Community conversations to focus on issues of aging Iowans

Milestones Area Agency on Aging has partnered with Elevate Aging Coalition to present ?Join the Conversation: Iowa Dialogue on Helping Older Adults Maintain the Highest Quality of Life Possible? from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa.

Iowans are living longer than ever before, with one out of every five residents now aged 60 or older. That number is expected to grow over the next few decades, with the vast majority of individuals stating they would prefer to age in place, in their homes and communities of choice. To ensure that option is a viable one, a comprehensive network of long-term supports and services will have to be available statewide, and older Iowans will need to know how to access those resources.

Are Iowa communities equipped to offer the wide range of services aging individuals will need to maintain their long-term independence? Do older Iowans and their families know what types of services they need and which ones are available locally? And how will Iowa adapt to ensure its aging population will be able to maintain the highest quality of life possible?

Those questions and others were discussed this summer in numerous cities across Iowa. This next conversation will include similar and new topics of discussion during the special statewide event Tuesday.

With community conversations taking place in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Creston, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, and Ottumwa, ?Join the Conversation? aims to continue a statewide discussion about issues like the changing dynamics between generations; the challenges of caregiving; the financial considerations of elder care; and the realities of aging, both physical and mental. As Iowans share their thoughts, concerns, opinions, and ideas, they will be documented and shared with all Iowans and, in particular, policymakers and Iowa leaders.

?We are pleased to host another dialogue in the Milestones region. The conversations are a great way to learn about aging challenges and services available for support. A person can never plan too far ahead,? said Christa Merritt, CEO of Milestones Area Agency on Aging. ?It?s also a great forum to express concerns and ideas. The results will be shared with elected officials to guide policy changes for our state.?

The event is free and open to the public.

For additional information, call LifeLong Links at 866-468-7887.