2023 marks the year of the 10th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality. The conference has taken place every two years since 2000 and brings people together from all over the world to share knowledge of spirituality and aging: expert researchers and scholars, as well as experts-by-experience such as seniors, practitioners, policymakers, faith communities, and care partners. This year’s theme is Challenges and Choices: Spirituality and dignity in later life.  

This conference has amassed an international audience, inviting people together to explore various issues within the scope of aging and spirituality. It has taken place in several countries; this year’s conference will be held at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, ON. Grebel will welcome conference presenters from eight countries around the world: Australia, Norway, Uganda, UK, Germany, Spain, USA, and Canada. They will provide diverse perspectives as they highlight dignity and humanity in later life.  

“Over the years, this conference has enabled networking, and publications that have kept the conversation going, about the importance of valuing, understanding, and caring for spirituality in later life, through all the changes we have seen so far in the 21st century,” said Jane Kuepfer. Kuepfer is the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging at Grebel and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. As part of her role, Kuepfer coordinates an annual local Spirituality and Aging Seminar at Grebel, conducts research, and teaches graduate courses in her field. This year, Kuepfer is convening this larger conference alongside international colleagues and presenters, and hopes local people will seize this opportunity to attend.  

Conference attendees can expect rich philosophical and practical insights into navigating changes in the recent and future trends of aging. As these trends evolve, finding a community of passionate people to support one another as challenges arise is invaluable. “Participants will be refreshed as worries turn into shared conversations,” said Kuepfer. 

With the return of in-person events, preparations are underway for a memorable conference. “After hosting the 2021 conference online, I am excited to connect with people in person, to encourage and learn from one another,” said Kuepfer.  

The conference will be from June 4 to June 7, 2023. Register before March 15 to be eligible for early bird rates. Students wishing to attend can register for the conference at a discounted rate. Further details about the program, pricing, accommodations, and other events throughout the conference are available on the event website. Registration for the International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality is open now for all who are interested in attending.  

By Farah Jurdi 

“Challenges and Choices: Spirituality and dignity in later life” 
2023 International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality 
June 4, 2023, 6:30 PM – June 7, 2023, 2:00PM 
Conrad Grebel University College 
140 Westmount Rd North, Waterloo, ON, Canada 
Register Now 

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