Conference focuses on aging well

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The date is getting close. Sept. 30 is just around the corner and the early registration deadline of Sept. 4 is fast approaching. You don't want to miss out on this experience for gaining professional knowledge and skills for providing services to seniors in our community.

Northern Arizona Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging (NACOG AAA) is hosting its 18th annual Creating Caring Communities for Seniors conference on Sept. 30. This conference will be presented in the High Country Conference center, located on the north campus of Northern Arizona University.

What does it mean to Age Well? This topic will be explored through 12 distinctive breakout sessions ranging from eco-awareness, physical and emotional health and healthcare literacy to providing tools to help manage dementia behaviors, elder abuse prevention and many others.

The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Vicki L. Schmall, Executive Director and Gerontology and Training Specialist with Aging Concerns in West Linn, Ore. and Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University. Her keynote talk will address Lessons Learned from Elders on How to Live Well and Age Well. Schmall will also discuss with a panel of seniors the attitudes and variables of aging.

Highlights will include Navajo flute playing, the Accomplished Elder Awards, and the always anticipated Tealightful; a free event for seniors to have tea and cookies, win prizes and gain valuable information to use in their everyday lives.

NACOG is presenting an opportunity to learn from experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, Yavapai County Attorney's Office, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority (NARBHA), the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions as well as representatives from other organizations that specialize in aging concerns.

If you would like more information about the conference or the Tealightful event, please contact NACOG Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-521-3500. Register online at www.regonline.com/AgingWellConf.