Division of Neurodevelopmental and
Behavioral Disabilities

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities

Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities

New York State Third Age CommitteeNew York State Third Age Committee

 

 

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE - More information to follow

19th Annual Third Age Conference
May 20 & 21, 2010 - Saratoga Springs - Holiday Inn

Mission of the Third Age Committee
The Third Age Committee is dedicated to focusing on issues for aging persons with developmental disabilities. The committee sponsors an annual conference, provides a network of experienced trainers, and provides guidance and feedback to New York State's Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Aging Services.

The Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities (PADD) has been a proud supporter of the New York State Third Age Committee and Annual Conference since its inception in 1991.

English sociologist and historian, Peter Laslett, in his book A Fresh Map of Life: The Emergence of the Third Age, used the term the "third age" to characterize that period of our lifespan when work takes on less importance and avocational endeavors, friendships and life's closure occupy more time.

Lifespan can be segmented into four periods:

The committee chose the term "third age" to characterize those services and programs available at a time when people with disabilities have another chance to explore life's gifts. Some may continue working, some may retire, some may begin new adventures, and still others may choose other means of coping with life's closure. The range of older adult services and programs exemplifies the diversity of experiences people should have as they age. We thus view retirement in its broadest sense - enabling older adults with a developmental disability to choose to do what they want and enjoy an ordinary life within their community. To some, this may involve work, to others it may involve self-directed retirement, or it may involve participation in seniors' programs.

For more information, or if you are interested in serving on the Third Age Committee, please contact Mary Ketter at (518)761-4052 or by email at kettermh@omr.state.ny.us

 

PADD

Developmental Disabilities