Tara Solomon-Smith
Adult Dev'p. and Aging
love how our work with K-State Research and Extension and our communities touch lives in so many ways! This month was no different and was even unique in some ways. I want to share with you a few of this month’s encounters and opportunities.
Age Well at Crawford County Fair
Crawford County Junior Leaders sure came through with this multi-generational event! We had four junior leaders provide a tour across the fairgrounds to Age Well Crawford County members. 4-Hers talked about their projects at the fair and expanded on what 4-H provides in other ways! This was a prime example of what 4-H teaches, youth took time out during a very busy week to bring some enjoyment to others. Thank you Crawford County 4-H!
Navigating Wellness through Life Changes
I was able to assist my first family with navigating the health insurance marketplace. Unfortunately life hits hard at times, and a lay off was happening to this family of four. Helping them navigate and decipher a sometimes confusing process, the family was able to save over $300/month by not needing to take the offered COBRA plan.
Keys to Embracing Aging now in Girard
I had a couple of delightful mornings with two different groups in Girard! I visited with West Ridge residents and the Girard Senior Center about the extreme impact that positive attitude has on aging well. We learned from each other on how to increase our positive outlook on life and even put some of it into practice with each other!
Sharing Resources with Wilson County
I was invited to present to the Merino Rainbow WEC group’s family night. The topic requested was on services for those caring for or getting older and how to beware of scams targeting the elderly. No one is immune to the possibility of having fraud happen or being taken advantage of. This group was no different, and had some examples of this happening to them personally. After our discussion, the group was armed with ways to identify red flags and resources to pull from in times of need.
In Other News
State Adult Development and Aging Specialist referred KSRE Communications Specialist to the Wildcat District to be a part of the summer edition of K-State Research and Extension’s Newsletter, Statewide. The article was on the opioid crisis and some of the ways we are making Kansans more aware of the issue. You may find the article here: http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/reports/health/2018/08/opioid-education.html.
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