Groucho Marx once remarked, Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough.
We can think of aging as marking time, such as the number of birthdays weve celebrated. Aging can also be thought about in terms of functioning. This mindset has more to do with what a person can accomplish or do on a daily basis.
People also can think about age subjectively that is, in terms of how old someone feels as opposed to how many birthdays theyve celebrated.
Whichever approach we choose to look at aging, there are some common themes we seem to strive for in the aging process. Many of us want to age on our own terms. We want to age in place remaining independent in our community for as long as possible in our current environment.
K-State Research and Extension along with area community partners are bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the Community Christian Church in Fort Scott on April 26. Community partners include the SEK Area Agency on Aging, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Medicalodges Inc., Southeast Kansas Library System, Angels Care Home Health, Mercy Home Health and Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, and the Fort Scott Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The expo is a one-day event for aging adults and their family members. The goal of the expo is to empower older adults to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age by sharing information and education throughout the day. Educational topics promote positive attitudes about aging and educate participants on issues supporting physical, mental, and financial health.
Key note presenter, Patty LaRoche will speak on What Matters Most Learning Contentment in Life.
Participants will also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of breakout session topics that address issues around opioids, scams against seniors, living with partial sight, Veterans benefits, gardening at any age, helping families through a tough farm economy, and getting beyond Im Fine.
Another aspect of the day includes a resource fair of various agencies and organizations from the southeast Kansas area who will share their resources and services that are available to support the public with their aging issues.
The registration fee is $15 with the advance registration deadline being April 25. The fee covers lunch, speaker fees, and program materials. Late registrations received after April 15 are $25 and lunch is not guaranteed. Registration information and online registration is available at www.agingexpo.ksu.edu.
A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has provided support for the 2019 Aging With Attitude Regional Expo. For more information, contact the Southwind Extension District Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620.
