KINGSTON, R.I. — September 30, 2004 — The Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center (RIGEC) at the University of Rhode Island will once again present its popular “Lunch and Learn” series of informal presentations about current issues and research impacting the care of older adults. Free and open to the public, the programs will be held in Room 110, White Hall, College of Nursing on the URI Kingston Campus. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch; beverages and dessert will be served. Registration is not required.

The fall presentations are:

October 20, 2004 “Can Simple, Affordable Devices Enhance Quality of Life for Those With Functional Limitations?” Rebecca Simon of Tech ACCESS of RI will review a recent study that examined the effect of simple assistive technology devices on improving daily functioning of those with vision, communication and hearing deficits. The study was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and R.I. Department of Health, in partnership with PARI and Tech ACCESS of RI.

November 17, 2004 “Finding Health Information on the Internet” Anne Hume, URI pharmacy professor, will discuss surfing the web for quality health information. Hume will offer tips for identifying quality websites and avoiding common pitfalls.

December 15, 2004 “Talkng with People who are Discouraged, Depressed, or Dying” Nursing Professors Pat Burbank and Jean Miller will use case studies to offer practical suggestions for talking with older adults experiencing loss, depression, and who are dying.

The RIGEC is a consortium of the University of Rhode Island Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Human Science and Services, Rhode Island College School of Social Work, Brown Medical School and Aging 2000. The center was established to improve knowledge and skills in geriatrics and gerontology among health care and human service providers to better serve the needs of a growing elderly population.

For more information about the Lunch and Learn lectures, contact Sandy Leubner, at 401-874-5332.