05/28/2026
2026 OAGE Conference Recap
2026 OAGE Conference Recap: Aging Reframed — Empowering Generations for Impact
The 49th Annual Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference, Aging Reframed: Empowering Generations for Impact, was held April 16–17, 2026, at The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center on the campus of The Ohio State University. The two-day event brought together students, practitioners, researchers, educators, and aging network professionals from across Ohio for engaging presentations, workshops, poster sessions, and networking opportunities focused on advancing aging education, practice, and advocacy.
Pre-Conference Workshop: Reframing Aging
The conference began with a pre-conference workshop led by Beth Kowalczyk, CEO of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The session explored how narrative change can influence aging policy, professional practice, and public understanding of aging. Drawing from tools developed by the FrameWorks Institute and the National Center to Reframe Aging, participants examined the effects of ageism on health outcomes and public perception while learning evidence-based communication strategies to promote more accurate and empowering conversations about aging.
Keynote Highlights
Thursday’s keynote address featured Ursel McElroy, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, who presented The State of Aging in Ohio. Her remarks highlighted statewide progress in aging services, workforce development, caregiver support, and initiatives designed to strengthen Ohio’s aging network for future generations.
Friday’s keynote speaker, Derenda Schubert, CEO of Bridge Meadows and licensed psychologist, presented All Ages, One Vision. Dr. Schubert shared insights from her nationally recognized intergenerational housing model that intentionally connects foster youth, older adults, and families in shared community spaces. Her presentation challenged attendees to rethink traditional approaches to senior living and emphasized the value of meaningful cross-generational relationships.
Educational Sessions and Emerging Topics
Conference sessions across both days reflected the diversity and innovation occurring throughout the field of aging. Presentations addressed topics including:
- Evidence-based dementia caregiving programs
- Behavioral approaches to dementia care
- Substance use disorders among older adults
- Emotional health during cancer treatment
- Geriatric lifestyle medicine
- Anti-ageism education and advocacy
- Interdisciplinary approaches to aging services
- Artificial intelligence and cognitive aging research
Attendees also participated in discussions surrounding policy, caregiving, technology, mental health, and community-based approaches that support healthy aging across the lifespan.
Scholars in Aging Poster Session
A highlight of the conference was the poster session featuring the 2025–2026 Ohio Scholars in Aging cohort. Scholars presented research and practice-focused projects on topics such as intergenerational programming, elder sexual abuse prevention, dementia caregiver technology, financial autonomy in later life, aging refugees, and additional emerging issues affecting older adults and caregivers.
Networking and Community Engagement
In addition to educational programming, attendees enjoyed opportunities to connect with colleagues, students, and professionals from across the state. A special tour of Ohio Stadium offered participants a unique opportunity to experience one of Ohio State’s most iconic landmarks while continuing conversations around aging, community, and collaboration. A Welcome Reception was hosted with a special appearance from Brutus Buckeye himself and a dedicated Student Social immediately followed at the Student Union providing students from across the state an opportunity to get to know each other more.
Looking Ahead: 50th Annual OAGE Conference
Mark your calendars for the 50th Annual Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference:
April 8–9, 2027
Baker University Center
Ohio University
Theme: The Politics of Aging
Additional details, including abstract submission information and registration updates, will be announced soon at
View the full 2026 Conference Program
Post Conference Evaluation Findings
Conference attendees were invited to share their insights and experiences following the 2026 OAGE Conference, providing valuable feedback that will help shape future programming and events. Explore highlights from this year’s post-conference evaluation findings and see what participants had to say about their experience.
What Attendees Liked Best:
- The strong networking opportunities and welcoming environment from both professionals and students.
- The variety and quality of presentations, workshops, and breakout sessions.
- The OSU Blackwell Inn & Conference Center was appreciated for its convenience and overall atmosphere.
- The President’s Welcome Reception was a fun and relaxing networking experience.
- Poster sessions that highlighted innovative student and scholar research.
- The Research Forum created meaningful opportunities for collaboration and connection.
What Attendees Would Like Improved:
- Improve the variety and availability of breakfast and lunch options for Thursday and Friday.
- Increase the number of vendors and exhibitors.
- Create opportunities to access presentation materials, such as PowerPoint slides.
- Provide more Continuing Education Credit opportunities.
Topics Members Want to See at the 2027 Conference
If any of the following areas align with your work or research, consider submitting an abstract for the 50th annual conference.
- Transportation and housing
- Workforce development
- Policy-related topics, including elder abuse, Social Security, and Medicare
- Aging technology and artificial intelligence
- Collaboration, interdisciplinary team-based work, and applied aging research
- Family caregiving, Age-Friendly care, and evidence-based care navigation
- Student-focused sessions on careers in aging, publishing, and workforce education