Dr. Ruth Ford recently attended the Aging in America Conference 2012 sponsored by ASA and NCOA in Washington, D.C. The political arena in Washington, D.C. was most vibrant with Supreme Court Hearings that week for the Affordable Health Care Act debate and the appropriation budget hearings for the Older American Act.

Ford met with Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker as well as Keith Studdard, legislative director from Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s office, to discuss aging issues. She also attended a Capital Hill Advocacy Day to hear from several senators presenting on aging issues. The conference addressed many key issues with the Baby Boomer generation turning 65 and impacting wellness and healthcare in our society. Ford received a Belmont travel grant to help with funding her trip.

Ford has brought learning materials and class lecture content back for the doctoral of occupational therapy students. She is exploring a Maymester class for 2013 where students, faculty, and staff can learn about successful aging and ways to overcome barriers to aging.