11/7/2006 3:39:00 PM Program aims to help Baby Boomers
age gracefully and knowledgeably
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
The Baby Boomers are aging, but… just how will the aging process go?
LuAnn Klevan - Kingsland and Chatfield Community Education director - is targeting the "Boomers" for upcoming discussions on such topics as focus and style.
"Aging in Style" is an ongoing program that targets individuals 50 and older - the aging Baby Boomers," explained Klevan, as she described the upcoming event sponsored by the Kingsland, Chosen Valley and Fillmore Central community education departments, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Wykoff Community Hall.
"The program will include workshops and classes that address the issues of aging. Community education chose to focus on aging because as the Baby Boomers age, the needs in the communities change. Baby Boomers are looking for ways to stay active and involved - they also are willing to take control by taking steps that help them age gracefully. Currently, the area communities do not offer many opportunities for this population."
The coordinators of "Aging in Style" have at least four sessions of the exposition planned.
"We're beginning with the workshop 'Aging in Style: Focus on Food, Fitness and Fun'," Klevan noted.
"The issues are nutrition, exercise, and social needs - including humor. This winter we plan on offering classes on es-tate planning, living wills, identity protection and other issues. We will be working with Legal Services to provide these classes. In the spring the focus will be the 'Dis-Ease of Aging.' We will address issues related to preventing, identifying and managing diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, depression, heart disease and other illnesses."
"Focus on Food, Fitness and Fun" includes the Kingsland Story Theater "presenting a humorous look at aging," and Fillmore County Public Health educator Brenda Pohlman "will present information on the 'Rainbow Diet,' which focuses on using color in selecting a balanced diet."
Klevan continued, "Stacy Baum from Chatfield High School will get everyone moving by presenting simple stretches and exercises, and Minnesota Extension Services will also provide 'Nutrition Bingo.'"
Following the program, displays and demonstrations related to food, fitness and fun will be available.
"Our goal is to help participants see that the choices they make can impact their health and their attitude. We hope to help individuals connect with others to help improve their eating habits, physical activities, and quality of life."
Businesses have been invited to be part of the displays, and some exhibitors will have items for sale. So far exhibitors are Lia Sophia Jewelry shown by Lori Crowson, Just for You Gifts from Chatfield, Don's Family Market of Spring Valley, Skippy's of Chatfield and Stampin' Up, shown by Ronda Fishbaugher. Community Education, Extension, and Fillmore County Public Health will also provide displays and demonstra-tions.
Klevan said organizers chose Wykoff because it is centrally located and "has a facility that works well for this workshop."
If "Aging in Style" proves to be a successful venture, Klevan would like to reprise it next year. "As far as I know, this workshop and overall program are new to the area communities. If it is successful, we would love to offer it again next year."
The first workshop, "Aging in Style: Focus on Food, Fitness, and Fun" is open to all ages and will take place Satur-day, Nov. 18, from 1 until 3:30 p.m. at the Wykoff Community Center, with informational presentations beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for the Nov. 18 workshop.
Refreshments will be available, and door prizes will be given. For more information, contact Klevan at 507-346-7276 or 507-867-4210.
