2nd Annual Celebrating Aging Conference

Event Details

This free, come-and-go conference connects older adults and caregivers with vital education, resources, and services through vendor booths, speakers, workshops, and interactive activities that celebrate aging across physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial dimensions. Registration is not required. Meals are provided for attendees, presenters, and exhibitors.

For Participants

Speakers & Sessions

This year’s conference features a wide range of breakout sessions designed to support aging well—covering everything from health and safety to financial planning, caregiving, and personal growth.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable presenters across the region, including:

• Darrick Garcia, BSN, RN, NRP, and Adam Daniels, NRP, with the SLV Health Emergency EMT Team, presenting “EMS Use as You Age,” offering practical guidance on when and how to access emergency services.
• Larry and Shanna Roberts, sharing insights in “Real Estate Considerations as You Age,” helping individuals and families plan for future housing needs.
• Dr. Meredith Naughton, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Colorado State University, introducing lifelong learning opportunities in “What’s This OLLI Thing?”
• Stephen Hunzeker, leading an important conversation with “Life’s Final Chapter: An Honest Dialogue on Death.”
• Kristen and Ginger Williams, presenting “Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers,” equipping caregivers with tools to handle unexpected situations.
• Kristine Burrows, discussing Colorado’s forward-thinking approach in a session on the state’s multi-sector plan for aging, including successes and opportunities for community involvement.
• Dr. Kelsey Walker of Rio Grande Hospital, hosting “Memory Matters: Understanding Aging, MCI, and Dementia,” a community conversation focused on brain health.
• Carol Gurule, addressing the important role of “Grandparents as Caregivers.”
• Pastor Jason Cody, “Confronting the Myths of Grief”
• Tami Valentine,  “Grief, Loss, and Meaning in the Aging Journey”
• Sarah Arnold from Dementia Together, providing resources and support for those navigating dementia care.
• Delzia Worley, presenting “Scammers and Swindlers: Understanding Their Game and Avoiding Disaster,” along with insights on how volunteering can improve overall health and happiness.
• Representatives from the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), including Nancy Harris, Heather Robinson Hernandez, and Mike Reisinger, highlighting “The Volunteer Effect” and the benefits of serving others.
• Pastor Chris Yocum, offering encouragement in “Saving the Best for Last: Finishing Your Journey Well With God’s Help,” focusing on spiritual growth, legacy, and end-of-life preparation.
• Mary Benavidez, LPCC, addressing “Mental Well-Being as You Age,” emphasizing the importance of emotional health.

For questions, contact Janae Naranjo, SLV Extension Family & Consumer Science Specialist at 719.852.7381 or janae.naranjo@colostate.edu.

For Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us as a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Celebrating Aging Conference on May 8, 2026, at the Ski-Hi Complex—a high-impact, community-centered event advancing healthy aging in rural Colorado.

Why Sponsor?

Our inaugural event delivered powerful results:

• 213 attendees from 14 counties
• 30+ participating agencies
• 96% attendee satisfaction
• 100% exhibitor return interest

Sponsor support directly removes access barriers by funding free attendance (no registration required), meals, transportation, and accessible facilities.

Sponsorship benefits include:

• Visibility with an engaged, community-focused audience
• Direct connection to older adults, caregivers, and professionals
• Alignment with a proven initiative advancing health equity and dignity in aging

Your investment doesn’t just support an event—it strengthens rural communities and changes lives.

Please review the attached sponsorship flier to get involved. We would greatly appreciate receiving funds by April 3, 2026.

For questions, contact Janae Naranjo, SLV Extension Family & Consumer Science Specialist at 719.852.7381 or janae.naranjo@colostate.edu.

Let’s celebrate aging—and build a stronger community—together!