Older, Wiser, Happier: K-State Conference to Offer Tips on Aging Successfully

HAYS, Kan. – “Growing older, but not old” is the theme for the 2009 “Full Circle … An Aging Expo” scheduled Friday, November 6 at the Sternberg Museum in Hays, Kan.

“People are living longer, and there’s much that we can do to make the added years happy, healthy, productive – and enjoyable,” said Tranda Watts, Kansas State University Research and Extension conference spokesperson.

The one-day regional conference on aging is being planned and organized by Northwest Area K-State Research and Extension faculty and staff at the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Watts said. She is a multi-county K-State food, nutrition, health and safety educator.

In addition to the conference keynote address, in which Dr. Tana Goering, a physician and KSN- TV personality, will speak about “Taking Charge of Your Health – and Healthcare,” participants can enjoy food and fellowship during lunch (included in the conference). Attendees can choose up to three sessions of interest. Topics include:

* Elder Law, which will focus on the essential documents; creating/preserving end-of-life documents, and how to find, get and pay for good care.

* Vitamin D, which will focus on growing interest in this vitamin and how it contributes to health.

* When a Loved One Passes will explore the grieving process and offer tips in understanding both the stages and risk factors.

* Nursing Homes: The Cruise Ships of the Future, will explore pre-planning care when not wanting or able to continue living at home.

* Drug Interaction will explore medications and how they interact.

* Seniors as Assets will explore opportunities to build and serve community.  

*Mind Aerobics will offer simple tips to keep the mind sharp.

* Enjoying Beautiful Sight will provide an overview on senior eye health, including cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetes. 

* Affordable Kansas Travel will explore nearby attractions and affordable opportunities for vacations that don’t require extensive travel.

*Self Defense for Seniors will explore specific laws, court orders, statistics and  personal safety information.

Registration will open at 9:30 a.m., with the conference beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m.

The cost to attend the conference is $25 per person or $40 per couple, and includes conference sessions, refreshment breaks, lunch, and program materials. Conference participants also will be eligible for a discount on admission to the Sternberg Museum.

The deadline for registration is Oct. 26. More information is available on the Web site: www.northwest.ksu.edu and click on “Full Circle Brochure” or call the K-State Research and Extension Northwest Area Office at 785-462-6281.

More information about aging also is available at the Extension Web site: www.ksre.ksu.edu.

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