National Genealogical Society Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community

Join NGS, Vivid-Pix, and FamilySearch for a Spcial Symposium on Healthy AgingHonoring Mental Health Awareness Month and the Future of Healthy Aging.

In recognition of Mental Health Month, the National Genealogical Society, Vivid-Pix, and FamilySearch invite you to attend the Symposium on Healthy Aging and the Role of the Family History Community, on 22 May 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM ET with online access via Zoom.* The symposium tackles increasing challenges facing Americans as they age: social isolation, dementia, and mental health.
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“Family history activities are a pathway to good mental health and combat social isolation. The research, analysis, and writings associated with family history stimulate brain activity; storytelling, photos, and mementos bring back happy memories and intergenerational connection,” said Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation, Past Chief Medical Officer, AARP. 
“We’ve witnessed firsthand how photo reminiscence therapy (pRT) can reduce social isolation, improve medication compliance, and enhance connection and cognitive performance with older adults. That’s why we’re dedicated to expanding its availability and making this therapy affordable to all who need it, as well as supporting others’ work to help our community,” said Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix.
Important topics include:
Understanding the health and cognitive issues facing an aging American population.
How aging, isolation, and loneliness affect cognition – and how to assist those impacted.
How the family history community can help our communities and the aging population.
Activities that individuals and organizations, such as genealogy societies, libraries, archives, and museums (SLAMs), are conducting to support healthy aging.
Panelists include leaders in aging health, genealogy, and technology:

Charity Rouse, NGS Delegate Council secretary and Spartanburg County Public Libraries
Crista Cowan, Ancestry
Curt Witcher, Director, Special Collections & Manager, Genealogy Center, Allen County Public Library David Rencher, NGS president and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch  
Debbie Gurtler, Assistant Director, FamilySearch Library
Dr. Charlotte Yeh, Founder, Yeh Innovation & past Chief Medical Officer, AARP 
Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, International African American Museum (IAAM)
Ed Donakey, NGS board member and Deputy Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch
Ellen Goodwin, Co-Founder, Artifcts
Jake Rankin, Owner, Talem Home Care, Certified Senior Advisor 
John Dougan, NGS board member and Missouri State Archivist  
Matt Menashes, NGS executive director
Matt Weismantel, NGS Delegate Council chair
Rick Voight, CEO, Vivid-Pix Sheri Rose, CEO, Thrive Center 
Theda Heiserman, Director of Training & Education, CERTUS Institute 
Uniquely suited to support activities that promote healthy aging and the family NGS, FamilySearch, and genealogy societies, libraries, archives, museums and companies help thousands of people daily with family history research. “The family history community  . . . helps people learn about their past through research, writing, and storytelling. These activities improve mental health and build strong relationships,” said David Rencher, NGS president and Chief Genealogical Officer, FamilySearch. “We think our community is well-positioned to improve long-term outcomes for an aging population.” “We’ve found that when helping people trace their roots, it can be transformative for a person’s mental health and perspective,” said Dr. Shelley Murphy of the Center for Family History at International African American Museum. “The people who come to programs at the museum come away with new energy, stronger connections to their past, and a newfound passion for family history research.”Plan to join us online. Registration is free.
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* An authenticated (paid or free) Zoom account is required to register.