Older Adult Wellness Summit - Registration Open!

Registration for the Older Adult Wellness Summit is now open! Space is limited so sign up early by clicking here. 

Wednesday, October 30 from 8:00am-3:30pm at SALA Event Center

Summit Schedule

Check in 8:00-9:15am

Welcome 9:00-9:15am

Opening Keynote 9:30-10:15

Session 1 10:30-11:15am

Session 2 11:30am-12:15pm

Lunch 12:30-1:15pm

Session 3 1:30-2:15pm

Closing Keynote 2:30-3:15pm

Thank you 3:15-3:30pm

This FREE Summit includes 9 different presentations on older adult wellness. Coffee, light pastries, lunch, and a swag bag are provided! If you have any questions about the Older Adult Wellness Summit, please call 505-662-8920 or email adminasst@losalamosseniorcenter.com. See the complete list of presentations below.

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS

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 seen 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 of life. 

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SESSION 1

Opioid Overdose (Deni Fell, Los Alamos County Social Services) 

Narcan or Naloxone is 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, as well as 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 serious or terminal illness. These include doing everything possible to sustain life to utilizing Medical Aid in Dying, which has been legal in NM since 2021.

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SESSION 2

After Loss (Katie Bruell, Mariposa After Loss Assistance)

What can you be doing 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 major 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)

There are an average of 122 questions asked at the time 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.

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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 the pros and cons of each. 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, where, due to calcium and mineral loss bones become porous, fragile, and weak. This presentation addresses information regarding osteoporosis and ways to prevent or mitigate the disease.

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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 December 7.