A gathering of experts, leaders, volunteers, researchers, and professionals to learn, collaborate, and celebrate advances in healthy aging.
Past Healthy Aging Summits:
Aging is Living
The 2025 Healthy Aging Summit, held on May 15 at the SentryWorld Conference Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, brought together professionals, volunteers, older adults, and community leaders to explore innovative approaches to aging well. Keynote speaker John McGivern, a six-time Emmy Award-winning actor and TV host, shared heartfelt stories reflecting on Midwestern life and the shared experiences of aging. Patricia M. “Trish” D’Antonio, Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs at The Gerontological Society of America and Executive Director of the National Center to Reframe Aging, delivered a keynote on reshaping public perceptions of aging and highlighting the contributions of older adults to society. The Expanding Community Access Panel, moderated by Paula Tran, State Health Officer of Wisconsin, featured diverse voices including Mary Wolf, Sheng Khang, Dr. Dessie Levy, Shary Perez, and Dr. Olayinka Shiyanbola, who discussed strategies to promote equitable health outcomes for aging populations. The summit also showcased community-driven initiatives through poster sessions, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance the well-being of older adults across Wisconsin.
Healthy Aging in the Age of COVID
Redefining. Reimagining. Responding.
The Healthy Aging Summit was a fun, inspiring virtual conference for professionals and people with an interest in improving the health of their communities. This year we explored how our priorities have changed – or not changed – in light of the pandemic and how we are responding to ensure that people in our communities age well.
With 14 workshops, 5 general sessions, and the Healthy Aging Star Awards, the 2021 Summit provided information about the health-related issues that impact people in your community. We learned from experts on new interventions and initiatives that support older adult health and connected with colleagues to learn what they’re doing to improve community health.
Registered Summit participants who would like to view recordings of the Summit general and breakout sessions can get access by contacting Kris Krasnowski.
Helping People Help Themselves to Better Health
The 2018 Healthy Aging Summit took place in the Wisconsin Dells and was a conference for professionals and people with an interest in improving the health of their communities. This year we learned about, networked, and developed new relationships for collaboration – all in support of healthier aging and healthier communities.
With 18 workshops, 3 general sessions, and the Healthy Aging Star Awards, the 2018 Summit provided insight to new possibilities and inspiration to new heights of commitment to healthy aging.
WIHA awards individuals every year for their contributions towards healthy aging in their community. See here a history of those making a difference: