Senior Symposium - "Aging Successfully in Our Community"

Few things in life are certain, but there is one thing everyone can count on – aging. All of us will one day be faced with issues related to growing older, whether it is taking care of our aging parents or an older relative, or growing older ourselves. In spite of the many mental and physical challenges associated with aging, we can educate ourselves about the process, and hopefully make the experience less stressful, and even enjoyable.

            Helping senior citizens, their loved ones and caregivers navigate the challenges of aging is the focus of the 4th Annual Symposium for Seniors hosted by the Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF), Saturday, October 13th at 8:30am at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. A full agenda will include guest speakers, resource providers, refreshments and door prizes. Event sponsors include BrightStar, ResCare and the Stratford.

            Marechal Duncan, Co-chair of the LCF’s Liaison Committee for Seniors, Carol Federighi, Mayor of Lafayette and Teresa Gerringer, Chair of the LCF, will greet attendees. Dr. Alan Brast, Ph.D will speak about “Aging Gracefully with the Mind/Body Connection.”

            Lafayette’s curvy roads can provide problems for many seniors; addressing senior transportation will be Mary Bruns, Spirit Van Coordinator with Lafayette Senior Services, and Elaine Welch, Executive Director of Senior Helpline Services.

            Ruth McCahan, Lafayette Senior Services Commissioner, will discuss the Lamorinda Senior Village concept – a local community based non-profit membership program providing members with practical means to remain in their own homes as they age.

            With a presentation titled, “Mom! We need to talk,” local estate planning attorney Stefanie West will discuss the nine issues that adult children and parents should share regarding estate planning. West’s expertise includes wills, trusts, probate and Medi-Cal planning, and as a senior services commissioner she works to prevent elder fraud and abuse.

            In between speakers, a variety of door prizes from favorite local businesses will be awarded, as well as refreshments. In addition, local senior resource providers will be available on site to offer expertise and answer questions regarding a variety of senior services available locally.

            Whether we like it or not, we and everyone we know are going to grow old, and we have to embrace that fact. With the right tools, growing older can be an enjoyable journey. Find some of those tools on Saturday, 8:30am October 13, at the 4th Annual Symposium. Location: Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. Special thanks to event community partners Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church and the Senior Services Commission. Please call 925-357-0056 for reservations. Or, email symposium.lcf@comcast.net. 
Hope to see you there.