By KIAH McCONNELL
LARSO Marketing & Program Coordinator
Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization and Los Alamos Social Services are offering a free Older Adult Wellness Summit 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at SALA Event Center.
Registration is now open. Space is limited, so sign up early by clicking here. People can also get a registration form by stopping by the front desk at the Betty Ehart or White Rock Senior Activity Centers or email adminasst@losalamosseniorcenter.com to receive a form.
This summit includes nine presentations on older adult wellness and two keynote speakers. Coffee, light pastries, lunch, and a swag bag are provided. Please call 505-662-8920 with any questions. See the complete list of presentations below.
OPENING KEYNOTE
Aging and the Brain (Lauren M. Smith, PhD LANL Clinical Psychologist)
There are 10 million new cases of dementia each year worldwide. Obtain a better understanding of how normal aging differs from memory issues in mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Current research indicates that we can prevent or slow down these changes and maximize our health in our final decades.
SESSION 1
Opioid Overdose (Deni Fell, Los Alamos County Social Services)
Narcan or Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. Join Deni Fell from Social Services to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan and what steps you can take to get someone in overdose the immediate care they need.
Healthy Aging (Cynthia Balazs, AC-CNS, MS, RN, CC)
Get a brief introduction to developing your own comprehensive healthy aging plan! This workshop emphasizes proactive healthcare management and awareness of health conditions that could adversely affect chronic health issues. Learn about the importance of regular checkups and screenings and making nutritious food choices to promote healthy aging.
End of Life Healthcare Options in New Mexico (Randi Lowenthal, EOLONM)
Learn all the options available to New Mexicans should they receive a diagnosis of severe or terminal illness. These include doing everything possible to sustain life and utilizing Medical Aid in Dying, which has been legal in New Mexican since 2021.
SESSION 2
After Loss (Katie Bruell, Mariposa After Loss Assistance)
What can you do now to make things easier for your loved ones after you’re gone? Katie Bruell, owner of Mariposa After Loss Assistance, will share simple steps to ease the burden on your loved ones after you’re gone–even if you’ve already written a will or set up a trust. And these steps will make life easier for you now!
Health-span or Lifespan: It’s Up to You (Mike Hoog, PT)
Lifespan describes the total number of years a person lives, whereas health span refers to how long a person is healthy. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in determining a person’s health span, which means how well or poorly we age is up to us. Learn how you can positively affect your health span and get insight into the predictors of how well we will age.
Memorial, Burial, and Cremation Planning: Give the Gift of Preparedness (Amber Edkin, Rivera Family Funerals)
An average of 122 questions are asked when a person passes away. A licensed professional can help you get through this in an average of just one hour, yet it can take a heartbroken person days or weeks. Join Amber Edkin to learn how planning is one of the brightest gifts you can give yourself and your family.
SESSION 3
Estate Planning (Wendy Marcus, Attorney)
Learn about the necessary estate documents that everyone should have in place. Join Wendy Marcus for an overview of each type of estate document and its pros and cons. This presentation will cover the basics of estate planning and what you should consider when starting the process.
The 4 H’s of Aging in Place (Jack Allison, RN)
The CDC defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level”. Learn about the many benefits of aging in place and four critical options for maintaining independence for yourself or a loved one.
Osteoporosis & Bone Health (Desaree Jimenez, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service)
More than half of U.S. citizens over 50 have bone loss, and there are several kinds of bone diseases. The most common is osteoporosis, which causes bones to become porous, fragile, and weak due to calcium and mineral loss. This presentation addresses information regarding osteoporosis and ways to prevent or mitigate the disease.
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Medicare 2025: Making the Most of Medicare (Kris Winterowd, Aging Services Department Consumer and Elder Rights Division Bureau Chief)
Many changes are coming to Medicare in 2025, including significant improvements in prescription drug coverage. Learn about changes that may impact your healthcare in the coming year and how to get expert, unbiased assistance from the NM Aging Service Department’s SHIP Counselors during Medicare Open Enrollment, which ends Dec. 7.