While there will be many things happening at the first Changing Aging event Sunday, the opportunity to learn from experts on some important issues affecting seniors are a highlight.

Changing Aging will take place Sunday, Sept. 22 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Boothbay Region YMCA. There will be three educational sessions, led by “The Importance of Planning Ahead,” presented by Carl ‘Chip’ Griffin of Griffin Law Office; Brenda Hamilton, licensed clinical social worker, MaineHealth Care at Home; and Jason Guest, senior director, Hall Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. Attendees will receive a guide that can be used to gather important information to be sure that your wishes are followed when you pass away

“Planning ahead can help guide your loved ones who survive at an incredibly difficult time for them,” Griffin said. “Planning ahead can help guide the transfer of one’s assets in a fair and meaningful way, including family and often chosen charities. Most assets today pass on death outside one’s will, so how one holds assets is critical.”

Griffin will talk about the different skills someone needs to act on your behalf through a power of attorney or through healthcare directives. He will also discuss a new code enacted in Maine for powers of attorney, healthcare directives and probate of wills.

Hamilton will discuss how people can engage in the often difficult conversations around death and dying.

“It is important for family and friends to normalize conversations about aging, death and dying,’’ she said. “We need to educate ourselves, face our fears and engage in conversations so that we are empowered to make choices in advance rather than leave ourselves to the mercy of chance.”

Two sessions are planned for this topic. One begins at 1:15 p.m. and the second session starts at 2:30 p.m. Director of Education and Community Outreach for the Coastal Healthcare Alliance and LincolnHealth and the Director of Community Health for LincolnHealth will present “Healthy Aging and the Brain” at 1:15 p.m. Attendees will learn about changes in the brain as we age and how adopting healthy habits, staying involved in the community, using preventive services and managing health conditions and medicines may help you maintain a healthier body and brain.

Tracy Thompson, complaint examiner of the Consumer Information and Mediation Service of the Maine Office of the Attorney General will present “How to Prevent Scams” at 2:30 p.m.

Participants will leave this session with a better understanding of the most common scams targeting seniors, how to recognize them, how they work and what to do and not do if you receive a call to avoid being scammed. The session will also briefly cover what to do immediately if you fall victim to a scam.

Changing Aging is open to all Lincoln County residents and caregivers. Adult children are encouraged to attend with their parents and loved ones, and those serving our older population can expect to connect with their peers and community resources.

Attendees can visit informational booths and/or attend educational sessions. The event and services offered are free and include flu shots; simple haircuts; appetizers and refreshments; and information about local healthcare resources and senior living options. A pharmacist will be on hand to answer questions about medications, and home modification experts will be available to discuss ways to make it easier for seniors to navigate their surroundings.

For more information about Changing Aging, please call the LincolnHealth Education Center at 207-563-4540 or visit cchi.coursestorm.com

You do not need to register. The event was planned by the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, the Boothbay Region YMCA, The Coulombe Center for Health Improvement, LincolnHealth and MaineHealth Care at Home.