Duke University will host a one-day conference that explores the often overlooked relationship between creativity and healthy aging.The inaugural Creativity and Aging Conference -- March 5 at the Durham Hilton -- will bring together researchers, health professionals and policy makers committed to better living throughout life. The conference is open to the public. Registration is $295 per person until Dec. 1, 2014. A scholarship rate of $195 is available for enrolled graduate students. Register at www.creativityandaging.com.The conference is co-sponsored by the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke, housed within Duke Continuing Studies and Summer Session.Tim Carpenter, a pioneer in the creation of senior housing with a focus on arts, will talk during the opening plenary session about his vision for vibrant, intentional communities of older adults gathered around common interests. Writer and clinical psychologist Dr. Lucy Daniels, the conference's keynote speaker, will share her thoughts and experiences on how writing contributes to health and vitality in senior adults, which she says is an essential contribution to society.Another conference highlight will be a roundtable discussion featuring three Duke researchers talking about new frontiers in the study of aging and creativity. Participants include Dr. Harvey Jay Cohen, Duke Medical Center's Division Chief of Geriatrics and director of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development; Linda George, professor of sociology and psychiatry and the associate director of the Center for the Study of Aging & Human Developmen; and Keith Whitfield, vice provost for academic affairs and co-director of the Center on Biobehavioral Health Disparities Research.Laurie Patton, dean of the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, is an advocate of scholarly research in creativity and aging. "As the United States population changes, we have even more of an opportunity to develop our creative resources as we age. This is a timely and important meeting that will feature both best research and best practices in this rapidly growing area," she said.A list of presenters and conference registration is at www.creativityandaging.com.