My heart is full, my mind is buzzing, and I am in awe of the extraordinary people who have come together to share their knowledge, experiences, research, and visions for transforming the way we understand and experience aging.
What a remarkable first day!
Many participants began by revisiting the replay of Dr. Richard Horowitz’s fascinating presentation on the connection between Lyme disease and Alzheimer’s, and what we can do about it.
Michelle Daniel introduced us to the inspiring work of the Eden Alternative and the Dementia Action Alliance, while Dr. Fedon Lindberg and Dr. Dale Bredesen shared essential knowledge about reclaiming and protecting our health as we age.
Amalia Carli brought our attention to the often-overlooked psychological dimensions of caregiving, and Professor Nina Jøranson revealed the profound potential for human connection through facilitated conversation groups for people living with dementia.
Mary Beth Flynn reminded us that joy and meaningful engagement can be found in something as simple and powerful as ART! 🎨
Debbie Carroll shared her research on what makes gardens inviting, accessible, and truly functional—and what prevents people from enjoying them.
Abbie Rosner opened a window into the emerging field of psychedelics and the psycho-spiritual dimensions of aging.
Tammy Oesting and Dr. Philip Gang lifted our thinking to another level through Murmuration for Life, Montessori, thresholds, syntropy, and the prepared adult.
Montessori for Dementia, Disability and Ageing expert Jennifer Brush shared her experience of creating meaningful, lasting change in long-term care settings.
Jonathan and Andi Goldman introduced us to the remarkable power of conscious humming for health and well-being throughout life.
From Nigeria, Theodore Ihenetu shared his inspiring work developing culturally responsive care through the R.A.P.H.E. Adultcare Center.
And we ended our day by returning to the source of all life—Mother Earth. 🌿 Monica Eastway invited us to discover and embrace Eco Gerontology, reminding us of our deep and essential relationship with the natural world.
What connects all these seemingly different presentations?
A shared recognition that aging is not simply a medical condition to be managed or a process of inevitable decline.
It is LIFE—complex, interconnected, full of possibility, and deserving of dignity, purpose, beauty, connection, and joy.
And tomorrow? We continue!
🌟 Day 2 promises another extraordinary journey—from the practical to the visionary!
Dr. Anders Folven will guide us through the Bredesen Protocol, while Gerard Charles will challenge us to prepare for the future through aging literacy.
Intergenerational connection will take center stage! I will share our Montessori Bridge Intergenerational Project, exploring the win-win-win possibilities when generations come together. Ine-Sofie Smedmoen Kristiansen will expand on the rewards of creating intergenerational spaces, Dayana Ruiz will introduce La Convi in Mexico, and Chidi Asoluka will share a framework for empowering young people to tackle complex challenges.
Dr. Cecilia Chan will bring the Mutiara Café into focus, while Julia Johnson will show us how thoughtfully prepared environments can support extraordinary living and meaningful connection.
Barb White will share a blueprint for creating dementia-inclusive public libraries, and Karla Ballesteros will demonstrate how Montessori communities for elders nurture motivation, purpose, joy, and belonging.
Amy Shackelford will remind us that BINGO IS NOT ENOUGH! Movement and physical activity are essential to health, well-being, and independence.
Anqa Tirmazee-Kaleem will introduce the remarkable work of the UK’s National Activity Providers Association, while Finnish Montessori trainer Henna Jalovaara will show how preparing the environment can open new possibilities for communication.
Anders Olsson will explore the fascinating role of CO₂ in brain health and the potential of conscious breathing to support our well-being.
And then there is the power of rhythm! 🥁 Joe Collins from Indiana and Tamsin Ward from the UK will each show us how drumming can bring people together in meaningful and transformative ways.
And this is only Day 2! We haven’t even begun to explore Day 3!
I am profoundly grateful to every presenter who has so generously shared their time, wisdom, research, creativity, and passion.
Together, we are challenging old assumptions, opening new doors, and imagining a future in which growing older is recognized not only as a challenge, but as an extraordinary opportunity for continued growth, contribution, connection, and LIFE.
With heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
Namaste. 🙏💚
#TransformativeAgingSummit #TransformativeAging #HealthyAging #MontessoriForDementia #DementiaCare #IntergenerationalConnections #AgeWithPurpose #AgingWell #MeaningfulEngagement