A symposium exploring the opportunities and challenges of aging in the Estes Valley will take place at Estes Park United Methodist Church, 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd., on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
An Elder A-Fair: Aging Well in the Estes Valley will bring together residents, health care providers, social service organizations, community stakeholders, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss how a mountain community with more than 40% of its population aged 60 and older can better support its residents.
The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a coffee followed by opening remarks from Rev. Lantz, Estes Park Town Trustee Kirby Hazelton, and Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally.
The keynote address will be delivered by Nancy Gedeon, a demographer with the Colorado State Demography Office, who will speak on “Aging Well in Our Community.” Gedeon will provide a broad overview of demographic trends in the United States, Colorado, and the Estes Valley, along with insights into the opportunities and challenges facing aging populations in rural mountain communities.
A second presentation by Suzanna Simpson, management analyst for the Town of Estes Park, will highlight findings from the town’s 2025 community survey on aging. She will be joined by speakers from the Estes Park Police Department and the Estes Valley Fire Protection Department, who will address issues about fraud protection and home safety.
A light lunch, sponsored by Elkhorn Law, will feature brief presentations on the history and future of several local organizations serving older adults, including the Quota Club of Estes Park, the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, and the new Estes Dementia Day Center, scheduled to open this spring.
Attorneys Carl Robicheaux and Trevor McGuire of Elkhorn Law will present on elder law issues, including planning ahead for care needs, protecting financial assets, advance health care planning, and safeguarding seniors from scams.
The afternoon will include a moderated panel discussion focused on building an age-friendly community, bringing together caregivers, older adults, and community advocates to discuss transportation, housing, health care access, caregiver support, and other community needs.
The symposium will conclude with a “Call to Action” session led by Jana Sanchez of Alchemy with Words, designed to identify next steps for the community.
Organizers hope the discussion will help identify service gaps and lead to initiatives such as a community survey, a report to local leaders, and the development of a directory of health, social service, and legal resources available in the Estes Valley.
The event has been organized by Rev. Ann Lantz of the Estes Park United Methodist Church; Suzanne Simpson, Town of Estes Park; Carl Robicheaux, Elkhorn Law; Renee Hodgden of RE/MAX Mountain Brokers; Vicki Papineau of the Estes Park Senior Citizen Center; Debbie Unruh, executive director, Estes Dementia Day Center; Cindy Sisson, LPT; Hawkins Adams, M.D.; Jana Sanchez with Alchemy with Words; and the Estes Valley Voice.
The symposium is free. Seating is limited, and registration is open through Eventbrite. For more information, click here to email the Estes Valley Voice.