Re:Generation at 50+ Lives Re-defined, Communities Re-imagined Conference
Charlene Martin with Marc Freedman
The Re:Generation at 50+ conference challenged the Worcester, Massachusetts community to begin planning for the aging of the Baby Boomers and to consider strategies that provide opportunities for a livable community for all ages. Over 150 business, education, and community leaders attended the October 30, 2008 conference that focused on the four key themes of workforce development, lifelong learning, civic engagement, and social services. Keynote speaker, Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, spoke on the Encore advantage of Boomers working or volunteering to give back to their communities. Other featured speakers included, Sandy Markwood, Director of n4a; Deborah Banda, Massachusetts State Director of AARP; and U.S. Rep James McGovern. Twelve concurrent sessions revolved around the four themes.
Charlene L. Martin was lead organizer of the conference that was hosted by the Colleges of Worcester Consortium's Gerontology Studies Program and also presented a session on lifelong learning entitled, Boomerang! Retiring Boomers Return to the Classroom.
