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May 16, 2005

Longevity Faire addresses issues
facing seniors and their families

Sacramento-area elders are encouraged to explore the question of what's possible as people age by attending the free Longevity Faire to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1 in the Sacramento State's University Union Ballroom.

The fair is geared to provide attendees with up-to-date information on the aging process as well as on community services for students, elders and formal and informal caregivers. It is hosted by the University's Gerontology Department and Longevity Center, and the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center, and co-sponsored by a variety of businesses, groups and agencies.

At 10:15 a.m. gerontologist and author Kelly Ferrin will address the question "What's Age Got to Do with It?" which is also the title of her book subtitled "Secrets to Aging In Extraordinary Way." It is a collection of true stories profiling more than 100 seniors age 67 to 122 and their secrets to ageless living. Ferrin's message and vision of the older adult population has earned her the title "age angel." She has been featured on nationwide radio and television talk shows including "Oprah," "Rosie O'Donnell," "Roseanne," "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show."

Other highlights include 11 a.m. morning sessions on scientific information and insights about healthy aging and ways family caregivers can maintain their own physical and emotional health. The afternoon will offer a 1:30 p.m. talk, "Still Sexy After All These Years," as well as a panel of Sacramento community service providers advising attendees on finding and accessing appropriate resources for older adults.

The day will wrap up with a 2:45 p.m. panel of local centenarians who will share their personal secrets to successful aging and longevity.

As with the past two Longevity Fairs, hundreds of local elders are expected to attend. "We are very excited to provide this opportunity for a multi-generational community gathering and hope everyone will find it informative and fun," said Cheryl Osborne, Gerontology Department director.

Local senior centers and residential communities will transport many of their patrons to the day's program. Drop-off and pick-up is allowed at the loading zones in front of the University Union.

Lunch will be available for $6 for attendees who have pre-registered and $12 for those who register onsite. To register, contact the Gerontology Department at (916) 278-7163. More information is also available by visiting www.csus.edu/gero/longevityfaire.htm. Media assistance is available by calling the Sacramento State public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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