Dr. Cohen, Director of the George Washington University Center on Aging Health & Humanities, is the author of more than 150 publications. He has appeared with Barbara Walters on Nightline, the MacNeil/Lehrer Show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, the CBS Early Show, and in a series of public service messages with George Burns. A PBS film has been developed on his new book, The Creative Age.
 
His keynote presentation will highlight research about the beneficial effects of professionally conducted art programs on general health, mental health and social activities of older people.  Dr. Cohen will address the positive changes that occur in the brain because of aging. Additionally, there will be workshops in the afternoon offering information about working with older adults through music, movement, drama, writing and the visual arts.
 
The Hoffman Institute was designated by the National Center for Creative Aging as one of four organizations in the United States to develop a community based initiative in arts and aging. Subsequently, the Hoffman Institute coordinated the formation of Partners for Creative Aging in Pinellas County with representatives from the community, government, education, arts and aging services.  The Partnership is developing a long-range plan for collaborations in Lifelong Learning Through the Arts to target active, aging adults. This county-wide initiative will foster a commitment to improve the health, wellness and quality of life through arts engagement in our ever-increasing older population.
 
The workshop is open to the general public and will be of particular benefit to aging service professionals and arts organizations.  Registration is limited. For more information on seminar schedules and registration, please call 727-712-2729.