First National Bank and First Advisors are lead sponsors for ElderCare Network’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration will kick off with guest speaker Michael Fossel, researcher of telomerase therapy and author of “The Key to Human Aging … The Science of Living Longer, Healthier Lives,” on Sept. 13. There is no charge for the program or reception, but reservations are needed by Sept. 10.

Sept. 14 will be a symposium on “What’s the Buzz About Reframing Aging,” with discussions on “Transforming Perspectives on Aging,” “The Intersection of Aging Research and Public Policy,” “Innovations in Community Connecting People and Ideas,” and “The Big Think: Where Do We Go From Here?” The day will include an optional lunch ($8 per person); please reserve by Sept. 10.

The 20th celebration will continue into the fall with receptions at all seven homes, The Greens, which, in addition to a tour of the home will include programs and exhibits on specific topics that promote successful aging.

All community members are welcome to attend these free programs. Whether dealing with aging issues, anticipating aging issues, staying caught up on the latest research and information on how to age successfully or working in the health field, these topics are of interest to everyone in our community.

Under the leadership of a dedicated Board of Directors led by Dr. Allan (Chip) Teel, ElderCare Network has been developing creative solutions to aging issues for 20 years. ECN’s seven family-style assisted living homes were developed as a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes and larger assisted living institutions – an answer to one of the major issues – housing for our elders in Lincoln County. More recently, ECN has developed programs to serve elders who are still at home - and their families – through an Adult Day Program and a program of home-care services, Independence At Home. Successful Aging, a pilot program is now in progress in two ECN homes and includes interventions in daily living in the areas of food, music memory and increased physical activity the improve the quality of life and promote healthy aging.

ECN is grateful for the community support that has ensured the development of healthy aging programs since 1998. ECN thanks First National Bank and First Advisors for their leadership in sponsoring the anniversary celebration.

For more information on the 20th celebration and ECN programs, or to make reservations for the reception and/or luncheon, please call 563-2148.