The 9th Annual Art of Aging Successfully conference held March 27 in Detroit had something for everyone.

Presented by the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University and held at Greater Grace Conference Center, the one-day conference themed “Empowering Choices for Living Well” brought together over 430 seniors interested in aging well.  Among the attendees were 48 artists who exhibited their work, ranging from wood carvings to breathtaking watercolors to intricate quilts and beyond.  Twenty-four exhibitors were also in attendance, dispensing information on senior living options, health-related products, financial health for older people and more.

Willie E. Watson, 83, resident of Southfield and member at Greater Grace Temple, said she came to attend two workshops, “Creative Aging: Making Your Life a Masterpiece” and “Dining Fabulously,” a session with tips to help seniors choose easy-to-prepare, nutritious foods.

First-time conference attendee Julia Blakely, resident of New Horizon Cooperative in Madison Heights, came with a group of women from the senior housing apartment complex.  She planned to participate in the “Chair Aerobics: Anyone Can Do It!” workshop, a topic that interests her since she teaches exercise classes at New Horizon.  

Additional workshops included “Stomp out Stigma,” a session to help educate people about the greatest barrier to effective mental health treatment, the stigma associated with it; and “Jest for the Fun of It,” a session led by a certified laugh leader and geared toward teaching the beneficial effects laughter has on the mind and body.

Artist and two-time conference attendee Evelyn Hart appreciated the opportunity to exhibit her paintings.  An Alabama native, she came to live in Michigan four years ago when she was 87 at the urging of her daughter, who also attended the conference.  “It’s hard to make new friends when you get older, but I found this,” said Hart, motioning to the conference.  “I like the social side, seeing people in my own age group.”

Participants at the conference also had the opportunity to hear legendary weathercaster, WWJ Newsradio 950's own Sonny Eliot give the keynote address, “Life Experiences: The Catalyst to Aging Successfully.”  

View more photos from the event at this link.