Breakout Session Reports/Q&A

Moderator: Dr. Tyler Richardson

2:30 pm Closing Remarks – Dr. Ray Bachnak