Released: March 06, 2006

Conference to Offer Tips for Aging Successfully

GOODLAND, Kan. – Older . . . and wiser, the saying goes.

“Full Circle … an Aging Expo” for residents in northwest Kansas promises helpful – and healthful – tips on managing the aging process successfully, said Tranda Watts, member of the conference planning team and a northwest, multi-county Kansas State University Research and Extension specialist in food, nutrition, health and safety.

The conference is for older adults, ages 55 and up, and for caregivers, Watts said. Identical sessions will be offered in Goodland April 27 and Osborne April 28. The presentations and their session leaders will include:

* “Brain Blitz,” focusing on the differences between more serious mental impairments and the memory lapses associated with the normal aging process - Donna Martinson, K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Geary County.

* “Identity Theft” - Dean Reynoldson, Kansas Department of Revenue.

* “Wellness and Aging” - Jeff Burnett, Fort Hays State University’s Department of Health and Human Performance.

* “Take Steps to a Healthier You,” focusing on foods that offer health benefits, as well as meet nutritional needs - Mary Meck Higgins, K-State nutrition educator.

* “Talking to Each Other,” with tips for communicating effectively - Charlotte Shoup Olsen, K-State family systems specialist.

* “From Generation to Generation,” with tips for understanding intergenerational differences - Jean Clarkson-Frisbie, K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Pratt County.

* “Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Counseling,” a 30-45 minute, confidential session with Glenna Clingingsmith, Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging;

* “What to Know About Prescription Drugs,” with a review of pain medications and their use - Pharmacist Cesar Miller in Goodland and Dr. Barbara Brown in Osborne.

At each location, sessions will begin at 3 p.m. and conclude with a wrap-up at 8 p.m.

Cost to attend is $15 per person or $25 per couple for registrations paid prior to April 19. The fee covers refreshments, a light supper and program materials. Late registrations of $20 per person and $30 per couple will be accepted, but the evening meal will not be guaranteed.

The Goodland conference will be at the First Christian Church. Osborne’s sessions will be in the Circle Inn.

Conference sponsors include Kansas State University Research and Extension - Northwest Area, the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association of the Great Plains, and the Department of Health and Human Performance at Fort Hays State University.

For registration or other information, interested persons may contact any northwest Kansas county Extension office or call the Northwest Area Extension Office at 785-462-6281.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News