Healthy Aging topic for conference

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

By Ann Ludlum

Special to

The Fort Scott Tribune

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Aging with Attitude is the topic for a southeast Kansas regional conference scheduled April 29, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the First Baptist Church Good News Center in Chanute.

The conference is important because it introduces dialog on the effects of aging and how to manage -- or capitalize -- on them, said Gayle Price, member of the planning committee and Kansas State University Research and Extension southeast area family and consumer sciences specialist.

Conference keynote speaker, Debra Sellers, K-State Research and Extension specialist on adult development and aging, who is based on K-State's Manhattan campus, will focus on Triple Dynamite: Age, Attitude and Adaptability.

Sellers remarks will include tips for identifying stereotypes, exploring opportunities and nurturing a balanced perspective to encourage healthy aging.

Attendees at the conference also will be able to choose four break-out sessions:

* When Dementia isn't Alzheimer's, presented by Michelle Niedens, representing the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter;

* Gardening for Fun and Better Health, by Mary Meck Higgins, K-State Research and Extension;

* Putting Arthur in His Place, by Amanda Bastian, Via Christi Wellness Center, Pittsburg, Kan.;

* Medicare Basics for Boomers and Beyond, by Diane Burnett, K-State Research and Extension, Miami County;

* As We Age -- Speech, Hearing and Other Challenges, by Amy Keating, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Chanute;

* Elder Law and Advance Care Directives, by Shon Robben, Arthur-Green LLP, Manhattan, Kan.;

* The ABC's of Diabetes, by Trisha Peck, Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg, Kan., and

* Arches, Aches and Aging Feet, by Dr. Corin Wilde, SEK Foot Clinic, Pittsburg, Kan.

Registration for the one-day event is $15 per person/$25 per couple (spouse, partner, family member or caregiver) and includes refreshment breaks, luncheon, and program materials, if paid on or before Friday, April 15. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Registration at the door is $25/$35, but lunch cannot be guaranteed on the day of the conference.

For registration or more information, go to: www.aging.ksu.edu or contact the SE Area K-State Research and Extension office at (620) 431-1530 or 308 W. 14th St., Chanute, Kan., 66720-2895. Ann Ludlum, Bourbon County Extension Agent, is on the planning committee and can be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu for more information and registration forms.

Joining K-State in sponsoring the conference are the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging; Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter; and Via Christi Hospital Pittsburg, Inc.

Funding to help make the conference affordable is provided by Epsilon Sigma Phi (Extension fraternity); Katey Walker Extension Excellence Fund; Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Project.