Statewide Aging Conference Celebrates Older Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Older Oklahomans are invited to join in “Celebrating Our Foundations,” the 2007 Oklahoma Conference on Aging. This year’s event is an official Oklahoma Centennial event and is scheduled for May 8-10 at the Reed Center in Midwest City.
“This event is the premier annual aging conference in the state,” said Carey Garland, director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Services Division. “Anyone interested in issues affecting older Oklahomans should attend.”

Older adults, students, advocates, state officials, professionals in the field of aging and corporate representatives are urged to attend. This marks the 35th consecutive year for this statewide event.

Nearly 55 breakout lectures are being offered during the course of this three day conference.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Jerry Old, clinical assistant professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, who will deliver a motivational presentation about aging. Dr. Old has been a small town physician in rural America, an author, a professor of a medical college, a radio host, motivational speaker, humorist and a hospice medical director. He is the author of "Vintage People," which emphasizes positive aging.
 
On May 9, the “Oklahoma Centennial Centenarian Celebration” will take place. This event will feature M.J. Alexander and her project entitled “Salt of the Red Earth: Oklahoma Centenarians.” Every centenarian in Oklahoma has been invited and those attending will be recognized. This event is being held in partnership with the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, which has extended invitations to both Gov. Brad Henry and Lt. Governor Jari Askins and more than 300 living centenarians from across the state.  

The conference concludes on May 10 with the annual Achievements in Aging Awards Luncheon where Lifetime Achievement Award winners will be announced.

Special events have been scheduled, including a film festival, spelling bee, poetry contest, health and memory screenings and more. More than 50 vendors will showcase their products and services.
 
Participants older than 60 will receive a discount on their registration. Also, May 9 is “Senior Day,” and anyone older than 60 is admitted at no charge. Separate tickets can be purchased for both May 9 and May 10 luncheons.

For more information, contact Lance Robertson at (405) 488-7314 or lancerobertson@cox.net. Or, visit the conference website at http://register.oucpm.org/okconfonaging.

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