Aging Well Workshop Series
Aging well is a high priority for many older people and their families. They want to learn what they need to have a high quality of life when they grow older. NDSU Extension and SDSU Extension are collaborating to offer “Aging Well Workshops” so individuals and families can learn about important topics related to aging. This series includes three workshops offered on January 15, February 19, and March 19. All presentations start at 10 a.m. CST and 9 a.m. MT and lasts one hour. These workshops are hosted via Zoom so anyone with technology and internet access can participate. To reach those who do not have technology and internet, organizations are being recruited to host watch parties. Watch party hosts will register with Leacey or Jane. These workshops will be recorded and posted online until June 30, 2025.
This event is free and open to the public.
Jan. 15 - Exercise: Why it Matters
Presented by Dr. Joseph Rees, DO, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine - Avera Health.
Workshop Objectives
- Summarize how exercise affects health and chronic diseases in older age.
- Discuss how exercise contributes to aging in place.
- Identify types of exercise that contribute to physical fitness.
- Review questions to ask your medical provider about exercise.
- Explore when it is safe/not safe to exercise.
Workshop Summary
During this workshop, you'll explore why exercise is vital throughout your life, and even more so as you get older. You'll uncover the numerous benefits you can expect from regular physical activity. Specifically, you'll find out how maintaining routine exercise can enable you to stay at home longer and live more safely. Finally, you'll delve into the different types of exercises, the benefits each offers, and how to fit them into your daily life.
Deadline to Register
Jan 14 - Individual webinar
Register for Exercise - Why it Matters
Feb. 19 - Decoding Mental Health in Older Age: Spotting the Signs and Supporting Well-Being
Presented by Dakota Witzel, PhD, Assistant Professor - South Dakota State University
Workshop Objectives
- Determine who may be at increased risk for mental health conditions in older adulthood.
- Identify differences between dementia symptoms and mental health.
- Explore mental health risk reduction and stress management strategies across multiple domains.
Workshop Summary
Mental health conditions and illness may look different for older adults than we expect. In fact, dementia and mental health illnesses (like depression) share many symptoms, increasing the risk for incorrect diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, this workshop aims to give you tools to spot major differences in these conditions, to reach out to friends and family who may be at higher risk for mental health conditions, and to support yourself and others with evidence-based practices that promote better well-being.
Deadline to Register
Feb. 18 - Individual webinar
Register for Decoding Mental Health in Older Age: Spotting the Signs and Supporting Well-Being
March 19 - Updates on Elder Law and Estate Planning in 2025
Susan E. Johnson-Drenth is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation and the President of JD Legal Planning PLLC, a Fargo, ND law firm focused on estate planning, elder law, probate, probate litigation, guardianship, and trust law, including special needs trusts for people with disabilities.
Workshop Objectives
- Learn how Powers of Attorney provide family oversight, privacy and facilitate asset management and protection of planning.
- Learn how Health Care Directives provide a HIPPA release and uphold your wishes with dignity.
- Learn how to title your real estate and accounts to avoid a court probate upon your death.
Workshop Summary
Everyone needs estate planning. But what are you supposed to ask for? What is helpful to know before meeting with an Attorney? Susan Johnson-Drenth will provide an overview of 2025 Elder Law and Estate Planning Laws. North Dakota residents will also benefit from learning about the new (and free!) Health Care Directive Registry.
Deadline to Register
March 18 - Individual webinar
Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to the event contact person at least two weeks in advance of the event.
