A Decade of Abundant Aging

When United Church Homes’ Center for Abundant Aging hosts its annual symposium this fall, participants will reflect on, and celebrate, more than ten years of education, advocacy and tremendous growth.

When the Center was founded, the plan was simple: to host an annual event for individuals whose work centered around supporting older adults. It was an opportunity for professionals to share positive ideas, perspectives and experiences to enhance engagement and quality of care.

Over the years, the Center and its signature event have evolved.

For many participants, the annual symposium is a day of reflection on their own aging and an opportunity to engage with others to reflect not just professionally, but also personally and intellectually. For some, it serves as a day-long retreat.

“I’m very proud of the events and the caliber of speakers we’ve been fortunate to host,” said Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, UCH vice president of engagement. “The Center has grown in ways I never expected. It’s gratifying to see the results of our ongoing efforts to battle ageism.”

“Using UCH’s platform to advocate for seniors is part of our mission,” said President and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Young. “It’s been fascinating to watch the Center grow and to see its impact in our own communities and beyond.”

Today, The Center for Abundant Aging offers a rich menu of resources – the Abundant Aging podcast, Another Day Older downloadable curriculum, a blog that explores the experience of aging through the lens of faith, and courses and online conversations that celebrate the spiritual life of older adults.

“One of the Center’s newer initiatives is the Caregiver Support Group,” Rev. Long-Higgins said, “Rev. (Darla) Metz has helped develop trauma-informed care training programs for staff and established a mental health team. We’ve also developed curriculum for training programs on spiritual well-being.”

At the heart of the Center’s work is exploring how attitude and ideas shape the way one ages. The benefits of having positive thoughts about aging include better memory and balance, living up to more than seven-plus years longer than those with negative thoughts and increased quality and satisfaction with life.

Cynthia Dougherty, who has been a member of the Center’s Advisory Committee from the beginning, sees the relationship as mutually beneficial. In her work at The Ohio State University Medical School, she brings her experiences working with seniors – and with the Center – in talking with medical students and doctors about ageism in healthcare.

“My involvement with the Center and members of the Advisory Committee has been a very positive experience,” Cynthia said. “There’s such positive energy and joy in the work we do together. I love everything about the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with and always look forward to our meetings.”

“I feel good about the conversations we have and the work we’re doing,” she continued. “It’s great to engage and learn with like minded people – I’ve learned so much from them.”

Dougherty is excited about the theme of the Center’s symposium this fall:

Engaging Generations: Connecting Lives So All Can Thrive.

Dougherty and Rev. Long-Higgins are both thrilled with the positive feedback received on the experiences of those who participate in the Center’s many programs. Words like hope, value, inspiring, uplifting, affirming and encouraging characterize their experiences. They anticipate equally positive responses to the 2026 event which will do all that and more, including a celebration of the Center and all it has accomplished in a decade.

SAVE THE DATE

ELEVENTH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

ENGAGING GENERATIONS

Connecting Lives So All Can Thrive

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET

In Person and Online Quest Conference Center

9200 Worthington Rd, Westerville, Ohio

9:00 a.m. ET – In-person pre-event connections

9:45 to 3:30 p.m. ET – Presentations

Check out our website below for updates and details in the coming months!

2026 Abundant Aging Symposium – United Church Homes

REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2026