Institute for Continued Learning - Community Death Education and Implementation of an Intergenerational Death Cafe 10-1-26

"The presenters will discuss death and dying education with a focus on community initiatives such as Death Café. Death Cafés are informal gatherings where individuals come together to discuss death in a way that encourages reflection and a deeper appreciation for the time we have in our lives. Although the Death Café concept originated in Switzerland, the discussion-based meetings have become an international movement and popular in the United States. A local, innovative student example will be presented as a possible blueprint for future meetings. Dr. L.B. Bouchard (they/them) is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. They utilize qualitative research to explore aging, community, and relationships. Their current research interests include resilience narratives, social connectedness, and creative gerontological education. Originally from the Midwest, they earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology and Clinical Counseling before completing a PhD in Gerontology. "