Optimal Aging Fair Sept. 19

Optimally aging at home and in the community is the topic of the second annual Optimal Aging Fair, hosted by the Bowling Green State University Optimal Aging Institute. Older adults and their families, aging-services providers, community members, elected and government officials and others are invited to explore how to age in place, as well as how to make area communities age-friendly, during this Sept. 19 event.

The 9 a.m. keynote presentation features Esther Greenhouse, an environmental gerontologist: a specialist in the impact of the built environment on older adults. She will speak about “Designing the Built Environment to Enable Optimal Aging.”

Greenhouse advises manufacturers, has consulted on regional PBS series and developed the program for the visual environment of the nation’s first elder-focused emergency department. She is recognized as a national expert in both universal design and aging in place.

“Esther will speak both about how the design of our homes, as well as that of the overall community, affects how well we can age in place,” said Paula Davis, director of BGSU’s Optimal Aging Institute. “She’s been a key player with AARP’s Livable Communities national initiative.

“We also have a great slate of other speakers lined up who will talk about home modifications, home care options, reverse mortgages, aging-in-place ‘villages,’ livable communities in Cleveland and Columbus, and how we can help advance Wood County communities to become age-friendly.”

Attendees will be able to visit 40 exhibitors and will be eligible to win one of four Kindle Paperwhite E-Readers, or a wide selection of other prizes.

Registration is required for the fair, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. A $10 registration fee for non-BGSU individuals includes lunch and parking; registration is free for BGSU students and employees. Guests are asked to register prior to Sept. 12; seating is limited. Questions about registration can be directed to 419-372-8244.

Medical Mutual of Ohio and the Wood County Committee on Aging are cosponsoring the event.

Guests with disabilities are requested to indicate if they need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495 prior to the event.